Study Questions for June 14, 2026

Study Questions for June 14, 2026
The Perfect Son of God by Reid Schultheis
Read Mark 1:1-11; Isaiah 40:3; and Matthew 11:11.

1. Reid references John Calvin’s teaching that true wisdom consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and the knowledge of ourselves. Why is it essential to start with the knowledge of God before we can truly understand who we are?
2. Read Mark 1:1-4. John the Baptist is described as a messenger shouting in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord. In what ways is God currently "clearing the road" in your own life to help you see Jesus more clearly?
3. John the Baptist conducted his ministry in the wilderness rather than in the city of Jerusalem. How does the historical connection to the Israelites' journey through the wilderness (the Exodus) help explain why John was calling people to a "second exodus" through the waters of the Jordan?
4. Read Mark 1:5. The sermon emphasizes that people were only baptized by John after they confessed their sins. Why is the act of admitting we are "not good enough" a necessary starting point for a personal relationship with Christ?
5. Reid warns against conflating being in the "crowd" with being "in Christ". How is it possible to be surrounded by religious activities, family, and community yet still not know Jesus as your personal Savior?
6. Read Mark 1:7-8. Despite Jesus calling him the "greatest man born among women," John the Baptist claimed he wasn't even worthy to untie the Messiah's sandals. How does comparing ourselves to Christ, rather than to other people, help us maintain a proper sense of humility?
7. Reid shares a story about standing at the base of massive redwood trees to illustrate how a "big" tree in his own yard was actually dwarfed by something colossal. When has your view of your own achievements or problems been shifted by a fresh encounter with the greatness of God?
8. Read Mark 1:9-11. At Jesus' baptism, we see the Trinity in action: the Father speaking, the Spirit descending, and the Son being baptized. Since Jesus had no sin, why was it significant for Him to be baptized as a way to "identify" with His people and their need for rescue?
9. The Father declared His pleasure in Jesus before Jesus had performed any acts of public ministry or sacrifice. How does the truth that acceptance precedes obedience in God's kingdom differ from the way you typically experience life in your work, sports, or family?
10. Reid concludes by encouraging believers to be daily delighted by God’s declaration over them in Christ. Do you wake up feeling like God is "well pleased" with you, or do you still feel like you have to perform well to earn His smile?
11. Close in Prayer: Thank Jesus for being the Perfect Son of God who identified with our sin so we could receive His righteousness. Ask the Holy Spirit to quiet your "inner defense attorney" and help you rest in the finished work of Christ this week.

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Analogy for Understanding: Relying on our own goodness for spiritual security is like a defense attorney trying to argue for a guilty client in a courtroom where the Judge already has a full recording of the crime. We often try to justify our actions by comparing ourselves to "worse" people, but true freedom only comes when we stop the defense, admit our need, and accept the perfect record of the Son that the Father offers us as a gift.