Good evening.  Tonight we are going to continue to work our way through the book of Mark.  Tonight we are going to pick up where we left off last week and we are going to take a look at Mark chapters 3 and 4.  But before we do that, allow me to begin our time with a word of prayer.

Let’s Pray!

As we get started with chapter 3, what has been the biggest crowd that you have ever been in?

Well, in this next section, we see that Jesus is faced with many large crowds during His ministry.  So, whoever has the first key, go ahead and read that for us please.  (READ 3:7-19)

Why did Jesus attract large crowds?

What qualities do you think these men possessed that caused Jesus to select them?

Now, before we move on, does anyone have anything that they would like to add from that small section?

Well, if there is nothing else, we will move on and finish this chapter up.  In this next passage of scripture, we see Jesus having to deal with a difficult family situation.  Through His example, Jesus helps us lean how to handle the frustrations of life.

As we look at this passage, what is something that you have done that has caused your family to wonder if you were a little crazy?

Well, whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that please.  (READ 3:20-35)

Why did Jesus’ family think that He was out of His mind?

If you were Jesus, what would be the hardest for you to handle: people’s constant demands, your family thinking you were crazy, the religious leaders thinking that you were demon-possessed, or some other aspect?

What did the crowd expect in verses 31-32?

What did Jesus say was the basis for a family relationship with Him?

In referring to the crowd, why did Jesus say, “…here are my mother and my brothers….”

Which relationships do you need to work on the most: with Christ, with physical family, or with spiritual family?

At this time allow me to go ahead and read for you what the commentary has to say about chapter 3 of the book of Mark.  It says, (READ COMMENTARY)

Now, before we move on, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?

Well, if there is nothing else, we will move on and take a look at chapter 4 at this time.    As we start chapter 4, we see one of the parables that we looked at when we read the book of Matthew.  So, we won’t spend too much time on this one.  In fact, let’s go ahead and read what it has to say.  Whoever has the next key, go ahead.  (READ 4:1-20)

Why does Jesus say what He says at the end of verse 12?

According to Jesus, why does the word of God never take root in some people?

What causes the plants in the second kind of soil to wither?

What things in today’s world choke out the growth of the seed like in the third soil?

What does good soil look like?

Before we move on, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?

Well, if that is all, we will move on and take a look at our next section.  As we do that, what is the purpose of a lamp?

Well, in this next section, it talks about a lamp and a couple more parables.  Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us please.  (READ 4:21-34)

In what ways do you boldly let YOUR light shine?

What is the idea behind the parable of the growing seed?

What does the parable of the mustard seed teach about God’s Kingdom?

Does anyone have anything else that they would like to add?

Well, if there is nothing else, we will go ahead and finish this chapter.  In fact, let’s just go ahead and read that now.  Whoever has the last key, go ahead.  (READ 4:35-41)

How did the disciple’s fear during the storm differ from their fear after the storm?

What brings on most of the storms in your life?

What do you usually do when storms come up in your life?

Think about the worst personal storm that you have faced.  How did God help you?

And finally, “Quiet!  Be still!”  If Jesus were to say those words to you today, what would they mean?

At this time, allow me to wrap this chapter up by reading for you what the commentary has to say about it.  It says, (READ COMMENTARY)

Now, before we close this evening, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?

Well, if that is all, for next time, we are going to take a look at Mark chapters 5, 6, and maybe chapter 7 if we have time.

Announcements/Prayer Concerns

Let’s Pray!