Gospel of Mark Part 16: Hard Hearts and Hard Thoughts [Small Group Discussion]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- Apr 19, 2025
- 3 min read
Title: Hard Hearts and Hard Thoughts
Scripture Focus: Mark 3:1–6 – “And He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there with a withered hand. And they were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. And He said to the man with the withered hand, ‘Get up and come forward!’ And He said to them, ‘Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?’ But they kept silent. And after looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored. And the Pharisees went out and immediately began taking counsel together with the Herodians against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.”
OPENING QUESTION
Can you think of a time when someone’s mind was already made up against you, no matter what you said or did? How did it affect your relationship?
BACKGROUND
This account follows closely on the heels of Jesus being challenged for eating with sinners, not fasting like the religious, and allowing His disciples to pluck grain on the Sabbath. In each case, the religious leaders were more concerned with protecting their traditions than seeing the truth in Jesus’ actions. Now, in the synagogue, they are watching to accuse—not to learn. Jesus heals the man’s hand, but the deeper lesson here is about the danger of hardened hearts and minds.
KEY POINTS
1. The Problem of Hard Hearts
Hard hearts have existed since the earliest biblical accounts (Cain, Pharaoh, Israel’s rebellion).
They produce spiritual dullness, making it hard to see truth (Mark 13:13–15; Mark 8:13–21; Mark 16:14).
They lead to resistance—refusing to consider that something good or true might be from God.
The end result is destruction (Proverbs 28:14).
2. The Problem of Hard Thoughts
Hard hearts produce hard thoughts, such as plotting evil.
The Pharisees and Herodians—normally enemies—united against Jesus.
Religious disputes can easily lead us to think ill of others, even fellow believers, if our hearts aren’t tender.
Scripture warns that our thoughts shape our actions (Proverbs 23:7; Matthew 12:34).
3. The Alternative – Tender Hearts and Tender Thoughts
Remember your own weakness and the forgiveness you’ve received (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12–13).
Recognize the condition of those without compassion (Matthew 18:33–35; James 2:13).
Fill your mind with what is true, pure, and commendable (Philippians 4:8–9).
Adopt the mindset of Christ—humility and concern for others (Philippians 2:3–5).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
In Mark 3:2, why do you think the Pharisees were watching Jesus “so that they might accuse Him” rather than to see a man healed?
How can a person’s heart become hard toward God or others?
What are some signs that we might be developing “hard thoughts” about someone?
How does remembering our own need for grace help soften our hearts toward others?
What’s a practical step you can take this week to guard against a hardened heart?
APPLICATION
Self-Check: Examine whether your responses to others—especially those you disagree with—are shaped by Scripture or by personal bias.
Pursue Tenderness: Actively cultivate compassion by remembering your own failings and God’s mercy toward you.
Think on What’s Noble: Train your mind to focus on what is good, pure, and praiseworthy.
Be Willing to Change: Ask God to reveal areas where your heart may have grown hard.
MEMORY VERSE
1 Peter 3:8 – “Now to sum up, all of you be like-minded, sympathetic, brotherly, tender-hearted, and humble in spirit.”
PRAYER FOCUS
Pray that God will keep your heart soft toward His Word and toward others. Ask for the ability to see people the way Jesus does and to think thoughts that lead to peace, compassion, and truth.
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