Opening Question Would you rather live with no controversies or with them? Introduction Dr. Shepherd notes how this section adds controversies at the close of Jesus’ ministry that parallel the beginning of his ministry. The “sandwich story” concept in Mark extends even to the macro-level of the narrative structure. Some have wondered if Mark knew t…

Opening Question If you could request any gift from God, what might it be? Introduction As this lesson completes chapter 10, we also complete the three major chapters on discipleship in Mark. We learn more about Jesus’ death, and also Jesus’ approach to lordly authority and power among disciples. As a church, we have much to learn about this truth …

Opening Question What makes someone a good student? Introduction Many commentators will divide Mark into two sections: the first half ends at 8:30 or perhaps 8:38, and the 2nd half ends at 16:8 (or 20). The first half answers the question, “who is Jesus”? This half shows the path to identity ending at Caesarea Philippi where Peter announces the ide…

Opening Question Does Jesus care what we eat? Introduction One of the more challenging passages in Mark’s gospel is chapter 7’s discussion about unclean hands and foods. But perhaps we ask the wrong questions when we read it. This Mark 7:1-23 Read through this passage, maybe a couple times. As you do, ask yourself what is the main issue raised and …

Opening Question Who is more in need of immediate care: a person with a cold, or someone suffering a heart stroke? Introduction Several “boat scenes” in Mark’s gospel reveal misunderstandings of the disciples and give Jesus ample opportunity to teach and rebuke. The first is found at the end of Mark 4. Chapter 5 continues the exorcism stories, and …

Opening Question Why do people enjoy riddles? Introduction This week’s study examines the Parables in Mark 4. In many ways, this chapter is parallel to Matthew 13. Jesus was not unlike the Rabbis of His day in using parables. But for Jesus, the parable was the vehicle to communicate the reality and characteristics of the Kingdom, not just reinforce…

Opening Question Have you ever been involved in something contentious or scandalous? Introduction This week’s lesson covers the next stories in Mark chapters 2 and 3. The stories are again punctuated with the word “immediately” which drives the stories forward. Jesus heals, but more than that, He also forgives sin. If this wasn’t enough to raise co…

Opening Question What is the most spontaneous thing you can remember doing? Introduction Our lesson this week takes on Mark 1:16-45. These verses cover a range of topics including the call of the first disciples, and the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. He preaches, prays, heals, casts out demons (a highlighted and oft-repeated miracle in Mark’…

Opening Question: What do people mean when they say, “it’s the Gospel truth”? Introduction We begin our study this quarter of the Biblical “gospel” according to Mark, and the first couple days focus on John Mark as a historical character in the Christian scriptures. Modern historical critical scholars believe they have discounted John Mark as autho…

Texts for the Week: Rev. 22:11, 12; Jer. 30:5-7; Ps. 91:1-11; Jer. 25:33; Rev. 21:2; Rev. 20:11-15. Opening Question: “What visions of joy and grandeur come to you mind when you think about the day that evil and its residues are destroyed never to appear again?” We come now to the final lesson for this quarter, a lesson that has to do with the very…

Texts for the Week: John 8:32; Ezek. 20:12, 20; Rev. 7:1, 2; Rev. 14:1; Joel 2:21–24; Hos. 6:3; James 5:7, 8; Rev. 18:1–4. Opening Question: “Should we think of time as a circular thing, or a linear thing? Are we going round and round in history, or moving from a beginning to a point of destiny?” The lesson this week looks at what might be called t…

Verses for This Week: Rev. 14:7, 9, 12; Rev. 4:11; Rev. 13:1, 2; Rev. 12:3–5, 17; Rev. 13:11–18. Opening Question: “What can be said about the possibility of a final conflict taking place between the forces of good and evil?” The title of this week’s lesson gives forth an indication of what the subject matter is going to be, the discussion of the g…

Texts for this Week: Matt. 10:28; Eccles. 9:5; Isa. 8:19, 20; John 11:11–14, 21–25; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17; Rev. 16:13, 14; Matt. 24:23–27; 2 Thess. 2:9–12. Opening Question: “What is the condition of a human after they die and why is that question of importance? The lesson this week covers some interesting ideological territory that has created a great…