The Beautiful Upset WK 5 - GROUP GUIDE

November 14th, 2026

INTRODUCTION: The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion between you and the person you’re studying with or with your Connect Group. Feel free to add, subtract, or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.

OPEN: Can you remember one of the best meals you’ve ever had? What was it, where was it, and what made it so good?

SCRIPTURE READING
Read together: Mark 6:30-31,37,41, 47-50a, Mark 8:1-4, 14-17, 22-25

HEAD: Explore the Text

Share any wisdom, insights, or thoughts you received just from listening to the text, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead.
Why do you think Jesus kept retreating with the disciples, away from the crowds, to quiet places for rest? Wasn’t his time short? Didn’t he have a lot to do? So why retreat just with this inner circle?
We know the amount of people Jesus told the disciples to “feed” was 5,000 PLUS women and children (more like 10-12,000). We know what they said, but what do you think they were thinking?
Who do you think gave them the five loaves and two fish? What do you think that person thought concerning this donation to the cause?
Why do you think Jesus intended to go past them?
When Jesus says don’t be afraid, I am here, he uses the name of God. Do you think they realized all this in the moment, or did the real weight of what happen not hit until after the resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?
After having seen Jesus feed the five thousand, why do you think the disciples doubted again when faced with another similar situation?
Concerning the blind man, we know that Jesus could heal from a distance just by saying the words. Why do you think he touched the man in this story? Why two touches when he could have done it in one?

HEART: Personal Reflection

Have you had any moments in your life with Jesus that have left you speechless? Miracles or experiences that you know could have come from no other source, couldn’t have happened any other way, than from him?
What kind of “food” does Jesus provide you with and how does he do that for you?
Has Jesus ever come to you and whispered those words, “do not be afraid.” If so, and you’re willing, would you share that experience with the group?
When was the last time you retreated with Jesus to a quiet place where you got some rest? If it’s been a while, what would it take for you to take that time in the next week?

HANDS: Practice This Week
Spiritual Practice: to a quiet place with Jesus

Do you have any special spaces in your life that you go to (a prayer closet, a couch, a park, etc…), that you go to in order to spend time with Jesus? If not, consider choosing or creating one of those spaces. If somewhere in your house, think about what you could do to make that place special. Maybe it’s hanging a picture or quote on the wall you can see as you spend time with Jesus. Maybe it’s lighting a candle and silencing the other noise. Whatever it is, seek to create a space where the main thing you do in that space, is spend time with Jesus.
Schedule an hour to be in that space with Jesus this week. Pray beforehand and ask Jesus to help clear your mind of the noises and distraction in your world, so that you may be with him.
Then, simply be still and know that his is God, and he is with you.
Journal your insights through this experience as you meditate on these truths this week.

Invite the group to check in next week about their experience.

WORDS TO REMEMBER (Psalm 18)
The following Psalm is a constant reminder that when we cry out to Jesus, he moves heaven and earth to be by our side, even in our worst moments:

6 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.
7 Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of his anger.
8 Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from him.
9 He opened the heavens and came down;