Good evening. Tonight we are going to begin taking a look at the book of Mark. As we do that, tonight I want us to begin by looking at an introduction to the book of Mark, and then we will go ahead and take a look at the first couple of chapters together. Before we do that though, allow me to open with a word of prayer.
Let’s Pray!
As we get started, can anyone tell me who wrote the book of Mark?
Okay, whoever has a copy of the Quest Bible, would you go ahead and read what it says next to the Who Wrote This Book. (SOMEONE READ THE QUEST)
And this is what another passage has to say about the author. It says that the author is not named in the text. However, an early tradition ascribes this Gospel to Mark, the son of Mary (Acts 12:12) and the companion of both Paul and Peter.
Well, before we move on, allow me to share a little more info about this book. Mark was written somewhere between A.D. 50-70; and probably in the mid 60’s. The book’s non-Jewish flavor suggests it may have been written to believers in Rome. It is kind of a fast pace book of the Bible touching on each high point of Jesus’ life.
At this time, allow me to go ahead and read what the commentary has to say as an introduction to the book of Mark. It says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we move on and take a look at the first chapter, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, we will go ahead and begin our study of the book of Mark by taking a look at chapter 1. As we begin, when the mail comes, what do you open and read first?
Well, in this first section, we are reading about a message that John the Baptist is eager to share with everyone. It is the most important message ever shared. Whoever has the first key, go ahead and read that please. (READ 1:1-13)
Why is John’s ministry so popular? (4-5)
Why is John the Baptist so important to Jesus’ story?
How well do you think he fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy?
What purpose do you see in Jesus’ baptism and His temptation?
How would these events prepare Him for His public ministry?
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, who prepared you for Jesus?
What would you like to hear God say to you?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?
Well, if there is nothing else, we will move on and take a look at the next section. As we star this chapter, think about the best teacher that you ever had. What made that person a good teacher?
Alright, whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us please. (READ 1:14-28)
What is the “good news” that it speaks of in verse 15?
What goes through your mind when you read Bible passages about evil spirits?
In what 2 ways in this story did Jesus’ authority amaze the people?
What is most striking to you about Jesus’ encounter with the evil spirits?
Why do you think Jesus healed people?
Is there anything else before we move on?
Well, if that is all, let’s get ready to take a look at the next section. As we do, are you more of a morning person or an evening person?
Well, in this next passage, we see Jesus getting up early in the morning. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us please. (READ 1:29-39)
Are you feeling too busy? In this passage, Jesus shows us by His example how important it is to take time to be alone with God and pray, even when our attention is being pulled in many directions.
What do you think the crowds were looking for in Jesus?
What have you found helpful in managing the stress in your life?
According to verses 28-29, how did Jesus view His mission?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?
Well, if that is all, we will go ahead and finish chapter 1. And I will go ahead and read that passage for us. (READ 1:40-45)
Why is or would the leper unsure of Jesus’ desire to help him? (Leviticus 13)
What is significant to Jesus touching this man before He healed him?
At this time, allow me to share with you what the commentary had to say about chapter 1. 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 go ahead and work our way though chapter 2 tonight as well. Before we do that though, when was the last time that you had to go to the Hospital or Emergency Room?
Well, in this first section of chapter 2, we see a man trying to get some emergency help. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that please. (READ 2:1-12)
If you had been one of this guy’s friends and had seen the crowd, what would you have done?
How would you feel if you were the paralytic in this story?
What characteristic do you value most in these friends, and in your friends as well?
Why did Jesus forgive this man’s sins when he was wanting to be healed?
What upset the teachers of the law?
In what ways is sin like being paralyzed?
Before we move on, is there anything else that you would like to discuss?
If there is nothing else, we will move on. And we will go ahead and jump right into our next section. Whoever has the next key, go ahead. (READ 2:13-22)
Why did Jesus pick the disciples that He did?
What does that tell you about what you can accomplish for God?
What is the longest that you have gone without eating?
Why was Jesus questioned about fasting?
Is there anything else from that section that you would like to discuss?
If there is nothing else, we will go ahead and finish this chapter. Before that though, what is your favorite thing to do on Sunday?
Alright, whoever has the last key, go ahead and read that please. (READ 2:23-3:6)
What reasoning did Jesus use to address the Pharisees’ accusations?
Why did Jesus heal the man on the Sabbath?
What mad the people so upset with Jesus?
Why did they want to kill Jesus?
How have you seen religious rules and instructions hurt people? What causes that?
At this time, allow me to go ahead and read the commentary for chapter 2. 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 week, we will take a look at Mark chapters 3-4, and maybe even chapter 5.
Announcements/Prayer Concerns
Let’s Pray!
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