Discussion Guide: The Cross – From Passivity to Mission

PRAYER

Let’s begin by inviting the Holy Spirit to guide our discussion, open our hearts, and bring clarity as we reflect on the truths revealed in the book of Mark.

Does anyone have prayer requests, or would anyone like to share a moment where you’ve recently felt God moving in your life?

THE CROSS

When Curiosity Meets Truth :: Crowd or Church? :: Bystander or Cross-Bearer? :: Skeptic to Believer :: Passivity to Mission

THIS WEEK

We’re kicking off this year with a global series titled The Cross and What It Means for Humanity, joining over 700 Every Nation churches worldwide.

In this six-week journey, we’ll explore why the cross is foundational to everything we do as followers of Jesus, examining six powerful stories of lives transformed by it.

In week 5, we’re diving into Mark 15:42-46 to explore the story of Joseph of Arimathea, a man who took a bold, faith-filled step when others hesitated. We unpack three key lessons from Joseph’s actions, highlighting how his journey from passivity to mission teaches us about our own faith in how we relate to Jesus, the cross, and humanity.

To begin, let’s reflect on this question(s):

If someone described your faith journey in one sentence like the Gospels do for Joseph, how would it read?

SCRIPTURE

Have someone read Mark 15:42-46 aloud. As this person reads, listen for words or phrases that stand out to you.

—Mark 15:42-46 (ESV)
And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

When it’s not our responsibility

Take faith-filled risks—even if it’s not your responsibility.

One of the most striking aspects of Jesus’ burial is that Joseph of Arimathea—not a family member or well-known disciple—stepped forward to request His body. Since crucified individuals were rarely granted proper burials, Jesus’ loved ones likely assumed it wasn’t possible. Yet Joseph took a faith-filled risk, using his influence and position to honor Jesus with a proper burial.

What do you think keeps people from stepping out in faith when an opportunity presents itself?

Can you think of a time when you felt prompted to do something but hesitated because it didn’t feel like your responsibility? What held you back?

How do we discern when God is calling us to take a step of faith, even if it’s outside our comfort zone?

What resources, skills, or positions of influence do you have that could be used for God’s mission?

When it’s costly

Take faith-filled risks—even if it’s costly.

Why would Joseph of Arimathea risk everything to bury Jesus? He knew it could cost him his respected position in the Sanhedrin and even his civic freedoms under Roman rule—at best making him a suspect, at worst, marking him for the same fate as Jesus. Yet, he boldly chose to identify with Christ. In that moment, Joseph grasped the weight of his own sin and the immeasurable cost Jesus paid on the cross. The risk of temporal loss paled in comparison to the eternal stakes. So, he stepped out in faith, honoring Jesus despite the cost.

Have you ever faced a situation where doing the right thing could cost you something significant? What did you decide, and why?

How do you determine whether a risk is worth taking? What factors influence your decision?

If following Jesus cost you something—whether relationships, career opportunities, or comfort—how would you respond?

What’s one area of your life where God may be calling you to take a faith-filled risk, even if it’s costly?

When it seems to late

Take faith-filled risks—even when it seems too late.

Joseph’s stand for Jesus came at an unexpected time. If he truly believed Jesus was the Messiah, shouldn’t he have spoken up sooner—perhaps even defending Him before the council? Taking a public stand after Jesus’ death seems like a bold move made too late. Yet, Joseph’s willingness to take this costly risk reveals a faith and devotion worth noting. His actions remind us that God’s story is far greater than we can see, unfolding through even the simplest yes to faith-filled risks. Joseph stepped forward when all seemed lost—yet his boldness became part of something far greater.

What risks do people today face when identifying with Jesus, and how do those risks compare to Joseph’s?

Can you think of a time when you stepped out in faith, even when it seemed pointless or too late? What happened?

If you knew your bold step of faith could play a part in a bigger story, how would that change your willingness to act?

What’s one faith-filled risk you’ve been hesitating to take because you think the opportunity has passed?

CLOSING THOUGHT

When we take faith-filled risks to identify with and honor Jesus, His mission becomes our mission to share with others. Like Joseph of Arimathea, our bold steps of faith become part of God’s greater story just like Joseph’s risk was honored when his tomb became the site of history’s greatest miracle—the resurrection of Jesus. Joseph didn’t know his act of courage would forever tie his story to Jesus’—but we do!

Let’s close in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to move us from passivity to mission—taking faith-filled risks because we follow a crucified and resurrected Savior. Jesus took the responsibility we couldn’t, paid our debt of sin in full, and made a way for all who turn to Him to be made right with God—even when it seems too late.