Given the challenges and opposition Jesus tells his disciples they will face, why do you think they willingly responded to Jesus mission for them? If you are a follower of Jesus, what keeps you going when others ridicule or oppose your faith?

In Mark 3:13 &14, Jesus first calls his disciples to be with him and then sends them out. Do you think the order is significant? How can we go about being “with” Jesus in our day? What are the dangers of being “on mission” without first being with Jesus?

In the West, we rarely face overt physical persecution for following Jesus. However, do you see any ways in which Jesus, his message and his followers are being opposed today? In what situations do you find it challenging to speak up for Jesus? What do you think would help you to become more bold?

How can having an “eternal” perspective on life help motivate us to be “on mission” with Jesus? What aspects of our culture make it difficult maintain this perspective?