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Home Group Notes - Mark's Gospel

1.  Wed. 4th Jan - Mark 1:1-13

What do the opening verses of Mark’s Gospel tell us about his purpose in writing it?

Why did so many people come to listen to John the Baptist?

What can we learn from John about pointing people to Jesus?

What things can get in the way of us doing this effectively?

How did Jesus’ baptism prepare him for the temptations to follow?

Why did Jesus need to undergo such a severe examination before beginning his ministry?

How are the times of testing that we experience different from or similar to Jesus’ experience?

How can these verses (v12,13) help us when we are tempted?

Mark 1:14-39

What was the good news Jesus was preaching? What did he mean by the kingdom of God?

What prompted the fishermen to respond so immediately to Jesus’ call?

Do we need to give up our daily work to follow Jesus?

Why did Jesus tell the demons to be quiet about who he was? Is demon possession a reality today?

Jesus’ authority is clearly demonstrated (v21-34). What can we learn from Jesus about the proper use of authority?

Why was it important for Jesus to spend time in prayer (v35)?

How can we ensure that prayer does not get squeezed out of our day when we are really busy?

As with Nehemiah, the Crossway Bible Guide (£2 from the bookstall) should give you all the background for these studies, so I won’t duplicate it. Lots of questions, so take your pick! Next study – Mark 3.

How should we use our Sabbath day constructively?

Have Christians any right to tell other people what they can and cannot do on a Sunday?

How can Jesus’ response to criticism help us when we are criticized?

Jesus called the twelve disciples to be with him and to be sent out to preach. Do we get the balance right in our church and personal life between spending time with Jesus and getting out to share the message?

Jesus chose a variety of people to be in his inner circle. Do we find anything surprising about the list or omissions from it?

Why do you think Jesus did not choose women to be among the twelve?

In what way can Jesus use our natural characteristics in his service?

Notes

Much is often made (I heard it on the radio only yesterday) of the fact that the list of disciples in Luke is different to Mark. The account on p52 of the commentary is quite helpful here, if anyone asks about this. The Zealots were Jewish nationalists opposed to the Roman occupation of Palestine. The Twelve were chosen as ‘apostles’ – the word means ‘those who are sent out’.

3.  Wed. 1st Feb. - Mark 5:21-43

How does Jairus show his need for help?

Why does the woman approach Jesus in this way?

What are the contrasts and what are the similarities between these two miracles?

There are different kinds of faith. Is there a difference between the faith shown by Jairus and by the woman? Is one greater than the other?

Why does Jesus ask the woman to reveal herself?

What do these two stories tell us about the way God deals with individuals?

Why does Jesus ask Jairus’ family to keep quiet about the healing?

Should we expect to see healings like these today?

How can we help people to seek God’s healing today?

Think of some issues of debate in the church today. Are our views based on biblical truth or inherited tradition?

Why is it easier to be concerned with external rules rather than our internal relationship with God?

Are some rules helpful? Do human beings need rules to live by?

This woman is often seen as an example of persistence in prayer. What can we learn from her?

Why does Jesus speak to her in the way he does?

How does God test our faith?

How is this healing different from others we have looked at in Mark?

How as a church can we make sure we treat everyone as an individual?

Is there a particular incident or story which has been given new light by our studies in Mark so far this year or has spoken especially to you?