Pause: Mark 1:12-13
“12 Immediately the Spirit impelled Him to go out into the wilderness. 13 And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him." -Mark 1:12–13, NASB 95
Last week, Russell started our new series by highlighting the story of Mary and Martha and pointing out our need to Pause and take action to fight the pressure of distraction. We primarily do that through two ancient Christian practices: silence and solitude. Silence = no noise // Solitude = no crowds. Jesus modeled what these practices look in the Gospels. And several snapshots from His life introduce us to a concept called the ἔρημος (Erēmos). It can refer to a desolate place like the wilderness or desert or, more generally, a place of isolation and loneliness. And over and over in the gospels, we find Jesus stealing away to this place to escape the whack-a-mole busyness of life and ministry.
This was a regular rhythm for Jesus. He often slipped away for Silence & Solitude. So much so that the ἔρημος becomes a symbol of withdrawal...escape from the crowded noise and busyness of life.
Last week, Russell started our new series by highlighting the story of Mary and Martha and pointing out our need to Pause and take action to fight the pressure of distraction. We primarily do that through two ancient Christian practices: silence and solitude. Silence = no noise // Solitude = no crowds. Jesus modeled what these practices look in the Gospels. And several snapshots from His life introduce us to a concept called the ἔρημος (Erēmos). It can refer to a desolate place like the wilderness or desert or, more generally, a place of isolation and loneliness. And over and over in the gospels, we find Jesus stealing away to this place to escape the whack-a-mole busyness of life and ministry.
This was a regular rhythm for Jesus. He often slipped away for Silence & Solitude. So much so that the ἔρημος becomes a symbol of withdrawal...escape from the crowded noise and busyness of life.
Discussion Questions
Many situations in life require the silence and solitude that Jesus modeled.
Is there a regular quiet time in your week when you intentionally connect with God and yourself? Tell the group about it.
Suppose you don’t have this kind of EREMOS. What are some places and times that might work for you?
Jamey talked about how most of us are held captive by the screens in our lives. Have you ever taken a screen sabbatical? How long can you go without checking your phone or tablet? What will you try this week?
- Are you STARTING something new?
- Are you in need of SUSTAINING?
- Are you SEEKING wisdom for an important decision?
- Are you STRUGGLING with hurt, pain, or confusion?
Is there a regular quiet time in your week when you intentionally connect with God and yourself? Tell the group about it.
Suppose you don’t have this kind of EREMOS. What are some places and times that might work for you?
Jamey talked about how most of us are held captive by the screens in our lives. Have you ever taken a screen sabbatical? How long can you go without checking your phone or tablet? What will you try this week?
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