Want to learn more about Jesus Through the Eyes of Mark? Use these Bible Studies for personal devotion, group Bible studies, or teaching a church class. Below are links to the lessons in this 13-part series.
Papias, an early Christian writer, provides a very
interesting insight into the Gospel of Mark. Relying on a very early
source, Papias tells us that Mark was a close associate of Peter.
This is supported by 1 Peter 5:13 where we find Peter referring to
Mark as “my son Mark.” Church tradition refers to Mark as “Peter’s
interpreter.” (The Bible Exposition Commentary) Thus it appears that
Peter preached about his work with Jesus and Mark wrote it down and
arranged it. (NIV Study Bible, Introduction to Mark) The book of Mark
is filled with action – small wonder if he took his source material
from Peter. Let’s jump into the action by beginning our study of
Mark!
The New Bible Commentary reminds us that once a king
“had been anointed, proclaimed and given God’s Spirit for the task,
he had to go out and prove his calling.” (Commentary on Mark 1:21.)
Last week, Mark paraded a series of witnesses to prove that Jesus was
the Son of God. He showed us Jesus’ baptism and His endorsement by
God the Father and the Holy Spirit. This week Mark proceeds to show
us how Jesus now proves His calling. Let’s jump right into the middle
of the action!
Recently, I was skimming over an article that argued
that Jesus’ treatment of the Sabbath teaches us that we should no
longer observe it. Is this true? What was Jesus trying to teach us in
His treatment of the Sabbath? Let’s dive into God’s word and see if
we can understand Jesus’ lesson for us!
Do you like to be among the elite group of insiders?
At work, are you one of those who knows what is really going on with
the company? Do you want to know all of the secrets? This week Mark
teaches us that becoming a follower of Jesus is like joining an
elite, secret society. Jesus has “insider” messages only for us. We
understand secrets the world does not. How is this possible? Let’s
dive into the Bible and find out!
Success breeds detractors, right? Ladies, if you see a
beautiful woman do you look for the flaws? Men, if you see a rich
successful man, do you look for reasons why that could not be you?
(If you feel better reversing the gender in these questions, go
ahead.) Years ago, we bought a beautiful, new Ford Thunderbird. When my
wife drove it to school, her co-worker was excited to tell her that
one of the headlight covers was cracked. When a visitor drove a new
and rare Dodge Viper to church, I recall fixing my mind on some design
flaw. How long has this been human nature? Since, at least, the time
of Jesus? Let’s dive in a read what His neighbors said about Him!
What keeps a person from having faith in Jesus? The
insults of church members? The failure of prayer to obtain the
requested results? Spiritual blindness? This week we study a series
of stories surrounding Jesus’ miracles. In these stories we learn
lessons about the importance of faith. Let’s dive into our study!
This week, our text in Mark teaches us several lessons.
We are going to try to unravel three of those. These are lessons on
prayer, divorce and money. You might want to hold your hands over
your eyes! For the brave, let’s dive in!
Think about the times when you were coming up to the
deadline for an unpleasant or very difficult task. How did you react
during those last few “crunch days?” For some people, the pressure
helps them to focus. For others, the pressure interferes with their
focus. Jesus is coming down to the last week of His life here on
earth. This week we look at stories which reveal His focus. Let’s
dive in!
Last week we studied how Jesus entered Jerusalem as the
Messiah and King. This week we see the Jewish leadership striking
back, not with brute force, but with questions designed to get Jesus
in trouble with the Roman authorities or with the people. How will
Jesus react? Our study this week shows that Jesus is still working
for the salvation of those who have declared war on Him. Let’s dive
in and learn more!
If I could tell your future, would you want to hear it?
Would you prefer to know the general outline instead of specifics?
This week our study is one of the most interesting and perplexing in
the Bible. Jesus tells His disciples about the future. There is
little doubt that they did not correctly understand it at the time.
I’m not so sure we can get it right today, but let’s jump into our
study and see what we can learn!
When we left Jesus and the disciples last week, Jesus
was preparing them for His death (Mark 12:1-11) and for a time of
arrest and trials (Mark 13:9-11). The beginning of trouble for them
is now at hand. Let’s plunge into our study and learn more about the
last few hours of Jesus’ life here on earth.
Our study this week brings us to the heart of the
gospel. Jesus gave up His life so that you might live. Let’s dive
into our study!
From the very beginning of this series of lessons Mark
lays out the evidence for Jesus being the Messiah. This week we
arrive at the last lesson in our study of Mark and the glorious
conclusion to Mark’s proof. This week we witness the resurrection of
our Lord! Or, do we? Does Mark leave us with faith or proof? Let’s
jump right into our study!
