The Gospel of Mark (Page 3)
Mark: Lesson 21
Lesson text: Mark 9:14-29 Jesus and his “inner circle” of Peter, James, and John come down from the mountain to a major uproar. The other disciples are in an argument with some Jewish scribes. The dispute seems to be centered around a demon-possessed boy. The nine who didn’t go up the mountain cannot exorcise the demon. The boy’s father is beside himself. In the midst of this turmoil stands Jesus. What he does and says next are lessons on the…
Mark: Lesson 22
Lesson text: Mark 9:30-50 Jesus predicts His impending death on the cross to the disciples for a second time. On this occasion, He adds that He will be betrayed, or given over, into the hands of men. In the aftermath of this prophecy, Jesus takes the disciples aside for an extending teaching time. This begins with His response to their debate over who is the greatest. He then explains that any who serve in His name are part of His…
Mark: Lesson 23
Lesson text: Mark 10:1-16 As Jesus and his disciples head for Jerusalem, He is challenged by the Pharisees. This time, they confront Him regarding His position on divorce. Jesus presents God’s ideal for marriage, which precludes divorce. Later the disciples ask Jesus to explain this further. He tells them that divorcing a spouse and remarrying is an act of adultery. At this point people begin to bring their children to Jesus for His blessing. The disciples attempt to turn the…
Mark: Lesson 24
Lesson text: Mark 10:17-34 The man who has come to be known as the rich young ruler comes to Jesus. He wants to know what he must do to ensure himself eternal life. After a short conversation about keeping the law, Jesus tells him he needs to give away his wealth and follow Him. The young man leaves dejected. This leads to a conversation between Jesus and the disciples on who can make it into God’s heaven. The reality is…
Mark: Lesson 25
Lesson text: Mark 10:35-52 James and John ask Jesus to allow them to sit at His right and left hand in glory. While this angers the other disciples, Jesus sees a teaching opportunity. He explains that greatness in God’s kingdom is based on service, not authority. Jesus Himself had come to earth to serve, not to be served by others. The pinnacle of His service would be His death on the cross. Soon after this, the group passes through Jericho…
Mark: Lesson 26
Lesson text: Mark 11:1-14 Chapter 11 begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on what has become known as Palm Sunday. Jesus deliberately rides into the city on the colt of a donkey. This action fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. Yet the disciples and most of the people watching Him miss the significance of Jesus’ actions. Once in the city, Jesus peruses the temple complex before heading out to Bethany. The next day He curses a fig tree when…
Mark: Lesson 27
Lesson text: Mark 11:15-33 On the day after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus enters the temple complex. He is appalled to see the Court of the Gentiles being used for the selling of animals and for currency exchange. He drives out the vendors because of their misuse of this area intended for worship. This event angers the scribes and chief priests, who now want Jesus dead. The next day, Peter notices that the fig tree cursed by Jesus is…
Mark: Lesson 28
Lesson text: Mark 12:1-17 Continuing His exchange with the Jewish leaders from chapter 11, Jesus recounts a parable about a vineyard. The owner has entrusted the vineyard to tenants who abuse, injure, and even kill the owner’s servants who are sent to collect the rent. When he sends his son, they decide to kill him so they can take possession of the vineyard. Jesus has harsh words for these tenants, which angers the Jewish leaders. The next day they attempt…
Mark: Lesson 29
Lesson text: Mark 12:18-34 Jesus’ crucifixion week encounters continue with the Sadducees approaching Him. These Jewish leaders did not believe in the resurrection or angels, and were skeptical about anything supernatural. The Sadducees, wanting to embarrass Jesus, ask Him about how death and remarriage work in the resurrection. Jesus responds by telling them they are sorely mistaken about Scripture. A scribe, impressed by Jesus’ response to the Sadducees, poses a sincere question to Jesus about the greatest commandment. Jesus takes…
Mark: Lesson 30
Lesson text: Mark 12:35-44; Mark 13:1-2 As Jesus completes His public ministry, a few matters remain. Sitting in the temple, He asks how the Messiah can be David’s Son and his Lord? This is another challenge to the Jewish leaders’ understanding of Scripture. He then warns the people of the hypocrisy and self-serving nature of the scribes. Just before leaving the temple, Jesus notices a widow giving all she has as an offering. Her generosity is a stark contrast to…