THE CROSSING BIBLE GUIDE:

MARK
 DAY 1: WHAT’S THIS BOOK ALL
ABOUT?

READ: We have all seen superhero trailers in which span- we have ever known. God’s rule serves, it heals, it transforms.
dex-clad men and women with near-perfect physique take on The world is about to change, but not in the way you expect.
monstrous villains who threaten life as we know it. The world is
awry in these stories. It is out of joint and in need of rescue. Cit- The hero of this story is a poor carpenter from a backwater
ies will fall in the conflict. Some heroes may die. The bombastic town. He is an enigmatic figure who elicits extreme responses
explosions, climactic battles, and percussive soundtrack send from everyone he touches. He attracts sinners, confuses his
one clear message: all is not right, but that’s about to change. followers, and repels the most religious– even though he is
actually their God incarnate. The story appears to end with him
For those with eyes to see and ears to hear, Mark’s Gospel is dying unjustly, obedient to God as a ransom for all wrong-do-
no different… and yet, it’s paradoxically entirely different. The ers. But this is not the end. God vindicates his son. He rises
story begins with the heavens ripping open, but a dove descends again, and we get the sense that God’s Kingdom is on the move.
rather than an army. A cosmic battle takes place, but it’s over Mark leaves his audience with a cliff-hanger that begs the
before the first chapter closes. A new kingdom is marching in. question: what about you? Will you turn from your sin? Receive
But no one has eyes to see it. The world, oppressed by sickness, his forgiveness? Die to yourself? Pick up your cross? Find your
evil, and disorder, does not herald its liberator. It murders him. place in his Kingdom?
Bad people often turn out to be the good guys in this story. The
good guys? You get the picture. All of this is just a trailer for the real show. God wants to
confront you with your unexpected rescuer, Jesus of Nazareth,
Mark is designed to make you think deeply about life and death, and the good news that through Jesus, God’s own Kingdom is
good and evil, triumph and failure. Above all, it confronts you returning to set his broken world back into joint. How will you
with the paradoxical reality of God’s rule: it is real, it is pow- respond?
erful, it conquers all. And yet, it is an upside-down image of
every kingdom, every government, and every form of authority SIDEBAR

WHO WAS MARK?

Mark was a relative of Peter, and he may have followed Jesus. He went on a missionary journey with Paul, and later worked closely with Peter in Rome.
He memorized Jesus’s life and teachings from Peter (who memorized them from Jesus), later ordering them into a single account—the Gospel we have
in our New Testaments.

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WEEK 1
 QUESTIONS

What do you hope to learn or gain as a result of this reading plan?

What goals do you have for this reading plan?

Write out specific, practical steps you will need to take to finish this reading plan. This might sound silly, but psychological studies
show that doing this will dramatically increase your odds of following through—the more specific the better. (i.e. I will set my alarm
for 6:00 a.m. When it goes off, I will sit up, leave my phone behind, walk into my kitchen, pour my coffee, sit down, and set the oven
timer for 20 minutes. I will open my book and read/answer questions until that timer goes off).

PRAY: Ask God to use this ancient, true story to change you from the inside out:

Heavenly father, I pray that you would prepare my heart to receive your word. I pray that you
would give me ears to hear what you’re really saying, eyes to see the things in my life that really
need confronting, and a soft heart that’s willing to reconsider whatever you show me. Help me
to know Jesus by reading this Gospel. Help me to draw near to Jesus as I read this Gospel. Above
all, help me to begin to see my life in light of the reality that you are setting the world back into
joint right now. You began that work by sending Jesus, you continue that work through his peo-
ple, and you will complete that work when you send Jesus once more.

Father, prepare me. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

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 DAY 2: WHO IS THIS JESUS GUY?

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

READ MARK 1:1-15

1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will
Son of God, 2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

“I will send my messenger ahead of you, 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was
who will prepare your way”— baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up
3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit
‘Prepare the way for the Lord, descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heav-
make straight paths for him.’” en: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and
a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He
Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the
Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a 14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, pro-
leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. claiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he
7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more said. “The Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe
powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy the good news!”
SIDEBAR

JESUS, THE ANTI-EMPEROR

It’s easy for modern readers to fly through verse 1 as a list of obvious statements we have heard before, but no ancient reader would do so. Why? Because
the words were dangerous and subversive. Ancient inscriptions and texts show that Roman Emperors called themselves “son of god” and “savior” of
Rome. Their associates proclaimed the “good news” that the Emperor had brought peace to the world. These emperors brokered no rivals, and violently
put down any threats. To worship a different Lord than the Emperor was treason. Mark’s introduction is shocking. There is another king in town, a true
son of God, a true savior, who will bring true peace and restoration to the world.

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WEEK 1
 OBSERVE

Mark wants to make us curious about Jesus and about what he’s up to in this introduction to his Gospel. What questions does this
opening passage make you ask about Jesus?

List six things that Jesus does, says, or experiences in this opening passage.

INTERPRET
Every Gospel begins in a different way. For instance, Luke starts with the birth of John the Baptist. Mark, however, hops straight into
the action, presenting Jesus as a long-awaited king who announces and enacts the return of God’s rule on earth. Of course, this means
that Jesus is also challenging every other king on earth.

What kind of person do you think this introduction would make most hopeful?

APPLY
There is a little throne in every human heart. Like all thrones, only one person can sit on it. If we’re honest, we like to sit on that throne.
And we don’t like it when others challenge our authority.

List specific areas of your life you find most difficult to give up control over:

PRAY: Ask God to help you relinquish control of those specific areas of your life to King Jesus.
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 DAY 3: SHOWING THE KINGDOM

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: Yesterday we read Jesus’s central message, “The Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good
news!” But what exactly is “the Kingdom of God” and why is its arrival “good news” for anyone? Rather than giving us a plain definition,
Mark shows us. For the next four days of reading, we will follow Jesus as he enacts God’s rule wherever he goes. By the end, we’ll have a
clear idea of what “The Kingdom of God” is.

READ MARK 1:16-34

16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and 25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The
his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with
fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send a shriek.
you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and
followed him. 27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other,
“What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even
19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News
Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee
in the boat with the hired men and followed him. 29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and
John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-
21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus
went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her
amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.
authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in
their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried 32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the
out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the
you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He
God!” also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons
speak because they knew who he was.

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WEEK 1
 WHAT ARE DEMONS?
SIDEBAR For many, it is difficult to believe in a non-material, spiritual realm. We are even more skeptical of the idea that malevolent, dark powers lurk behind
everyday realities. We wonder if these accounts reflect an uninformed, unscientific misunderstanding of scientifically explainable phenomena. However,
people in the Gospel of Mark do not see demons hiding under every bush. As this passage shows, they thought some things were “natural ills,” while
others were beyond the pale of the material universe. More to the point, Jesus’s confrontation with demons in Mark highlights the universal extent of
his authority. It shows that behind human evil—be it an individual’s selfish heart or an empire’s violent tyranny—is a sinister, God-defying, creation-de-
stroying power. That power wants to break God’s world, to destroy human lives, and to bring disorder to God’s universe. In Mark, we see Jesus turning
the cosmic tide against evil and restoring God’s rule where the demonic once reigned.

OBSERVE
In the boxes below, summarize what Jesus does in each set of verses. Each one is a small picture of what it looks like when God’s
kingdom is established on earth.

16-20 21-28 29-31

32-34 (MARK’S SUMMARY STATEMENT)

INTERPRET
Based on your observations, what is the Kingdom of God fighting against?

APPLY
When Jesus calls his disciples to “fish for people,” he is inviting them to take part in his mission to enact the Kingdom of God. Using
your analysis, think through ways you can participate in God’s mission in your life. (e.g. How can you bring healing in the world? Push
back wrongdoing?)

PRAY: Confess any ways that you are resisting God’s Kingdom. Ask for his Spirit to give you
the grace and strength you need to enact his Kingdom in your life.
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 WEEK 1 DISCUSSION GUIDE
PRAY: “Heavenly father, it is good to live in unity with friends. Use this time to refresh us, to
challenge us to pursue your mission, and to deepen our love for you.” (Based on Psalm 133)

Share about your own experiences reading the Bible. Have you read the Bible on your own consistently in the
past? If so, what has helped you stay consistent? If not, what has made consistency most challenging?

What makes you feel like reading the Bible is “worth it”? Why do you feel like it’s a good use of time?

What’s your plan for using this guide consistently? Share specifics. When will you do it? On what days? How will
it fit into your routine?

This week, Mark introduced us to Jesus as the king who enacts God’s Kingdom. He rivals every other king (in-
cluding ourselves). Review the application question from Day 2 on page 4: what specific areas of your life do you
find most difficult to give control over to King Jesus?

Why do you think these areas are hard for you to let go of?

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WEEK 1
8
 DAY 1: JESUS CAN DO THAT?

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: Mark shows his readers the “good news” of the Kingdom of God through Jesus’s actions. For the next three days,
we will follow Jesus as he enacts God’s rule in surprising and controversial ways. By the end, we’ll have a clear picture of what life on earth
looks like when God’s Kingdom is established.

READ MARK 1:35-2:12

1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus 2:1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the
got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such
prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the
and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came,
for you!” bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4
Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they
38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it
villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus
39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their syna- saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins
gogues and driving out demons. are forgiven.” 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there,
thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that?
40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” 41 Jesus was
indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am 8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they
willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are
and he was cleansed. you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this par-
alyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your
43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 “See mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man
that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man,
priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got
cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 45 Instead he went out and up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This
began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never
no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely plac- seen anything like this!”
es. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.

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WEEK 2
 SIDEBAR WHAT DOES “UNCLEAN” MEAN?
In the ancient Hebrew scriptures, certain actions or health conditions could make someone “unclean.” None of them were considered sinful or wrong,
and a great number of them were unavoidable (i.e. touching a deceased family member or having sexual relations in marriage). Being in a state of “un-
cleanness” reminded people of God’s perfect purity and of their need for him to make a bridge between impure, broken people and himself. Thus, when
they were cleansed of an uncleanness, Hebrews would offer small sacrifices as a symbol of their renewed fellowship with God. In this story, the focus is
not on Jesus healing a man’s “leprosy” (a skin condition), so much as Jesus cleansing and purifying the man—something ordinary people couldn’t do.

OBSERVE
In the boxes below, summarize what Jesus does in each set of verses. Each one is a small picture of what it looks like when God’s
kingdom is established on earth.

1:35-38 1:40-45 2:1-12

INTERPRET
In verse 2:7, the teachers say to themselves that only God can forgive sins (a sin is any wrongdoing we do or meditate upon, or any good
deed we leave undone). In biblical thinking, this is because even our worst sins against people are ultimately against God (Psalm 51:4).

Brainstorm different reasons why our wrongdoings are ultimately against God. (How do they hurt him? Harm what he loves? Offend
him?)

APPLY
For God to be just, he must respond to sin. Yet, because he is merciful, he offers his forgiveness to those who turn from sin to him. In
the Gospel of Mark, the only way to enter God’s Kingdom and participate in its mission is by turning from sin and receiving God’s free
offer of forgiveness.

Brainstorm why you think God made turning from sin and receiving forgiveness the doorway to his Kingdom.

By healing the man Jesus shows that he “has authority on earth to forgive sins.” But only God can do that! Exactly. Mark is clueing us
into the shocking reality that Jesus is God. In Jesus, God is restoring his good rule over all creation. Where do you need to ask Jesus for
forgiveness in your life?

PRAY: Like the man’s friends, we can trust Jesus to forgive us no matter what we’ve done. In
your heart, turn from the wrong you’ve done, and ask Jesus to forgive you.
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 DAY 2: HOW WILL YOU RESPOND
TO JESUS?
PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: Today, Mark continues to show us God’s Kingdom by describing how different kinds of people respond to Jesus
when he enacts it. We italicized the characters who respond to Jesus in order to to assist your observations.

READ MARK 2:13-3:6

13 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd into new wineskins.”
came to him, and he began to teach them. 14 As he walked
along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s 23 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and
booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and fol- as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of
lowed him. grain. 24 The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing
what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”
15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax
collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for 25 He answered, “Have you never read what David did when
there were many who followed him. 16 When the teachers of the he and his companions were hungry and in need? 26 In the
law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God
collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests
collectors and sinners?” 17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” 27 Then he
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the
come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

18 Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some 3:1 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man
people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them (Pharisees) were
the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?” looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him close-
ly to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the
19 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”4
while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do
with them. 20 But the time will come when the bridegroom will good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained
be taken from them, and on that day they will fast. silent.

21 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. 5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at
Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.”
the tear worse. 22 And no one pours new wine into old wine- He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6
skins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the
wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

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WEEK 2
 SIDEBAR WHO WERE TAX COLLECTORS, PHARISEES AND HERODIANS?
In the first century, the country of Israel was occupied and administrated by the Roman Empire. Their main administrators (or oppressors, if you were
Jewish) in Israel came from the family of Herod the Great and were called “Herodians.” For the empire to function, it required excessive taxation. The
Romans hired local people, like Levi, to collect taxes. Tax-collectors were hated for betraying their people, colluding with foreigners, and getting rich in
the process. Pharisees were the Bible teachers of their day, respected for their knowledge, and for their fastidious commitment to obeying the law and
the traditions of the elders. They, like most Jews, awaited God’s Kingdom to rid them of people like the tax-collectors and the Herodians.

OBSERVE
Write down how different characters respond to Jesus as he builds God’s kingdom.
Teachers/ Pharisees: Tax-Collectors & Sinners:

Herodians: The man with the withered hand:

“Some people” (v.18):

INTERPRET
How are the responses on the left side of the bar similar? Brainstorm reasons why they might have responded this way.

How are the responses on the right side of the bar similar? Brainstorm reasons why they might have responded this way.

APPLY
This passage is full of irony. The people we would expect to most desire God’s rule (the Pharisees) are the first to resist it. They even
team up with their foreign oppressors to try and stop it. They desperately want to protect their status and situation because things
are going well for them in the current order of things. Conversely, the people we least expect to desire God’s rule are first to accept it.
They see that God’s kingdom is a new reality (“new wine”) that will upend the statuses, reputations, and positions that the world holds
sacred. It is because the sick and sinful see themselves as small and needy that they feel no need protect their status, reputation, or posi-
tion. Instead, they admit their weakness to Jesus, and receive the upside-down order of God’s Kingdom with joy.

What aspects of “status,” “position,” and “reputation” in your life do you most want to defend?

PRAY: Ask God to help you relinquish your status, position and reputation so that you can see
yourself as needy and weak.
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 DAY 3: RESPONDING TO JESUS

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

READ MARK 3:7-3:35

7 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large 22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem
crowd from Galilee followed. 8 When they heard about all he said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he
was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, is driving out demons.”
Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre
and Sidon. 9 Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have 23 So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them
a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is
him. 10 For he had healed many, so that those with diseases divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house
were pushing forward to touch him. 11 Whenever the impure is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Sa-
spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You tan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has
are the Son of God.” 12 But he gave them strict orders not to tell come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without
others about him. first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house.
28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and
13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those every slander they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the
he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal
they might be with him and that he might send them out to sin.”
preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These
are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name 30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure
Peter), 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them spirit.”
he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”),
18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son 31 Then Jesus’s mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside,
of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscari- they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around
ot, who betrayed him. him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside
looking for you.”
20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so
that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his 33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. 34 Then
family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here
they said, “He is out of his mind.” are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is
my brother and sister and mother.”

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WEEK 2
 WHY TWELVE DISCIPLES?
The number 12 was profoundly symbolic for ancient Jews. Above all, it represented the 12 tribes of Israel whom God rescued from Egypt and brought to
SIDEBAR
Mount Sinai so that they could become his special people tasked with showing God’s loving rule to the world. By going up onto a mountain and calling
his 12 disciples, Jesus was dramatically reenacting this event. In doing so, he effectively claimed that he was rescuing Israel from slavery to the dark pow-
ers of sin, death, and the devil behind every Egypt. His disciples, then, symbolized a new Israel, tasked with spreading God’s rule.

WHAT IS THE UNFORGIVABLE SIN?

Jesus says that God will not forgive those who call the Holy Spirit’s work demonic. What is the work of the Spirit in Mark? He is creating a new reality, the
kingdom of God on earth, through Jesus. Thus, the unforgivable sin is denying that God’s Spirit is at work through Jesus to establish God’s loving rule.
Those who commit this sin serve their own kingdom instead. In the end, they get what they want: a lawless world of selfishness and status without God.

OBSERVE
Write down how different characters respond to Jesus as he builds God’s kingdom.
Jesus’s family: The crowds:

Teachers of the law: Those with diseases:

INTERPRET
What are the differences between the people on the left side of the bar and the people on the right?

In verses 33-35, Jesus calls those who do God’s will his “mother and sisters and brothers.” Thus far in Mark, Jesus does God’s will by
enacting God’s loving rule in different ways. From Jesus’s example, what do you think it means to do God’s will?

APPLY
Jesus’s family and the teachers of the law presume to tell Jesus who he really is (insane and possessed). They deny that he is bringing
God’s loving rule on earth. So, Jesus responds by picturing himself as a thief binding the strong man (Satan), in order to reclaim earth
for God. He does God’s will by healing the sick, restoring life, casting out demons, and calling people to turn from sins, receive forgive-
ness, and live as a part of a new family that lives according to God’s will.

Write down four ways we could identify whether a community lives according to God’s will.

In which of these areas are you the weakest? The most in need?

PRAY: Bring your weakness and need before God like a sick person. Ask for his healing.
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 WEEK 2 DISCUSSION GUIDE
PRAY: “Heavenly father, it is good to live in unity with friends. Use this time to refresh us, to
challenge us to pursue your mission, and to deepen our love for you.” (Based on Psalm 133)

Before reading Mark, what did you think of when you heard the word “kingdom”? What did you think of when
you heard “Kingdom of God”?

Look at your observations in the boxes from Week 1, Day 3 and from Week 2, Day 1, on pages 6 and 9. Share
what you observed Jesus doing.

Jesus’s actions show us what God’s Kingdom is. What have your observations taught you about God’s Kingdom?

Over the last week, we’ve looked at how different groups of people responded to Jesus. Look at your observations
from Week 2, Days 2 and 3 on pages 11 and 13. What are the different responses you noted?

How do you identify with characters like the Pharisees?

How do you identify with characters like the sinners and the sick?

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WEEK 2
 DAY 1: THE PARABLE OF
THE SOWER
PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

READ MARK 4:1-25

4:1 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gath- 13 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable?
ered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows
out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where
water’s edge. 2 He taught them many things by parables, and in the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and
his teaching said: 3 “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. takes away the word that was sown in them. 16 Others, like seed
4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with
the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time.
it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they
soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were quickly fall away. 18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns,
scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of
seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the
so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good word, making it unfruitful. 20 Others, like seed sown on good
soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty,
thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”

9 Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” 21 He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under
a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? 22 For
10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is
asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, “The secret of concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If any-
the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the one has ears to hear, let them hear.”
outside everything is said in parables 12 so that,
24 “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the
“‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.
and ever hearing but never understanding; 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have,
otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’” even what they have will be taken from them.”
SIDEBAR

DOES JESUS WANT HIS PARABLES TO CONFUSE US?

To answer this, we need to study what Jesus tells us about parables in verses 10-11 and 21-25. Parables are illustrative stories. Like all stories, parables have the
ability to bypass thinking and cut straight to our emotions. They evoke a response. Unfortunately, the response is often hard-heartedness. In verses 10-11, it
sounds like Jesus doesn’t want people to be forgiven, but that’s not the point. He is describing actual responses. Beyond that, he is trying to elicit a different re-

15
WEEK 3
 sponse from his closest followers. He wants them to feel in their hearts, “I don’t want to be someone who doesn’t see or hear Jesus! I better make sure I’m
SIDEBAR
CONTINUED not.” Jesus’s actual desire for the parables is made clear in verses 24-23: he wants them to be a light that reveals the true nature of the world, the human
heart, and God’s Kingdom. To see what they reveal, people must move beyond their initial emotional responses and begin the hard work of thinking and
reflection. This is why Jesus calls us to “consider carefully” in verses 24-25, promising that we will get as much out of his parables as we put in (what Jesus
calls “the measure”). Jesus doesn’t want his parables to confuse us, but he is straightforward about the fact that our response to them (hard-heartedness or
genuine reflectiveness) reveals the state of our heart.

OBSERVE
Write down the four kinds of soil and, beneath them, what they symbolize.

v. 4 v. 5-6 v. 7 v. 8

v. 14-15 v. 16-17 v. 18-19 v. 20

INTERPRET
Jesus says the sower plants “the word,” which likely refers to the good news of God’s Kingdom arriving through Jesus. Thus, each soil
describes how different people respond to this news. In Mark’s story, the Pharisees are those from whom Satan steals the word. What
do you think is happening in their hearts that causes them to resist Jesus and his kingdom?

APPLY
Look at the second category of soil. What are the things you fear losing or fear risking because you publicly follow Jesus?

Look at the third category of soil. What are the concerns and temptations of the world that may cause you to resist Jesus and his King-
dom?

PRAY: Tell God which of the first three soils describes your heart. Confess where you are resist-
ing Jesus and turn to God by asking him to transform your heart into the rich soil that bears fruit.
16
 DAY 2: PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: Today, Jesus tells two parables about God’s Kingdom. Unlike the parable of the sower, he offers no explanation.
Thus, Jesus invites us into the position of the disciples who must “carefully consider” the meaning of his parables (Mark 4:23). The story
after the parables helps illustrate one of Jesus’s points, but again, it takes much consideration to understand.

READ MARK 4:26-41

26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his
man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he own disciples, he explained everything.
sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does
not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the 35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let
stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they
as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also oth-
has come.” er boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves
broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was
30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and
like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet
when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet!
plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
shade.” 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still
have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other,
33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to

17
WEEK 3
 OBSERVE
Summarize what Jesus says or describes happening in each parable. Then summarize what happens in the story of the storm.

v. 26-27 v. 31 v. 37

v. 38
v. 28

v. 32 v. 39
v. 29
v. 40

INTERPRET
List three things you learn about the Kingdom of God from the first parable. (Hint: How does God’s Kingdom grow? Is the Kingdom’s
growth obvious? Will it grow forever?)

List two things you learn about the Kingdom of God from the second parable. (Hint: How does the Kingdom of God begin? What does
the Kingdom of God provide for the world?)

APPLY
In the boat during the storm, Jesus becomes like the sleeping sower. He is able to sleep because he knows that God grows his Kingdom,
no matter whatever else appears to be happening in the world or in life. The disciples wake him up because they are understandably
scared, and Jesus suddenly changes roles. He becomes God, who brings in his Kingdom by subduing the forces of chaos (like a storm).
Jesus rebukes his disciples for their lack of faith, which seems strange at first, until we remember the second parable. It is by faith the
size of a mustard seed that God brings in the Kingdom. Indeed, it is faith in the face of persecution and hardship from the world (re-
member the parable of the sowers yesterday?). God wants you to be confident that his Kingdom will triumph and provide a place for all
people to live and thrive no matter what is happening in our lives and the world.

What are the things happening in your life or in the world, that make you doubt that God’s Kingdom of peace, love, life, and justice will
be established?

PRAY: Ask God to give you faith through the storms in your life. Ask him to make you
confident about his Kingdom and about his future provision.
18
 DAY 3: WHAT’S THE GOSPEL OF THE
KINGDOM?

READ: As a kid, the only “kingdom” I knew about was good and evil, so they reorganized the world, trading love for

the Disney Kingdom. That never intrigued me much, so my hatred, life for death, good for violence, fidelity for polygamy,

next encounter with a “kingdom” was in the stories of King purity for impurity, kindness for spite. God’s kingdom was in

Arthur, with his knights errant, round table and royal court. ruins. His rule of love and goodness was wrecked. Now human

As an adult, the Bible is the only place I consistently see the evil was in charge.

word “kingdom” used seriously (sorry Chiefs Kingdom). The

problem is that, like it or not, my imaginative framework for a But God’s commitment to his world is unbreakable. He set

“kingdom” has been shaped far more by Disney cartoons and about restoring his Kingdom of love, justice, and mercy by

medieval stories than by the Bible’s storyline. choosing one family through whom he would re-establish his
rule: Israel. He made them into a “kingdom” of “priests,” mean-

To me, a “kingdom” had national boundary lines, a monarch, ing that they were his representatives to the world. He chose a

barons, lords, knights, maids, and maybe some magic and fairy family from among them, the family of David, to represent his

godmothers or whatever. Thus, I pictured the Kingdom of God kingship in particular. They sung and hoped for a day when one

as a place with archangels, angels and also some magic-like mir- of David’s heirs would establish an unending kingdom of life,

acles. I was never quite sure where its boundary lines lay, but love, justice, and prosperity. But things didn’t go well. Israel and

figured they were equivalent to heaven’s and therefore imagined David’s sons all repeated humanity’s first errors. They redefined

“the Kingdom of God” as the place my spirit goes when I die. good and evil. They worshiped other gods and traded good for

So, every time I read Jesus talk about “the Kingdom of God,” I violence and greed. God begged them to turn, but they refused,

replaced it with heaven in my head. And I assumed Jesus was and the result was utter destruction.

basically talking about how to stay out of hell and get to the
good place when I finally kick it. Maybe you’ve thought similar It seemed that all was lost. But like a light shining in thick dark-

things, too? There’s only one problem with all this: it’s not in the ness, God’s prophets foretold a day when God would rip open

Bible. the heavens and return to earth to establish his rule once and
for all—love, peace, and justice would have the final word.

The Bible’s kingdom language doesn’t come from Disney or

King Arthur. It’s not about magic. It’s not about going to heaven. In one such prophecy, we read one of the earliest uses of “gos-

No, the Bible’s kingdom language is about the rule of God pel,” or literally “good news.” Isaiah writes, “How beautiful on

breaking onto earth as in heaven. It comes to us downstream the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news [the

from the Old Testament, with its rich songs and prophecies gospel], who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who

about God bringing justice for the oppressed and establishing proclaim salvation, who say to Zion [Jerusalem], ‘Your God

his reign of love, mercy, wholeness, and peace. reigns!’”

The Bible opens with a universe-sized story about God making This is the gospel according to Isaiah, “Your God reigns!”

all things to function as his Kingdom. But as the story unfolds, Indeed, that is precisely what Jesus meant by “the Gospel of the

the creatures God set up to be his representatives—humanity— Kingdom” in Mark 1:15—God has returned in him to re-estab-

rebelled against his rule. They did not trust God’s definition of lish his reign.

19
WEEK 3
 So now we are finally prepared to wrestle with what “the gospel” in our lives, that we’ve worshipped other gods (success, sex,
and “kingdom” mean in Mark. It means that the ancient story money, possessions, our looks), and that we’ve colluded with
of Israel, the ancient story of humanity, is finally coming to its the powers of darkness in the world. So, Jesus’s Kingdom starts
grand conclusion. As Jesus says, “The time has come!” (Mark here: turn from evil, receive God’s forgiveness, and commit our
1:15). The long-awaited return of God’s rule is here. Thus, we lives to enacting his Kingdom on earth.
see that “the kingdom of God” is not a codeword for heaven, it’s
any place where God’s rule of love, justice, and mercy is over- The question is: who will be our king? Jesus or our idols? Do we
whelming the powers of sin, death, and the devil. want him to define good and evil, or do we want to do it our-
selves? Do we really want his definition of love, justice, peace,
God’s justice is good news. But it is also frightening. It requires and mercy? Is the “good news” that God has returned good
all of us to face up to the fact that we’ve redefined good and evil news for us? Or will we refuse it?

QUESTIONS:

At the beginning, we explored what often comes to mind when we hear “kingdom” or “Kingdom of God.” If someone asked you to
define the Kingdom of God before reading this study, what would you have said?

How would you define the Kingdom of God now?

In what ways is God’s rule “bad news” for you?

In what ways is God’s rule “good news” for you? What about God’s order and way of ruling excites you?

How can you invite God’s rule of love, justice, peace, mercy, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control into your life?
Into your family? Into your work place?

PRAY: Confess any ways you are resisting God’s rule and accept his total free and complete
forgiveness.
20
 WEEK 3 DISCUSSION GUIDE
PRAY: “Heavenly father, it is good to live in unity with friends. Use this time to refresh us, to
challenge us to pursue your mission, and to deepen our love for you.” (Based on Psalm 133)

INTRODUCTION: This week we’ve continued our study on the Kingdom of God. Mark never defines the Kingdom of God, but
rather shows it through Jesus. As the story unfolds it is becoming increasingly clear that Jesus is not just the one who announces God’s
Kingdom, nor is he just the one who enacts God Kingdom. Instead, the God of Israel himself returned to rule in and through Jesus. This is
a bold and dangerous claim, not just in the ancient world but even in our own. Anytime you tell someone that a different king demands his
or her allegiance, he or she will demand an explanation why. They might even feel offended by the claim.

What is offensive about Jesus’s claim that he is God in human flesh returning to rule over his creation?

Look back at your observations from Day 1 on page 16, what are some of the ways people respond to the “good
news” that Jesus is king?

Look at your application from Day 1 on page 16, share some of the things you fear losing by giving your alle-
giance to Jesus.

Look at the next application question from Day 1. What are the concerns and temptations of the world that may
cause you to resist Jesus and his kingdom?

Hopefully, as we’ve read Mark, we’ve gotten a clear picture of what God’s rule looks like. It looks like bodies being
healed, lives being restored, the impure being cleansed, broken people being forgiven, lost people being trans-
formed, and those oppressed by darkness being set free.

What about God’s Kingdom most excites you? How can you bring life, healing, purity, and restoration in your
family? In your workplace?

21
WEEK 3
22
 DAY 1: DEMON PIGS

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: Over the last three weeks, Mark has shown Jesus enacting the Kingdom of God. In our reading for the next two
days, we will see how a different set of characters respond to the “good news” of God’s Kingdom coming on earth.

READ MARK 5:1-20

5:1 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the
2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down
came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a
chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he 14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town
tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one and countryside, and the people went out to see what had hap-
was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the pened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had
tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed
stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had
his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-pos-
“What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? sessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people
In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18 As Jesus was
“Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed
him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go
we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord
send them out of the area. 11 A large herd of pigs was feeding has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the
on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much
among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

WHY PIGS?
SIDEBAR

It is unclear why the demons begged to enter the swine. In regions with large Jewish populations, few pig herds existed because there was a taboo against eat-
ing or touching them based on the Old Testament’s declaration of pigs as unclean (which Jesus overturned). Archaeological evidence shows that this region of
Galilee was indeed populated mostly by Gentiles (non-Jews). The demon calls itself “Legion,” a common name for a 1000-man division of the Roman military.
An ancient reader would have associated “legion” with the Roman military occupation and oppression. Thus, this story also has a note of humor: Jesus is the
new king in town, casting a “legion”—which symbolizes Roman violence and force—into unclean pigs. Their headlong fall into the Sea of Galilee is a shocking
statement of the fate of all who ultimately ally themselves with the violent, oppressive powers of the world: there will be judgment and justice.

22
WEEK 4
 OBSERVE
Describe how different characters respond to Jesus:

The “legion” in v. 7 & 10 The pig headers in v. 15 & 17 The demonized man in v. 18 & 20

INTERPRET
Take a few minutes and place yourself into this scene. Imagine if you were the demonized man.
How would you feel before you met Jesus?

APPLY
Describe your own life before you met Jesus. If you’ve known Jesus your whole life, imagine what life would have been like without
Jesus. Write down one area in your life that you want Jesus to touch and transform.

PRAY: Thank God for being our healer. Repent of any ways you have responded to Jesus in an
unworthy manner. Ask him to help you see him for who he is.
23
 DAY 2: GOTTA HAVE FAITH

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: Yesterday, we saw that Jesus has power over the spiritual forces of evil. He cast demons out of a man, causing him
joy, but causing onlookers fear. Today, we will see Jesus’ power over the physical forces of destruction: disease and even death.

READ MARK 5:21-43

5:21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter,
side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your
was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named suffering.”
Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He
pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please 35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the
come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,”
live.” 24 So Jesus went with him. they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” 36 Overhearing
what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” 37
A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John
woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the
years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying
doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all
she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.”
behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because 40 But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took
she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with
Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the
she was freed from her suffering. 30 At once Jesus realized that hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl,
power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and
and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”31
31 His disciples an- began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they
swered, “You see the people crowding against you and yet you were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let
can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ” 32 But Jesus kept looking around anyone know about this, and told them to give her something
to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had to eat.
happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with

24
WEEK 4
 SIDEBAR WHY DO SOME PEOPLE GET TO SHARE WHAT JESUS DID FOR THEM AND OTHERS ARE TOLD TO KEEP QUIET?
Jesus gives only some people permission to share his miracles. For the most part, when he is in Jewish regions (as in this story) he orders people to
remain silent. Why? Because the Jewish people had a preconceived notion of who the Messiah was and what God’s Kingdom should look like (a violent
overthrow of Rome). Jesus requested that people remain silent to avoid his fellow Jews misinterpreting his actions as revolutionary in spirit. However,
Jesus sometimes encouraged those in mostly Gentile regions (as in yesterday’s story) to proclaim his Kingdom because those regions had no preconceived
idea of a “Messiah” or “God’s Kingdom.” Jesus’s action alone would shape their views.

OBSERVE

Reread verses 21-22.

What position did Jairus hold in the community?

What did he do when he saw Jesus?

INTERPRET
The woman who touches Jesus has an ongoing condition, while Jairus’s daughter has a critical, life-threatening condition. Both come to
Jesus hoping he can bring healing.

How would you feel if you were Jairus with Jesus on the way to help your dying daughter and someone interrupted your journey for
something that could wait?

How would you feel toward the woman and Jesus when men came to tell you that it’s too late, your daughter has died (v. 35)?

APPLY
We often think that what matters most about our faith is how strong it is. But this story shows us that what matters most is who we put
our faith in. Jairus and the woman both put their faith in Jesus, even when they didn’t fully understand his actions.

Who or what (other than Jesus) are you most tempted to trust when things get difficult?

PRAY: Repent of any ways you have been placing your faith in something else. Ask God to
increase your faith in his Son who willingly died to heal us.
25
 DAY 3: ON THE MOVE

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

READ MARK 6:1-29

6:1 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.”
his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in 16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I behead-
the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where ed, has been raised from the dead!” 17 For Herod himself had
did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and
that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Phil-
he is performing? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s ip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying
son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 Jesus 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill
said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and
town, among his relatives and in his own home.” 5 He could not protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man.
do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked
and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith. to listen to him. 21 Finally the opportune time came. On his
birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and mili-
Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. 7 Call- tary commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When the
ing the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod
and gave them authority over impure spirits. 8 These were his and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for any-
instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no thing you want, and I’ll give it to you.”23 And he promised her
bread, no bag, no money in your belts. 9 Wear sandals but not with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my
an extra shirt. 10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until kingdom.” 24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall
you leave that town. 11 And if any place will not welcome you I ask for?” She answered, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 At
or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you
as a testimony against them.” 12 They went out and preached to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”
that people should repent. 13 They drove out many demons and 26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and
anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So he imme-
diately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The
14 King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’s name had become man went, beheaded John in the prison, 28 and brought back
well known. Some were saying, “John the Baptist has been his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it
raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are to her mother. 29 On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and
at work in him.” 15 Others said, “He is Elijah.” And still others took his body and laid it in a tomb.

26
WEEK 4
 SIDEBAR WHO IS KING HEROD?
The Herod in this story is Herod Antipas, son of the Herod the Great who ordered the execution of all baby boys in Bethlehem in response to Jesus’s
birth. Herod the Great was famous for violently protecting his throne, even murdering friends and family anytime he felt politically insecure. Like his
father, Herod Antipas ruled on behalf of the Roman Government, violently protecting his own self-interests and later involving himself in Jesus’s arrest

OBSERVE

Write down at least three instructions Jesus gave his disciples in verses 8-11.

INTERPRET
When Jesus originally called his twelve disciples, his purpose was to train them to assist in his mission of enacting God’s Kingdom by
casting out the forces of evil and healing the sick.

Why do you think Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs?

If you were one of the twelve, what additional instructions would you have wanted from Jesus? What questions would you have?

APPLY
We are not among the twelve disciples, so we do not share their unique calling to do the miraculous (casting out demons and mirac-
ulously healing). However, these instructions set a pattern for us: God’s mission is never a solo venture. We should be enacting God’s
Kingdom—seeking the health and welfare of our community—as a community.

What kind of good can groups accomplish that lone individuals cannot?

Do you have a Christian community to partner with? Do you have any close Christian friends to confide in? To work alongside? If not,
what are some steps you can take to grow in this?

PRAY: Thank God for the gift of community. Ask him to use you in his earthly mission.
27
 WEEK 4 DISCUSSION GUIDE
PRAY: “Heavenly father, it is good to live in unity with friends. Use this time to refresh us, to
challenge us to pursue your mission, and to deepen our love for you.” (Based on Psalm 133)

Look at the characters you observed in Week 4, Days 1 and 2 on pages 23 and 25. Whose re-
sponse to Jesus surprised you the most?

In Day 2, we saw the desperation of a very ill woman and a father whose daughter had died.
Have you or anyone you loved ever experienced similar feelings of desperation where you need-
ed God to act in a big way? Share as much about the situation as you feel comfortable doing.

One of the ways Jesus enacts his Kingdom is by healing. In other words, when God rules, health
is restored. While we do not always experience full healing in this life, our resurrected bodies
will never get sick in the renewed creation. How does this promise encourage and bring you
hope today?

Despite the beauty of God’s Kingdom, not everyone receives him well. Jesus was not received
with honor in his hometown of Nazareth. They cynically asked: “Who does this guy think he
is?” “Isn’t he just a carpenter?” “Isn’t this Mary’s son?” “You know he was born out of wedlock,
right?” How do people respond to your faith in Christ? (Coworkers? Family? Friends?) Are they
skeptical because of who you used to be? Or because of weaknesses you struggle with?

28
WEEK 4
 DAY 1: MIRACLES, MIRACLES,
MIRACLES

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

READ MARK 6:30-56

6:30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve
all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44 The number of
were coming and going that they did not even have a chance the men who had eaten was five thousand.
to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet
place and get some rest.” 32 So they went away by themselves 45 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and
in a boat to a solitary place. 33 But many who saw them leaving go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.
recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got 46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
there ahead of them. 34 When Jesus landed and saw a large 47 Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and
crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like he was alone on land. 48 He saw the disciples straining at the
sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn
things. he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass
by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they
35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 because they all
him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and
late. 36 Send the people away so that they can go to the sur- said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51 Then he climbed
rounding countryside and villages and buy themselves some- into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were
thing to eat.” 37 But he answered, “You give them something completely amazed, 52 for they had not understood about the
to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a loaves; their hearts were hardened.
year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and
give it to them to eat?” 38 He asked, “How many loaves do you 53 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and
have? Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and anchored there. 54 As soon as they got out of the boat, people
two fish.” 39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people recognized Jesus. 55 They ran throughout that whole region and
sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 And
groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 Taking the five loaves and the wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they
two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let
loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it
people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They were healed.

29
WEEK 5
 OBSERVE

In every way, Jesus meets our needs. He is concerned with every facet of the human existence: our physicality, our emotions, our sexu-
ality, our spirituality. List four different ways Jesus meets the needs of people in today’s passage.

Reread verse 34. What does Mark say motivates Jesus to provide for people?

INTERPRET
In the case of the disciples, they needed the winds and storms to die down. But when they see Jesus, they do not see the Son of God
coming in compassion to meet their needs. Instead, they mistake him for a malevolent ghost. Their focus on their own need obscures
their ability to see Jesus’s compassion.

How can focusing on our own needs obscure our ability to see God’s compassion? Why do needs make it hard to trust that he has our
good in mind?

APPLY
What needs do you have right now? Are any of them blocking your view of God’s compassion and goodness?

PRAY: Thank God for being the provider of every good gift. Ask for forgiveness for doubting
his goodness and provision. Bring your need before him, and ask him to provide.
30
 DAY 2: JESUS BREAKS THE RULES

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: Last week, we saw how different groups responded to Jesus. Some were filled with joy, others with fear, and
others with cynicism. Now, Jesus is confronted by the religious authorities (the Pharisees and teachers of the law) for something that seems
quite strange.

READ MARK 7:1-23

7:1 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be
come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus 2 and saw some of put to death.’ 11 But you say that if anyone declares that what
his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban
unwashed. 3 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless (that is, devoted to God)— 12 then you no longer let them do
they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the anything for their father or mother. 13 Thus you nullify the
tradition of the elders. 4 When they come from the marketplace word of God by your tradition that you have handed down.
they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other And you do many things like that.”
traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.)
5 So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why 14 Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me,
don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders everyone, and understand this. 15 Nothing outside a person can
instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” 6 He replied, defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of
“Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as a person that defiles them.” [16] 17 After he had left the crowd
it is written: and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this para-
ble. 18 “Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing
“‘These people honor me with their lips, that enters a person from the outside can defile them? 19 For
but their hearts are far from me. it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then
7 They worship me in vain; out of the body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)
their teachings are merely human rules.’ 20 He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles
them. 21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil
8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery,
to human traditions.” 9 And he continued, “You have a fine greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and
way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”
your own traditions! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and

31
WEEK 5
 SIDEBAR WHAT IS LEGALISM?
Legalism is following the law (or rules) in an effort to earn God’s favor or people’s approval. This “works-based religion” only cares about one’s outside
behavior, ignoring the need for an internal, heart-level change. Jesus says that this transformation cannot be won or earned but comes only as a gift from
God to those who trust him.

OBSERVE
List at least three things that make someone unclean according to:
The Pharisees (verses 1-5, 9-12, 18) Jesus (verses 15-23)

INTERPRET
How do the Pharisees try to earn God’s favor?

How do the Pharisees think people change?

APPLY
The Pharisees added hundreds of rules and regulations to God’s law because they believed that would protect people from impurity and
ensure good favor from God. Today, there are still religious leaders who try to add to the Bible, arguing that following their plan will
keep you in God’s good graces. But Jesus’s love and forgiveness of sinners shows that God wants repentant, humble hearts, not proud,
religious hearts. He wants people who trust him to transform them from the inside out, not just ones who obey empty rules and regula-
tions.

How have you tried to earn God’s favor in your life by doing good works?

PRAY: Thank God for sending us Jesus to make us clean from the inside out. Repent of your
efforts to earn God’s favor rather than accepting it as a free gift from Christ.
32
 DAY 3: BREAD CRUMBS

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

READ MARK 7:24-8:10

7:24 Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking
entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he about it. 37 People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He
could not keep his presence secret. 25 In fact, as soon as she has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf
heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed hear and the mute speak.”
by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. 26 The woman was 8:1 During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they
a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said,
demon out of her daughter. 27 “First let the children eat all they 2 “I have compassion for these people; they have already been
want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them
and toss it to the dogs.” 28 She replied, “Lord, even the dogs home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of
under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” 29 Then he told her, them have come a long distance.” 4 His disciples answered, “But
“For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daugh- where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed
ter.” 30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed, them?” 5 Jesus asked, “How many loaves do you have?” They
and the demon gone. replied, “Seven.” 6 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground.
31 Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke
down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people,
32 There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and and they did so. 7 They had a few small fish as well; he gave
could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them.
him. 33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus 8 The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples
put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
man’s tongue. 34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh 9 About four thousand were present. After he had sent them
said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). 35 At away, 10 he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the
this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and region of Dalmanutha.
he began to speak plainly. 36 Jesus commanded them not to

33
WEEK 5
 OBSERVE

How does the Syrophonecian woman respond to Jesus in verse 28?

In verse 29, how does Jesus respond the Syrophonecian woman?

INTERPRET
The Syrophonecian woman has several factors working against her. She is a woman living in a patriarchal culture. She is a Gentile,
looked down on by Jews. Worse yet, her daughter is oppressed by demonic powers. Thus, the original audience would not expect much
of her. However, Mark is eager to highlight the reality that she is, in fact, an ideal follower for Jesus.

How would you describe the woman’s view of herself?

How would you characterize the woman’s view of Jesus?

APPLY
As Mark’s gospel goes on, Jesus explains that the least is the greatest in his Kingdom, and that the last is first. The Syrophonecian wom-
an sees herself as the least and the last, and as such she embodies the humble character of Jesus and his Kingdom. We might find her
actions or Jesus’s words demeaning, but that is because we prefer the world’s values: we want to be first, to be powerful, and to demand
our rights. This woman does the opposite, putting her faith in Jesus’s power rather than in the ways of the world.

When do you find it the most difficult to be “the least” or “the last”? Which relationships?

What about your own pride or your own reputation keeps you from becoming “the least” and “the last” in your relationships?

PRAY: Thank God for seeing and loving the lowly. Ask Him to help you to be humble in all
circumstances.
34
 WEEK 5 DISCUSSION GUIDE
PRAY: “Heavenly father, it is good to live in unity with friends. Use this time to refresh us, to
challenge us to pursue your mission, and to deepen our love for you.” (Based on Psalm 133)

In Mark 6:31, Jesus commands his disciples to pull away with him to a quiet place to rest. Why
do you think he called them to rest when there was still so much more healing and work to be
done?

How do you rest in your life?

Sometimes we “work” by doing religious deeds to earn God’s favor. We say to him, “I will do this
as long as you do that.” What are the ways you attempt to make a deal with God in your life?

Look at your response to the application question for Week 5, Day 2 on page 35. How are you
tempted to try to earn God’s favor in your life?

Jesus offers us transformation and salvation as a free gift. He earned that gift by dying for our
sins on the cross. We receive that gift simply by trusting in him. However, sometimes our own
sin makes us feel unworthy of this gift. As you feel comfortable, share something in your present
or past life that makes you feel unworthy of Jesus’s free gift of transformation and salvation.

PRAY: Ask to receive God’s free gift of love in Christ. Ask him to change you from the inside
out, not because you’ve earned it but because Jesus earned it in your place.
35
WEEK 5
 DAY 1: SEEING HALFWAY

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: For the next three days we will look at how different people see Jesus. Do they see at all? Do they see fully? Do
they see halfway?

READ MARK 8:11-26

8:11 The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test 20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand,
him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12 He sighed deep- how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
ly and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell
you, no sign will be given to it.” 13 Then he left them, got back They answered, “Seven.”
into the boat and crossed to the other side.
21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”
14 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one
loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 “Be careful,” Jesus 22 They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind
warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23 He took the blind man
of Herod.” by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit
on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do
16 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because you see anything?”
we have no bread.”
24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees
17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you walking around.”
talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or under-
stand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail 25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his
to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? 19 eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything
When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many clearly. 26 Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into the
basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” village.”

“Twelve,” they replied.

36
WEEK 6
 OBSERVE

In verses 11-13, what do the Pharisees want to see?

In verses 14-21, what do the disciples fail to see?

The blind man’s healing happens in two stages. What happens in stage one (verses 22-2)? What happens in stage two (verses 25-26)?

INTERPRET
The blind man is a living illustration of the disciples and the Pharisees: they don’t see God’s Kingdom or Jesus clearly. The Pharisees are
blind before they meet Jesus but refuse to ask for help like the blind man. Thus, they remain blind. The disciples came to Jesus, but they
only see God’s Kingdom halfway. They think Jesus has come as a conquering king, destined to defeat the Romans and set them up as
his co-rulers. But this is a blurred vision of reality: God’s Kingdom is upside-down. Jesus came to serve, to sacrifice, and to die for his
creation. Likewise, God’s purpose for his people is for them to also serve and sacrifice for one another and God’s world.

Imagine yourself in one of the disciples’ shoes. You’re living in an occupied country as a poor fisherman. Your teacher is a prophet
announcing the return of God’s rule through himself. What kind of things would you want him to do for your people, community, and
the world?

What might you want him to do for you?

APPLY
We all see Jesus’s purpose in the world unclearly sometimes. We see that he’s come to rescue us and to do what’s best for us, but “what’s
best for us” is fuzzy. We equate “what’s best” with “what we want”. In your own life, what are the things you find yourself expecting God
to do for you? (For your family? In your relationships? At work? In your finances? With your health?)

PRAY: Pray through these expectations you have for God. Ask him to give you eyes to see his
true purposes in your life more clearly as he transforms you into a servant like him.
37
 DAY 2: DO YOU SEE IT?

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: Yesterday, we learned that the disciples see God’s Kingdom halfway. They get some parts right but other parts
seriously wrong. They, like us, need Jesus to give them clear vision.

READ MARK 8:27-9:13

8:27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Cae- death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with
sarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say power.”
I am?” 28 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say
Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 “But what about 2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and
you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There
are the Messiah.” 30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling
him. white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4
And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were
31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for
suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for
priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they
and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, were so frightened.) 7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them,
and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love.
when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no
“Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them or-
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and ders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man
said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves had risen from the dead. 10 They kept the matter to themselves,
and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.
to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me
and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone 11 And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say
to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can that Elijah must come first?” 12 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah
anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written
of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? 13 But I
the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything
Father’s glory with the holy angels.” 9:1 And he said to them, they wished, just as it is written about him.”
“Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste

38
WEEK 6
 WHAT’S WITH THIS “ELIJAH” STUFF?
SIDEBAR Elijah was one of the most important prophets in the history of Israel. God sent him to confront Israel for worshiping other Gods and for rejecting God’s
law by violently oppressing the poor. Elijah faithfully called Israel to return to God, but they ultimately rejected his message. He and Moses were the two
people who witnessed God’s glory on Mount Sinai, much as the disciples witnessed it on Mount Hermon. Later, the prophet Malachi predicted that Elijah
would return to invite Israel once again to turn away from idols, back to God. Jesus saw John the Baptist as fulfilling this prophecy. Here, he points out
that Israel ultimately rejected John the Baptist, much as they did Elijah, by putting him to death. This is the very fate Jesus says he will face in order to
enact God’s Kingdom on earth.

OBSERVE

For today’s study, we will focus on what Peter sees and understands, and what Peter does not see or does not understand. What does
Peter…
SEE IN 8:27-30? NOT SEE IN 8:31-33? SEE IN 9:2-8? NOT SEE IN 9:9-10?

INTERPRET
Using your observations, look at the two things Peter does not see or understand (8:31-33 and 9:9-10). What do they have in
common?

Using your observations, look at the two things Peter sees and understands clearly (8:27-30 and 9:2-8). What do they have in
common?

What’s the difference between the things Peter sees and understands and those he doesn’t.

APPLY
Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save
their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole
world, yet forfeit their soul?” Peter found this message incredibly difficult to swallow – it didn’t match his vision for his life or how
God’s Kingdom would come on earth.

What is challenging about this message for you? Write down two reasons why it’s worth it to give up our lives so that we can have Jesus.

PRAY: Thank Jesus for laying down his life in love for you. Ask for grace to lay down your life
as well.
39
 DAY 3: OPPOSITION TO THE KINGDOM

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: Jesus selected only three of his disciples (James, John, and Peter) to come to the top of a mountain to see his
glory. When they get down the mountain, they discover that the other nine disciples have failed to drive out a demon (verses 14-28). This
sparks an argument as the three who saw Jesus’s glory argue that they are obviously the greatest, while the nine who failed to cast out the
demon are the least (verses 33-36).

READ MARK 9:14-37

9:14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much
crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him
them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were over- by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
whelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 “What are you
arguing with them about?” he asked. 17 A man in the crowd an- 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him pri-
swered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a vately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29 He replied, “This kind
spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, can come out only by prayer.”
it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes
his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out 30 They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did
the spirit, but they could not.” 19 “You unbelieving generation,” not want anyone to know where they were, 31 because he was
Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is
put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him,
and after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not under-
20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immedi- stand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.
ately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and
rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s 33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he
father, “How long has he been like this?” He answered, “From asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34
childhood. 22 It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about
him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve
23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last,
believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do be- and the servant of all.” 36 He took a little child whom he placed
lieve; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37
a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name
“You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me
out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, but the one who sent me.”

40
WEEK 6
 OBSERVE

List the following: 1. What is Jesus’s critique of “this generation” in verse 19?
2. What is Jesus’s implicit critique of the disciples in verse 28-29?
3. What is his implicit critique of the disciples in verse 35?
1.

2.

3.

INTERPRET
Each of the characters Jesus critiques embody values that oppose God’s Kingdom. List three character traits (opposite of the three
above) that characterize God’s Kingdom:

1.

2.

3.

APPLY
Which of these three character traits do you most struggle to embody? Write down which is hardest for you. Then describe how you
struggle, along with one reason why.

Character trait:

How:

Why:

PRAY: In reality, we are a lot like the disciples and “this generation.” We struggle to trust Jesus,
pray, and serve others. This means that the father of the demonized boy is an amazing picture
of how to come to Jesus in our weakness. After Jesus critiques his lack of faith, the father says
to Jesus. “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” This is true of us, we believe and, at the
same time, struggle with unbelief. It is humbling to admit this to God, but God uses our honest
confession to transform us. Try making the father’s prayer your own.

“I do believe that __________; help me overcome my unbelief!”

41
 WEEK 6 DISCUSSION GUIDE
PRAY: “Heavenly father, it is good to live in unity with friends. Use this time to refresh us, to
challenge us to pursue your mission, and to deepen our love for you.” (Based on Psalm 133)

Share something in your life that you’ve worked hard to understand (it can be work, a hobby, a person, etc.).
Then share what steps you took to understand that thing.

This week, we’ve focused on how people either see and understand Jesus correctly or incorrectly. We explored
how people can exist on a spectrum from total blindness (the Pharisees), to partial clarity (the disciples and Pe-
ter), to full clarity (the man with the demonized son who sees his lack of faith). Where do you feel you fall on the
spectrum from blindness about Jesus to total clarity?

What is “fuzzy” about your view of Jesus? (Share what you wrote in the application section of Day 1 on page 37.)

What is most challenging for you about Jesus’s calling to die to yourself? (Share what you wrote in the applica-
tion section of Day 2 on page 39.)

How you struggle to live out God’s Kingdom values in your life? (Share what you wrote in the application section
of Day 3 on page 41.)

What is one way that you could work to understand Jesus and his Kingdom more clearly? Be creative—this does
not mean “I want to read or learn about x,” but might include actually doing some things you find challenging
(prayer or service) in different areas of your life.

PRAY: Pray for the specific struggles to live out God’s Kingdom that your group shared. Invite
God to help each person embody Jesus’s call in their lives.
42
WEEK 6
43
 DAY 1: STUMBLING

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: As we learned in Mark 8, whoever wants to be Jesus’s disciples must deny themselves, take up their cross, and
follow him. In the Kingdom of God, whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Jesus and for the gospel
will save it. This week, we will watch as the disciples struggling to understand this pattern of living.

READ MARK 9:38-10:12

9:38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons be salted with fire. 50 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness,
in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves,
of us.” 39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a and be at peace with each other.”
miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad
about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Truly 10:1 Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea
I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him,
because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their and, as was his custom, he taught them. 2 Some Pharisees came
reward. and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his
wife?” 3 “What did Moses command you?” he replied. 4 They
42 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce
in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large mill- and send her away.” 5 “It was because your hearts were hard that
stone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied. 6 “But at the beginning
the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason
better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his
into hell, where the fire never goes out. [44] 45 And if your foot wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh. ’So they are no longer
causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together,
crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. [46] 47 let no one separate.” 10 When they were in the house again, the
And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better disciples asked Jesus about this. 11 He answered, “Anyone who
for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery
two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where “‘the worms that eat against her. 12 And if she divorces her husband and marries
them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 Everyone will another man, she commits adultery.”
SIDEBAR

WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT PEOPLE WILL BE SALTED WITH FIRE?

This could mean a number of things, but it is meant to be taken as an image and not literally. It could mean 1. Everyone who enters hell will suffer its flames,
including disciples who do not take extreme steps to fight sin. 2. Just as some sacrifices in the Old Testament needed salt to be acceptable, so the disciples will
need to be salted with the purifying fire of suffering. 3. It could embody both suggestions, meaning that everyone will be salted with either the destructive fire
of hell or the purifying fire of suffering.

43
WEEK 7
 OBSERVE

Make a list of at least four behaviors that Jesus rejects in this passage:

INTERPRET
When we think about temptations and stumbling into sin, what usually comes to mind are personal sins such as lust or gossip. But in
these stories, Jesus shows us that temptations are lurking where we least expect them, and they can cause people around us to stumble
as well.

What sin do you think drove the disciples to stop other people from casting out demons in Jesus’s name (verses 38-41)? How do you
think that sin affected other people?

What sin do you think drove the Pharisees’ behavior to permit divorces (10:1-12)? How do you think their teaching on
divorce caused others to stumble?

APPLY
All sin affects others in some way. When Jesus taught about causing others to stumble, he was referring to the disciples’ sin of vying
for status by deciding who was “in” and who was “out,” and to the Pharisees’ practice of permitting divorce to defend their own sinful
divorces. In both of those instances, their hidden sinful motives caused others to stumble.

How are you tempted to protect your own status? To defend your own sin?

How does this cause others around you to stumble?

PRAY: Ask God to open your eyes to how your sin affects others, and pray that he would give
you the grace to put their needs above your own.
44
 DAY 2: THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: God’s Kingdom is not what people expected—it’s not even what Jesus’s own disciples wanted. God’s rule takes the
world’s pattern of power and turns it upside down. The following two stories illustrate just how upside-down God’s Kingdom is.

READ MARK 10:13-31

10:13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad because
place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 he had great wealth. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of
the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the God!” 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said
God
kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!
God
anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than
child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.
God.” 26 The
arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who
then can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With
17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible
his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I with God.”
do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus
answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know 28 Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow
the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not com- you!” 29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left
mit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimo- home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or
ny, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred
20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters,
boy.” 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in
lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be
poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow last, and the last first.”
SIDEBAR

IS IT WRONG TO BE RICH?
Scripture never says having wealth is wrong. But anyone with wealth will be tempted to crave and serve it, which is a serious problem. Likewise, the Bible
never says money itself is a root of all kinds of evil. But the love of money is (1 Tim. 6:10). Having money is not wrong, but it can be dangerous because desire
for it leads us away from full reliance on God.

45
WEEK 7
 OBSERVE
Revisit the verses with “Kingdom of God” in bold
bold. In the boxes below, list characteristics of those who will and will not enter the
Kingdom of God.

THOSE WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM THOSE WHO WILL NOT ENTER THE KINGDOM
(SEE ALSO v. 28-31)

INTERPRET

Contrast those who enter the Kingdom of God with those who do not.

APPLY
When Jesus tells the rich man to sell everything he has in order to follow him, he is asking the man to abandon self-reliance and to fully
rely on Jesus instead. What are the things that you rely on other than Jesus?

PRAY: Confess any ways that you are relying on your own righteousness instead of depending
fully on God. Ask for his Spirit to make you aware of your own daily need of him.
46
 DAY 3: TRUE GREATNESS

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

READ MARK 10:32-52

10:32 They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You
leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord
who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over
told them what was going to happen to him. 33 “We are going them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become
up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants
over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did
condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a
34 who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. ransom for many.”
Three days later he will rise.”
46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, to-
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. gether with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man,
“Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by
ask.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 37 the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of
They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy
at your left in your glory.” 38 “You don’t know what you are on me!” 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but
asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be bap- he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49
tized with the baptism I am baptized with?” 39 “We can,” they Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind
answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing
and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51
sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The
to those for whom they have been prepared.” blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your
faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and
41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with followed Jesus along the road.

47
WEEK 7
 OBSERVE

What do James and John ask of Jesus in verses 35-39?

How does Jesus tell them to become great in verses 43-45?

How do Jesus’s actions in verses 46-52 exemplify this value?

INTERPRET
In the Kingdom of God, greatness does not come from status, but from being a servant.

How do you think Jesus’s disciples felt after he told them that to be great they must become servants?

In the story of Bartimaeus, the disciples do not take Jesus’s advice to serve, showing that they did not put his teaching into practice.
Why do you think they failed?

APPLY
All people want to be great in some way. All of us might have been in the shoes of James and John, wanting to be glorified with Jesus.

In what ways do you try to give yourself status by making much of yourself? How might you make yourself great by serving others?

PRAY: Ask God to help you believe that even though being a servant will always be hard, it is
where true greatness lies.
48
 WEEK 7 DISCUSSION GUIDE
PRAY: “Heavenly father, it is good to live in unity with friends. Use this time to refresh us, to
challenge us to pursue your mission, and to deepen our love for you.” (Based on Psalm 133)

Who have you admired in your life? People who you’ve considered great? What about them has made them great
in your eyes?

Look at your observations from Day 1 and Day 2 on pages 44 and 46. Share the behaviors that Jesus said will
NOT make someone great.

How does this challenge your view of greatness?

In the application section on Day 1 (page 44), you thought about one way your sin effects those around you.
Why do you think it’s so hard for us to see how our sin affects others?

On Day 3, we saw that true greatness comes from serving others. Who do you struggle to serve in your life? How
can you serve them in the upcoming week?

49
WEEK 7
50
 DAY 1: WHAT IS THE FRUIT OF
YOUR LIFE?
PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: Last week, we read multiple stories where the disciples wanted to follow Jesus but continued to get it wrong.
They struggled to live Jesus’s way because they desired status over servanthood. In today’s section, Jesus and his disciples were heading into
Jerusalem where the people were waiting for a king. They thought Jesus was coming to free them from Rome and had no idea that he was
coming to die instead, defeating the dark powers behind every Rome and all human evil.

READ MARK 11:1-25

11:1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and disciples heard him say it.
Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2
saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you 15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and
enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He
ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches
are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry
here shortly.’” 4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught
tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a
there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of
answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. robbers.’” 18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard
7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared
over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. 19
road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. When evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city.
9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 20 In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in withered from the roots. 21 Peter remembered and said to Jesus,
the highest heaven!” 11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!”
the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it 22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly I tell you, if
was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’
and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they
12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you,
13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received
if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you
leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father
to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

50
WEEK 8
 OBSERVE
Mark wants us to wonder why Jesus’s reactions in these stories contrast starkly with the welcome that Jesus received
as he entered Jerusalem.

How does Jesus respond to the fruitless fig tree (verses 1-14)?

How does Jesus respond to those buying and selling in the temple courts (verses 15-19)?

INTERPRET
The fig tree symbolizes the heart condition of those worshiping in the temple. Based on your observations, what was Jesus trying to tell
people at the temple about their hearts?

APPLY
At times, we can think we’re following Jesus and serving his Kingdom, but the fruit in our lives show that we’re following the ways of
the world instead.

What “fruit” is your life producing? Do you see patterns of self-sacrifice, humility, and generosity? Or do you see patterns of defensive-
ness, self-promotion, and selfishness?

PRAY: Confess any ways that you are living selfishly and resisting God’s Kingdom. Ask God to
forgive you and give you grace to produce good fruit in your life.
51
 DAY 2: WHO IS THE REAL AUTHORITY?

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

READ MARK 11:27-12:17

11:27 They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 So they took him and killed him,
walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What then will the owner
of the law and the elders came to him. 28 “By what authority of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and
are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you give the vineyard to others. 10 Haven’t you read this passage of
authority to do this?” 29 Jesus replied, “I will ask you one Scripture:
question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am “‘The stone the builders rejected
doing these things. 30 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or has become the cornerstone;
of human origin? Tell me!” 31 They discussed it among them- 11 the Lord has done this,
selves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”
didn’t you believe him?’ 32 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ …” 12 Then the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders
(They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spo-
a prophet.) 33 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Jesus ken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd;
said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these so they left him and went away.
things.”
13 Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to
12:1 Jesus then began to speak to them in parables: “A man Jesus to catch him in his words. 14 They came to him and said,
planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t
winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are;
to some farmers and moved to another place. 2 At harvest time but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is
he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? 15 Should we
the fruit of the vineyard. 3 But they seized him, beat him and pay or shouldn’t we?” But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are
sent him away empty-handed. 4 Then he sent another servant you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let
to them; they struck this man on the head and treated him me look at it.” 16 They brought the coin, and he asked them,
shamefully. 5 He sent still another, and that one they killed. He “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they
sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed. replied. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what
6 “He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at
last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 “But the tenants him.
said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and

52
WEEK 8
 OBSERVE
What were the religious authorities trying to do to Jesus in verses 12:12-13?

INTERPRET
What feelings do you think the authorities experienced when Jesus compared them to murderous tenant farmers in verses 12:1-8?

Why do you think the authorities feared Jesus?

In the parable of the tenant, who does Jesus say will prevail in the end (verses 12:9-11)?

APPLY
It is always scary to realize that we are not the authority over our own lives. Even though we’re tempted to think that we are in control
and therefore can act in any manner we please, in the end, there will be consequences for our actions if we disobey and disregard Jesus.

How do you try to be the authority over your own life?

According to these verses, what will be the consequences of continuing these behaviors without repenting of and fighting them?

PRAY: Confess to God the ways in which you try to be the authority over your own life. Ask
him to remind you daily that you can trust your life in his hands.
53
 DAY 3: THE HEART OF THE MATTER

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: The authorities in Jerusalem claimed to be faithful Israelites. But in reality, they were like their forefathers who
rejected God and his ways. They refused to serve King Jesus or to follow his path of being the last, the least, and a servant. Instead, they
defended their own status.

READ MARK 12:18-12:44

12:18 Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, er but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your
came to him with a question. 19 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses understanding and with all your strength, and to love your
wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings
children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring and sacrifices.” 34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely,
for his brother. 20 Now there were seven brothers. The first one he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And
married and died without leaving any children. 21 The second from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
one married the widow, but he also died, leaving no child. It 35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked,
was the same with the third. 22 In fact, none of the seven left “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the
any children. Last of all, the woman died too. 23 At the resur- son of David? 36 David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit,
rection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to declared:“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
her?” 24 Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies
know the Scriptures or the power of God? 25 When the dead under your feet.”’
rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will 37 David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”
be like the angels in heaven. 26 Now about the dead rising— The large crowd listened to him with delight.
have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the
burning bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, 38 As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the
the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? 27 He is not the God of law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted
the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!” with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most import-
ant seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debat- 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy
ing. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” 41 Jesus
him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, watched the crowd putting their money into the temple trea-
O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord sury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor
your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only
all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I
‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all
greater than these.” 32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of
“You are right in saying that God is one and there is no oth- her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
54
WEEK 8
 SIDEBAR WHO ARE THE SADDUCEES?
The Sadducees were mostly aristocrats from priestly families who controlled Israel’s ruling council, the Sanhedrin. Religiously conservative, they recog-
nized only the first 5 books of the Old Testament as divinely authoritative. And they rejected the resurrection. Roman authorities allowed them to lead,
meaning that they benefited personally and politically from the status quo. They were very powerful during this time.

OBSERVE

Mark is contrasting the authorities with the widow to illustrate what the Kingdom of God is really about.

What are the qualities of the teachers of the law that Jesus points out in verses 38-40?

What are the qualities of the widow that Jesus points out in verses 41-44?

INTERPRET
Based on your observations, which values characterize God’s Kingdom?

How do these values relate to “The Greatest Commandment” in verses 28-31?

APPLY
Just like the authorities in Jesus’s time, it is easy for us to think that faithfulness is about looking good and doing all of the right things.
But, the Kingdom of God is about the heart, not our outward appearances.

What practical steps can you take to help your heart desire God and his values, rather than focusing on your outward appearance?
Remember: actions often shape emotions and desires.

PRAY: Confess the areas of your heart that you keep far from God.
55
 WEEK 8 DISCUSSION GUIDE
PRAY: “Heavenly father, it is good to live in unity with friends. Use this time to refresh us, to
challenge us to pursue your mission, and to deepen our love for you.” (Based on Psalm 133)

In our culture, what do people think about listening to authority?

Look at your observations from Day 2 on page 53. How did the religious leaders in Jesus’s time respond to his
authority?

Look at your application from Day 2 on page 53. Which areas of your life do you have a hard time trusting to
Jesus’s authority?

What are some reasons why it’s good that we can trust God as our authority?

Who are the people God has put in your life to help represent his authority? Who can you do a better job of lis-
tening to and trusting, because they do not simply say what you like, but what you need to hear? Pastors? Small
group leaders? Mentors? Brainstorm together.

56
WEEK 8
57
 DAY 1: A FEW THOUGHTS ON THE
END OF THE WORLD

READ: After a twelve-hour flight over the Atlantic and Europe, itself invites us to ask and look for the things it wants us to look
we finally landed in Tel’Aviv, Israel. I was jetlagged, sore, and for, then we might find something different. It might be strong.
ready to sleep in a bed. Of course, the jetlag meant the whole It might take a bit to get used to. But in the end, it is great.
sleep thing didn’t go great, so the next morning I took a trip to
the Starbucks of Israel: Aromah. Thankfully, the cashier spoke This is especially true when we come to passages like Mark 13
English, so I ordered a black coffee, paid, and waited for my (Days 2 and 3’s reading this week), which is sometimes called
drink. It was terrible. It definitely was not coffee. I opened the “Jesus’s Little Apocalypse.” If Hollywood is any indication, we
lid, looked inside, and discovered a frothy, milky, light brown are fascinated by the question, “How will the world end?” When
substance inside. It was a cappuccino. I returned to the counter, we come to “apocalyptic” sections of the Bible, like Mark 13,
explained that I’d ordered coffee and asked for a new one. They we find elements that people today associate with the modern
were incredibly polite and quickly gave me the right drink. Only genre of “post-apocalyptic” film and literature—worldwide
it wasn’t. I opened up drink number two to discover another wars, natural disasters, death, supernatural destruction, and the
cappuccino. At this point, I was too embarrassed to attempt near annihilation of the human race. So we assume that Jesus is
round three. So I just waited to ask my tour guide what the deal answering our big question too, “How does it all end?”
was. When I told him the story he laughed (in a nice way), and
said in his thick Israeli accent, “There is no coffee in Israel. In But this is like asking for coffee in Israel. We end up getting a
Israel there is espresso only. If you look for the wrong thing— bizarre, foamy, milk drink (just google “Left Behind”), and we
coffee—you will get the wrong thing. Look for the right thing— miss the point altogether.
espresso—and you will get the best espresso in the world.” I
took his advice. At first it was a bit strong, but over time I had to So, our goal is to start over with “Jesus’s Little Apocalypse.” Let’s
admit… their espresso really was great. try asking questions that it invites us to ask, let’s order what’s
actually on the menu. It may be a bit strong and require some
One of the problems modern people face when they read an getting used to, but it’s good in the end. With this in mind, I
ancient book like the Bible is that we come to it asking our want to highlight two wrong assumptions we often make about
questions, looking for the things we want out of it. We are apocalypses in the Bible, followed by four descriptions of what
asking for coffee in Israel. When we look for the wrong thing, apocalypses actually are.
we get the wrong thing. But if we asked the questions the Bible

Two misconceptions about apocalypses:

1. Apocalypses are always about our future. Our contemporary genre, “post-apocalyptic adventure,” focuses on our future, so when
we read the future tense predictions of Jesus, we simply assume that he is speaking about our future as well. But the truth is that the
ancient genre of “apocalypse” could speak about the past, present, near future, or distant future using the future tense. In other words,
apocalypse wasn’t only (or even primarily) about foretelling future events.

2. Apocalypses are about the end of the world. Everything from TV shows like The Walking Dead to kids’ movies like WALL-E imagine
futures where either human life is whittled to near extinction or the earth is made uninhabitable (sometimes even destroyed). We
may assume that the Bible predicts the total annihilation of earth followed up by some sort of heavenly reset. However, no extant
biblical (or non-biblical, but ancient) apocalypses—when carefully read—ever imagine anything like the destruction of earth.

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 So, what are apocalypses?
1. Apocalypses unveil hidden realities. The word apocalypse actually comes from the Greek word meaning “to reveal” or “unveil.”
When apocalyptic texts focused on past events, they “unveiled” what was happening in the spiritual realm behind geopolitical
events. When apocalyptic texts spoke about near future realities, they unveil what is happening in the present. For example, in
Jesus’s apocalypse, he unveils what is really happening when he warns his disciples that they will be persecuted for him in the fu-
ture. He reveals that this suffering is all part of God’s bigger plan to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom to people from every
nation. What looks like their defeat at the hands of the powers is actually their victory!

2. Apocalypses are non-literal. When you hear a radio commentator say that a politician “won by a landslide,” you are intelligent
enough to know that the commentator is not saying, “A landslide prevented his opponents from voting.” But if you translated “he
won by a landslide,” and said it to a non-native, he or she might find it quite confusing. The apocalypses in the New Testament all
draw on the rich symbolism and imagery of Israel’s ancient scriptures, which makes them hard for us to understand today. We
don’t have space to unpack every word, but it’s helpful to know that when Jesus talks about things like “the abomination of deso-
lation,” or predicts that the sun will go dark, stars will fall, the Son of Man will return in glory, and angels will collect people from
the earth, he is drawing imagery from the Old Testament which is poetic, not literal.

3. Apocalypses are ethical. By “ethical,” I mean that they teach us how to live uprightly in the present. You will notice that Jesus
transitions twice out of his apocalypse into straightforward moral teaching. He tells the disciples that in light of what he’s un-
veiled, they must trust God to give them words when they are persecuted (Mark 13:9-13), and they must remain awake and
vigilant against temptations to cave in to the world.

4. Apocalypses are not always about the distant future. We explored this above, but it important to reiterate here. Jesus is explic-
it about what event his “little Apocalypse” in Mark 13 is predicting: the destruction of God’s temple in Jerusalem (Read Mark
13:1-5).1 This event took place in 70 CE, almost 40 years after Jesus’s death and resurrection. This event was in the near future
of Mark’s original readers, but it is in our past. This does not mean that the New Testament never speaks about the distant future
(check out Revelation 21-22). But here we find ourselves living after the fulfillment of Jesus’s prophecy, during the time period
when God is sending his people to the ends of the earth to proclaim the good news (Mark. 13:24-27).

QUESTIONS

Write down three things that come to mind when you hear the word “apocalyptic.”

How are these different (or similar) to the Jewish view that an apocalypse unveils what God is doing behind the geopolitical scene?

1 Our staff team at The Crossing holds a diversity of views on this topic, and that’s okay. The broader point is this: allow your views to be based on how the original audi-

ence understood “apocalypse,” not how we understand it.

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 DAY 2: JESUS PREDICTS
THE FUTURE

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to you word. Teach me. Give me understanding. Lead
me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with my
whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: If you missed yesterday’s devotion, go back and read it before you do today’s reading. This will help you under-
stand what is probably the most difficult section of Mark.

READ MARK 13:1-13

1 And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to not be anxious beforehand about what you are to say, but say
him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonder- whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak,
ful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over
buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against
that will not be thrown down.” parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated
by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end
3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Pe- will be saved.
ter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell
us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all
these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 And Jesus began
to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will
come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many
astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not
be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For
nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be fam-
ines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to coun- This photo was taken from the top of the Mount of Olives, facing toward Jerusalem.
cils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand The temple would have stood where the building with the gold dome now stands—al-
though the temple was over twice as tall. It’s important to imagine this setting as you
before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before
read Jesus’s words. The disciples were looking out at the temple as he talked about its
them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.
destruction. It would have been surreal, confusing, yet exhilarating.
11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do

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WEEK 9
 OBSERVE
If you reread verses 1-4, you will notice that this entire section is in response to a question from the disciples: “When will God destroy
the temple in Jerusalem?” Jesus goes on in this section to describe a list of things that will occur before the temple falls.

List at least three things Jesus says will happen in the world before the temple is destroyed (verses 5-8).

List at least three things Jesus says will happen to his disciples before the temple is destroyed (verses 9-13).

INTERPRET
Put yourself in the shoes of the disciples. How would it feel hearing the news that God’s plan was for you to be persecuted, hated, and
imprisoned for following Jesus?

APPLY
In verse 11, Jesus tells his disciples not to be anxious because his Spirit would give them words and guidance. His disciples would have
known that God’s Spirit normally dwelled in the temple. So when Jesus says that his Spirit will be with them instead, he is implying that
his disciples have become the true temple (thus explaining, in part, why the old one must be destroyed). On top of this, Jesus is suggest-
ing that his Spirit is most near to us precisely when we walk in his path by becoming slaves and servants of others, and suffering for the
gospel.

1. Describe a time that you’ve felt anxious about following Jesus or trusting his guidance.

2. Write down one actionable (i.e. something you can actually do) way that you want to serve others and share the good news of Jesus’s
kingdom. How could God’s Spirit give you words or guide you?

PRAY: Ask God for strength to sacrifice and serve for others and for his kingdom. Ask his
Spirit to help you feel his closeness and guidance in these moments.
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 DAY 3: SIGNS OF THE TIMES

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to you word. Teach me. Give me understanding. Lead
me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with my
whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: Jesus continues his “Little Apocalypse” about the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (which took place in 70
CE, 40 years after Jesus’s death and resurrection). Yesterday, he described what would happen before this destruction. Today, he describes
what will happen during and after it. You might want to review the main points of the devotion on Day 1 before reading this (page 57-58).
Remember: this unveils what God is doing behind the scenes of the geopolitical reality using non-literal, highly symbolic language.

READ MARK 13:14-37

13:14 “When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ 26 “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in
standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand— clouds with great power and glory. 27 And he will send his
then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let no angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends
one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take any- of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
thing out. 16 Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak.
17 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women 28 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs
and nursing mothers! 18 Pray that this will not take place in get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is
winter, 19 because those will be days of distress unequaled from near. 29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you
the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and know that it is near, right at the door. 30 Truly I tell you, this
never to be equaled again. generation will certainly not pass away until all these things
have happened. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my
20 “If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would sur- words will never pass away.
vive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has
shortened them. 21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, 32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the an-
here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 gels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard!
For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like
signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 So a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in
be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time. charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the
door to keep watch. 35 Therefore keep watch because you do
24 “But in those days, following that distress, not know when the owner of the house will come back—wheth-
“‘the sun will be darkened, er in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows,
and the moon will not give its light; or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you
25 the stars will fall from the sky, sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’

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WEEK 9
 HOW DID JERUSALEM’S TEMPLE FALL?
SIDEBAR In 66 CE, a Jewish revolt against Rome began in the politically volatile region of Galilee. The movement lacked central leadership, meaning that some-
times Jews fought fellow Jews. It lasted through 70 CE, when the son of the Emperor, Titus, finally broke through the temple walls after a soldier lit the
temple on fire (the Menorah they took from the Temple is still visible on Titus’s victory arch in Rome today). These four years were terrible. Death,
sickness, and severe food shortage reportedly led parents to eat even infants. During this time, Rome went through a civil war as multiple generals vied
to become emperor. While the world did not end, anyone living in Israel or throughout Rome would have told you that these days were dark, violent,
dangerous, and awful. Interestingly, the most complete history of the Jewish wars records some of the astral signs Jesus mentioned in his prophecy.
Indeed, some Christians, because they trusted Jesus’s prophecy, fled from Jerusalem to Pella and survived the onslaught.

OBSERVE
In verses 32-35, Jesus applies his apocalypse to real life. List at least three character traits Jesus wants his followers to exhibit.

INTERPRET
Jesus did not want his followers to get caught in the destruction of Jerusalem, so he calls them to watch for “signs of the times” and to
flee when they saw them. Historical records show this actually occurred. But the meaning of his commands to stay alert and watchful
go deeper than this. Jesus will return one day, once and for all, to judge the whole earth, not just the temple. As a result, we should
watch our lives, so that he finds us following him when he returns.

What kind of things do you think distracted the disciples from waiting for Jesus to return to judge the temple? What sins tempted
them? What cares in the world? What fears?

What do you think it means to be “alert” about your how you are living? In other words, how can somone live in the present with an
alertness about the future?

APPLY
What sins, cares of the world, or fears threaten to distract you from Jesus’s ultimate return?

What are specific things you can do to live in the present with an alertness about Jesus’s future return?

PRAY: Ask God to help you resist the sins that distract you from his return and to help you
remain alert about how you are living.
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 WEEK 9 DISCUSSION GUIDE
PRAY: “Heavenly father, it is good to live in unity with friends. Use this time to refresh us, to
challenge us to pursue your mission, and to deepen our love for you.” (Based on Psalm 133)

Go back to Day 1 on page 57-58 and look at the wrong and right ideas about apocalypses. Share one specific
thing you learned about the biblical genre of apocalypse.

Read Mark 13 out loud as a group. Once you finish have each person write down two questions you still have
about this passage:
1.

2.

Share your questions with the group. After someone shares, ask if anyone else had the same question (in which
case they don’t have to share it as well). Then try and answer it together as a group. Refer to the Day 1 Devotion
for help brainstorming (page 57-58).

Look over your answers to the application questions on Day 2 on page 60. How can you grow in risking your
reputation or welfare in order to follow Jesus? In order to serve or sacrifice for others?

Create a plan for each person to actually do this over the next week. Agree on a way that you can follow up with
each other to see whether or not you’ve followed through.

PRAY: Ask God to help you to trust him with your life until Jesus returns. Ask him to help you
make faithful decisions, even if they mean risking your reputation or welfare.
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WEEK 9
 DAY 1: TRUE DEVOTION

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

READ MARK 14:1-11

14:1 Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread 6 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She
were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always
of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. 2 have with you, and you can help them any time you want.
“But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.” But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could.
She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for
3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of my burial. 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached
Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in
expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and memory of her.”
poured the perfume on his head. 4 Some of those present were
saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? 10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief
5 It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the priests to betray Jesus to them. 11 They were delighted to hear
money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an
opportunity to hand him over.

SIDEBAR

WHAT ARE THE PASSOVER AND THE FESTIVAL OF UNLEAVENED BREAD?

These two festivals celebrate an annual remembrance of Israel’s Exodus from Egypt. Passover commemorated the night of God’s rescue, when families ate
a sacrificed lamb and painted its blood on the doorposts to protect their firstborn males from being destroyed by the angel of death (Exodus 12:1-27). The
Festival of Unleavened Bread followed directly for the next seven days after Passover, remembering Israel’s departure from Egypt and need for purity.

WEEK 10 64
 OBSERVE
Mark wants us to think about what true devotion to Jesus looks like.

How did people respond after the woman poured perfume on Jesus in verses 4-5?

How does Jesus respond to her in verses 6-9?

INTERPRET
Jesus’s response to the woman shows us what’s most important to him. Reflect on his response and list at least two things this story
teaches you about what Jesus values in his followers.

APPLY
Our actions reveal what our hearts desire. In the case of the disciples, they want money (for good causes!) more than they want to
honor Jesus. In the case of the woman, she wants to honor Jesus more than she wants her valuable perfume. It’s important as followers
of Jesus to take an audit of our actions in order to evaluate whether our hearts really desire Jesus.

What do your bank account and spending habits show about your heart toward Jesus?

What do your daily habits and your schedule show about your heart toward Jesus?

What do your relationships with coworkers, friends, and family show about your heart toward Jesus?

PRAY: Ask God to help you align your actions and your heart your desire for him deepens.
65
 DAY 2: GOD’S PLAN

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

READ MARK 14: 12-25

14:12 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.” 19 They
it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely you
asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations don’t mean me?” 20 He replied, “It is one of the Twelve. One
for you to eat the Passover?” 13 So he sent two of his disciples, who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 The Son of Man will
telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who
will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had
enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may not been born.” 22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread,
eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 He will show you a large and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his
room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” 23 Then he took a
there.” cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they
16 The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as all drank from it. 24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is
Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “Truly I tell you, I will
not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I
17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you,

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WEEK 10
 OBSERVE
What does Jesus predict in the following verses?

v. 13-15 v. 17-18 v. 24-25

INTERPRET
Clearly, Jesus knows what will happen in the future. The surprising thing is that, even though Jesus knows he will be betrayed and mur-
dered, he continues to move forward with God’s plan for his life.

Why do you think Jesus trusted God’s plan, even when he knew it would cost his life?

What do you think those around him were thinking when he pressed toward his death?

APPLY
Jesus looked backwards at the Passover to remember how God rescued Israel from Egypt. Because he could see God’s faithfulness to
Israel in the past, he’s able to trust that faithfulness by responding faithfully himself in the present. Even if God’s future for him involves
death and suffering, Jesus knows he will continue to be faithful.

How has God been faithful to you in the past?

What in your future are you most anxious to entrust to God?

PRAY: Ask God to help you remember his faithfulness in the past so that you can bring your
anxieties to him and trust that he will be faithful in every situation.
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 DAY 3: WHO IS FAITHFUL?

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to you word. Teach me. Give me understanding. Lead
me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with my
whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: The disciples have been concerned with becoming great alongside their king. But Jesus continues to show them
how little strength they actually have.

READ MARK 14:26-42

14:26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possi-
of Olives. 27 “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is ble the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba, Father,” he said,
written: “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not
“‘I will strike the shepherd, what I will, but what you will.” 37 Then he returned to his dis-
and the sheep will be scattered.’ ciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are
28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch
29 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” 30 Jesus and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is
answered, “Truly I tell you, today—yes, tonight—before the willing, but the flesh is weak.”
rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” 31
But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I 39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40
will never disown you.” And all the others said the same. When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because
their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his 41 Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still
disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James, and sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the
John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let
troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” 35 Going

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WEEK 10
 OBSERVE
Jesus knows he is about to face the worst suffering imaginable: torture, death, and God’s punishment for our sin. This ultimate punish-
ment is separation from God. Jesus knows that the time of his death is coming and asks his disciples to support him.

How does Peter respond to Jesus telling him that he will disown him three times in verse 31?

How does Jesus respond when he finds his disciples sleeping when he needs them the most in verses 32-38?

INTERPRET
Jesus knew that, though his disciples thought they were willing to follow him into suffering, they would not be able to bring themselves
to do it when the time came. Yet, the disciples held on to their high self-perception. They thought they would never betray Jesus.

Why do you think the disciples thought so highly of their ability to persevere alongside Jesus?

Compare and contrast how Jesus and the disciples actually face suffering:

APPLY
We often think we are capable of being faithful to Jesus, but in the end, we fail him in one way or another. However, even though we are
faithless, Jesus is always faithful. The disciples’ failure did not stop Jesus from dying for them.

What weaknesses in your life keep you from being faithful to Jesus in the face of suffering. (Things you fear? Or you want to protect?)

PRAY: Confess your shortcomings and spend time thanking God for his faithfulness in your
life despite your failures.
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 WEEK 10 DISCUSSION GUIDE
PRAY: “Heavenly father, it is good to live in unity with friends. Use this time to refresh us, to
challenge us to pursue your mission, and to deepen our love for you.” (Based on Psalm 133)

How does our culture think about weaknesses? How does it define weakness? How do we talk about weaknesses
in other people?

Look back at your observations from Day 3 on page 69. What is Peter’s response when Jesus tells him that he will
be weak and will disown him?

Jesus knows that we are weak and will struggle to be faithful, just like Peter. Why do you think admitting weak-
ness is so hard for us?

Look at your application from Day 2 on page 67. What makes it difficult for you to trust God with your future?

In the end, Jesus will always be faithful to us even when we are faithless to him. Share specific ways God has been
faithful to you when you’ve failed him in the past.

How can you remember these times when you’re struggling to trust him in the future?

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WEEK 10
71
 DAY 1: JESUS ON TRIAL

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

READ MARK 14:43-65

14:43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. 55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for ev-
With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from idence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they
the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their
statements did not agree. 57 Then some stood up and gave this
44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one false testimony against him: 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy
I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” this temple made with human hands and in three days will build
45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even then their testimony
46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those did not agree.
standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high
priest, cutting off his ear. 60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus,
“Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these
48 “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out men are bringing against you?” 61 But Jesus remained silent and
with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the
you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And
the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then everyone deserted him you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty
and fled. One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was fol- 63 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more
lowing Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his witnesses?” he asked. 64 “You have heard the blasphemy. What do
garment behind. 53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65 Then
chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with
54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and
high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at beat him.
the fire.

WHAT “BLASPHEMY” DID JESUS COMMIT?

SIDEBAR

“Blasphemy” is any speech which speaks untruthfully or profanely about God. In this particular instance, the high priest asks Jesus whether he is “the Messi-
ah,” an ancient Jewish word which most often referred to God’s anointed king. Jesus responds by saying “I am.” Claiming to be a Messiah was not blasphemy.
However, “I am” is the name God gave himself in Exodus, and thus Jesus here makes an implicit claim to be God himself. But he doesn’t stop there. He quotes
from the prophesy of Daniel, which foretells a day when one “like a son of man” would sit at God’s right hand and rule beside him. Jesus claims to be that per-
son, effectively claiming for himself equal power and authority with God. Taken together, these statements are breathtakingly audacious: Jesus, a man stripped
of all human power, status, and dignity has claimed to be God himself, vested with all power and authority.

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 OBSERVE

Describe what happens to Jesus in each set of verses:

v. 43-47 v. 50-52 v. 56-58 v. 65

INTERPRET
Summarize Jesus’s experience in your own words:

Put yourself in Jesus’s shoes. What emotions would you feel if you were abandoned by your closest friends? If people brought false
charges against you? If the people you came to rescue arrested and beat you?

APPLY
Jesus not only calls his followers to be servants, to become “the least of these,” and to take up their crosses. He actually does it himself.
Why? Because that’s what God’s rule looks like. That’s how God’s Kingdom conquers the world… by dying for it. This is completely
counterintuitive. Most of us fight to defend our status, our reputation, and our welfare. We call these things our “rights” and threaten
anyone who threatens them. But Jesus shows us that the way to life is by losing these things.

Write down areas in your life where becoming weak, taking up your cross, or being a servant is most challenging:

PRAY: Thank Jesus for taking insults and beatings for your sake, rather than pursuing his own
wellbeing.
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 DAY 2: WHAT ABOUT WHEN WE FAIL?

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to your word. Teach me. Give me understanding.
Lead me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with
my whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

READ MARK 14: 66-72

66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely
girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warm- you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 He began to
ing himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man
Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. 68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or you’re talking about.”
understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out
into the entryway. 72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter
remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the
69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he
standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” 70 Again he broke down and wept.
denied it.

OBSERVE
The other Gospels testify that Peter cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant just before this scene (see v. 47 in yesterday’s readings).

According to verses 66 and 69, who accuses Peter of following Jesus twice?

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 INTERPRET
It is likely that this event took place in the high priest’s courtyard, and that all of the people there were servants of the high priest along
with the man who lost his ear to Peter.

What do you think Peter feared in this moment?

What do you think Peter was attempting to protect by denying Jesus?

APPLY
Following Jesus always comes with risks, whether it’s risking a job by refusing to do something unethical or risking your reputation by
being honest about your beliefs. On a more personal level, the world offers all sorts of tempting promises if we would just deny Jesus in
our words and actions. Temptions like money, sex, influence, comfort, and control.

What most tempts you to deny Jesus in word or action?

Think of a specific time you denied Jesus in your actions or words. What were you trying to protect?

PRAY: Each and every one of us has betrayed God, redefined good and evil, protected our-
selves, and hurt others. So, we want to know what happens to Peter. But Mark never tells us.
Instead, he shows us Jesus’s crucifixion. That is Jesus’s response: he will die for those who deny
him. He will take the penalty for their betrayal of God, so that they might be reconciled to him.

Lay the ways you’ve betrayed God before him. Turn away from these things. Trust that because
Jesus died in your place, you are forgiven. Ask God to give you strength to bear your cross and
persecution in the future.
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 DAY 3: LOVE CONQUERS
THE WORLD
PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to you word. Teach me. Give me understanding. Lead
me in your paths, so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with my
whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: Today’s reading is longer than usual because we did not want to divide the crucifixion into parts. The questions
will be shorter.

READ MARK 15:1-41

15:1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, 16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Prae-
the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their torium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17
plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of
to Pilate. 2 “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “You thorns and set it on him. 18 And they began to call out to him,
have said so,” Jesus replied. 3 The chief priests accused him of “Hail, king of the Jews!” 19 Again and again they struck him
many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees,
answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.” 5 But they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him,
Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed. they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him.
Then they led him out to crucify him.
6 Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner
whom the people requested. 7 A man called Barabbas was in 21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander
prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and
the uprising. 8 The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for they forced him to carry the cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the
them what he usually did. place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 23
Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not
9 “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” take it. 24 And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they
asked Pilate, 10 knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief cast lots to see what each would get.
priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11 But the chief priests
stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. 25 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The
12 “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the
Jews?” Pilate asked them. 13 “Crucify him!” they shouted. 14 Jews. 27 They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right
“Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they and one on his left. [28] 29 Those who passed by hurled insults
shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” 15 Wanting to satisfy the at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going
crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down
and handed him over to be crucified. from the cross and save yourself!” 31 In the same way the chief
priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among them-

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 selves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.
32 Let this Messiah
Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from 37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 38 The curtain of the
the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the
him also heaped insults on him. centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died,
he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”
God
33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in
the afternoon. 34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out 40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them
in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the young-
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). 35 When er and of Joseph, and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had
some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who
calling Elijah.” 36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vine- had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.
gar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave

OBSERVE
All of the terms in bold are terms used to identify ancient kings, or objects associated with ancient kings. Reread the verses with bold
phrases. Write down how the characters in the story use these phrases and objects (curiously, accusingly, sarcastically, mockingly, sin-
cerely).

INTERPRET
Mark’s characters are speaking the truth about Jesus (quite by accident). His crucifixion is his enthronement and the beginning of his
rule. How is Jesus’s rule and power the opposite of the Jewish and Roman authorities?

APPLY
This story highlights the difference between the way the world rules (through violence, force, self-seeking, self-protection) and the way
God rules. Jesus conquers the powers of the world (Satan, sin, and death) not by violence, force, or human authority, but through sacri-
ficial love. This tells us something about how we, as his people, live in the world and face evil and injustice.

How are you tempted to “rule” in your life like the world (through violence, force, self-seeking, self-protection)?

How do you think you can actively embody Jesus’s sacrificial love (humility, service, self-denial) in your life? For instance, is there an
area where someone is doing you wrong? If so, how can you face it with self-giving?

PRAY: Ask God to help you trust that he will ultimately vindicate those who trust in him. He will
hold wrongdoers accountable and will restore whatever we give or lose in their wrongdoing.
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 WEEK 11 DISCUSSION GUIDE
PRAY: “Heavenly father, it is good to live in unity with friends. Use this time to refresh us, to
challenge us to pursue your mission, and to deepen our love for you.” (Based on Psalm 133)

Together, list five words that describe the Jewish authorities and Roman authorities.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

List five words that describe Jesus during his trial and crucifixion.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

What are the big differences you notice between these lists?

Look at your application section from Day 3 on page 76. Where do you see the world’s way of doing things re-
flected in your life?

How would you like to see Jesus’s character reflected in your life instead?

PRAY: Jesus promises that those who put their trust in him will be forgiven of their sins and em-
powered to live in his new way. Share one way you want God to help you grow in sacrificial love.
Be specific. Name specific people you want to love and share how you want to love them.
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 DAY 1: WHAT DOES DYING
REALLY ACCOMPLISH?

someone else, that person incurred guilt. The accidental killer

READ: The crucifixion of Jesus is so commonplace today
could either be put to death, or they could pay a ransom for the
that we rarely slow down to ask what it actually meant accom-
life he took. In a similar fashion, Israel could only be purified
plished. On one hand, there is a beautiful simplicity to the true
from the collective guilt they incurred before God by giving
statement, “Jesus died for me.” On the other hand, it begs ques-
the life of an unblemished lamb in place of their own lives. The
tions like, “in what way can someone’s death, 2000 years ago, be
lamb ransomed them from their guilt (by dying in their place)
‘for me’?” “What exactly did his death save me from?” “How did
and purified them from their sin. By calling himself a “ransom,”
his death do that?” “Why was death necessary at all?” “Does his
Jesus was saying that all of Israel (and all of humanity for that
death do anything beyond ‘saving’ individuals?”
matter) had incurred guilt before God. But rather than paying
for their guilt with their own lives, Jesus offered his—a life with-
I’d never thoughts about any of these questions until I had a
out blemish—as their ransom. Jesus died to take the penalty of
conversation with a friend who suggested that Jesus’s death
sin upon himself so that we can be ransomed and purified from
at the hand of God was something akin to divine child abuse.
our sin, and so that we can be definitively forgiven.
While I still find this view deeply misled, it highlighted the need
for me to go to scripture and honestly ask, “Why did Jesus die?”
3. Jesus died to create a new people. In Mark 14, Jesus eats the
The New Testament gives many answers, but I want to briefly
Passover feast with his disciples. As he poured the wine, he
offer four reasons Mark gives us.
said, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out
for many.” Two places in the Old Testament speak of “blood
1. Jesus died as the climax of God’s story. All of history is a
of the covenant.” One foretells a day when “the blood of my
story written by God. The Bible claims to tell the central, most
covenant” will set prisoners free. This recalls the Exodus, when
important story: God created a good world, humanity rebelled
God rescued Israel from slavery, thus suggesting that Jesus’s
against him, but he refused to give up. He would rescue his
death is rescuing a new people from their enslavement to sin,
creation. He called Israel to be his tool in this rescue mission,
death, and the devil. The second comes directly from the story
but in the end they failed. Fortunately, their prophets foretold
of the Exodus. After the people hear God’s law and agree to live
a day when God would return to finish Israel’s mission and
by it, God makes a covenant to be their God and make them his
re-establish his rule on earth, rescuing all of creation. Thus,
people. This covenant is ratified by blood. While it is true that
Mark begins and ends his Gospel with the idea of fulfillment. In
Jesus died to save individual sinners, it is more true to say that
Jesus, the hopes of Israel and the promised return of God’s rule
Jesus died to rescue an entire people so that together they might
were being fulfilled (Mark 1:15; 14:49). The story begins with
become God’s people.
the heavens being “torn” open at Jesus’s baptism, signifying God
is returning in Jesus to rule. And the story ends with the temple
4. Jesus died to conquer evil and become king over all the nations.
curtain being “torn” open, signifying that God’s presence is
Jesus’s trial and crucifixion are loaded with irony. He is called
breaking out of the temple into all of creation.
“King of the Jews” by Pilate and mockingly dressed as a king by
Roman soldiers. In a traditional crucifixion, a criminal’s offense
2. Jesus died as a ransom for many. In Mark 10:45, Jesus offers
was nailed above his head. What was Jesus’s offense? He was
his own interpretation of his death, “to give his life as a ransom
labeled “The King of the Jews.” Even his own countrymen, who
for many.” In Old Testament law, if someone accidentally killed

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 should have heralded him, reject him and mock him as “the Often, when we talk about why Jesus died, we limit the focus
King of Israel.” After he dies, the Roman centurion calls him to ourselves. “Jesus died for my sins.” This is true, but Mark
“the Son of God,” a name for both Jewish and Roman kings. focuses on the larger picture: Jesus died to rescue the world,
Jesus’s last words are taken from one of King David’s songs, to become King over all, and to create a “new people.” I hope
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This quotation this is actually encouraging: you and I are not the center of the
brings all of Psalm 22 to mind, a song in which the king suffers universe. God loves each of us deeply enough to send his Son
unjustly and pleads to God. This suggests that God’s defini- for each us, and yet the truth is that he came for all of us. This
tion of kingship, power, and leadership are the opposite of the means that we’ve been rescued into a new people (the church),
world’s. Indeed, by suffering an unfair, powerless death, Jesus not as individuals on our own. It means that we are saved with a
triumphed not only over the violent, forceful, self-promoting purpose, to proclaim and enact our king’s rule of love, self-sac-
Roman and Jewish authorities, but also over death, Satan, and rifice, goodness, and justice. It means that God’s mission is
the power of sin. Sacrificial love is how God’s Kingdom begins! not directed merely toward individual souls, but toward all of
Indeed, Psalm 22 ends with God rescuing his suffering king and creation—and so what we do here really matters.
then establishing his kingdom. God then causes the rulers and
peoples from every nation to come and bow before the king. As
a result of this future king’s just and good rule, there is life and
prosperity on earth. Love, goodness, and grace get the last word.

QUESTIONS
Choose one of these four reasons Jesus died that is most new to you.

What’s one new thing you learned?

What’s one question you still have about it?

How does seeing yourself in light of the larger picture of God’s creation-wide mission change how you think about your own salvation?
(Does it give your salvation a different purpose? Does it change how you see other people who are saved/not saved? Does it change how
you view the church or your work?)

Jesus died to become king over all. This means he has authority in our lives. What is one area of your life that you need to give him
authority over? How can he rescue you from that?

PRAY: Ask Jesus to fill your heart with joy and thankfulness in response to his deep love for you,
a love so deep that he rescued you and all of creation at the cost of his life.
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 DAY 2: A RESURRECTION
CLIFFHANGER

PRAY: Heavenly father, incline my heart to you word. Teach me. Give me understanding. Lead
me in your paths so that I can walk in your ways and observe your commandments with my
whole heart. (Based on Psalm 119:33-36)

INTRODUCTION: Today, we read the last verses of Mark’s gospel. It is, to say the least, a cliffhanger. In fact, some Christians found
the ending so abrupt that they added an additional ending based on the other Gospels, which is why you will find it in brackets in your
Bible (signifying that it is not original).

READ MARK 15:42-16:8

15:42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sab- and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from
bath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a the entrance of the tomb?”
prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for
the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’s 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was
body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb,
Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the
died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, right side, and they were alarmed.
he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen
cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the
it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See
entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and
of Joseph saw where he was laid. Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see
him, just as he told you.’”
16:1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the
mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might 8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled
go to anoint Jesus’s body. 2 Very early on the first day of the from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were
week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 afraid.

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 OBSERVE
What were the women coming to do in verses 1-4?

What does the “young man” tell them about Jesus in verses 6-7? What does he tell them to do?

How do they respond in verse 8?

INTERPRET
The women came to Jesus’s tomb expecting to do a funeral anointing on his dead body. But instead they find the tomb empty. Yet, Jesus
told his disciples repeatedly that he would rise from the dead. They likely understood this as a reference to a future resurrection, when
all people (and, in their view, Jesus with them) would be resurrected at once by God. They did not expect one person to be resurrected
alone in the middle of time. Indeed, Mark’s Gospel ends abruptly with them fleeing in fear and confusion.

Why do you think Mark ended his Gospel so abruptly? What effect do you think he was trying to have on his audience?

APPLY
Mark’s Gospel ends with the “young man’s” admonition to proclaim the resurrection being fulfilled. We want Mark to tell us what hap-
pens to the disciples next, but, instead, he turns the mirror on us and says, “Don’t worry about them, worry about you. What will you
do? Will you share that Jesus is the resurrected King? That he’s rescued humanity? Will you repent and receive his forgiveness? Will you
lay down your life, your status, your reputation, your wealth for Jesus and his Kingdom? Will you serve the least of these in his name?”

Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned in Mark. How do you want to answer those questions?

PRAY: Give King Jesus your heart’s allegiance. Commit yourself to serving him. Ask him for
the strength you need to serve his Kingdom.
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 DAY 3: WRITING THE NEXT
CHAPTER IN YOUR STORY

CONGRATULATIONS! You have not only to convict you, to correct you, to encourage you, to

read, but also studied and understood the most an- guide you? Will the story his word unfolds shape

cient portrait of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. your worldview? Will it shape how you see God, oth-

It is our hope that, along the way, you developed ers, yourself, the world? Will his word become your

skills of observation, interpretation, and applica- wisdom, your daily food, your light in the darkness?

tion that will allow you to read other portions of the

Bible more confidently. You might be surprised what Will his word and his story become your story?

happens if you pick up another book (try Acts, for

example) and follow the same threefold pattern of We hope that over the last twelve weeks you’ve seen

observation, interpretation, application. his word change your life. Perhaps you’ve seen things
about yourself you never saw. Perhaps you’ve found

Jesus saw his entire life as the fulfillment of God’s sto- yourself doing things you’ve never done. Perhaps you

ry and allowed God’s word to guide his every step. At feel closer to God. Perhaps you’ve become a servant

Jesus’s most desperate moment, dying on the cross, to your family and coworkers. Perhaps you’ve begun

he did not cry his own words, but words from Psalm to see your calling as a part of God’s Kingdom and

22. Jesus bled scripture because God’s word lay at the his mission to spread his rule of love, justice, and

heart of how he saw himself, others, and the world. mercy over all things.

It lay at the heart of the Kingdom he was enacting.

It lay at the heart of his calling to take up a cross, to But all of these things will remain “perhaps” if they

become a servant, to be the least. don’t lead to lasting change. And we genuinely be-
lieve the means God uses to do this are prayer and

The question for us is whether we will allow Jesus his word. So, on this last day of our study we will

to make his story and his word the center of our reflect on what we’ve learned and plan for the future.

existence. Will his story write the script for the next
act in your journey? Will his word have the right

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WEEK 12
 QUESTIONS
Write down one big takeaway (something you learned) about Jesus from the Gospel of Mark.

Write down one big takeaway (something you learned) about God’s Kingdom from the Gospel of Mark.

Write down one big takeaway (something you learned) about yourself from the Gospel of Mark.

Write down one big takeaway (something you learned) about your calling from the Gospel of Mark.

Write down one thing you learned about how to read the Bible from this study.

What book of the Bible would you like to read next? (Acts or another Gospel could be great!)

Who do you want to read that book with?

What’s your plan to read it that will help you continue your current habit)?

PRAY: Thank God for helping you remain faithful to his word. Ask for his grace to make this a
lifelong discipline.
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 WEEK 12 DISCUSSION GUIDE
PRAY: “Heavenly father, it is good to live in unity with friends. Use this time to refresh us, to
challenge us to pursue your mission, and to deepen our love for you.” (Based on Psalm 133)

Looking at your answers from Day 3 on page 83, share what you learned about Jesus.

Share what you learned about God’s Kingdom.

Share what you learned about yourself.

Share what you learned about your vocation.

Share what you learned about reading the Bible from this study.

Talk through your plans to make this a lifelong discipline. Are you going to continue studying the Bible togeth-
er in this way? Or could each of you choose someone else to read a book of the Bible with (maybe use another
Guided Bible Reading Plan)?

Share one thing you’ve learned from the group you’ve done this study with..

PRAY: Thank God for sharing this time together. Ask him to work in each other’s lives to make
Bible reading a lifelong discipline.
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W R I T T E N B Y: H E AT H E R C O X , PAT R I C K M I L L E R
& A N D R E A W I E L E | D E S I G N E D B Y: KY L A D R O Z T

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