Do Not Be Alarmed

Fellowship – Snacks or a meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants answer, "Will you share a time when you felt worried or anxious about what was happening around you? How did you find peace or truth in that moment?"

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read Mark 13:1-8.

In Mark 13:1, why do you think the disciples were so impressed by the temple? [The disciples were likely impressed by the temple because it was a symbol of religious significance and architectural splendor. The temple was one of the most magnificent buildings in Jerusalem, representing the center of Jewish worship and identity.]

In Mark 13:2, what does Jesus predict will happen to the temple buildings? [Jesus predicts that the temple buildings, which seemed magnificent and permanent to his disciples, will be destroyed.]

What warning does Jesus give about future deceivers? [Jesus warns that many will come in his name, claiming to be the Messiah, and will deceive many people. He advises his disciples to be on guard and not be led astray by false claims.]

“Jesus isn’t telling us what will happen to scare us but to assure us that God is still with us. Wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines—these are all going to happen, and still, God is with us. We are not alone. When we are tempted to believe that God has abandoned us when we want to question what kind of God would allow such evil to happen, Jesus refocuses our attention—this is not the end. This is the hope that grounds our worship today—all that is wrong in our world is not the end of the story.” (Nov. 17 Planning Notes)

• Reflecting on your life, how do you typically respond to stressful or alarming news? How might you shift your response to align more closely with Jesus’ teaching in this passage?
• How might Jesus' instruction to "not be alarmed" guide us in dealing with the uncertainties or challenges we face daily?

“There is a call to hope. Not an empty hope that is really a naïve optimism that just wants to wait until things get better. Instead, we are called to hold a profound hope, what some call a feral hope. A hope that will not be tamed, that is wild and unpredictable. A hope that tells us the pangs we suffer now are birth pangs and something significant is about the rise up in us and around us. That’s the final word in our text for this week.” (Nov. 17 Preaching Notes)

• Can you think of a specific situation/action this week where you can apply this teaching?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). Pray the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer:

From United Methodist Hymnal, 883
A STATEMENT OF FAITH OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

We are not alone, we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God. Amen.

Lord, we thank You for Your words of truth that guide us in times of uncertainty. Help us to hold fast to Your teachings and find peace in Your promises. As we go into this week, may we be bearers of truth and calm, trusting in Your everlasting love. Amen.

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Discipleship Ministries staff created this small-group resource with assistance from AI tools.