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Oswego Presbyterian Church - A Bible Study Forward
The Life of Jesus Based on the Book of Mark From the book THE KINGDOM OF GOD - A Self Study Bible Guide Reproduced here with the permission of The Bible League, PO Box 28000 Chicago, IL 60628. We welcome feedback on your use of this material. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. Click a lesson number below to go to
that lesson. _____________________________________________________________ Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MACRO MARK -- 1. A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel MICRO MARK -- 2. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 1:1-13 THE KINGDOM OF GOD Welcome to this study of the Gospel According to Mark. This material -- and I acknowledge a great debt for it to Dr. John Piet, my English Bible teacher at Western Seminary in Holland, MI, and his publisher, The Bible League of South Holland, IL, -- was published back in the 1960’s. These studies “walked” me gently through most of the New Testament. Thirty years later, I still have three copies of their study of Mark on my shelf -- all the blanks filled. I had hoped to buy new copies to share with others but that study is no longer being printed. This updated, study of Mark is based on a present-day translation and the questions have been changed to reflect its more contemporary language. Permission has been granted by the Bible League for this reproduction. (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions.) On the right margin throughout the text, you will find a little quiz. The critical question upon which Mark’s gospel rests is Jesus simple questions in Mark 8. 27 Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" 28 And they answered him, "John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." 29 He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Messiah." To help YOU answer the question of “who Jesus is”, you will be asked to notice what all of the witnesses thought of Jesus and the things Jesus did to help you with your decision. After the word “Jesus” there is a plus (+) sign and a minus (-) sign. Please circle whether this is a positive witness or a negative witness to Jesus. When the book is all finished you will have found that there are almost an equal number of positive things and negative things said about Jesus. THEN IT WILL BE UP TO YOU TO ANSWER THE QUESTION FOR YOURSELF – “Who do you say that I am?” THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus Prayer: O God, as I study your word, open my eyes and my heart that I may find you. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen. LESSON 1 Mark 1:1-13 Mark 1:1-13 (NIV) 1 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way"-- 3 "a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" 4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13 and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus. He baptized with water, a sign that the people were spiritually cleansed. Jesus baptized -- and continues to baptize -- with water and the Holy Spirit. This means that those who believe in Him receive that spiritual cleansing, AND the power of God to lead an upright life. John's baptism left people to seek the upward path by their own determination. The baptism of Jesus bestows upon us the power of God so that we are no longer alone. The Holy Spirit helps us in our endeavor to be righteous. As soon as Jesus was baptized by the Holy Spirit, the signs of the new age began. In quick succession, Mark recorded that Jesus (1) cast out an unclean spirit, (2) healed Simon's wife's mother, (3) cured many sick, and (4) cleansed a man with leprosy. A. The Title of the Book Read Mark 1:1 and answer: -- 1. What words does Mark use to describe Jesus? __ __ __ __ __ __, JESUS + - __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __. JESUS + - ("Christ" is a Greek word which in English we would translate as "The Anointed One". The Hebrew equivalent is "Messiah". "Christ" then is a title which the followers of Jesus gave to him indicating their belief that he was the one whom the Old Testament Prophets had foretold.) Mark 1:1 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. B. The Messenger Read Mark 1:2-11 and answer: -- 1. What does the quotation in verses 2,3 tell about the messenger? His task ____________________________________________ Where he will work?___________________________________ His message?________________________________________ How did John the baptizer fulfill the Old Testament prophecy about the messenger? ____________________________________________ John the baptizer was the New Testament counterpart of Elijah (Mark 9:13) You can read 2 Kings 1:8 and note some resemblance of Elijah and John. 2. John (the messenger) makes a prophecy. (vs 7) What is it?_____________________ ____________________________________________________________________ JESUS + - 3. Compare the two statements "John came" and "Jesus came." How does Mark show that Jesus is the more prominent person? _________________________________________ 4. How does Mark compare John's baptizing ministry with Jesus? ___________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 5. In what ways would John's ministry prepare the people for the Messiah? ______________________________________________________________________ 6. What does "repentance" mean? ____________________________________________ How might "baptism" symbolize "repentance"? ______________________________________________________________________ How does repentance prepare us to receive a Savior? ______________________________________________________________________ 7. How does Mark tell us that John's prophecy is fulfilled? (vs 8 -11) ________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 8. When does Jesus appear on the scene? Locate Nazareth, Jerusalem, and the Jordan river on your map. How far does Jesus travel to be baptized by John? _____________________________________________________________________ 9. What are the three unique events with the baptism of Jesus? ______________________ _______________________ ______________________ Why did God the Spirit and God the Father participate in Jesus baptism? ______________________________________________________________________ JESUS + - C. The Temptation Read Mark 1:12f and answer 1. The Greek word sent him out of verse 12 is the same word used of Jesus' casting out demons (Mark 1:34) and his driving out the temple abusers (John 2:15). Why is such a strong word used in Mark 1:12 to describe this experience of Jesus? ________________ 2. Mark does not record the outcome of Jesus' wilderness temptations as do Matthew and Luke. Is the outcome implied? ___________________________________ 3. Why was such an experience vital for Jesus at the beginning of His public ministry? ________________________________________________________
REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ______ -______ We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ LESSON 2 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK -- 1. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 1:14-34 MACRO MARK -- 2. A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus LESSON 2 Prayer: Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your word. (Psalm 119:18) (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Mark 1:14-34 (NIV)
A. Jesus Calls Students Read Mark 1:14-20 and answer: -- 1. Where does Jesus begin his ministry? __________________
2. Compare Jesus preaching in verse
15 with John's preaching in verses 4,7, 8. What similarities and
what differences do you see? ___________________________________ 3. What does Jesus mean by "the kingdom of God is near"? _______________________ 4. What two commands does Jesus give? How are they related?____________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 5. From what class of society does Jesus call his first disciples? ______________________ Why, do you think, does Jesus not call some of the scribes or priests instead? ________________________________________________________________ JESUS + - 6. Note the three verbs in verse 20. ______________ ______________ ______________ B. Jesus Began to Heal the Sick. Read Mark 1:21-28 and answer: -- 1. What day was it when Jesus entered the synagogue and taught? _________________ (Footnote: The day lasted from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. It was the Jewish Holy Day). 2. What difference did the people notice between the teachings of Jesus and the teaching of the scribes? __________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ JESUS + - 3. What did the unclean spirit say that he knew about Jesus? _____________________ ___________________________________________________________________ JESUS + - 4. Why were the people amazed about the new teaching of Jesus? _________________ ___________________________________________________________________ JESUS + - C. Jesus Healed Simon's Wife's Mother and many other sick folk. Read Mark 1:29-34 and answer: -- 1. With whom did Jesus enter the house of Simon and Andrew? __________________ 2. What did Simon's mother-in-law do as soon as the fever left her? _______________ 3. Why would Jesus not permit the demons to speak? _________________________ __________________________________________________________________ LESSON TWO THE KINGDOM OF GOD Mortimer Adler, in his book, How To Read a Book, says that we must: 2. Approach the book in terms of its elements, units of language and thought A. Discover and interpret the important words of the book. The Gospel According to Mark has a phrase used often enough to be considered in “the important words” category. KINGDOM OF GOD is found in Mark at 1:15; 4:11; 4:26; 4:30; 9:47; 10:14; 10:15; 10:24; 10:25; 14:25; 15:43 WHAT IS THIS “KINGDOM OF GOD” ALL ABOUT? God’s kingly rule or sovereignty. The Old Testament contains no references to the kingdom of God. However, in the Old Testament God is spoken of as ruling (for example, Pss. 47:2; 103:19; Dan. 4:17, 25-37). The Old Testament emphasis on God’s sovereign power over all kings and kingdoms sets the stage for the New Testament teaching. Jesus made the kingdom of God central in His preaching. More than a hundred references to the kingdom appear in the Gospels, many in Jesus’ parables. The kingdom of God was the central image in Jesus’ preaching as clearly seen in Mark 1:14-15, a summary of the preaching of Jesus. The kingdom of God is the heart of the summary. What did Jesus mean when he spoke of the kingdom of God? He meant, quite simply, the rule of God. The kingdom of God is the reign of God. This is best understood if it is distinguished from what Jesus did not mean. He was not speaking of a geographical area such as the Holy Land or the Temple. He was not speaking of a political entity such as the nation of Israel or the Sanhedrin. He was not speaking of a group of people such as His disciples or the church. Rather, the kingdom of God is God’s ruling. It is the sovereign reign of God. This rule is independent of all geographical areas or political entities. It is true that the rule of God implies a people to be ruled, and Jesus called upon people to enter the kingdom. The kingdom itself should be distinguished from the people who enter it. So the kingdom of God was the rule of God which He extended over human lives through the ministry of Jesus; and it also is His rule which will be consummated or made complete in the future. In His preaching Jesus regularly invited people to enter the kingdom of God, that is, to open their lives to the ruling of God. It is important to notice whom He invited. Fisher Humphreys We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ LESSON 3 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK -- 1. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 2:1-22 MACRO MARK -- 2. A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus LESSON 3 Prayer: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psalm 119:105) (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) It is interesting to observe from the gospels that the first open challenge by the Jewish religious leaders was made when Jesus talked about sin and claimed the divine authority to forgive sin. They had earlier accepted Him as a prophet of God, performing great wonders, but now, as far as they were concerned. He was meddling, and presuming too much. Mark 2:1-22 (NIV)
A. Jesus Forgives Read Mark 2:1-12 and answer: -- The signs of the Kingdom are signs of release -- release from the powers that bind people. In the Kingdom, we are set free from that which hinders the fuller life. The power of evil, manifested in demons and disease for instance, find Jesus to be the one who overcomes them. There is another power of evil which is also conquered: SIN. Sin is rebellion against God. Therefore, only God can forgive Sin. Jesus claimed this power. Jesus forgave a paralyzed man -- AND he healed that man. The act of healing proved Jesus ability to forgive. 1. Where and why does the crowd gather? ___________________________________ What has Jesus done previously in Capernaum? ________________________________ (See Mark 1:21-45) 2. What was the first thing Jesus said to the paralytic person? ___________________________________________ 3. Who reacts to this statement? __________________ How do they react? ____________________________ {You can check out what "blasphemy" means in your dictionary. JESUS + - {Note: Under Jewish law, blasphemy was punishable by death.} 4. What did Jesus do to the paralytic to show the scribes that He had authority to forgive sins? (vs. 10) ______________________________ JESUS + - 5. Compare Jesus' references to "Son of man" in 2:10 to the scribes' reference to "God" in 2:7 __________________________________________________ JESUS + - 6. How does the paralytic express his faith? ________________________________ JESUS + - 7. What are the reactions to the paralytic's healing? Feelings? __________________ verbal? ______________________ JESUS + - 8. With whom do the people connect the healing? _____________________________ JESUS + - B. Jesus Calls Sinners to be His Disciples: Read Mark 2:13-17 and answer: -- Jesus came into this world to save sinners. He called them to be His disciples. Levi was such a man. He collected taxes for a foreign government. His people hated him for it. Levi's whole life changed after he obeyed the invitation of Jesus -- "Follow Me." Levi followed. He also made a feast where Jesus met many of the cast-offs of this world. Jesus ate with them in order to redeem them. That was His mission. 1. Where was Levi sitting when Jesus found him? ____________________________ 2. What did Jesus say to him? __________________________________________ 3. What did Levi do? ________________________________________________ JESUS + - 4. Who complains, to whom, about what? _________________________________ 5. How does Jesus handle this complaint? _________________________________ 6. What claim does he make about himself? ________________________________ JESUS + - 7. What is he saying about the Pharisees? ___________________________________ C. Life in the Kingdom Means a Life of Complete Change Read Mark 2:18-22 and answer: -- Life in the Kingdom is a life of Joy. That is because life is completely changed. It is not merely patched up. It is made absolutely new. Paul says, "If any one is in Christ, there is a new creation." This is what the Gospel means by redemption. 1. Complete this quote: "Can the guests of the bridegroom fast _________________ _ _________________________________________________________ (vss 19-20) 2. Why does one not a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment? _________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 3. Why wouldn't you pour new wine into old wineskins? _________________________ REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (Add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ___ - ___ LESSON THREE THE KINGDOM OF GOD A Study of the Gospel According to Mark Author The title “according to Mark” was added to this Gospel by scribes who produced the earliest copies of the Gospel. According to early church tradition, Mark recorded and arranged the “memories” of Peter, thereby producing a Gospel based on apostolic witness. Although Mark was a common Roman name, the gospel writer is probably John Mark. Mark became an important assistant for both Paul and Peter, preaching the good news to Gentiles and preserving the gospel message for later Christians. MARK, JOHN Early missionary and church leader; author of second Gospel. He was the son of Mary in whose home the Jerusalem believers met to pray when Peter was imprisoned by Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:12). Mark was sometimes called by his Jewish name, John, and sometimes by his Roman name, Mark. Mark’s autobiographical insert into the gospel story is probably the “young man” who “ran away naked.” (Mark 14:51) John Mark was kin to Barnabas (Col. 4:10). After Barnabas and Saul completed a relief mission to Jerusalem, they took Mark with them when they returned to Antioch (Acts 12:25). When Barnabas and Saul went as missionaries, they took Mark to help (Acts 13:5). They went from Antioch to Cyprus and then on to Pamphylia, where Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). The most likely reason was because Paul had become the dominant missionary and was taking the gospel to Gentiles (Acts 13:4-12). Later, when Paul and Barnabas planned another journey, Barnabas wanted to take Mark. When Paul refused, Barnabas and Mark went together while Paul and Silas went together (Acts 15:36-40). When Paul wrote Philemon, Mark was one of Paul’s fellow workers who sent greetings (Philem. 24). Paul wrote to the Colossians to receive Mark if he came to them (Col. 4:10). When Paul wrote his final letter to Timothy, he asked Timothy to bring Mark with him because Paul considered Mark a useful helper (2 Tim. 4:11). Peter referred to Mark as his “son,” and sent greetings from him near the end of his first letter (1 Peter 5:13). We welcome feedback on
your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an
email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. LESSON 4 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK -- 1. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 2:23-3:19 MACRO MARK -- 2. A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel LESSON FOUR THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Prayer: "How sweet are your promises to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103) Mark 2:23-3:19
(NIV) A. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath: Read Mark 2:23-3:6 and answer: -- The Jews set aside one day in seven as a special day of worship. It was called the Sabbath. It extended from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. The Sabbath had to be observed with strictness -- according to the Mosaic Law. The Sabbath rules, however, became so numerous and detailed that people lost sight of the real purpose of the Sabbath itself. Christians also worship one day in seven: Sunday. It was on Sunday that Jesus came back from the dead. Is it important how the day is used? Yes, very. Provided we remember: The day was made for people and not people for the day. 1. Who did Jesus say was Lord of the Sabbath? ______________________________ 2. What was wrong with the man whom Jesus found in the synagogue? _______________ 3. What did Jesus do to/for the man in the Synagogue? ___________________________ JESUS + - 4. What does verse 3 reveal about Jesus? ____________________________________ 5. Why don't the Pharisees and Herodians respond to his question? __________________ 6. Why is Jesus disturbed? ________________________________________________ 7. After Jesus healed him, what did the Pharisees and Herodians do? _________________ _____________________________________________________________________
5. What change do you observe in those who oppose Jesus? _______________________ JESUS + - B. Who is Jesus? Read Mark 3:7-12 and answer: -- Opinions about Jesus differ. They differ now as they differed when he was on earth. Some followed Him. Others said, "He is a demon." Notice the broad spectrum of society that Jesus touched. 1. Compare 3:7 with 2:13. What reasons might Jesus have for choosing the seaside for his teaching? _____________________________________________________________ JESUS + - 2. How does Mark emphasize the size of the crowds which are following Jesus? Consult the map on the cover and locate the areas from which the crowds come. How far reaching is his ministry? (Compare with Mark 1:28) ___________________________________ JESUS + - 3. What pattern in dealing with unclean spirits emerges in verses 11, 12? How does this compare with the first recorded incident of Jesus' dealing with an unclean spirit in Mark 1:23-26? _____________________________________________________________ 4. Whenever the unclean spirits beheld Jesus, what did they do? ____________________ JESUS + - 5. What did they say? ____________________________________________________ JESUS + - 6. Why would Jesus not want publicity from the unclean spirits? _____________________ JESUS + - B. Jesus Appoints the Twelve. Read Mark 3:13-19 and answer: -- 1. List the three reasons why Jesus appointed twelve apostles: a. _____________________________________________________________ b. _____________________________________________________________ c. _____________________________________________________________ 2. Compare the name of the group following Jesus in 3:7, mathates (disciples) {learning ones) and 3:14 apostolos (apostles) {"the sent out ones"}. Very early in the relationship of Jesus and his followers there is both learning and action. 3. To which three disciples does Jesus give additional names? NAME _______________________ NICKNAME __________________________ NAME _______________________ NICKNAME __________________________ NAME _______________________ NICKNAME __________________________ (Note: Watch for times later in the narrative when Peter, James and John appear as a select group.) 4. To whom do we usually give nicknames? __________________________________ 5. What does "sons of thunder" suggest about the personalities of James and John? _____ ____________________________________________________________________ REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (Add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ____ - ____ THE KINGDOM OF GOD A Study of the Gospel According to Mark The Jewish Expectation of a Messiah In the first verse of Mark is the statement that “Jesus is the Christ.” (“Christ” in Greek is the same as “Messiah” is in Hebrew.) The messianic expectation of most of the Jews in the time of Jesus took the form of the hope of the coming of a mighty KING, who would deliver the people from subjection and set them free to attain to new greatness. He is called Messiah, the anointed one, because he will receive royal dignity and sovereign authority. He will be a powerful king, such as David was of old. Along with this political form of the expectation of Messiah, there were other forms of the hope of a deliverer, who was to appear at the end of the days. This messiah would be a PROPHET such as Moses had been of old (Deut 18:15). In other circles among the Jews, the opinion was held that the messenger of God in the last days would be a PRIEST of the house of Aaron, who would sanctify the people of God and gather them together in priestly purity, that they might be consecrated to God. He would bind Satan, and deprive the evil spirits of their power, and open the gates of paradise. In the book of Daniel there was a hope of an entirely different king; the messenger of God will not come as a man -- PROPHET, PRIEST, and/or KING -- but will descend from heaven. Thrones have been set up, and the Ancient of Days (that is, God himself) has taken his seat. The Son of man shall come down upon the clouds of heaven, take his seat upon his throne, exercise strict judgment upon the kings and mighty ones of the earth, and set his chosen people free. These various forms of the Jewish expectation of a Messiah were never reduced to any uniformity. All these types of messianic hope existed side by side and unconnected with one another. But one thing for sure, the people were SURE that God will send his anointed one, and he will deliver his people. We welcome feedback on your use of this
lesson. You can do this by sending an
email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. LESSON 5 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK -- 1. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 3:20-35 MACRO MARK -- 2. A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel LESSON FIVE THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Prayer: I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors. (Psalm 119:121) Mark 3:20-35 (NIV)
A. The Jesus Bandwagon Read 3:20-30 Many people cannot believe Jesus is who he said he is, so they lapse into calling him names. Others take the soft approach: he was simply a good teacher, a good example. C. S. Lewis had something to say to them: "A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic -- on the level of a man who says he is a poached egg -- or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: Or else He is a madman. . . or something worse." Mere Christianity [New York; The Macmillan Company, 1952], pp. 40-41. You see, the "soft approach" doesn't work. Either we accept Jesus, or we accuse him -- or some terribly serious charges. Several people we meet in these passages do just that. Mark calls us to choose. (Mark 8:16 -- "Who do you say that I am?") 1. Why doesn't Jesus have time to eat? _____________________________________ JESUS + - 2. What do Jesus friends and family think about this? ___________________________ 3. From where have the scribes come who accuse Jesus? ________________________ 4. What is their accusation? _____________________ Why? ___________________ (What has Jesus done which requires supernatural power? What do the scribes say is the source of Jesus power?) JESUS + - 5. How does Jesus rule their accusation as illogical by the use of the three "if" clauses in verses 24-26? ________________________________________________________ JESUS + - 6. What further claim is Jesus making in verse 27? _____________________________ Who is the "strong man" whose house is being plundered? ________________________ JESUS + - 7. What indictment does Jesus make against his accusers? _______________________ How have they blasphemed against the Holy Spirit? (See vs. 30) ___________________ What has Mark said about the source of Jesus' power? (Mark 1:10, 11) _____________ JESUS + - What do the scribes say is the source of Jesus power? ___________________________ JESUS + - B. Jesus Family as Testimony of Who he is Read Mark 3:31-35 and answer: -- 1. What does Jesus family conclude about Jesus lifestyle? _________________________ JESUS + - 2. To which kind of family, natural or spiritual, does Jesus give priority? ______________ 3. What does it take to be a part of God's family? ______________________________ REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (Add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ___ - ___ THE KINGDOM OF GOD A Study of the Gospel According to Mark (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon whom much of this study is based.) The Jesus of Mark’s Gospel A Man of Emotions Mark 1:41_____________ Mark 3:5 _________________ Mark 6:6_________________ Mark 8:12 ___________________ Mark 10:14 _______________ Mark 14:33f__________________ The Son of God: Confirmed by -- Mark 1:11 ________________ Mark 3:11 ___________________ Mark 14:61f ______________ Mark 15:39 __________________ When Jesus Prayed Mark 1:35 ________________Mark 6:41 ___________________ Mark 6:46 ________________ Mark 14:36 __________________ Mark 15:34 __________________ Human/Divine Jesus had been sleeping in human Exhaustion. What act then proved his deity? ________________ Purpose of Jesus Ministry Mark 10:45 ________________________________________ We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ LESSON 6 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK 1. -- A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 4:1-34 MACRO MARK 2. -- A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) LESSON SIX THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus PRAYER: Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But that person's delight is in the law of the LORD, and in this law (s)he meditates day and night. The blessed person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever (s)he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 1 Today's English Version) Mark 4:1-34 (NIV)
A. “A Farmer went out to sow his seed. Read Mark 4:1-20 and answer: -- Adverse opinion did not stop Jesus. He continued to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Jesus was God's Farmer. His seed was the Word of God. He knew that some seed would fall on good soil and bear fruit. As you read the Parable of the Four Soils, ask yourself this question: What kind of hearer am I?" 1. What happened to the seed which fell along the path? ________________________ 2. What happened to the seed which fell on rocky places? _______________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 3. What happened to the seed which fell among the thorns? ______________________ 4. What happened to the seed which fell into the good ground? ___________________ 5. According to verse 14, what did the sower sow? ____________________________ 6. Who comes to take away the seed which falls by the wayside? __________________ 7. What specific kind of pressure undermines the faith of the people described in verses 16, 17? ___________________________________________________________ {Can you relate your own experience of such pressure?}
8. What chokes the word so that it becomes unfruitful? __________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ {Can you give some examples from your own life or others you know that keeps you/them from being fruitful?}
9. What three things characterize those who are compared to the seed sown on good ground? _____________________________________________________________ 10. Who do you think was the "Farmer" in this parable? ________________________ 11. According to verses 11 and 12, what happens to those outside who hear the parables? ___________________________________________________________________ (Note: Verse 12 is a quotation from Isaiah 6:9, 10. William Barclay comments, "The Greek version {of Isaiah 6:9,10} does not say that God intended that the people should be so dull that they would not understand: it says that they had made themselves so dull that they could not understand -- which is a very different thing.") B. Preaching the Word Demands Faith Read Mark 4:21-25 and answer: -- The results are sometimes hidden for a long time. Jesus assured us, however, that eventually all things will come to Light: (The Parable of the Lamp). He said there is a growth about which one need not worry: (The Parable of Secret Growth). The Kingdom is bound to Succeed. (The Parable of the Mustard Seed.) The Light (4:21-25) 1. What happens to a person who has? ______________________________________ 2. What happens to a person who does not have? ______________________________ 3. Compare verse 23 with verse 9, noting the immediate context. How does Jesus go on in verses 24, 25 to emphasize the importance of paying attention, of listening to the world of God? ______________________________________________________________ What happens when we cease to give God's word our attention? ___________________ The Farmer (4:26-29) 1. Summarize this short story. ______________________________________________ 2. Who is the farmer in this story? ___________________________________________ 3. What does the seed represents? __________________________________________ 4. What does it mean that the farmer returned to harvest it? _______________________ ____________________________________________________________________ This little story represents Christ's work in establishing a Kingdom of those who will follow Him in obedience to His teaching. Christ is the farmer. Perhaps with that information you can figure out the rest of the story. The Nature of God's Kingdom: (4:30-34) 1. Summarize this story __________________________________________________ 2. What do you think Jesus meant when he compared God's kingdom to the smallest of seeds? _______________________________________________________________ 3. What does Jesus mean when He implies that "God's Kingdom" will become the largest of all plants, “where birds can build their nests and be sheltered? ___________________ THE KINGDOM OF GOD A Study of the Gospel According to Mark MARK AS A WHOLE (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon whom much of this study is based.) NOTICE: How different Jesus’ teachings are from others 1:22 4:33 Jesus’ attitudes toward traditional religious matters 2:18 2:22 2:27 7:15 Jesus’ measures of greatness 8:33 10:45 12:43-44 Jesus’ love for sinners 2:10-12 2:16-17 Jesus’ picture of the Messiah 8:31-33 8:35 Jesus’ attitude toward suffering 15:39 Jesus’ compassionate service toward human need 6:34 Jesus’ sensitivity toward God’s presence and Jesus’ responsiveness to God’s will 1:35 14:36 We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ LESSON 7 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK -- 1. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 4:35-5:43 MACRO MARK -- 2. A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD LESSON SEVEN (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Based on Mark's Life of Jesus PRAYER: "The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine upon us". (Psalm 118:27a) A. Jesus Shows his Power Over Nature Read Mark 4:35-41 and answer: -- Jesus' words (parables) of the last lesson are followed by his works (miracles) in this lesson. Several of these miracles vindicate the words of the last lesson. The question that still confronts us (Mark 8:27-30), "Who do men say I am?" You will notice that even Jesus' disciples are asking the question (Mark 4:41) 1. What happened while crossing the lake? 2. What was Jesus doing during the storm? ___________________________________ 3. What does this tell you about his humanness? _______________________________ 4. What did the disciples ask him? _________________________________________ 5. What did Christ do in response to their question? ___________________________ 6. After performing this miracle what question did Jesus ask the disciples? ____________ ____________________________________________________________________ 7. What was the reaction of the disciples? ____________________________________
____________________________________________________________________ 4:35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, AND the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him AND said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" 39 He got up, rebuked the wind AND said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down AND it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" 41 They were terrified AND asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind AND the waves obey him!" B. The Lord of Human Nature Read Mark 5:1-20 and answer: -- Jesus calmed the storm of nature. He also calms the storm of human nature. No sooner had Jesus stepped from the boat than He was met by a man possessed with demons. 1. Where did the man with the evil spirit live? __________________________________ 2. With what had the man been bound? ______________________________________ 3. When he saw Jesus, what was the demon's response when Jesus commanded them to come out? _____________________________________________________________________ JESUS + - 4. After Jesus healed the man, he wanted to go with Jesus. Jesus, however, suffered him not, but said to him: _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 5. What was the reaction of the pig tenders? ___________________________________ JESUS + - 6. What did the townspeople ask Jesus to do? _________________________________ JESUS + - 7. What did the man do in Decapolis? ________________________________________ JESUS + - 5:1 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, AND no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand AND foot, but he tore the chains apart AND broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night AND day among the tombs AND in the hills he would cry out AND cut himself with stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran AND fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!" 8 For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!" 9 Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many." 10 AND he begged Jesus again AND again not to send them out of the area. 11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." 13 He gave them permission, AND the evil spirits came out AND went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake AND were drowned. 14 Those tending the pigs ran off AND reported this in the town AND countryside, AND the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed AND in his right mind; AND they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man--AND told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family AND tell them how much the Lord has done for you, AND how he has had mercy on you." 20 So the man went away AND began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. AND all the people were amazed. C. The Lord of Death Read Mark 5:21-43 A person may be dead to himself because devils have possession of him. Jesus is able to cast those demons out. A person may be dead physically as well -- dead in the real sense of the word. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. He called the daughter of Jairus back from death. 1. What was Jairus by profession? _________________________________________ 2. What did he say to Jesus? _____________________________________________ JESUS + - 3. How many years did the woman have an issue of blood? ______________________ 4. Why didn't this woman come up to Jesus and ask to be healed? _________________ JESUS + - 5. How old was the daughter of Jairus? _____________________________________ 6. What did Jesus say to the ruler of the synagogue when he was told that his daughter was dead? ______________________________________________________________________ 7. Which three disciples when with Jesus into the room where the dead child lay? a. _____________________ b. _____________________ c. _____________________ 8. What does Talitha Koum mean? __________________________________________ 9. What did she do? ______________________________________________________ JESUS + - 10. What was the crowd's response? JESUS + - 21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet 23 AND pleaded earnestly with him, "My little daughter is dying. Please come AND put your hands on her so that she will be healed AND live." 24 So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed AND pressed around him. 25 AND a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors AND had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd AND touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." 29 IMMEDIATELY her bleeding stopped AND she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. 30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd AND asked, "Who touched my clothes?" 31 "You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "AND yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?'" 32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came AND fell at his feet AND, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace AND be freed from your suffering." 35 While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher any more?" 36 Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe." 37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James AND John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying AND wailing loudly. 39 He went in AND said to them, "Why all this commotion AND wailing? The child is not dead but asleep." 40 But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child's father AND mother AND the disciples who were with him, AND went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand AND said to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!"). 42 IMMEDIATELY the girl stood up AND walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, AND told them to give her something to eat. REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ______ -______
Seventh Study of the Gospel According to Mark JESUS THE HEALER Mark puts a special emphasis on the miracles of Jesus. He describes Jesus as a powerful divine worker, rather than the teacher of Matthew’s Gospel. Eighteen miracles are recorded by Mark. 1. Five of these were triumphs over nature a. Stilling the storm (4:36-39) b. Feeding the 5000 (6:41-44) c. Walking on the water (6:48-51) d. Feeding the 4000 (8:1-9) e. Cursing the fig tree (11:11-14) 2. Thirteen miracles healed the diseases of people a. Four times Jesus cast out _____________ (1:26; 5:13; 7:30; 9:26). b. Healing the daughter of a synagogue ruler was the ultimate proof of Jesus’ divine power (5:35-42). What was that miracle? ___________________________________________ c. What are some of the diseases Jesus healed? 1. 1:30-31 ____________________________________ 2. 1:41-42 ____________________________________ 3. 2:2, 11 ____________________________________ 4. 3:1, 5 ____________________________________ 5. 5:25, 29 ____________________________________ 6. 7:32, 35 ____________________________________ 7. 10:52; 8:22-25 ____________________________________ We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ LESSON 8 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK -- 1. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 6:1-29 MACRO MARK -- 2. A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Lesson Eight PRAYER: I seek you with all my heart: do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:10 & 11) A. Jesus Family Read Mark 6:1-6 and answer: -- The wisdom and mighty works of Jesus puzzled the people who knew Him. They could not accept Him for what He was. They were offended in by Jesus. 1. Who was the mother of Jesus? ___________________________________________ 2. Name his four brothers: ________________________________________________ Did he have sisters? _____________________________________________________ 3. What did the folk from Jesus' home town think about him? ______________________ JESUS + - 4. What effect did their unbelief had on Jesus ministry? ___________________________ JESUS + - 6:1 Jesus left there AND went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, AND many who heard him were amazed. "Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! 3 Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son AND the brother of James, Joseph, Judas AND Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" AND they took offense at him. 4 Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives AND in his own house is a prophet without honor." 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people AND heal them. 6 AND he was amazed at their lack of faith. B. Jesus Disciples Read Mark 6:7-13 and answer: -- Jesus went round the villages teaching. His program had to be extended. Hence, he called the twelve disciples and sent them fourth two by two. In this way, the work of Jesus was multiplied many times. 1. Over what did Jesus give the apostles (the Twelve) power? _____________________ 2. How did Christ send out his disciples? ____________________________________ 3. If a place did not receive the apostles what were they to do as they went out? _______ ____________________________________________________________________ 4. What did the apostles preach? ___________________________________________ (Compare the message the apostles had to preach to that of John (Mark 1:4) and Jesus (1:15).
5. What two things did the disciples do? ______________________________________ Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. 7 Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two AND gave them authority over evil spirits. 8 These were his instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff--no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. 9 Wear sandals but not an extra tunic. 10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. 11 AND if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them." 12 They went out AND preached that people should repent. 13 They drove out many demons AND anointed many sick people with oil AND healed them. C. The Death of John the Baptist Jesus' acts of healing -- the signs of the Kingdom -- caused much comment. When his disciples performed similar acts of mercy, the talk about Jesus spread. It even reached the court of King Herod. He thought that John the Baptist whom he had killed had risen from the dead. 1. Three opinions about Jesus are expressed in verses 14 and 15. What are they? a. _____________________ b. _____________________ c. _____________________ a. Herod said that Jesus was ________________________________________________ JESUS + - b. Others said ___________________________________________________________ JESUS + - c. Still others said ________________________________________________________ JESUS + - 2. The daughter of Herodias danced when Herod had a feast. When she went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?", what did her mother reply? __________________ 3. What did the girl do with her present? ______________________________________ 4. What did the disciples of John do with the corpse? ____________________________ 14 King Herod heard about this, for Jesus' name had become well known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, AND that is why miraculous powers are at work in him." 15 Others said, "He is Elijah." AND still others claimed, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago." 16 But when Herod heard this, he said, "John, the man I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!" 17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, AND he had him bound AND put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John AND wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John AND protected him, knowing him to be a righteous AND holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled ; yet he liked to listen to him. 21 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials AND military commanders AND the leading men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of Herodias came in AND danced, she pleased Herod AND his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want, AND I'll give it to you." 23 AND he promised her with an oath, "Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom." 24 She went out AND said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" "The head of John the Baptist," she answered. 25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter." 26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths AND his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So he IMMEDIATELY sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, 28 AND brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, AND she gave it to her mother. 29 On hearing of this, John's disciples came AND took his body AND laid it in a tomb. REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ______ -______ THE KINGDOM OF GOD The Eighth Study of the Gospel According to Mark WHO IS JESUS? MARK’S VIEW OF JESUS DIVINITY (What does this passage say about Jesus divinity?) 1:22 ___________________________________________________________ 1:27___________________________________________________________ 4:41___________________________________________________________ 6:51___________________________________________________________ 9:37___________________________________________________________ 12:6___________________________________________________________
JESUS THE “SON OF GOD” (Who bears witness to Jesus being the “Son of God”) 1:1___________________________________________________________ 1:24___________________________________________________________ 3:11___________________________________________________________ 3:28___________________________________________________________ 5:7___________________________________________________________ 9:7___________________________________________________________ 14:61___________________________________________________________ 15:39___________________________________________________________
JESUS IS A TEACHER OF AUTHORITY 1:22___________________________________________________________ 2:28___________________________________________________________ Chapter 4___________________________________________________________ 6:2___________________________________________________________
JESUS IS THE KING AND THE KING MUST DIE 10:45___________________________________________________________ We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ LESSON 9 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK 1. -- A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 6:30-56 MACRO MARK 2. -- A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Lesson Nine PRAYER: Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. (Psalm 119:17) A. Jesus Feeds the 5000 Read Mark 6:30-44 and answer: -- When the apostles returned from their mission, a great crowd gathered around them. They wanted to hear what had happened. The people were curious to know more. Jesus suggested that the disciples and he withdraw to a desert place to rest a while. The crowd saw them go. They followed. Jesus taught them until sundown. Since they came without food, Jesus fed them. . . . 1. What did those who were sent do when they gathered themselves together to Jesus? ______________________________________________________________________ 2. When things got to hectic at the beginning of this story, what suggestion did Jesus make? ________________________________________________________________ 3. What conveyance did they use to go to the desert place apart? ____________________ 4. How did the people get to Jesus? __________________________________________ 5. What was Jesus reaction? _______________________________________________ 6.What jobs does Jesus give the apostles? _____________________________________ (Note: compare this with what they originally had in mind for the day's activities.) 7. How many loaves did the disciples find among the people? _______________________ 8. How many fish? ______________________________________________________ 9.What did Jesus do before eating? __________________________________________ 10. How many baskets full remained? ________________________________________ 11. How many people were fed? ___________________________________________ JESUS + - 30 The apostles gathered around Jesus AND reported to him all they had done AND taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming AND going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place AND get some rest." 32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33 But many who saw them leaving recognized them AND ran on foot from all the towns AND got there ahead of them. 34 When Jesus landed AND saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. 35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. "This is a remote place," they said, "AND it's already very late. 36 Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside AND villages AND buy themselves something to eat." 37 But he answered, "You give them something to eat." They said to him, "That would take eight months of a man's wages ! Are we to go AND spend that much on bread AND give it to them to eat?" 38 "How many loaves do you have?" he asked. "Go AND see." When they found out, they said, "Five--AND two fish." 39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds AND fifties. 41 Taking the five loaves AND the two fish AND looking up to heaven, he gave thanks AND broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate AND were satisfied, 43 AND the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread AND fish. 44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. B. Jesus Walks on the Water Read Mark 6:45-52 and answer: -- A person could possibly multiply a small quantity of food and feed a multitude would make a good king. A king is what the crowd wanted. They tried to make Jesus king. We learn this from John 6:15 Jesus knew the intention of the crowd. Accordingly, Jesus send his disciples home by ship. He himself withdrew into the mountain to pray. That evening, the wind came up. The disciples found it hard to row the boat. Jesus came to them walking on the sea. 1. To what city did Jesus command the disciples to go? _________________________ 2. What did the disciples suppose Jesus was? ________________________________ 3. What did Jesus say to assure them? ______________________________________ 4. Jesus got into the boat. The wind ceased: and they were terrified. Why? ____________________________________________________________________________ JESUS + - 45 IMMEDIATELY Jesus made his disciples get into the boat AND go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. 47 When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, AND he was alone on land. 48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 because they all saw him AND were terrified. IMMEDIATELY he spoke to them AND said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, AND the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened. C. The fame of Jesus Spreads Read Mark 6:53-56 and answer: -- The sick wanted health. The lame wanted to walk. Crowds came to Jesus wherever He was . . . . 1. Finish these two sentences: a. As soon as they got out of the boat _______________________________________ JESUS + - b. All who touched him were healed ________________________________________ JESUS + - 53 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret AND anchored there. 54 As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. 55 They ran throughout that whole region AND carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 AND wherever he went--into villages, towns or countryside--they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, AND all who touched him were healed. CONCLUSION: In this chapter there are three examples of people who failed to receive spiritual truth. Influenced by a surface familiarity with Jesus which led to unbelief, the people in his home town did not see him do any mighty work in their midst. Herod misunderstood who Jesus was because he had failed to act on John the Baptist's message. Even Jesus' disciples, though they had recently experienced his power in their own ministry, did not grasp the meaning of his power revealed in the feeding of the 5000, and they were completely astounded when Jesus came walking to them on the water. REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ______ - ______
THE KINGDOM OF GOD The Ninth Study of the Gospel According to Mark WHO IS JESUS? JESUS AS: DOCTOR -- 2:17 FORGIVER -- 2:5, 2:7 SENDER -- 6:7 GREATER THAN JOHN 1:7 PREACHER -- 1:15 1:38 2:2 SON OF MAN - 2:10 2:28 10:33 10:45 NO BETTER THAN US -- 6:2 OUT OF HIS MIND -- 3:21 POSSESSED BY DEMON -- 3:22 3:30 HUMAN - 1:12 3:5 4:38 6:3 6:6 6:31 6:34 7:34 8:12 8:33 10:14 11:12 11:21 We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ LESSON 10 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK 1. -- A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 7:1-37 MACRO MARK 2. -- A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Lesson Ten PRAYER: Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. (Psalm 119:34) A. The Law of Life Read Mark 7:1-23 1. Out of the heart are the issue of life. If the heart is not clean, nothing is clean. All of life is soiled. It is the heart, then, than needs cleansing. It is not outward observances which matter -- such as pure or impure food. Jesus rejected those ceremonial restrictions relative to food and said it makes no difference with whom, or from whom food may be had. Jesus likewise points out the fundamental difference between tradition or custom built by people and the fundamental moral or divine law. Those who observe the former without regard to the latter are like those who wash the outside of the vessel while leaving the inside dirty. 1. The Pharisees and the scribes saw that the disciples of Jesus ate their bread with what kind of hands.? _________________________________________________________ JESUS + - 2. What did the Pharisees and scribes do when they came from the market place? ______ ____________________________________________________________________ 3. Write the prophecy of Isaiah in this space: __________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 4. Is their anything from outside that going into us can defile us? (vss 16-19) __________ 5. What contrast is drawn between what Moses said and what they say? ______________ ____________________________________________________________________ 6. What verbs does Jesus contrast in verses 8, 9, 13 to indicate the position of the Pharisees? ______________________________________________________________ 7. What indicates that Corban is only one illustration of their spiritual condition? ______ ____________________________________________________________________ 8. List the things that Jesus says come out of the heart and defile us? a. __________________ b. __________________ c. __________________ d. __________________ e. __________________ f. __________________ g. __________________ h. __________________ i. __________________ j. __________________ k. __________________ l. __________________ 7:1 The Pharisees AND some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus AND 2 saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were "unclean," that is, unwashed. 3 (The Pharisees AND all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. 4 When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. AND they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers AND kettles.) 5 So the Pharisees AND teachers of the law asked Jesus, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with 'unclean' hands?" 6 He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God AND are holding on to the traditions of men." 9 AND he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! 10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father AND your mother,' AND, 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.' 11 But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: 'Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban' (that is, a gift devoted to God), 12 then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. 13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. AND you do many things like that." 14 Again Jesus called the crowd to him AND said, "Listen to me, everyone, AND understand this. 15 Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.'" 16&17 After he had left the crowd AND entered the house, his disciples asked him about this parable. 18 "Are you so dull?" he asked. "Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'? 19 For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, AND then out of his body." (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods "clean.") 20 He went on: "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' 21 For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance AND folly. 23 All these evils come from inside AND make a man 'unclean.'" B. The Heart of Everyone is the Same Read Mark 7:24-30 and answer: -- If our hearts are the same then there are no racial barriers. The "outer coating" makes no difference. A heart given to God is the thing by which anyone is saved, whoever that person may be. 1. Jesus tries to get away from the crowd by going to the Mediterranean coast into "Gentile" territory. Was he able to keep his presence there a secret? _______________ 2. What was the matter with the little girl who was brought to Jesus? _______________ 3. What nationality was her mother? ________________________________________ 4. What did Jesus say to the woman? _______________________________________ (Note: This is an extremely difficult passage. Jesus is explaining to this woman that he has come first of all for his own people, and the message of salvation will go to the Jews before it goes to the Gentiles. The Jews would reject it, and the apostles then would be sent into all the world with the good news of salvation. Jesus says that He should not throw food intended for children to the dogs. It is almost impossible to translate the very tender feelings evoked when Jesus said that. Jews called the Gentiles dogs -- and the word they used described dogs that were unclean and ran through the streets feeding on garbage. They were without owners. Jesus uses a different word which refers to little pet dogs, which no only were permitted in the house but were permitted at the owners' tables at dinner time. What is completely lost to us in translation was certainly not lost to this woman. She knew immediately Jesus' change in the common usage of the word "dog" and felt His love and compassion flow through.) When the woman went home, in what state did she find her daughter? ______________ JESUS + - 24 Jesus left that place AND went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house AND did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. 25 In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came AND fell at his feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27 "First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread AND toss it to their dogs." 28 "Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." 29 Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter." 30 She went home AND found her child lying on the bed, AND the demon gone. C. The Signs of the Kingdom continue: Read Mark 7:31-37: -- . . . a deaf man with an impediment in his speech is healed. 1. What four things did Jesus do as he healed the deaf man? a. ____________________________________________________________________ b. ____________________________________________________________________ c. ____________________________________________________________________ d. ____________________________________________________________________ 2. Finish this sentence: He has done everything well, ____________________________ JESUS + - 31 Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre AND went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee AND into the region of the Decapolis. 32 There some people brought to him a man who was deaf AND could hardly talk, AND they begged him to place his hand on the man. 33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit AND touched the man's tongue. 34 He looked up to heaven AND with a deep sigh said to him, "Ephphatha!" (which means, "Be opened!"). 35 At this, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosened AND he began to speak plainly. 36 Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. 37 People were overwhelmed with amazement. "He has done everything well," they said. "He even makes the deaf hear AND the mute speak." REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ______ -______ THE KINGDOM OF GOD The Tenth Study of the Gospel According to Mark WHO IS JESUS? JESUS HAS AUTHORITY OVER NATURE 4:39 6:41f 6:49ff 8:7ff 10:21 TRADITION 1:22 2:27 3:2 7:2-7 7:11 7:15f 11:15 DEMONIC 1:26 1:32f 1:34 1:39 3:11 5:13 7:32 9:25 ILLNESS 1:31 1:32f 1:34 1:41 2:11 3:5 3:10 5:29 5:41f 6:5 6:56 8:25 10:52 We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ LESSON 11 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK 1. -- A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 8:1-26 MACRO MARK 2. -- A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Lesson Eleven PRAYER: Lord, open my eyes that I may see. A. Jesus feeds the 4000. Read Mark 8:1-10 and answer: -- Jesus, the disciples, and a great many people, had a camp meeting for a number of days. The people had nothing to eat. Again, Jesus fed them. Truly, He is the Bread of Life. 1. How long did the multitude continue with Jesus? ____________________________ 2. In what kind of place did the multitude meet with Jesus? ______________________ 3. How was the reaction of Jesus to the problem that the crowd had no food different than the reaction of the disciples? _____________________________________________ 4. How many loaves were there this time? ___________________________________ 5. How many baskets were filled with the broken pieces? _______________________ 6. How many people were fed? __________________________________________ JESUS + - 8:1 During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him AND said, 2 "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days AND have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance." 4 His disciples answered, "But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?" 5 "How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked. "Seven," they replied. 6 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves AND given thanks, he broke them AND gave them to his disciples to set before the people, AND they did so. 7 They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also AND told the disciples to distribute them. 8 The people ate AND were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 9 About four thousand men were present. AND having sent them away, 10 he got into the boat with his disciples AND went to the region of Dalmanutha. B. Jesus Warns about other Influences Read Mark 8:11-21 Jesus is the Bread of Life. He is willing to sustain all if we but allow Him to do so. Other influences, however, are also at work in the world. Beware of those influences! 1. Check in the section above, the last word, and check the map on the cover for this passage's location. 2. When the Pharisees came to Jesus, what did they seek? _______________________ 3. What was Jesus' reaction to their demand? _________________________________ (Note: you have studied the accounts of a number of miracles which Jesus did. Think about them. a. Why did Jesus perform miracles? b. What were some of the conditions that had to be met before Jesus would perform a miracle? (Note #2 Unfortunately many followers of Christ have never learned the lesson related to this little story. Jesus is not an entertainer! You cannot turn to Him merely to have your emotions turned on! People who follow Jesus just for the "spiritual thrills" they get, are people who have never surrendered their lives to Christ. As you review the miracles of Jesus, it should be apparent that Jesus performed them for two reasons -- to relieve a condition of physical suffering -- and to demonstrate His supernatural power. Following Jesus means that we are not to seek personal entertainment from Him -- or always to be concerned about emotional thrills. We are to serve others in His name, being concerned about their total welfare just as He was.) 3. How much bread did the disciples have with them in the boat? __________________ 4. Of whose yeast were the disciples to beware? _____________________________ 11 The Pharisees came AND began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12 He sighed deeply AND said, "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it." 13 Then he left them, got back into the boat AND crossed to the other side. 14 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 "Be careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees AND that of Herod." 16 They discussed this with one another AND said, "It is because we have no bread." 17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, AND ears but fail to hear? AND don't you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" "Twelve," they replied. 20 "AND when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" They answered, "Seven." 21 He said to them, "Do you still not understand?" C. Jesus Cured a Blind Man: Read Mark 8:22-26 and answer: -- Jesus performs a double miracle. First he touches the eyes, after which the man sees "people like trees walking." Then he touches them again so that the man sees all things clearly. 1. Where did Jesus bring the blind man? _____________________________________ 2. What was the first question Jesus asked the blind man? ________________________ 3. What was the reply of the blind man? _____________________________________ 4. What happened after Jesus laid his hands upon his eyes for the second time? ________ ____________________________________________________________________ JESUS + - (Note: This miracle is unusual in that the man was not completely healed immediately. The healing process seemed to be more gradual. It is generally assumed that blindness is a symbol of people who are apart from Jesus Christ -- people who have not accepted Him as Savior. Sometimes, in accepting Christ, spiritual sight comes immediately. Sometimes, as in the case of this blind man, it comes over a longer period of time.) The next lesson deals with the ultimate question which needs spiritual sight. Who is Jesus? 22 They came to Bethsaida, AND some people brought a blind man AND begged Jesus to touch him. 23 He took the blind man by the hand AND led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man's eyes AND put his hands on him, Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?" 24 He looked up AND said, "I see people; they look like trees walking around." 25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, AND he saw everything clearly. 26 Jesus sent him home, saying, "Don't go into the village." REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ______ - ______
THE KINGDOM OF GOD The Eleventh Study of the Gospel According to Mark WHO IS JESUS? Why miracles? 1. Did Jesus work miracles of healing just to win admiration from the curious? (5:43) ____________________________________________ 2. Did Jesus want to be advertised as a “wonder worker”? (1:44) ______________________ 3. How convincing were the miracles of Jesus? (7:37)_________________________________ 4. Did they always have that impact on people? ((5:17)________________________________ We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ LESSON 12 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK 1. -- A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 8:27-9:1 MACRO MARK 2. -- A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Lesson Twelve PRAYER: O God, as I remember the first eight chapters of Mark, give me a clear mind and a willing heart to accept what your Spirit tells me is true, for Jesus' sake. Amen. A. You Are the Christ Read Mark 8:27-30 In this section we come to the turning point of the book. In it we find the second mention of the title, "Christ," the first being in Mark 1:1. Jesus' major Galilean ministry has come to an end and he turns toward Jerusalem. A new element and emphasis enters Jesus' teaching to his disciples. In Mark 1:15, Jesus said, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the gospel." Then followed many signs of the Kingdom: Demons are driven out, leprosy is cleansed, lame men walk, the dead are raised, the hungry fed, the deaf hear, and the blind see. In this lesson, we reach the high-point of the first eight chapters of Mark. From 1:16 to 8:26, Mark is impatient to show that the Kingdom of Heaven has come! This is the Good News of the Gospel! Recall the story that Mark's told. Stand face to face with Jesus the King. Remember the evidence of his power. 1. Locate the place Jesus now takes his disciples. Why would he go this far north? (Compare with Mark 7:24) _______________________________________________ 2. What questions did Jesus ask his disciples in the village of Caesarea Philippi? a. ______________________________________________________________ b. ______________________________________________________________ 3. What did they answer? a. ______________________________________________________________ b. ______________________________________________________________ c. ______________________________________________________________ d. ______________________________________________________________ JESUS + - (NOTE: The word "Christ" means "anointed of God." In other words, Jesus is the chosen one of God for this special mission.") 27 Jesus AND his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" 28 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; AND still others, one of the prophets." 29 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ." 30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. B. In the Shadow of the Cross Read Mark 8:31-9:1 After Simon Peter made his confession. Jesus began to teach the disciples about His coming death. From chapter 8:31 to the end of the book. Mark confines himself very largely to the crucifixion. Jesus must die. But what about his disciples? What can they expect? 1. After how many days would Jesus rise again? _______________________________ 2. Who began to rebuke Jesus? ____________________________________________ 3. What three things are necessary for those who would come after Jesus? a. ____________________ b. ____________________ c.____________________ 4. To whom does Jesus direct this sentence? __________________________________ 5. What does verse 34 teach about the cost of discipleship? _______________________ 6. What does it mean to deny oneself? ________________________________________ 7. In verse 35 what two possibilities does Jesus state are open to every person? _____________________________________________________________________ 8. Why does either way involve losing your life? _________________________________ 9. What is the difference? __________________________________________________ 10. What is the only way to save your life? _____________________________________ 11. How do verses 36, 37 strengthen Jesus' arguments? ___________________________ 12. What is the best that a person living for self can do? ___________________________ 13. With what result? ____________________________________________________ 14. What reaction may some people have to Jesus and to his words, according to verse 38? _________________________________________________________________ 15. Why would the cross involve shame? ______________________________________ 16. How is Jesus' prophecy of his return in power and glory both a warning and an encouragement to those hearing his words? ____________________________________ 31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things AND be rejected by the elders, chief priests AND teachers of the law, AND that he must be killed AND after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, AND Peter took him aside AND began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned AND looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples AND said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself AND take up his cross AND follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me AND for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me AND my words in this adulterous AND sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." 9:1 AND he said to them, "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power." REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ______ -______
THE KINGDOM OF GOD The Twelfth Study of the Gospel According to Mark
THEOLOGY IN MARK A special feature of Mark’s Gospel concerns the “messianic secret.” Often following a miracle, Jesus commands persons healed, onlookers, disciples, and even demons to silence (1:34; 1;44; 3:12; 5:43; 7:36; 8:26; 8:30; 9:9). It has long puzzled readers why Jesus, who came into he world to make Himself known, would work at cross-purposes with His mission by trying to remain hidden. The puzzle can be explained in part by realizing that Jesus’ command to silence was intended to protect himself from false expectations of the Messiah that were current at that time. For most of Jesus’ contemporaries, “messiah” brought up pictures of a military hero overthrowing the Roman rule of Palestine. Jesus had no intention to take up the warrior’s sword; rather, He took up the servant’s towel. Another reason why Jesus tried to conceal his miraculous power was because he realized that faith could not be forced upon people by a spectacle (Matthew 4:5-7). Not sight but insight into Jesus’ life and purpose could evoke true faith. Finally, Jesus demanded silence because no title or label could convey him adequately. Saving knowledge of Jesus needed to come through personal experience with him. Indeed, until Jesus died on the cross he could not rightly be known as God incognito who reveals himself to those who are willing to deny self and follow him in costly discipleship. We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ LESSON 13 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK -- 1. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 9:2-29 MACRO MARK -- 2. A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Lesson Thirteen PRAYER: Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; (Psalm 119:89f) A. The Transfiguration: Read Mark 9:2-13 and answer: -- Jesus took three of his disciples to the top of a mountain. There, two men long since dead, appeared unto them. These two had a high place in the life of the Jewish people because of their special relation to God. Moses was the Law-give through whom God gave the Jewish people the Old Covenant, Elijah was the prophet who gave the people the choice -- either to worship Baal or to worship Jehovah and Him alone. During the transfiguration, Jesus is shown as accepted by the Law-giver and as standing side by side with the prophet. 1. Name the three disciples who went with Jesus into a high mountain. a. ____________________ b. ____________________ c. ____________________ To what other unique even have these three men been witness (5:37-43)?____________ JESUS + 2. Why did the voice from heaven say? ______________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ JESUS + 3. Jesus and the three disciples came down from the mountain. Did Jesus tell them they should tell no one what things they had seen? __________________________________ Until what time? ________________________________________________________ JESUS + 4. There are five references in this passage to the fact that Jesus is divine. What are they? a. ____________________________________________________________ b. ____________________________________________________________ c. ____________________________________________________________ d. ____________________________________________________________ e. ____________________________________________________________ 9:2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James AND John with him AND led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 AND there appeared before them Elijah AND Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses AND one for Elijah." 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7 Then a cloud appeared AND enveloped them, AND a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what "rising from the dead" meant. 11 AND they asked him, "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?" 12 Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah does come first, AND restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much AND be rejected? 13 But I tell you, Elijah has come, AND they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him." B. The Demon-possessed Boy Read Mark 9:14-29 and answer: -- Wonderful spiritual experiences cannot last forever. One must return to the care and worry of the day. Communion with God, however, makes one better able to face these tasks of the every-day. So it was with Jesus and His three disciples. 1. During Jesus time on the mountain with peter, James and John, what is happening to the other disciples? ____________________________________________________ 2. What frustration has come to them? ______________________________________ 3. What are they doing about it? ___________________________________________ 4. What was wrong with the son whom the father brought to Jesus? _________________ 5. What happened to the boy when he was first brought to Jesus? ___________________ 6. How has the disciples' failure affected this father's faith (Mark 9:17, 18, 22)? ________ _____________________________________________________________________ 7. What did Jesus say is possible for him who believes? ___________________________ JESUS + 8. When the disciples asked Jesus privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" what did Jesus say? ____________________________________________________________ 14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them AND the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder AND ran to greet him. 16 "What are you arguing with them about?" he asked. 17 A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth AND becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not." 19 "O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it IMMEDIATELY threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground AND rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered. 22 "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us AND help us." 23 "'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." 24 IMMEDIATELY the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. "You deaf AND mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him AND never enter him again." 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently AND came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead." 27 But Jesus took him by the hand AND lifted him to his feet, AND he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" 29 He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer." REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ______ -______ THE KINGDOM OF GOD A Study of the Gospel According to Mark THEOLOGY IN MARK Mark is careful to avoid portraying Jesus as an unrealistic superstar whose feed do not touch the ground. The Son of God is not immune from the problems of life, but enters fully into them. He must be obedient to the will of the Father, even to death on the cross. Mark portrays Jesus according to the model of the Suffering Servant of Isaiah. Thus, Jesus tells a parable, which ultimately reflects his own fate: the only son of the owner of a vineyard suffers rejection and death at the hands of rebellious tenant farmers (12:1-12). For Mark, faith and discipleship have no meaning apart from following the suffering Son of God. Faith is not a magic that works independently of the believer’s participation (6:1-6); rather, it draws the believer into intimate union with Jesus as Lord (9:14-29). Jesus’ disciples are to be with him as he is with the Father, and they are given the same tasks of proclamation and power over the forces of evil as he had (3:13-15; 6:7). As the Son of Man serves in self-abasement, so too must his disciples serve (10:42-45). Discipleship with Christ leads to self-denial and suffering; “Whoever desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (8:34). This, however, is not a matter of a religious desire to suffer; rather, when one loses his life, he finds it in Christ (8:35). Thus, one can only know and confess Jesus as God’s Son from the vantage point of the cross (15:39). It is only through the Son of God who suffers and dies that we may see into the heart of God (symbolized by the tearing of the temple curtain, thus exposing the Holy of Holies) and enter into fellowship with the Father. We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ LESSON 14 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK -- 1. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 9:30-10:16 MACRO MARK -- 2. A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Lesson Fourteen PRAYER: Lord, "I believe, help my unbelief", for Jesus sake. Amen A. True Greatness Read Mark 9:30-50 and answer: -- Jesus must die; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise. Jesus came to give life to us. This is the path by which that life comes. Sin stops us from having that life. Everything which causes us to sin must be expelled from our life. For the life Jesus can give us is so wonderful that we must try to get it whatever it costs. 1. In what city did Jesus ask the question, "What were you arguing about on the road?" ______________________________________________________________________ 2. What were they arguing about? ___________________________________________ 3. Whom did Jesus place in their midst to illustrate the quality of the person who would receive Him? __________________________________________________________ 4. What should one do if his/her hand causes him/her to sin? _______________________ 5. What should one do if his/her foot causes him/her to sin? _______________________ 6. What should one do if his/her eye causes him/her to sin? _______________________ 9:30 They left that place AND passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31 because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, AND after three days he will rise." 32 But they did not understand what he meant AND were afraid to ask him about it. 33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve AND said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, AND the servant of all." 36 He took a little child AND had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; AND whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." 38 "Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name AND we told him to stop, because he was not one of us." 39 "Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward. 42 "AND if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. 44 45 AND if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet AND be thrown into hell. 46 47 AND if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes AND be thrown into hell, 48 where "'their worm does not die, AND the fire is not quenched.' 49 Everyone will be salted with fire. 50 "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, AND be at peace with each other." B. A Question About Divorce Read Mark 10:1-12 and answer: -- In this chapter the events which immediately precede Holy Week are recounted. Jesus continues his journey toward Jerusalem. On the way five different groups or individuals come to him with requests. Of these five (Pharisees, the children, the rich man, James and John, Bartimaeus) only two ask aright and receive what they want. A thoughtful study of this chapter will teach us much about ourselves. Jesus had angered the religious leaders of this day by his seeming disregard for ceremonial laws. They, therefore, tried to discredit his teaching by showing that it was in conflict with God's law. They did this by asking Jesus a question about divorce. Study the section very carefully to see what Jesus had to say on the matter. Which was is God's way -- the way of the religious leaders or the way of Jesus? 1. Why did the Pharisees ask Jesus, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" ______ __________________________________________________________________ 2. Why was it that Moses wrote his commandment? ___________________________ 3. Finish this sentence: Therefore what God has joined together___________________ 4. If a man puts away his wife, or a wife her husband, and marries another, what does he or she commit? _______________________________________________________ (According to verse 9, whose work is being destroyed by divorce? Why is fidelity, rather than "love," the chief virtue of the marriage relationship?) 10:1 Jesus then left that place AND went into the region of Judea AND across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, AND as was his custom, he taught them. 2 Some Pharisees came AND tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" 3 "What did Moses command you?" he replied. 4 They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce AND send her away." 5 "It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied. 6 "But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male AND female.' 7 'For this reason a man will leave his father AND mother AND be united to his wife, 8 AND the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." 10 When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. 11 He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife AND marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12 AND if she divorces her husband AND marries another man, she commits adultery." C. The Example of the Child Read Mark 10:13-16 and answer: -- One enters the kingdom of happiness in the home through faith and surrender. On enters the kingdom of God in the same way. Jesus' example here is that of child. 1. What did the disciples do to those who brought little children to Jesus? 2. Finish this sentence: "Let the little children come to me, ________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ 3. What did Jesus do to the children after he spoke to the disciples about them? ______ ______________________________________________________________________ 13 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, AND do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16 AND he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them AND blessed them. THE KINGDOM OF GOD A Study of the Gospel According to Mark CHARACTERISTICS OF MARK The outstanding characteristic of this Gospel is the realism and vividness of the narrative Shorter as a whole than either Matthew or Luke, Mark is frequently fuller and more elaborate in its descriptions, and abounds in graphic detail as to the manner, look and gestures of Jesus: he looks round with anger (3:5), or takes a child and sets him in the midst (9:36), or takes an invalid by the hand (1:31, 5:41,). Mark gives us four unforgettable pictures of Jesus " asleep on a pillow in a storm (4:38) " taking children ‘in the crook of his arm’ (10:16) " looking with affection on the rich young man (10:21) " striding ahead of the disciples, a lonely figure, on the road towards Jerusalem (10:32) It’s Mark who lets us see the five thousand squatting down upon the grass ‘like so many garden plots’. Allied to this is the candor of the narrative. Mark does not spare the disciples, or gloss over their faults. Comparison with Matthew and especially with Luke is instructive. In 10:35 James and john themselves ask special favor; in Matthew the plea is made by their mother. This candor extends even to the description of Jesus:. No other evangelist is so “familiar” in his references to Jesus. No other gospel writer dwells so often on Jesus’ human emotions. " Jesus is moved with pity (6:34) " Jesus marvels at the unbelief of his fellow-countrymen (6:6) At some points indeed Mark’s treatment seems to have shocked his successors. Mark says that in Nazareth Jesus was unable to do any mighty work. Matthew simply states that Jesus did not many. It is striking in that for Mark himself Jesus is beyond question the Son of God. This note is struck in the opening verse, and resounds again and again in the Gospel. It is strong evidence for Mark’s reliability that he shows so little tendency to recast his materials to match the theology of a later day. We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ LESSON 15 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK -- 1. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 10:17-45 MACRO MARK -- 2. A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Lesson 15 PRAYER: Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me. Amen A. What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?" Read Mark 10:17-31 and answer: -- It is not only what we do that brings us the new life of God. It is what we are. We must be a person of faith. We must believe and be ready to give ourselves fully to our heavenly father. The rewards of trust are eternal life and the companionship of God at all times -- now and forever. The price is high but the purchased possession supremely worthwhile. 1. What question did the one who came to Jesus and kneeled before him ask? _______ ______________________________________________________________________ 2. List the six commandments Jesus told him to observe: a. ____________________________________________________________________ b. ____________________________________________________________________ c. ____________________________________________________________________ d. ____________________________________________________________________ e. ____________________________________________________________________ f. ____________________________________________________________________ 3. What kind of individual was this man? ______________________________________ 4. Supply the missing word: "How hard it is for the ____________ to enter the kingdom of God!" 5. When the disciples asked, "Then who can be saved?" what did Jesus say? __________ ____________________________________________________________________ 6. If a person leaves all for the sake of the Gospel, what may we expect? a. In this life? ____________________________________________________ b. In the life to come? _____________________________________________ 17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him AND fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father AND mother.'" 20 "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." 21 Jesus looked at him AND loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have AND give to the poor, AND you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Jesus looked around AND said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 26 The disciples were even more amazed, AND said to each other, "Who then can be saved?" 27 Jesus looked at them AND said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." 28 Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!" 29 "I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me AND the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children AND fields--AND with them, persecutions) AND in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, AND the last first." B. The Beginning of the End Read Mark 10:32-24 In Mark 10:32, Jesus and his disciples set out for Jerusalem. This is the beginning of the end. Jesus is to go to his death. On the way, therefore, he told the disciples what was going to happen. 1. When the Son of Man is delivered up to the chief priests and scribes, what six things will they do to him? a.____________________________________________________________________ b.____________________________________________________________________ c.____________________________________________________________________ d.____________________________________________________________________ e.____________________________________________________________________ f. ____________________________________________________________________ 2. But after three days, what will happen? ______________________________________ 32 They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, AND the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside AND told them what was going to happen to him. 33 "We are going up to Jerusalem," he said, "AND the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests AND teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death AND will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock him AND spit on him, flog him AND kill him. Three days later he will rise." C. The Truly Great in the Kingdom of God Read Mark 10:35-45 and answer: -- The kingdoms of this world are characterized by authority and rule. The Kingdom of God is characterized by humble service. When James and John thought of the coming kingdom in terms of what position of importance they could get for themselves. Jesus said to them, Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, AND to give his life as a ransom for many. 1. What request did they make of Jesus in verse 37? 2. When the ten heard of the request, how did they react? 3. Why did the Son of Man come? 35 Then James AND John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask." 36 "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. 37 They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right AND the other at your left in your glory." 38 "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?" 39 "We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink AND be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared." 41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James AND John. 42 Jesus called them together AND said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, AND their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 AND whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, AND to give his life as a ransom for many." THE KINGDOM OF GOD A Study of the Gospel According to Mark THE STORY THEY TOLD Stephen was persecuted for the message (Acts 6:10) Paul was willing to be imprisoned and died for its message (Acts 21:13) Paul dragged away from a mob begging to talk to them. (Acts 21:39) WHAT WAS THIS STORY THAT PEOPLE COULD NOT KEEP FROM TELLING IT EVEN AT THE COST OF LIFE ITSELF?!? The story is something that God has done through one person. The story is more than rules for life or advice for people in trouble. The story is about Jesus of Nazareth. The story claims that in this man God had entered human life. The story claims that sooner or later everyone had to reckon with Jesus of Nazareth. The story claims that God raised Jesus from the dead. That we do not follow a leader who was gone from us. That we do not have to depend on our own strength. The story claims that God has kept (fulfilled) his promises. That Jesus work is God’s fulfilling what he had promised Israel. The story is that through Christ, God redeems his people, God rescues his people, God delivers his people. The story is that through Jesus is the Messiah offering new life: saving us from our sins forgiving our sins giving us wisdom and strength helping us see that life is made over. The story is that the cross is the way to victory. Jesus shows us the life: a humble life a costly living life an unselfish living life a living for others life The story is that “Jesus is Lord” Sitting at the right hand of God, a position of power and authority, with the right to command faith and obedience in all people The story is the Jesus the Lord will judge all people The second coming will bring the completion of God’s plan. Jesus will judge the living and the dead. The story calls us to repent to believe to follow. The story was never told with out the call to repent, believe and follow We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ LESSON 16 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK -- 1. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 10:46-11:20 THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Lesson Sixteen PRAYER: "I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands." (Psalm 119:60) Jesus Heals a Blind Man Read Mark 10:46-52 and answer: -- Jesus said he came to minister. Although he was on the way to Jerusalem he did take time to heal a blind man. Great crowds followed Jesus, so progress was slow. Even so, a blind man was in need; so Jesus stopped, gave hi sight -- and fulfilled His mission of service. 1. What was the name of the blind beggar? __________________________________ 2. Near what city was he sitting? __________________________________________ 3. What did the people say to the blind man when Jesus said, "Call Him?" ___________ ____________________________________________________________________ 4. Finish this sentence: "Go your faith _______________________________________ 5. What did the man do after he received his sight? _____________________________ JESUS + - 10:46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus AND his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Times), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 48 Many rebuked him AND told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 49 Jesus stopped AND said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet AND came to Jesus. 51 "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." 52 "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." IMMEDIATELY he received his sight AND followed Jesus along the road. B. The Triumphal Entry Read Mark 11:1-11: -- Jesus came not to be ministered unto but to minister -- his miracles indicate that. He also came to give his life a ransom for many. With Chapter 11, we enter upon the last phases of Jesus' earthly life. The crowd wanted a king. Jesus wanted a kingdom. Why could these two desires not be made one? The reason we that the purpose of the people differed from the purpose of Jesus. One day, Jesus allowed the crowd to worship him as King. His purpose was to teach them by his action that his kingdom was meek and lowly. By meek and lowly. He meant that his kingdom would not rest on the pompous, the proud, or depend on worldly power. It would be founded on the devotion of men's hearts. 1. How many disciples did Jesus send into the village? 2. What were they to bring to Jesus? 3. What did the people do when the procession started? 4. What slogan did they shout? 5. What time of the day was it when Jesus entered the temple? 11:1 As they approached Jerusalem AND came to Bethphage AND Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, AND just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it AND bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it AND will send it back here shortly.'" 4 They went AND found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, "What are you doing, untying that colt?" 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, AND the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus AND threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead AND those who followed shouted, "Hosanna! " "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" 10 "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest!" 11 Jesus entered Jerusalem AND went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. C. The Fig Tree Read Mark 11:12-19 The leaves of the fig tree accompany -- they do not precede -- the fruit. When Jesus approached the fig tree, he had a right to expect something. The fig tree was a sham. Jesus could not tolerate hypocrisy and so cursed the tree. The symbolic action of the fig tree is soon applied to people. The Jewish people had often been described with the symbol of the fig tree. Now Jesus makes it plain that He considers them to be like this useless tree. There is a fine show of religion, but no fruit of good character and good deeds. Jesus entered the temple. Here he found much activity but no worship. He thereupon cleanses the place. 1. When Jesus came from Bethany, how did he feel? ____________________________ 2. Why did he do to the fig tree? ___________________________________________ JESUS + - 3. What did he find on it? _________________________________________________ 4. What did Jesus do when he entered the temple? ______________________________ 5. What did he say to those in the temple? ____________________________________ 6. What did Jesus do when evening came? ____________________________________ 12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." AND his disciples heard him say it. 15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area AND began driving out those who were buying AND selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers AND the benches of those selling doves, 16 AND would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 AND as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: " 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations' ? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" 18 The chief priests AND the teachers of the law heard this AND began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. 19 When evening came, they went out of the city. rebuked him AND told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ______ -______ We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson or the entire study above. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Lesson 17 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK -- 1. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 11:20-12:17 MACRO MARK -- 2. A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Lesson Seventeen PRAYER: Turn my eyes away from worthless things: renew my life according to your word. (Psalm 119:37) A. Righteous Indignation and Forgiveness Read Mark 11:20--25 and answer: -- It takes faith to oppose evil and remove difficulty. Faith must sometimes be accompanies by righteous indignation so that action may result. Righteous indignation, in turn, must be accompanied with the willingness to forgive. 1. As the disciples and Jesus passed by in the morning, in what condition did they find the fig tree? _______________________________________________________________ 2. How does the fig tree now conform outwardly to what it is inwardly? ____________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What must one have in his/her heart if (s)he desires anything to come to pass? ______________________________________________________________________ 4. Supply the missing words: What ever you ask for in prayer, ____________________ ______________________________________________________________________ 5. Why should we forgive if we have anything against anyone? ____________________ ______________________________________________________________________ 11:20 In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21 Peter remembered AND said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!" 22 "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' AND does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, AND it will be yours. 25 AND when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." 26 B. The Baptism of John Read Mark 11:27-33 and answer: -- It is the duty of religious leaders to counsel their people in matters pertaining to religion. The religious leaders of Jesus' day should have passed judgment upon John the Baptist. It was their duty to advise the people whether his movement was good or bad. The scribes and Pharisees didn't do this. When they tried to ensnare Jesus, Jesus used their willful neglect of duty to ensnare them. 1. Who came to Jesus as he walked in the temple? ______________________________ 2. What did Jesus ask them regarding the baptism of John? _______________________ ______________________________________________________________________ 3. What did they finally answer? ______________________________________________ 4. What was the reply of Jesus to this? _______________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ 5. Jesus is now in Jerusalem. What claims is he making by his actions? JESUS + - What various reactions are there to these claims? JESUS + - 27 They arrived again in Jerusalem, AND while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law AND the elders came to him. 28 "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "AND who gave you authority to do this?" 29 Jesus replied, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, AND I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 30 John's baptism--was it from heaven, or from men? Tell me!" 31 They discussed it among themselves AND said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' 32 But if we say, 'From men' . . . ." (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.) 33 So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things." C. A Parable Read Mark 12:1-2 and answer: -- Rejection of the truth is a terrible thing. It leads into the darkness of sin. God in his great mercy, however, has never withheld his light. God sent the prophets. They were mistreated. Finally, God sent his own Son. Jesus was killed. The parable foretelling this death is told in the passage which follows. 1. What did a man plant? _________________________________________________ 2. To whom did he rent it out? ______________________________________________ 3. How many servants in all were sent to receive the fruits? ________________________ 4. Whom did the owner finally send? _________________________________________ 5. What did they do to him? ________________________________________________ 6. Against whom did Jesus speak this parable? __________________________________ 7. What was the reaction of the chief priests, scribes and elders to this parable? ________ JESUS + - 12:1 He then began to speak to them in parables: "A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress AND built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers AND went away on a journey. 2 At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 But they seized him, beat him AND sent him away empty-handed. 4 Then he sent another servant to them; they struck this man on the head AND treated him shamefully. 5 He sent still another, AND that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed. 6 "He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, 'They will respect my son.' 7 "But the tenants said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, AND the inheritance will be ours.'8 So they took him AND killed him, AND threw him out of the vineyard. 9 "What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come AND kill those tenants AND give the vineyard to others. 10 Haven't you read this scripture: "'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone ; 11 the Lord has done this, AND it is marvelous in our eyes'?" D. A Coin Read Mark 12:13-17 and answer: -- The parable Jesus spoke against the leaders of religion made them angry. Their anger proved the truth to the parable because they tried to catch Jesus. 1. Which two groups tried to catch Jesus in his talk? ____________________________ 2. What question did they ask? ____________________________________________ 3. What did Jesus ask them to bring to him? ___________________________________ 4. What answer did Jesus give? ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 5. What was their response to Jesus? ________________________________________ JESUS + - 12 Then they looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him AND went away. 13 Later they sent some of the Pharisees AND Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. 14 They came to him AND said, "Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay or shouldn't we?" But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. "Why are you trying to trap me?" he asked. "Bring me a denarius AND let me look at it." 16 They brought the coin, AND he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? AND whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied. 17 Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's AND to God what is God's." AND they were amazed at him. REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ______ -______ THE KINGDOM OF GOD A Study of the Gospel According to Mark THE STORY ACCORDING TO MARK In many ironies it is the chief character who does not know what the audience knows. In Mark’s gospel, the chief character, Jesus, knows who he is (1:10-11; 2:24 etc.). It is the characters who surround Jesus who do not recognize who he is. U U U In Mark 16:8 we read that “the women run from the tomb and from the young man’s proclamation, and ‘tell no one for they were afraid’”. A final, decisive negation has occurred. All through the gospel people were being told to tell no one. Now they are told to tell -- and what do they do? U U U Mark portrays Jesus closest friends and relatives as blind to what Jesus was doing. Twice Jesus calms the sea with little effort Twice Jesus feeds huge groups of people with little effort Do the disciples get it? Hardly! U U U Jesus is portrayed as one who teaches with authority (1:22) People come to question Jesus crowds, disciples, Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians Jesus is called Rabbi (teacher) four times Peter 9:5; 11:21 Bartimaeus 10:51 Judas 14:45 These incidents indicate Jesus Personal appeal His authority His ability to withstand opposition His extensive knowledge of the meaning of the gospel he was to proclaim. We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Lesson 18 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK -- 1. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 12:18-44 MACRO MARK -- 2. A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Lesson Eighteen PRAYER: Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. (Psalm 119:38) A. Life after Death Read Mark 12:18-27 and answer: -- What about life after death? Is there any such thing? If so, what kind of life is it? Jesus' answer to these questions is found in this section. 1. Who came to Jesus? __________________________________________________ 2. What did they believe about the resurrection? ________________________________ 3. After they had asked their question, Jesus said they erred. He said they did not know two things: a. ____________________________________________________________________ b. ____________________________________________________________________ 4. Name three Old Testament men whom God said that he was their God? a. ____________________ b. ____________________ c. ____________________ In other words, he who serves the true God is kept in life by Him. In another Gospel, Jesus said, "This is life eternal that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent." (John 17:3). How does this compare with your belief? 12:18 Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. 19 "Teacher," they said, "Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies AND leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow AND have children for his brother. 20 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married AND died without leaving any children. 21 The second one married the widow, but he also died, leaving no child. It was the same with the third. 22 In fact, none of the seven left any children. Last of all, the woman died too. 23 At the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?" 24 Jesus replied, "Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? 25 When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. 26 Now about the dead rising--have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, AND the God of Jacob'? 27 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!" B. The Greatest Commandment Read Mark 12:28-34 and answer: -- Jesus won the battle in the question about the resurrection. He also wins in the question regarding the greatest commandment of all. After this, no one dared to ask him anymore. 1. What is the first great commandment? ______________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 2. What is the second? ___________________________________________________ 3. Are there any commandments greater than these? _____________________________ 4. What did Jesus say to the scribe who answered discretely? ______________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 5. How does the scribe respond to Jesus' answer? _______________________________ JESUS + - 6. Why does their questioning of Jesus stop here? _________________________________ JESUS + - 28 One of the teachers of the law came AND heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" 29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart AND with all your soul AND with all your mind AND with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." 32 "Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one AND there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding AND with all your strength, AND to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings AND sacrifices." 34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." AND from then on no one dared ask him any more questions. C. The Scribes Read Mark 12:35-40 and answer: -- Religion is a dangerous thing when used for selfish ends. One must always test religion by the two great commandments. The scribes did not do this. 1. What six things did the scribes do and desire? a. ______________________ b. _____________________ c. _____________________ d. _____________________ e. _____________________ f. _____________________ 2. What did Jesus say they would receive? ______________________________________ 3. What relationship between David and the Christ does Jesus want to make clear? _____ ______________________________________________________________________ (NOTE: The people of Israel in Jesus' time held David in such high esteem because during his reign they had been free and victorious, and they expected that the Christ as Son of David would be a great political conqueror. Jesus does not deny that the Christ is the descended of David, but he shows here that the concept of the Christ which the scribes were teaching was much too low, that the Christ is not only David's son but David's Lord. Lord is the regular translation of YHWH (Jehovah) in the Greek version of the Hebrew Scriptures.) JESUS + - 35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, "How is it that the teachers of the law say that the Christ is the son of David? 36 David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: "'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet."' 37 David himself calls him 'Lord.' How then can he be his son?" The large crowd listened to him with delight. 38 As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes AND be greeted in the marketplaces, 39 AND have the most important seats in the synagogues AND the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows' houses AND for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely." D. True Giving Read Mark 12:41-44 and answer: -- True religion is not a matter of outward show. It is a manifestation of the heart. Neither is the value of a gift to be judged by the amount but by its cost to the giver. 1. Where did Jesus sit down? ______________________________________________ 2. How much did the rich throw in? __________________________________________ 3. How much did the poor widow give? _______________________________________ 4. Why did Jesus esteem her little of more value than the much of rich? _______________ _____________________________________________________________________ 41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put AND watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came AND put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on." REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ______ -______
THE KINGDOM OF GOD A Study of the Gospel According to Mark THE STORY ACCORDING TO MARK THROUGHTOUT THE GOSPEL Crowds, having heard of Jesus’ deeds, assemble with great regularity. Jesus is totally in command of his work and life. Jesus regularly withdraws from adulation and pressure to do miracles. Jesus calls to his disciples are followed immediately and without question. Jesus commissions the twelve to go out and preach/expel demons. THE GOSPEL IS FULL OF PARADOXES Jesus announces the Kingdom but opts for the cross. Jesus is the King of the Jews but is condemned by the Jewish establishment. Jesus asks for followers but speaks to them in riddles. Jesus is identified as the Nazarene but is rejected in Nazareth. Jesus makes public pronouncements but also hides behind a screen of secrecy. Jesus saves others but not himself. Jesus promises to return but has not returned. Jesus performs miracles but suffers a non-miraculous death. Jesus is a successful exorciser but dies overcome by demonic forces. Jesus is appointed by God in power but dies abandoned by God in powerlessness. Jesus dies but rises from death. Jesus beginning is nebulous and his future status is indefinite and at the moment of Messianic disclosure he still speaks enigmatically of himself in the third person (14:62 cf. 9:31; 10:33-34). We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Lesson 19 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK -- 1. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 13:1-37 MACRO MARK -- 2. A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Lesson Nineteen PRAYER: O God, teach me to watch and pray lest I enter into temptation, for Jesus' sake. Amen. Before Jesus left his disciples, he told them what to expect. The picture was not bright. There would be persecution and trouble. There would be the destruction of Jerusalem, their beloved city. There would be the temptation to turn away from the real Christ in favor of "a false Christ." The disciples were cautioned to endure. Jesus would return to the earth. (vss 24ff) He would come with great power and glory. When He came, he would gather those that were his to himself. Naturally, the disciples wanted to know when these things would happen. Jesus simply said, " vs.32 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." There are many things about this chapter that we do not understand. We shall know more after Christ returns and reveals them to us. There is one things that is very clear: Jesus will come again and those who believe must watch for his coming. A. The End of the Age Read Mark 13:1-37 and answer: -- 1. Who came to Jesus privately to ask him about what he had said? ________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 2. The false Christs mentioned in verse 22 are described in verse 6. a. What will they say? ___________________________________________________ b. What will they do? ____________________________________________________ 3. According to verse 10, what must first happen before the end comes? ____________________________________________________________________ 4. According to verse 13, who will ultimately be saved? __________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 5. When Christ comes again what will he do? (vs 27) ___________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 6. Who knows when these things will happen? (vs 32) ___________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 7. a. What does Jesus counsel in verse 5? ____________________________________ b. What does Jesus counsel in verse 9? ____________________________________ c. What does Jesus say his disciples should do in verse 18? _____________________ d. What does Jesus counsel in verse 23? ___________________________________ e. From what tree are the disciples to learn a parable? _________________________ f. What two things are the disciples to do in verse 33? _________________________ g. What must they do according to verse 35? ________________________________ h. What does Jesus say to all? ___________________________________________ 13:1 As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!" 2 "Do you see all these great buildings?" replied Jesus. "Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." 3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John AND Andrew asked him privately, 4 "Tell us, when will these things happen? AND what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?" 5 Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' AND will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars AND rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 Nation will rise against nation, AND kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, AND famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. 9 "You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils AND flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors AND kings as witnesses to them. 10 AND the gospel must first be preached to all nations. 11 Whenever you are arrested AND brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. 12 "Brother will betray brother to death, AND a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents AND have them put to death. 13 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 "When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation' standing where it does not belong--let the reader understand--then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let no one on the roof of his house go down or enter the house to take anything out. 16 Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. 17 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women AND nursing mothers! 18 Pray that this will not take place in winter, 19 because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now--AND never to be equaled again. 20 If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. 21 At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ !' or, 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it. 22 For false Christs AND false prophets will appear AND perform signs AND miracles to deceive the elect--if that were possible. 23 So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time. 24 "But in those days, following that distress, "'the sun will be darkened, AND the moon will not give its light; 25 the stars will fall from the sky, AND the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' 26 "At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power AND glory. 27 AND he will send his angels AND gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. 28 "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender AND its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. 30 I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 31 Heaven AND earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 32 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert ! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It's like a man going away: He leaves his house AND puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, AND tells the one at the door to keep watch. 35 "Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back--whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" THE KINGDOM OF GOD A Study of the Gospel According to Mark THE STORY ACCORDING TO MARK COMPARE THE FEEDING MIRACLES WITH: ELIJAH -- I Kings 17:8-16 MOSES -- Exodus 16:12b MOSES -- Numbers 11:31 MOSES -- Psalm 78:24-25 ELISHA -- 2 Kings 4:42-44 MOSES -- Nehemiah 9:15 COMPARE THE CALMINGS OF THE SEA (4:35-41) AND THE WALKING ON THE WATER (6:45-52) WITH: GOD’S RULE OVER THE SEA Psalm 89:9; 93:4; 69:1-2, 14-15; 104:6-7; Job 9:8 It seem impossible to believe that, with so much resonance of the Hebrew scriptures in the nature miracles, the words, “It is I” -- Jesus to his disciples as he walks on the water could have meant anything less than a reference to Jesus saying the word for God YHWH (I am). We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Lesson 20 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK -- 1. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 14:1-31 MACRO MARK -- 2. A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Lesson Twenty PRAYER: Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. (Psalm 119:133) The last three chapters of Mark tell of the death and resurrection of Jesus. In order to get the greatest blessing from these chapters, you would do well to read them through at one sitting. Then go over them again in order to find the answers for each lesson. A. The Plot Read Mark 14:1-9 and answer: -- The priests and scribes plot how they may put Jesus to death. A woman symbolically anointed Jesus for death. 1. Why were the priests and scribes afraid to kill Jesus during the feast? ____________ __________________________________________________________________ 2. What feast was it? __________________________________________________ 3. In whose home was Jesus in Bethany when the woman came?__________________ 4. What kind of ointment did the woman pour on Jesus' head? ____________________ 5. Finish this phrase: She did what she could. _________________________________ 6. Compare the attitudes toward Jesus held by the various people in this section. What attitude do those in verse 4 have toward Jesus and his worthiness? _________________
___________________________________________________________________ JESUS + - JESUS + - JESUS + - 7. What evaluation does Jesus make of the incident? ____________________________ 14:1 Now the Passover AND the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, AND the chief priests AND the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus AND kill him. 2 "But not during the Feast," they said, "or the people may riot." 3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar AND poured the perfume on his head. 4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year's wages AND the money given to the poor." AND they rebuked her harshly. 6 "Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, AND you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." B. The Passover Read Mark 14:10-21 and answer: -- Judas agreed to deliver Jesus to the priests. Jesus sent two disciples to prepare a room where he and his disciples might eat the Passover. This was the meal which commemorated Jewish independence. It was called "the Passover" because the angel of death passed over every home in Egypt which was sprinkled with blood. At the Passover, Jesus indicates that one of the disciples will betray him. 1. Who went away to the chief priests so that he might betray Jesus to them? __________ ____________________________________________________________________ JESUS + - 2. What did they promise to give him?________________________________________ 3. When the two disciples entered the city, whom were they to see and follow? _________ _____________________________________________________________________ 4. What does Jesus reveal to his disciples as they are eating? _______________________ 5. What is their reaction, and what does their question reveal? ______________________ JESUS + - 4. What sign did Jesus give indicating who it was that would betray him? _____________ ____________________________________________________________________ 10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. 11 They were delighted to hear this AND promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over. 12 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus' disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go AND make preparations for you to eat the Passover?" 13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, AND a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, 'The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 15 He will show you a large upper room, furnished AND ready. Make preparations for us there." 16 The disciples left, went into the city AND found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. 17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me--one who is eating with me." 19 They were saddened, AND one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?" 20 "It is one of the Twelve," he replied, "one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born." C. The Last Supper Read Mark 14:22-31 and answer: -- Jesus ate the Passover meal. He also institute the Lord's Supper. Jesus is our Passover. His blood cleanses us from sin and saves us. After eating, the disciples sang a hymn and went to the mount of Olives. Here Peter vows he will never forsake his Lord. 1. To what did Jesus compare the broken bread? _______________________________ 2. To what did he compare the cup? _________________________________________ 3. After what event did Jesus say, "I will go ahead of you into Galilee"? ______________ 4. Was Peter the only one who said he would not deny his Master? _________________ JESUS + - 22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks AND broke it, AND gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body." 23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks AND offered it to them, AND they all drank from it. 24 "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. 25 "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God." 26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 "You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: "'I will strike the shepherd, AND the sheep will be scattered.' 28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." 29 Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not." 30 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today--yes, tonight--before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times." 31 But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." AND all the others said the same. REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ______ -______
THE KINGDOM OF GOD A Study of the Gospel According to Mark THE WAY JESUS DID IT BY ENLISTING HELP MARK 1:17 “Follow me. . .” Mark 1:17 “I will make you fishers of men.” Mark 3:14 “He appointed twelve . . . that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. Mark 6:7 “. . . He sent them out, two by two and gave them authority. . .” Mark 8:34 “If anyone wants to come with me he must forget himself, carry his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his own life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” Mark 16:15 “Go to the whole world and preach the gospel to all mankind.” JESUS’ MISSION Mark 10:45 “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” JESUS’ STYLE “Immediately” is used 39 times in this gospel. We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Lesson 21 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Lesson Twenty One Mark 14:32-72 (NIV) Prayer: O Jesus, Son of the blessed, you sit at the right hand of God’s power may I be your disciple when you come with the clouds of heaven. Amen. A. The Garden: Mark 14:32-42 Jesus fortified Himself through prayer for his trials to come. His prayer revealed the basis of communion with God, namely, complete submission to God’s will. 1. What was the place to which Jesus and His disciples came? ______________ 2. Whom did he take with him into the garden? ___________________________ 3. What did he tell these men to do? ____________________________________ 4. Write out the prayer of Jesus in this space as found in verse 36: ____________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ 5. How many times did Jesus return to find the disciples sleeping? 32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch." 35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." 37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." 39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. 41 Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" B. The Betrayal: Mark 14:43-52 Judas and those that seek Jesus came to the garden. A fight took place. Jesus was taken. Then, they all left him and fled. 1. When Judas came with the multitude, what did they carry? __________________ 2. What was the sign by which Judas betrayed Jesus? __________________________ 3. Who was struck in the fight?___________________________________________ 4. What wound did he receive? ___________________________________________ 5. What happened to the young man who followed Jesus? ______________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48 "Am I leading a rebellion," said Jesus, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled." 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled. 51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind. C. The Trial: Mark 14:53-66 Jesus was led from the garden to the palace of the high priest. Here He was tried by the council in the middle of the night. The charge against Him was blasphemy. Jesus made Himself equal with God. When the High Priest asked Jesus "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" Jesus said, "I am," Jesus claimed that He was the chosen one of God. Do you believe Jesus’ claim? 1. Who followed Jesus afar off? ________________________________________ 2. With whom was he sitting warming himself in the light of the fire? ___________ 3. What was wrong with the witnesses brought against Jesus? __________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 4. When the council heard that they called blasphemy, what did they think? ____________________________________________________________________ 53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire. 55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. 57 Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58 "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this man-made temple and in three days will build another, not made by man.'" 59 Yet even then their testimony did not agree. 60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" 61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" 62 "I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." 63 The high priest tore his clothes. "Why do we need any more witnesses?" he asked. 64 "You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65 Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, "Prophesy!" And the guards took him and beat him. D. Peter swore he would Never Deny his Lord: But he did. Mark 14:66-72 1. Who came to Peter as he was warming himself? ___________________________ 2. How many times did Peter deny Jesus? __________________________________ 3. When Peter thought about the crowing of the rooster, what did he do? _____________________________________________________________________ Mark 14:66-72 (NIV)
We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Lesson 22 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK -- 1. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 14:66-15:20 MACRO MARK -- 2. A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Lesson Twenty Two PRAYER: You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. (Psalm 119: 114) A. Peter Swore He Would NEVER Deny His Lord: But He Did Read Mark 14:66-72 and answer: -- 1. Who came to Peter as he was warming himself? ______________________________ 2. How many times did Peter deny Jesus? _____________________________________ JESUS + - 3. When Peter thought about the crowing of the cock, what did he do? _______________ JESUS + - 66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. "You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said. 68 But he denied it. "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, AND went out into the entryway. 69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." 70 Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean." 71 He began to call down curses on himself, AND he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about." 72 IMMEDIATELY the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." AND he broke down AND wept. B. Jesus Before Pilate Read Mark 15:1-15 and answer: -- The priests charged Jesus with blasphemy. His blasphemy was that he made himself equal with God. Under the Jewish Law, this was punishable by death. The Jews had no power to inflict the death penalty. Accordingly, they appealed to Pilate, the Roman governor. The custom of the Romans was to release one notable prisoner during the feast. Pilate said, "let him be Jesus." The multitude cried, "Give us Barabbas." 1. What problem now faces the council? _______________________________________ 2. What do they decide to do? ______________________________________________ 3. What question did Pilate put to Jesus? _____________________________________ JESUS + - 4. What did Jesus answer? _________________________________________________ JESUS + - 5. What crime had Barabbas committed? ______________________________________ (NOTE: The name Barabbas means "a son of a father" in contrast to the name given to Jesus in this gospel, "the Son of the Father".) 6. Pilate asked, "What then shall I do with him whom you call the King of the Jews?" ______________________________________________________________________ JESUS + - 7. What did the people answer? ______________________________________________ JESUS + - 8. Restate the three questions from Pilate a. vs. 9 ________________________________________________________________ b. vs 12 _______________________________________________________________ c. vs 14 _______________________________________________________________ 9. What do they reveal about Pilate? ____________________________________________ 10.What do they reveal about the chief priests? __________________________________ 11. What do they reveal about the crowd? ______________________________________ 12. What choices are they making? ___________________________________________ JESUS + - (NOTE: Scourging in itself could be a death penalty, and few remained conscious through it.) 13. Who takes part in the mockery? __________________________________________ JESUS + - 15:1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law AND the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away AND handed him over to Pilate. 2 "Are you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate. "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. 3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of." 5 But Jesus still made no reply, AND Pilate was amazed. 6 Now it was the custom at the Feast to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7 A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8 The crowd came up AND asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did. 9 "Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate, 10 knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. 12 "What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?" Pilate asked them. 13 "Crucify him!" they shouted. 14 "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!" 15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, AND handed him over to be crucified. C. Jesus Carried the Cross Read Mark 15:16-20 and answer: -- After the Roman soldiers maltreated Jesus, they led him out to crucify him. Jesus was tired and weak. Another person was compelled to bear the cross. 1. With what did the soldiers clothe Jesus? _____________________________________ JESUS + - 2. What did they place upon his head? ________________________________________ JESUS + - 3. How did they salute him? ________________________________________________ JESUS + - 4. How are the words of Jesus in Mark 10:33, 34 fulfilled in verses 16- 20? ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ JESUS + - 16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) AND called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns AND set it on him. 18 AND they began to call out to him, "Hail, king of the Jews!" 19 Again AND again they struck him on the head with a staff AND spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 AND when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe AND put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ______ -______ THE KINGDOM OF GOD A Study of the Gospel According to Mark Form Upon first reading, the Gospel of Mark appears to be an arbitrary collection of stories about Jesus. After the Baptist fulfilled his role as the forerunner to the Messiah (in a very brief appearance), Jesus began His public ministry in Galilee by preaching the “gospel of God” and collecting a few disciples collecting a few disciples (1:14-20). With these necessary introductions completed, Mark presented the life of Jesus by following a simple geographical scheme: from Galilee to Judea. The popular Galilean ministry of Jesus is recorded in chapters 1-9. The brief Judean ministry (10:1-31) serves primarily as a prelude to the approaching passion of Jesus. Over one-third of Mark’s Gospel is devoted to describing the events of the last week in the life of Jesus (10:32-15:47). The story ends as abruptly as it began; Mark finished his Gospel account with the angelic announcement of the resurrection of Jesus the Nazarene (the earliest Greek manuscripts of the New Testament end Mark’s Gospel at 16:8). Mark’s chronology of Jesus leaves the reader with the impression that his only purpose in writing a Gospel was to preserve the oral tradition in written form. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent to the observant reader that Mark arranged the material in a more sophisticated fashion to convey truth on a higher level. The stories of the cleansing of the Temple and the cursing of the fig tree appear as isolated incidents in Matthew’s Gospel, connected by chronological sequence (Matt. 21:12-22). In the Gospel of Mark, on the other hand, these two stories are interwoven to aid the reader in interpreting the parabolic activity of Jesus. Along the way to Jerusalem Jesus indicated to His disciples that He was hungry and approached a fig tree to harvest its fruit. The tree was full of leaves, giving every indication of life; but it possessed no fruit. Mark recorded that Jesus “answered” the tree and announced, May “no man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever” (11:14). The disciples, who “heard him,” must have been puzzled by Jesus’ actions, for Mark recorded that “it was not the season for figs” (11:13, NIV). Without explanation, Jesus led His disciples into Jerusalem where he cleansed the Temple. From a distance the daily activity of the Temple gave every indication of spiritual life, but upon closer inspection Jesus found no spiritual fruit. Israel, the fig tree, was supposed to provide a “house of prayer for all the nations” (11:17, NIV). Instead, the religious leaders turned the devotion of worshipers into financial profit (11:15, 17). In essence, when Jesus “answered” the fig tree, he pronounced a curse on the Jewish religious leadership and demonstrated His divine displeasure by cleansing the Temple. In word and deed, Jesus prophesied that God would not longer use Israel as the vehicle of salvation for humanity. It should have come as no surprise, then, for Peter and the disciples, during their return trip, to find the cursed fig tree dead (11:21). By purifying the Temple, Jesus marked the death of Judaism, caused His own death (11:18), and gave birth to a religion for all people. The Gentile readers of Mark’s Gospel would have especially appreciated the significant arrangement of these two stories. Mark’s Gospel is not just a collection of stories about Jesus; his book tells the story of Jesus as a whole. Mark developed the unifying “plot” of the gospel story by unveiling the hidden identity of Jesus. The messianic secret is part of the mystery of the kingdom of God, understood only by insiders—“to them that are without all these things are done in parables” (4:11, 33-34). Throughout Mark’s Gospel, Jesus made every attempt to conceal His true identity. Jesus silenced demonic profession because they knew Him (1:34). He ordered those who witnessed miracles not to tell anyone what they saw, although silence was only a remote possibility (7:36). Even after the climactic profession of faith, when the disciples revealed that they had learned the secret (“Thou art the Christ”!), Jesus swore His followers to secrecy (8:29-30). Mark used the messianic secret to organize his story around the progressive revelation of Christ and the faith pilgrimage of His disciples. Even Gentiles demonstrated that they belonged to the community of faith when they understood Jesus’ parables and recognized Him as the Christ. The literary form of Mark’s Gospel is no accident. The arrangement of the gospel material gives every indication that a skilled literary craftsman has been at work. For example, Mark found irony in pairing the story of the disciples questioning the identity of Jesus after the stilling of the storm, “What manner of man is this?” (4:41) with the account of the demons who are quick to shout, “Jesus, thou son of the most high God” (5:7). When the disciples finally offered their superlative confession of faith at Caesarea Philippi (8:27-30), they failed to understand the full implications of Jesus’ messiahship (8:31-38). Mark depicted their partial spiritual vision by recording the unique miracle of Jesus healing the blind man in two stages (8:22-25). Although the disciples saw the messianic secret, their vision was not be focused until the resurrection. Beyond doubt, Mark’s portrait of Jesus is a “painting” which can be appreciated both up close (style) and fro. We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Lesson 23 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK -- 1. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 15:21-47 MACRO MARK -- 2. A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Lesson Twenty Three PRAYER: O God, you have given us this great High Priest to rule over your household. O God, how wonderful that we can go right in to you, with true hearts, fully trusting you to receive us, because we have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and because our bodies have been washed with pure water. Amen (Hebrews 10:19-22) A. Jesus is Crucified Read Mark 15: 21-32 Jesus refused the wine which could have deadened the pain. He bore the entire suffering consciously -- for us. 1. What does "Golgotha" mean? ____________________________________________ 2. What did the soldiers offer Jesus? _________________________________________ 3. What superscription was placed over the cross? ______________________________ JESUS + - 4. How did the chief priest with the scribes mock Jesus? JESUS + - (NOTE: Compare verse 24 with Psalm 22:18, and verses 29-32 with Psalm 22:6-8) 5. Why does Jesus not save himself as he is challenged to do? ______________________ (NOTE: Remember his words in 10:45 and 14:24) 6. What indicates the chief priests clearly understand the claim of Jesus that they are rejecting? ______________________________________________________________ JESUS + - 21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander AND Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, AND they forced him to carry the cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). 23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 AND they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. 25 It was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. 27 They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right AND one on his left. 28 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads AND saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple AND build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross AND save yourself!" 31 In the same way the chief priests AND the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! 32 Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see AND believe." Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. B. Jesus Dies Read Mark 15:33-41: -- Jesus died with a cry of agony. The sin of the world was upon Him. His death left an impression. The hardened centurian who stood by was led to confess, "Truly this ;man was the Son of God." Jesus came into Galilee preaching the gospel of God. (1:15) After seeing the signs of the kingdom, Peter confessed, "You are the Christ." (8:29) Now in the presence of Jesus' death, the Roman Soldier makes his confession. What about you? My reading Mark's gospel, have you been led to repent and believe the gospel? (That's the reason for the gospel's writting!) 1. What does "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" mean? _____________________________ JESUS + - 2. How are Jesus words misunderstood? _____________________________________ What does the speculation of the people at a time like this reveal about them? JESUS + - 3. What happened in the temple when Jesus died? _______________________________ JESUS + - (NOTE: This is a heavy curtain which sttod before the Holy of Holies, and throughthis curtain the high priest entered once a year to make atonement for the sins of the people. Now that separation between God and people is shreaded.) 4. Who among the women were watching from afar? ____________________________ (NOTE: But not the disciples.) 33 At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 AND at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah." 36 One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, AND offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said. 37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 AND when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry AND saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" 40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger AND of Joses, AND Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him AND cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there. C. Jesus is Buried Read Mark 15:42-47 and answer: -- Loving hands buried Jesus. They were the hands of a man with an aching heart. He who buried Jesus was like many others -- he "also was looking for the kingdom of God." Now his hope was gone. Jesus was dead. 1. Who went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus? __________________________ 2. What surprised Pilate? _________________________________________________ 3. What did he do to Jesus before he placed him in the tomb? ______________________ (NOTE: Since the Sabbath began at sundown on Friday and work was then forbidden, there was urgency in Joseph's work. Who observes his service?) 4. What did he place before the tomb? _______________________________________ 6. Who beheld where Jesus was laid? ________________________________________ 42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate AND asked for Jesus' body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, AND placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene AND Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid. REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ______ -______
THE KINGDOM OF GOD A Study of the Gospel According to Mark Style Mark has been called the “gospel of action.” One of his favorite words in telling the story of Jesus is “immediately.” Jesus is constantly on the move. In one day, according to Mark, Jesus instructed the multitudes by the sea, traveled across the sea of Galilee and calmed the storm, healed the Gerasene demoniac, crossed the sea again, healed the woman with a hemorrhage, and raised a little girl from the dead (4:1-6:1). Mark apparently had more interest in the work of Jesus than in the words of Jesus. Thus he omitted the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus taught as He moved from region to region, using the circumstances of His travel as valuable lessons for His disciples (8:14-21). Geographical references serve only to trace the expansive parameters of His ministry. According to Mark’s “motion” picture, Jesus moved quickly—as if He were a man whose days were numbered. Good storytellers captivate audiences by using everyday language which provokes strong imagery. Mark’s language is simple, direct, and common. His sometimes rough and unrefined Greek grammar facilitates his ability to communicate the gospel message by using familiar patterns of speech. When Mark told a story, he possessed a flair for the dramatic and an eye for detail. His description of events was replete with vivid images which evoke a variety of emotions in just one story (see 5:1-20; compare Matt. 8:28-34). In the graphic account of Jesus’ encounter with the demoniac boy, only Mark recorded the child’s convulsion which caused him to fall on the ground, and roll “around, foaming at the mouth” (9:20, 26 NIV). Furthermore, Mark preserved Jesus’ interrogation of the father as to the severity of the boy’s condition and the depth of his own faith (9:21-24). Finally, only Mark recorded the actual words of Jesus’ rebuke as well as the reaction of the crowd to the boy’s lifeless body: “He’s dead!” (9:25-26, NIV). Mark’s concern for detail, sometimes to the point of redundancy (see Mark 6:49-50 NIV, “when they saw Him ... because they all saw Him ... “He spoke to them and said”), demonstrates his reliance upon eyewitness testimony. Mark was careful to relate not only the words of Jesus, but also His gestures, attitudes, and emotions (3:5; 6:34; 7:34; 8:12; 11:16). In the same fashion, Mark recorded the reaction of the crowds, facial expressions of conversationalists, conclusions drawn by the disciples, and private remarks made by opponents (5:40; 10:22, 32, 41; 11:31; 14:40). Only an observant insider would relate stories with such pertinent information. Furthermore, the prominent role of Peter in the narrative (Peter remembered, 11:21; see also 1:36; 14:37; 16:7) confirms early Christian tradition that Mark relied upon the recollections of the apostle when he produced “the gospel of Jesus Christ” (1:1). We welcome feedback on your use of this lesson. You can do this by sending an email to Rev. Leon Aalberts. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Lesson 24 Previous Lesson Back to Beginning Welcome to this study session! What’s here? MICRO MARK -- 1. A “fill in the blank” study of Mark 16:1-8 MACRO MARK -- 2. A “big picture” look at Mark’s Gospel THE KINGDOM OF GOD Based on Mark's Life of Jesus (The New International Version, a recent translation of the Bible, was used to formulate the following questions. I acknowledge the late Dr. John Piet of Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and The Bible League of So. Holland, IL upon which much of this study is based and for permission to reproduce this study.) Lesson Twenty Four PRAYER: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psalm 119:105) A. Jesus is Alive Early in the morning, on the first day of the week, three women went to the tomb with spices so that they might anoint the body of Jesus. When they came, they found the tomb empty. Jesus is alive. He has risen. 1. Who are the three women who brought spices that they might anoint Jesus? a. ____________________ b. ____________________ c. ____________________ 2. When did they come to the tomb? ________________________________________ 3. How large was the stone that was placed before the tomb? ______________________ 4. What did the young man say to the women when they entered the tomb? ________ ________________________________________________________________________ JESUS + - 5. Why didn't they say anything to anyone about what they had heard and seen? _______________________________________________________________________ JESUS + - 16:1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, AND Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 AND they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?" 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, AND they were alarmed. 6 "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples AND Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'" 8 Trembling AND bewildered, the women went out AND fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THIS LESSON (add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ______ -______ And if you have saved all 23 other lessons, total them up and notice how Mark has given you a balanced view of this man, Jesus. REVIEW OF THE RESPONSE TO JESUS IN THE ENTIRE BOOK OF MARK (add the positive responses and the negative responses) JESUS + ______ -______ Math has been your job in these studies. You've kept track of the responses to Jesus. Now it's time for you to make that decision for yourself! Who is Jesus? ____________________________________
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