The Son of Man and I

June 17, 2024 Study Guides

Sermon Study Guide

“The Son of Man and I”

Main Passage: Mark 13:24-27

How to Use This Study Guide

This study guide is designed to enrich your understanding of the sermon “The Son of Man and I” and deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ, the heart of our faith. It can be used in various settings:

Personal Bible Study: Reflect on the Scripture passages and teaching points to grow in your personal faith journey.
Small Group Discussion: Use the discussion questions to engage with others, share insights, and encourage one another in Christ.
Sabbath School Classes: Facilitate meaningful conversations that explore Jesus’ identity and our calling as His followers.
Family Worship: Guide your family in learning together about the significance of Jesus as the Son of Man and what it means to follow Him.

Each section of this guide is marked with an icon to help you navigate:

📖 Scripture Focus: Key Bible verses to center your study.
💭 Teaching Points: Important truths and observations from the sermon explained in detail.
❓ Discussion Questions: Thoughtful questions to provoke reflection and conversation.
✍️ Personal Application: Practical steps to live out the teachings in your daily life.

Session 1: Understanding the Son of Man (Mark 13:24-27)

Opening Scripture 📖
“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light; the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then he shall send his angels and gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” (Mark 13:24-27, KJV)

Teaching Summary 💭

Jesus’ preferred self-designation was “Son of Man,” not “Son of God” as others called Him. This term connects to the Old Testament prophecy in Daniel 7:9-14, where a divine figure—“one like a son of man”—receives eternal dominion. Jesus’ use of this title reveals His identity as the eternal judge and ruler, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine authority.
The concept of the Son of Man was well known in Jewish literature between Malachi and Matthew, including the Book of Enoch, which portrays the Son of Man as a divine Messiah, priest, and judge. Jesus’ audience would have understood this title as a claim to divine authority and the fulfillment of prophecy, not just a reference to His humanity.
Jesus as the Son of Man carries the authority to forgive sins, as shown in the story of the paralytic (Mark 2). This authority is unique to Him, affirming His divine nature and mission to restore broken relationships between God and humanity.
He is also Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:27-28), asserting control over God’s holy day and emphasizing that the Sabbath was made for humanity’s benefit, to be a blessing and a time to demonstrate God’s love through service and healing.
Finally, the Son of Man’s mission includes suffering, death, and resurrection (Mark 8:31). Jesus predicts His rejection and death but promises resurrection, which provides hope and assurance for all who follow Him faithfully.

Discussion Questions ❓

What is the significance of Jesus calling Himself the “Son of Man” instead of the “Son of God”?
How does understanding the Jewish background and expectations of the Son of Man deepen our appreciation of Jesus’ identity?
What does it mean that Jesus has authority to forgive sins, and how does this affect your personal faith?
In what ways does Jesus’ lordship over the Sabbath shape how we honor this holy day?
How does Jesus’ prediction of His suffering and resurrection impact your understanding of discipleship?

Personal Application ✍️

Reflect on your own understanding of Jesus’ identity. How does knowing Him as the divine Son of Man influence your faith and worship?
Consider the Sabbath as a gift from God. Plan a time this week to honor the Sabbath by resting and serving others in love.
Ask God to help you trust fully in Jesus’ authority to forgive your sins and to live with the assurance of His grace and mercy.

Session 2: The Authority of the Son of Man to Forgive and Heal (Mark 2:1-12)

Opening Scripture 📖
“And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” (Mark 2:5)

Teaching Summary 💭

In the story of the paralytic lowered through the roof, Jesus first addresses the man’s spiritual need—his sin—before his physical condition. Jesus sees beyond the obvious paralysis to the deeper issue affecting the soul, reminding us that sin is the root of human brokenness.
Faith is not only a private belief but is demonstrated through active trust and deeds. The four friends showed their faith by bringing the paralytic to Jesus, and their faith was rewarded through forgiveness and healing. This teaches us the importance of interceding and acting on behalf of others.
Jesus’ declaration that the man’s sins are forgiven caused grumbling among the religious leaders because only God can forgive sins. Jesus demonstrates His divine authority by healing the man physically, confirming His power to forgive and restore.
In today’s society, sin is often minimized or ignored. The sermon highlights the epidemic of sin and moral decline, emphasizing the need to acknowledge sin honestly and seek Jesus’ forgiveness and healing.
True forgiveness brings peace and hope, healing the deepest wounds of the heart. The paralytic knew his most serious problem was reconciled, and this assurance transformed his life, a reminder that spiritual healing precedes physical restoration.

Discussion Questions ❓

Why do you think Jesus chose to forgive the paralytic’s sins before healing his body?
How does the faith of the paralytic’s friends inspire you in your own acts of faith and intercession?
What does this story teach about the nature of sin and its effects on our lives?
How do we respond when society rejects the concept of sin, and how can we witness to God’s forgiveness?
In what ways have you experienced or witnessed the peace that comes from forgiveness?

Personal Application ✍️

Identify any areas in your life where you need to confess sin and receive God’s forgiveness. Pray for the courage to do so.
Look for opportunities to intercede for others in need—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—demonstrating active faith like the friends of the paralytic.
Reflect on the peace that comes from knowing your sins are forgiven and share this hope with someone who needs encouragement.

Session 3: The Son of Man as Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-28; 3:1-6)

Opening Scripture 📖
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27-28)

Teaching Summary 💭

Jesus teaches that the Sabbath is a gift from God designed for our benefit, a day to rest, worship, and show God’s love through service. It was not created as a burden but as a blessing to humanity, reflecting God’s care and grace.
The Pharisees’ strict legalistic approach to the Sabbath missed its true purpose. Jesus challenges their view by healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, showing that doing good and relieving suffering is lawful and right, even on holy days.
Jesus’ authority over the Sabbath confirms His divine identity and lordship over all creation. He calls His followers to live out the Sabbath’s principles by caring for the poor, sick, and suffering, embodying God’s love in practical ways.
The sermon illustrates that genuine religion is tested by how we respond to the weak and vulnerable. True faith goes beyond ritual to compassionate action, mirroring God’s heart for justice and mercy.
We are reminded that the Sabbath is not a passive day but a time to actively bless others, to be God’s hands and feet, showing His love and lifting burdens in our communities.

Discussion Questions ❓

How does Jesus’ teaching about the Sabbath challenge common misconceptions about this holy day?
Why is serving others, especially the vulnerable, an essential part of honoring the Sabbath?
How can we balance rest and active service on the Sabbath in our own lives?
What does Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath teach us about the nature of true religion?
In what ways can our church and community better reflect the Sabbath’s purpose as a day of blessing and healing?

Personal Application ✍️

Plan a Sabbath rest day that includes both spiritual renewal and acts of kindness to those in need around you.
Consider how you can be more attentive to the suffering people God places in your path, especially on the Sabbath.
Pray for a heart that reflects Jesus’ compassion and a willingness to serve others selflessly.

Session 4: The Son of Man’s Call to Discipleship: Deny Self and Bear the Cross (Mark 8:31-38)

Opening Scripture 📖
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)

Teaching Summary 💭

Jesus openly predicts His suffering, death, and resurrection, preparing His disciples to understand that following Him involves sacrifice and persecution. Discipleship is not a path to power but a call to self-denial and faithful endurance.
The disciples struggled with ambitions for greatness, power, and position, but Jesus redefines greatness as humble service and servanthood. True followers reject selfish ambitions and embrace a life of sacrifice for others.
Jesus warns that bearing His name will bring opposition and suffering because the world resists His kingdom and message. Believers must be prepared to face persecution with courage and faith.
The sermon highlights the importance of denying self—not merely giving up pleasures but surrendering pride, power, and the desire to dominate. This inward denial is the foundation for genuine Christian living.
Jesus’ example as the servant who gave His life as a ransom for many shows the ultimate expression of love and service. His followers are called to imitate this self-giving spirit, living lives marked by humility and sacrifice.

Discussion Questions ❓

What does it mean to “deny yourself” in the context of following Jesus?
How do worldly views of greatness conflict with Jesus’ teaching on humility and service?
Why is it important for Christians to expect persecution, and how can we prepare ourselves spiritually?
How can we practically live out the call to bear our cross daily?
In what ways can we reflect Jesus’ selfless service in our families, church, and community?

Personal Application ✍️

Take time to examine your heart for areas where pride or desire for control may be hindering your walk with Jesus.
Commit to serving others in humility this week, seeking opportunities to put others’ needs before your own.
Pray for strength and courage to stand firm in your faith, even in the face of opposition or difficulty.

Session 5: The Promise of the Son of Man’s Return (Mark 13:24-27; Mark 14:60-62)

Opening Scripture 📖
“And then they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26)
“But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?’ ‘I am,’ said Jesus.” (Mark 14:61-62)

Teaching Summary 💭

The coming of the Son of Man in glory is the climax of human history. Jesus will return to end all suffering and evil, to vindicate His people, and to establish His everlasting kingdom. This hope is central to the Adventist faith and motivates faithful living.
Jesus’ confession before the high priest—“I am”—is a bold declaration of His divine identity, echoing God’s self-name in the Old Testament. This confession leads to His crucifixion but also reveals the truth about who He is and what He came to accomplish.
The sermon contrasts the despair of a world without God and eternal hope with those who trust in the Son of Man. Without Jesus’ return, life has no ultimate meaning or justice, but with Him, there is a sure hope of resurrection and restoration.
Persecution and opposition to Christians intensify as the second coming draws near, but believers are encouraged to remain faithful, knowing Jesus will come for His own and bring final justice.
The promise of Jesus’ return calls us to prepare our hearts and live holy, loving lives, reflecting His character and sharing His message with urgency and hope.

Discussion Questions ❓

What does Jesus’ promise to return “in clouds with great power and glory” mean to you personally?
How does Jesus’ confession before the Sanhedrin deepen your understanding of His mission and identity?
What hope does the second coming give you in the face of suffering and injustice in the world?
How can we live in readiness for Jesus’ return daily?
In what ways can we share the hope of Christ’s second coming with those around us?

Personal Application ✍️

Reflect on your personal readiness for Jesus’ return. Are there areas of your life that need surrender or renewal?
Make a plan to share the gospel message, especially the hope of the second coming, with at least one person this week.
Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit to live a life of holiness and bold witness as you await the glorious return of Jesus.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, the Son of Man, who came to forgive our sins, to serve us in love, and who promises to come again in glory. Help us to understand the depths of His love and to live faithfully as His disciples. Give us courage to deny ourselves, bear our crosses, and serve others with humility. May the hope of His return fill our hearts with joy and purpose as we share His message with the world. Sanctify us by Your Holy Spirit, guide our steps, and keep us steadfast until that glorious day when we shall see Jesus face to face. In His precious name we pray, Amen.