The Gospel of Mark. BaptistWay Adult Bible Teaching Guide

Transcription

1 BaptistWay Adult Bible Teaching Guide The Gospel of Mark People Responding to Jesus William C. Miller Allen Reasons Michael Williams Brian Edwards Charles Glidewell Gary Long Emily Martin David Strawn Dallas, Texas

2 The Gospel of Mark: People Responding to Jesus Adult Bible Teaching Guide Copyright 2012 by BAPTISTWAY PRESS. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations. For information, contact BAPTISTWAY PRESS, Baptist General Convention of Texas, 333 North Washington, Dallas, TX BAPTISTWAY PRESS is registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations in lessons 1 4, 11 13, and the Christmas lesson are taken from the 1995 update of the New American Standard Bible, Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, nasb refers to the New American Standard Bible. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations in lessons 5 10 are from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. niv84 refers to this edition of the New International Version. Scripture quotations marked NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. BAPTISTWAY PRESS Leadership Team Executive Director, Baptist General Convention of Texas: David Hardage Director, Education/Discipleship Center: Chris Liebrum Director, Bible Study/Discipleship Team: Phil Miller Publisher, BaptistWay Press : Scott Stevens Publishing consultant and editor: Ross West Cover and Interior Design and Production: Desktop Miracles, Inc. Printing: Data Reproductions Corporation First edition: December 2012 ISBN 13:

3 How to Make the Best Use of This Teaching Guide Leading a class in studying the Bible is a sacred trust. This Teaching Guide has been prepared to help you as you give your best to this important task. In each lesson, you will find first Bible Comments for teachers, to aid you in your study and preparation. The three sections of Bible Comments are Understanding the Context, Interpreting the Scriptures, and Focusing on the Meaning. Understanding the Context provides a summary overview of the entire background passage that also sets the passage in the context of the Bible book being studied. Interpreting the Scriptures provides verse-by-verse comments on the focal passage. Focusing on the Meaning offers help with the meaning and application of the focal text. The second main part of each lesson is Teaching Plans. You ll find two complete teaching plans in this section. The first is called Teaching Plan Varied Learning Activities, and the second is called Teaching Plan Lecture and Questions. Choose the plan that best fits your class and your style of teaching. You may also use and adapt ideas from both. Each plan is intended to be practical, helpful, and immediately useful as you prepare to teach. The major headings in each teaching plan are intended to help you sequence how you teach so as to follow the flow of how people tend to learn. The first major heading, Connect with Life, provides ideas that will help you begin the class session where your class is and draw your class into the study. The second major heading, Guide Bible Study, offers suggestions for helping your class engage the Scriptures actively and develop a greater understanding of this portion of the Bible s message. The third major heading, Encourage Application, is meant to help participants focus on how to respond with their lives to this message. 3

4 4 The Gospel of Mark: People Responding to Jesus As you begin the study with your class, be sure to find a way to help your class know the date on which each lesson will be studied. You might use one or more of the following methods: In the first session of the study, briefly overview the study by identifying with your class the date on which each lesson will be studied. Lead your class to write the date in the table of contents in their Study Guides and on the first page of each lesson. Make and post a chart that indicates the date on which each lesson will be studied. If all of your class has , send them an with the dates the lessons will be studied. Provide a bookmark with the lesson dates. You may want to include information about your church and then use the bookmark as an outreach tool, too. A model for a bookmark can be downloaded from on the Resources for Adults page. Develop a sticker with the lesson dates, and place it on the table of contents or on the back cover. Here are some steps you can take to help you prepare well to teach each lesson and save time in doing so: 1. Start early in the week before your class meets. 2. If your church s adult Bible study teachers meet for lesson overview and preparation, plan to participate. If your church s adult Bible study teachers don t have this planning time now, look for ways to begin. You, your fellow teachers, and your church will benefit from this mutual encouragement and preparation. 3. Overview the study in the Study Guide. Look at the table of contents, and see where this lesson fits in the overall study. Then read or review the study introduction to the book that is being studied. 4. Consider carefully the suggested Main Idea, Question to Explore, and Teaching Aim. These can help you discover the main thrust of this particular lesson.

5 How to Make the Best Use of This Teaching Guide 5 5. Use your Bible to read and consider prayerfully the Scripture passages for the lesson. Using your Bible in your study and in the class session can provide a positive model to class members to use their own Bibles and give more attention to Bible study themselves. (Each writer of the Bible comments in both the Teaching Guide and the Study Guide has chosen a favorite translation. You re free to use the Bible translation you prefer and compare it with the translations chosen, of course.) 6. After reading all the Scripture passages in your Bible, then read the Bible comments in the Study Guide. The Bible comments are intended to be an aid to your study of the Bible. Read also the small articles sidebars in each lesson. They are intended to provide additional, enrichment information and inspiration and to encourage thought and application. Try to answer for yourself the questions included in each lesson. They re intended to encourage further thought and application, and you can also use them in the class session itself. Continue your Bible study with the aid of the Bible comments included in this Teaching Guide. 7. Review the Teaching Plans in this Teaching Guide. Consider how these suggestions would help you teach this Bible passage in your class to accomplish the teaching aim. 8. Consider prayerfully the needs of your class, and think about how to teach so you can help your class learn best. 9. Develop and follow a lesson plan based on the suggestions in this Teaching Guide, with alterations as needed for your class. 10. Enjoy leading your class in discovering the meaning of the Scripture passages and in applying these passages to their lives. Note: The time of the first release of these materials includes the Christmas holiday. To meet the needs of churches who wish to have a Bible study lesson specifically on the Christmas Scripture passages during this time, a Christmas lesson is included. Adult Online Bible Commentary. Plan to get the additional adult Bible study comments Adult Online Bible Commentary by Dr. Jim Denison

6 6 The Gospel of Mark: People Responding to Jesus (president, Denison Forum on Truth and Culture, and theologian-inresidence, Baptist General Convention of Texas). Call or baptistway@texasbaptists.org to order Adult Online Bible Commentary. It is available only in electronic format (PDF) from our website. The price of these comments is $6 for individuals and $25 for a group of five. A church or class that participates in our advance order program for free shipping can receive Adult Online Bible Commentary free. Call or see for information on participating in our free shipping program for the next study. Adult Online Teaching Plans. An additional teaching plan is also available in electronic format (PDF) by calling The price of these plans is $5 for an individual and $20 for a group of five. It is available only in electronic format (PDF) from our website. A church or class that participates in our advance order program for free shipping can receive Adult Online Teaching Plans free. Call or see for information on participating in our free shipping program for the next study. FREE! Downloadable teaching resource items for use in your class are available at Watch for them in Teaching Plans for each lesson. Then go online to and click on Teaching Resource Items for this study. These items are selected from Teaching Plans. They are provided online to make lesson preparation easier for hand-outs and similar items. Permission is granted to download these teaching resource items, print them out, copy them as needed, and use them in your class. IN ADDITION: Enrichment teaching help is provided in the internet edition of the Baptist Standard. Access the FREE internet information by checking the Baptist Standard website at Call to begin your subscription to the printed or electronic edition of the Baptist Standard.

7 Writers of This Teaching Guide William C. Miller, writer of Bible Comments on lessons one through four and the Christmas lesson, is the pastor of First Baptist Church of Farmington, Missouri. He is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University and Midwestern Baptist Seminary. Bill has served as a trustee for Southwest Baptist and Missouri Baptist Universities and as president of the Baptist General Convention of Missouri. He and his wife Mary Beth have two grown sons and two granddaughters. He teaches the collegeage Sunday school class at First Baptist Church. Emily Martin wrote Teaching Plans for lessons one through four. She is a professional writer specializing in business and Christian communication. She and her husband have a son and a daughter and are members of Park Cities Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas. Allen Reasons, writer of Bible Comments for lessons five through ten, is the senior minister of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, Huntington, West Virginia. He also serves as an adjunct professor for Palmer Theological Seminary. He has previously served as pastor of churches in Texas and Missouri. Dr. Reasons holds the Doctor of Philosophy degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Laurie have two children, Katherine and Preston. David Strawn serves as minister of education for First Baptist Church, College Station, Texas. Dr. Strawn wrote Teaching Plans for lessons five and six. In addition to service at other churches, Dr. Strawn was also director of education for the Lubbock Baptist Association in Texas. He has a B.A. in Bible, a master s degree in religious education, and a Ph.D. in adult education. Gary Long wrote lessons seven through nine in the Adult Bible Study Guide and also Teaching Plans for lessons seven through nine in 7

8 8 The Book of Acts: Time to Act on Acts 1:8 the Adult Bible Teaching Guide. Gary serves First Baptist Church, Gaithersburg, Maryland, as pastor, and formerly served Willow Meadows Baptist Church, Houston, Texas. He has also served churches in North Carolina and Virginia. Michael E. (Mike) Williams, Sr., wrote Bible Comments on lessons eleven through thirteen. Dr. Williams is dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and professor of history at Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, Texas. He was the founding pastor of Trinity Hills Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, and continues to serve churches as a supply preacher and interim pastor. Brian Edwards wrote Teaching Plans for lessons ten and eleven. He is a freelance writer and speaker who lives in Huntsville, Texas. He has served churches in Texas and Georgia. He earned the Master of Divinity degree at Logsdon Seminary in Abilene, Texas. Charles Glidewell wrote lessons twelve, thirteen, and the Christmas lesson in the Adult Bible Study Guide as well as Teaching Plans for these lessons in the Adult Bible Teaching Guide. He is the pastor of First Baptist Church, New London, New Hampshire. He received the Master of Divinity degree from Logsdon Seminary, Abilene, Texas.

9 The Gospel of Mark: People Responding to Jesus How to Make the Best Use of This Teaching Guide 3 Writers for This Teaching Guide 7 Date of Study LESSON 1 John the Baptist: Preparing for Jesus Mark 1: LESSON 2 Peter: Telling Jesus He s Wrong Mark 1:16 18; 8:27 33; 14:26 31, 66 72; 16: LESSON 3 James and John: We Are First LESSON 4 Levi: Outsiders Welcome Mark 1:19 20; 3:13 17; 10: Mark 2: LESSON 5 A Disturbed Man: Freed from Being Out of Control Mark 5: LESSON 6 Two Desperate People: Relying On Jesus Mark 5: LESSON 7 Hometown People: Stuck in the Ordinary Mark 6: LESSON 8 The Religious Leaders: Bound By Tradition Mark 7: LESSON 9 The Disciples: Slow to Get It LESSON 10 Mark 6:45 52; 8: The Law Expert: Asking About What Matters Most Mark 12:

10 10 The Gospel of Mark: People Responding to Jesus LESSON 11 LESSON 12 LESSON 13 The Woman at Bethany: Honoring Jesus Extravagantly Mark 14: Judas: Doing the Unthinkable Mark 14:10 11, 17 21, Women at the Cross and the Tomb: Serving Jesus to the End Mark 15:40 16:8 138 CHRISTMAS Jesus Christ God with Us LESSON Matthew 1: How to Order More Bible Study Materials 159

11 FOCAL TEXT Mark 1:1 11 BACKGROUND Mark 1:1 15; 6:14 29; 11:27 33 MAIN IDEA John the Baptist proclaimed the message of preparing for Jesus coming by repenting of sin, seeking God s forgiveness. QUESTION TO EXPLORE In what ways do we need to prepare the way for Jesus? Lesson One John the Baptist: Preparing for Jesus TEACHING AIM To lead adults to describe how John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus and to identify how they will prepare his way today 11

12 12 The Gospel of Mark: People Responding to Jesus BIBLE COMMENTS Understanding the Context One might describe both the beginning and the ending of Mark as abrupt. As the shortest of the four Gospels, there is an urgency in Mark. Jesus time on earth was short, and Mark wasted no words in recounting the events of Jesus ministry. He did not tell us everything about Jesus. He did not include a genealogy or Jesus early history. His interest seemed to rest solely on Jesus ministry. Jesus presence represented great change and required a response. For Mark, Jesus Christ came into the world to bring salvation to people. If Mark wrote this Gospel between 65 and 70 A.D., it was a time of increasing persecution. In showing how Jesus met and overcame opposition and persecution, Mark encouraged his readers as well. The first lesson in this series centers on John the Baptist. But, although Mark began with John the Baptist s encounter with Jesus, he made it clear the Gospel was about Jesus. The question to explore for this lesson is, In what ways do we need to prepare the way for Jesus? Since preparing the way was John s role, look to him for an example. In all four Gospels we see a similar report (Matthew 3; Luke 3; John 1) about John the Baptist. He pointed people to Christ. John described Christ by saying, He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove his sandals (Matt. 3:11). We further see John the Baptist s intent when he said of Jesus, He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30). 1 We follow John the Baptist s example of preparing the way for Jesus when we are faithful to Jesus in our lives, our words, our teaching, and our consistent witness to Christ.

13 Lesson 1: John the Baptist: Preparing for Jesus 13 Interpreting the Scriptures The Introduction (1:1) The gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, describes the theme of this book. We know from the first words what or whom this book would be about. The word gospel means good news. We also identify gospel with the first four books of the New Testament. In a wider sense we sometimes describe the content of all Scripture as the gospel. Primarily, we understand the word to mean good news. In light of Old Testament expectations, Mark s purpose was to say that God had broken decisively and victoriously into history in the person of Jesus Christ. Since this message is such good news, how can our lives demonstrate its reality? Mark wrote as government-sanctioned persecution was expanding. This was in addition to the religious intolerance Christians often suffered. How did suffering Christians read and hear the good news while facing the threat of persecution? How does the phrase good news sound to people who face bad news today? The name Jesus means the Lord saves. Christ means the anointed one, the equivalent of the Hebrew, Messiah. Without any other introductory or genealogical material Mark then called Jesus the Son of God. This phrase describes Jesus for them and for us. Although in Mark Jesus did not explicitly refer to himself as Son of God, he did imply it (Mark 12:6). In one brief sentence Mark wrote that Jesus is the Savior; he is the Anointed One; he is God s Son; and his presence is good news! There are a number of opinions as to why Mark wrote the beginning of the gospel. A likely interpretation is that he intended the reader to see John the Baptist as the one who announced the presence of the one whom God had promised and this began Jesus ministry. The Preparation (1:2 8) 1:2 3. Jesus coming was in fulfillment of prophecy. However, only verse 3 is from Isaiah (Isaiah 40:3). Verse 2 is from Malachi 3:1 and seems also to reference Exodus 23:20. Perhaps Mark noted Isaiah because that

14 14 The Gospel of Mark: People Responding to Jesus prophet had special meaning for him. In choosing these Scripture references he affirmed the Torah (the law, the first five books of the Old Testament) and the major and the minor prophets, and he showed that all of them prophesied the truth of the gospel he recorded. John was that Elijah-like figure (2 Kings 1:8; Mark 6:15; 9:11 13) who would precede the coming of the Messiah. Since John the Baptist was the one who fulfilled those prophecies, then clearly Mark also intended to show that Jesus was the Lord. 1:4 6. John appeared in the wilderness. The New International Version 2 calls it a desert region. Desert or wilderness regions were not uncommon. John s diet of locusts and wild honey and his camel skin clothing again related him to Elijah. It was the available food and attire for a wilderness dweller. Where John was preaching and baptizing would not have been readily accessible. This makes the first part of verse 5 more astonishing. We assume that all the country did not mean every person from Judea and Jerusalem was present. But, the Scriptures indicate that a large number of people were there. It would have taken some effort for them to be present. It is difficult to read the passage and not wonder, Why? Why were so many going out to hear this man? Consider several answers. First, it had been 400 years since the prophets had spoken. John, odd though he may have appeared, represented an entirely new approach and message. He did not point to the contemporary religious structures as a solution to the needs of the people. Second was John s message. He preached repentance from sin, which required in his baptism a confession of sin. Then and now, sin is a burden one should not try to bear. The current religious structure was unable to offer an answer to the burden of sin, but John was. That must have held great appeal for the people. Third, John s message was in preparation for the Lord. While that message would later prove a threat to the religious leaders, it was welcome news to the people who believed that one day God s Anointed would come. 1:7 8. John called the people to repentance. To be baptized by John was to agree with his call. One can see further evidence of this when he called those who insincerely sought his baptism a brood of vipers, and

15 Lesson 1: John the Baptist: Preparing for Jesus 15 required them to do deeds that demonstrated the reality of their repentance (Luke 3:1 17). John s baptism was by immersion. The Greek word means to dip or to dunk. In his preaching and his baptism he affirmed the purpose of his ministry and the entire Gospel of Mark. John the Baptist s work was to prepare for and point the way to Jesus Christ. John s baptism was a symbol of the people s repentance. Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. Whatever this might have meant to John s hearers, we know that the coming of the Spirit in power would fulfill prophecy and would change everything (Joel 2:28 32). The Baptism (1:9 11) 1:9. Were the people and the leaders surprised at John s attire, residence, diet, demeanor, and message? How much more surprised was John when Jesus came to him to be baptized? Why was Jesus baptized especially when we consider that John s was a baptism of repentance? Mark does not say. Matthew offers a bit more information when he quotes Jesus as saying, Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness (Matt. 3:15). Evidently Jesus wished to identify with John and with the people he came to save. 1: What also distinguished Jesus baptism is related to Mark s use of the word beginning (Mark 1:1). There is no indication here that anyone other than Jesus saw the heavens open, saw the Spirit like a dove descend, or heard the voice. This means that we who read the Gospel know and understand more than those gathered at the baptism knew or understood. We have the advantage of reading the entire account. With an echo from Psalm 2:7, the Father in heaven indicated his approval and anointing of his unique and beloved Son. The Gospel of Mark opens with the pronouncement that Jesus is the Son of God. Verse 11 makes it clear that he was anointed for the purpose God had sent him. God affirmed him as his Son. Now Jesus would carry out his work of salvation.

16 16 The Gospel of Mark: People Responding to Jesus Focusing on the Meaning Mark 6:14 29 tells the sad story of the death of John the Baptist. He died for saying what all the people knew to be true. He died because of the pettiness of powerful, hateful people. John died as a person of integrity, courage, and commitment. He left his mark on the people and died with their esteem so that Mark would later say, For everyone considered John to have been a real prophet (Mark 11:32). He did not waver from his assignment to point people to Jesus. By his obedience to his call he was effective in preparing the way for the Lord. In 1998 Dr. Bill Tanner, then executive director-treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, spoke in our church. Earlier in the day he met with several pastors. Dr. Tanner was a great preacher and an outstanding leader. Something he said that morning has influenced me greatly. He said, I have come to the time in my life when I seldom use the word successful. I prefer the word effective. John the Baptist died an inglorious death in prison. His body was further desecrated when Herod presented the head of the great man to a girl who then gave it to her mother. Was John successful? He was not if we define success in terms of political power, financial wherewithal, or community status. Was he effective? He was because his ministry opened the door for the ministry and the work of Christ. We can and we are effective in preparing people for Jesus when we live committed lives; when we look for opportunities to share the love of Jesus by word and by deed; and when we obey Christ s leading in our lives. And, we are effective as witnesses to Christ when we embrace as our own the attitude of John the Baptist toward Jesus, He must increase but I [we] must decrease (John 3:30).

17 Lesson 1: John the Baptist: Preparing for Jesus 17 TEACHING PLANS Teaching Plan Varied Learning Activities Connect with Life 1. State that when political candidates, rock stars, or other celebrities are going to visit a town, they often send an advance team. Ask, What do these teams do? Why? What do they hope to accomplish? Then ask, Do these teams ever ask people to prepare themselves in advance? Say, Today we will study John the Baptist and examine how he prepared the way for Jesus by asking people to prepare themselves. Add that this is the first in a series of studies that looks at people in Mark s Gospel and the ways they responded to the person of Jesus. Along the way, we ll compare ourselves to each of these people. Guide Bible Study 2. Invite someone to read Mark 1:1 5 aloud while the class listens for what John the Baptist did. State that Isaiah and other Old Testament prophets predicted a coming messiah who would come and restore people to favor with God. Many people assumed this would mean restoring the nation of Israel to its former political power. Ask, Do you think people expect a messiah today? If so, what kind of messiah? State that John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus coming by urging people to repent of sin and seek God s forgiveness. Ask, How can we do that today? 3. Enlist someone to read Mark 1:6. Explain that John would have appeared very much like the prophet Elijah. Have someone find and read 2 Kings 1:8. Ask, What indication do we have that John was effective? What sort of actions do you think are needed to prepare the way for Jesus today?

18 18 The Gospel of Mark: People Responding to Jesus 4. Invite someone to read Mark 1:7 8. Ask, What does this passage suggest to us about John? How hard do you think it was for John to say and do this? What place should such an approach have in our own Christian lives? 5. Ask, How would you define the phrase spiritual wilderness? What are some examples of being lost in a spiritual wilderness? Do you know anyone you consider to be in a spiritual wilderness? Were you ever there yourself? If so, how did you come out? Do you think that Christian believers can slip back into a spiritual wilderness? Why? State that the Study Guide lesson says, John the Baptist did not focus on the people who thought they had all the religious answers but on the people who were broken and lost. Ask, Do you feel that people who think they have all the religious answers are more or less likely to be in a spiritual wilderness than other people? Why? Refer to and discuss this comment and question in the Study Guide in the last paragraph under the heading, Preparing for Jesus in the Wilderness (1:2 3) : It seems that many Christian leaders are interested in reaching the same pool of the religious to the exclusion of those who are lost in a spiritual wilderness. What are you and your church doing specifically to reach those in the spiritual wasteland? 6. Read Mark 1:9 11. Ask, What do you think John knew about Jesus before they met? What do you think John learned about Jesus from their interaction during Jesus baptism? Note that Jesus and John were related (Luke 1:36). Explain Mark 1:9 11 using information in the Study Guide and in Bible Comments in this Teaching Guide. 7. Direct the class to read the small article, Forgiveness, in the Study Guide. Note that the third type of sin is those we do not know about. Lead the class in a discussion of the two questions, Do you agree there are sins that we do not know about? Do you think there are sins we do not consciously acknowledge? Encourage Application 8. Say, Imagine that Jesus gave a date for his return and he wanted to send an advance team a few weeks or months ahead of time. Ask,

19 Lesson 1: John the Baptist: Preparing for Jesus 19 What sort of person do you think he would send? What would he instruct them to say and do? Or, ask for or select volunteers to role-play being the advance team. If you like, divide into small groups to role-play what this advance team might do. After a few minutes of discussion or role-play, reconvene the group and stress that God has enlisted each one of us to be part of Jesus advance team. Ask, Do Christians need to prepare the way for Jesus today? Why? How would we do it? What does prepare the way for Jesus mean for us? 9. Close with a few moments of private or shared reflection on what each of us must do to prepare the way for Jesus. Teaching Plan Lecture and Questions Connect with Life 1. Lead the class to brainstorm some events or occasions for which we prepare in a special way. Examples might include an athletic competition, a presentation or speech, a wedding, etc. Then ask, What are some of the ways we prepare ourselves or people close to us for these events? (Examples might include special clothing, research, physical preparation, prayer, etc.) Say, Today we will study John the Baptist and examine how he prepared the way for Jesus by asking people to prepare themselves. Add that this is the first in a series of studies that looks at people in Mark s Gospel and the ways they responded to the person of Jesus. Along the way, we ll compare ourselves to each of these people. Guide Bible Study 2. Have someone read Mark 1:1. Ask, What are some major points or assumptions that are stated in this introduction to Mark s Gospel? For example, who is Jesus?

20 20 The Gospel of Mark: People Responding to Jesus 3. Invite someone to read Mark 1:2 3. Call for volunteers to look up and read Malachi 3:1; Isaiah 40:3; and Exodus 23:20. Ask, Why do you think Mark s Gospel begins with these Old Testament Scriptures? 4. Have someone read Mark 1:5 8. Call for a volunteer to look up and read 2 Kings 1:8. Lead the class to compare the appearance of Elijah with that of John. Ask, Why do you think John the Baptist had such a strong similarity to Elijah? What was the meaning of the similarity? What do John s actions and words tell us about him? What do you think we would think of a person like John the Baptist today? 5. Read Mark 1:9 11. Ask, What does the voice... out of the heavens tell us about Jesus? What does Jesus baptism suggest to us about the importance of baptism? Describe your church s practice of baptism, focusing on the Baptist practice of believer s baptism. (Be aware that in lesson three, there will be a word study on the term baptism. ) 6. Refer to the Study Guide lesson comments under the heading John the Baptist Prepares for Jesus on the six parts to John s message of baptism for the repentance for the forgiveness of sin, as follows: (1) repentance, (2) confession, (3) forgiveness, (4) baptism, (5) focus on Jesus, (6) baptism of the Holy Spirit. Lead the group to define each of these using information in the Study Guide. Encourage Application 7. Refer the class to the small article in the Study Guide, To whom do you minister? Lead the class in a discussion of how they as a group would react or behave if they were visited by each of these as described. Note that there may be a right way and a wrong way for each. 8. Distribute pens and paper to each person. Invite them to write the names of three or more people they know well who may be in a spiritual wasteland and need the comfort, guidance, deliverance, and salvation that only Jesus can bring. Then invite them to write down three or more other people they do not know well but to whom they might reach out. After a few minutes to think of people and write them down, pray aloud with the class for them to act on

21 Lesson 1: John the Baptist: Preparing for Jesus 21 their concern for these people. Challenge the class to pray daily for the people on their list. NOTES 1. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations in lessons 1 4, 11 13, and the Christmas lesson are taken from the 1995 update of the New American Standard Bible. 2. HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica.

22 FOCAL TEXT Mark 1:16 18; 8:27 33; 14:26 31, 66 72; 16:5 7 BACKGROUND Mark 1:16 18, 29 31, 35 37; 3:13 16; 5:35 37; 8:27 33; 9:2 8; 11:20 25; 14:12 42, 53 72; 16:1 7 MAIN IDEA Even though Peter was a determined follower of Jesus, Peter still told Jesus more than once that Jesus was wrong. QUESTION TO EXPLORE In what ways are you telling Jesus he s wrong? TEACHING AIM To lead adults to trace Peter s relationship to Jesus in the Gospel of Mark and to identify ways they are telling Jesus he is wrong Lesson Two Peter: Telling Jesus He s Wrong 22

23 Lesson 2: Peter: Telling Jesus He s Wrong 23 BIBLE COMMENTS Understanding the Context It is because I know how the story ends that Peter can be one of my favorite biblical personalities. I relate not to his greatness, but to his weaknesses, stumbles, and failings. As I wrote this lesson, I was also teaching 1 Peter in a mid-week Bible study. What an interesting contrast between the confident author giving explicit and helpful instruction in the way of Christ, and the disciple who sometimes felt the need to correct the Lord. Many scholars believe Mark wrote this Gospel before the others were written. It is the shortest of the Gospels. Its brevity means that Mark does not always include details we might see in other Gospels. Having read them, we will be tempted to run next door to Matthew or Luke to fill in the blanks. We will sometimes do that. But, we want to resist that temptation, at least at first. Mark wrote this Gospel the way he did for a reason. Before adding information from the other Gospel writers, we will want to try to interpret and understand what and why Mark wrote as he did. Peter and the other disciples were learning although sometimes it seems not very quickly or well. Still, in their insights and in their errors, discerning students of Scripture likely see something of themselves. Sometimes Peter was bold. He showed flashes of great courage. His comments were sometimes inspired and other times not. In this lesson, Jesus called Peter to be his follower. A disciple is also a learner. We see Peter instead sometimes trying to be Jesus teacher! Studying these verses it will be easy to say we would never presume to correct Jesus. However, not only our words but also our actions speak for us. To disobey Jesus instructions is to rebuke (correct) Jesus something we do not want to do. The Question to Explore is, In what ways are you telling Jesus he s wrong? Honest answers to this question will help us be more effective disciples of Jesus.

24 24 The Gospel of Mark: People Responding to Jesus Interpreting the Scriptures Jesus Called Peter to Follow Me (1:16 18) 1:16. Fishing was the occupation of Simon (Peter) and Andrew. For them, it was not a sport but their job. Peter and Andrew left the profession that was their livelihood. This act represented a sacrifice for them something about which Peter later felt compelled to remind Jesus (Mark 10:28). 1:17. Jesus call was simple. Yet, committed disciples then and now will spend a lifetime considering its implication. What does it mean to be a follower of Christ? The answer in Mark is brief. Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men. Follow appears frequently in Mark. The idea often seems to be to follow as a disciple. As fishers of men, they would not deliver people to the market but would deliver them from eternal death. 1:18. Mark recorded no information about any previous encounter between Jesus and these two men. Matthew and Luke contain information about Jesus, John the Baptist, and others prior to Jesus calling these two disciples. Mark s message is in their response. Jesus called, and Peter and Andrew immediately followed. In everything we subsequently read about Peter, remember this phrase, Immediately they left their nets and followed him. This is always the appropriate response to the call of Jesus. Peter s Great Confession (8:27 33) 8:27. Leaving Galilee and going toward Caesarea Philippi, Jesus might have sought some private time with the disciples. They were headed into an area steeped in paganism. Jesus question and Peter s response demonstrated a stark contrast to their pagan surroundings. 8:28. The disciples knew how people had answered Jesus question. By now, Jesus had some notoriety. The disciples had perhaps also held some of these wrong assumptions about Jesus.

25 Lesson 2: Peter: Telling Jesus He s Wrong 25 To associate Jesus with the names of John the Baptist and Elijah indicated some understanding that Jesus was someone to whom they should listen. Mark had already related some of the popular misconceptions about Jesus (6:14 16). All were inadequate. Repeating that here sets the stage for Peter s confession. 8: Now the question was more personal. Peter s answer was correct, but it was not a title that Jesus used. Peter s understanding was greater than the people of verse 27. And, Peter s commitment to Jesus was real. Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah. Jesus warning for the disciples not to tell the people about him must refer to the popular misunderstanding of Messiah. Peter s Inadequate Understanding (8:31 33) 8:31. Mark had already recorded some profound events in Jesus life. The crowds had been amazed at his teaching (1:22). He had cast out demons (1:23 30). He had healed many (1:34). He had done other miracles that observers would not have forgotten (see, for example, 6:45 52). Jesus had also encountered opposition from some of the religious leaders. Reading Mark, we understand how serious the opposition was. The Pharisees went out and immediately began conspiring with the Herodians against Him, as to how they might destroy Him (3:6). Put yourself in the disciples place when they heard the words about suffering, rejection, and death (8:31). Hearing these words, what would you think? A suffering, rejected Messiah would hardly fit the concept of a conquering, Davidic messiah. Add to that the message Jesus told them that he would die but would rise again. They would have been familiar with the idea of resurrection, but the reality of a death and resurrection of the Messiah would not fit. In Mark s Gospel, three times Jesus gave this warning (8:31 33; 9:30 32; 10:32 34). Jesus intent was to do his Father s will. Thus, he must suffer and die. 8:32. Peter took on a pretty big responsibility. He attempted to set Jesus straight! He rebuked Jesus. The same word is used for rebuking the demon in 9:25.

26 26 The Gospel of Mark: People Responding to Jesus How does one rebuke Jesus? Peter was steeped in a nationalistic understanding and expectation of the Messiah. We are not. For us knowing what Jesus says and not obeying that word is a contemporary form of rebuke. Seeing Peter s response to Jesus should provoke selfexamination for us. 8:33. Jesus rebuke (same Greek word as in 8:32) sounds harsh. However, Peter would have detoured Jesus from the cross, something Jesus would not let happen. Jesus chose the way of God. Peter s Empty Boast (14:26 31) 14: The first Lord s Supper was associated with Passover. This was normally a joyous celebration. Jesus time with his disciples seemed to be anything but joyous, though. Again, Jesus warned them of the persecution to come to him (Zechariah 13:7). He also reminded them that he would be raised up. But, the suffering Jesus would endure would cause them to leave him. 14: To receive such information might have provoked inquiries such as, What do you mean you will be raised up? Instead, similar to the self-defense the disciples gave (Mark 14:17 21), Peter offered the strong boast of one who wanted to believe he would do the right thing. Reading this, we know what would happen. Peter did not. The passage serves as a stark reminder to always be on guard. Peter was insistent, and he was courageous as evidenced by his actions later in the garden. In addition he was at least present when Jesus was accused. But, what was true for Peter is true for us. It is easier to promise than it is to perform. Peter s Denial (14:66 72) 14:66 68a. Apart from the crucifixion itself, this is one of the saddest stories in the Bible. To his credit, unlike others, Peter had not completely abandoned Jesus. Unfortunately, when the pressure came, he would do so and in a dramatic fashion. Perhaps Peter s failure here is related to his failure to keep watch and pray with Jesus in Gethsemane (14:32 42). What difference would it have made here had Peter spent the time in the garden in prayer?

27 Lesson 2: Peter: Telling Jesus He s Wrong 27 When the soldiers came to the garden, Peter could draw his sword. But, in the dark of the courtyard he cowered before the accusations of a servant-girl. 14:68b 71. Physically and spiritually, Peter moved farther away. With the second accusation, the girl spoke to the by-standers. Peter would now have drawn the interest of others, and the situation became more ominous. But, what was it like for Jesus? With the third accusation, the New International Version 1 says, He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them. Then he said, I do not know this man you are talking about. What a sad day for Peter. But, we know that one does not have to be so overt to deny Jesus this too troubles us. 14:72. Probably few verses in the Bible need any less commentary than this one. It speaks for itself. Hope Out of Sorrow (16:5 7) 16:5 6. Very early on the first day of the week (16:2) three women were surprised by the reality that what Jesus said would happen had happened! Mark wants us to understand the young man they saw in the tomb was an angel. His announcement to them was startling. It made them afraid. It makes us say, Hallelujah! 16:7. Mark s Gospel ends as abruptly as it began, but it does not conclude without a word of hope for a man who must have felt utterly hopeless. In mentioning Peter separately, Mark makes us aware hope and love remained for the man who had denied the Lord. The other disciples had also left Jesus. But, the gospel is good news. Peter and the other disciples experienced the good news of Jesus forgiveness and love. Focusing on the Meaning The study of Peter is a study of real life. Peter was a great friend to Jesus, but under pressure he failed Jesus terribly. Peter was quick to take the

28 28 The Gospel of Mark: People Responding to Jesus lead, sometimes too quick. He sometimes acted before thinking. He could make strong claims but cower before a servant-girl s accusations. Jesus forgave a man who turned his back on him at his time of greatest need. He loved a man who slept rather than prayed for his Master. Jesus restored to fellowship and to service a man who had denied him. Jesus called and placed into great and effective service a person who had before shown himself unable or unwilling to endure to the end. Jesus did all that for Peter. He can do it for anyone! To study Peter s life is to have hope. Someone in your Bible study group knows that he or she has disappointed or failed Jesus. The person may realize that by words or deeds he or she has rebuked Jesus. That failure may weigh heavily on the person. But, as Jesus forgave and restored Peter, he stands ready to do the same today. Peter was quick to try to correct what he believed was wrong about Jesus understanding of what it means to be the Messiah. Ultimately Peter realized he himself was wrong. He also received from Jesus a love without measure. If anyone s story gives our world hope in Christ, it is Peter s. TEACHING PLANS Teaching Plan Varied Learning Activities Connect with Life 1. Lead the class to develop a list of people whom we sometimes tell they are wrong. The list could include children, co-workers, politicians, etc. Reviewing the list, lead a discussion with questions such as, When are we correct in telling these people they are wrong? When are we incorrect? What are some good or not-so-good ways of telling people they are wrong? When do we have the authority to tell someone they re wrong? Say that in our second lesson about people responding to Jesus in Mark s Gospel, we will see Peter, the great disciple, and how he

29 Lesson 2: Peter: Telling Jesus He s Wrong 29 told Jesus he was wrong. Along the way, we ll ask ourselves if and how we do this ourselves. Guide Bible Study 2. Enlist someone to read Mark 1: Say, Jesus chose his disciples and gave them the opportunity to respond. Then ask, Do we feel that we have been chosen by God? Why? How can we feel assured that we have been chosen? Do you believe we get a one-time-only chance to follow Jesus? Why? Say, These disciples left their nets and other aspects of their lives and livelihoods. What are people today called to leave behind when they choose to follow Christ? 3. Read Mark 8: Ask, Do we ever feel prideful about our special understanding or knowledge of God s word? Do you think this is how Peter might have felt? Refer to and invite someone to read the small article, Peter, in the Study Guide. Note that Jesus gave Simon the nickname Rock. Ask about other nicknames people have heard that reflect some characteristic about a person. If you like, record the nicknames on the board. Reviewing the list, ask, How do you think the people feel about having these nicknames? Do you think there are ever times when they wish they weren t so named? When and why? Say, Do you think Peter felt he lived up to the image of a Rock? When do you think he didn t feel that way? Divide the class into two groups. Have one group brainstorm reasons Peter contradicted Jesus about the revelation of how he would suffer. Have the other group brainstorm reasons Jesus rebuked Peter so strongly. After a few minutes, have each group report their thoughts and discuss as a whole group. 4. Have someone read Mark 14:26 31, Ask, Can you think of a time when you were like Peter in the way you betrayed or disappointed Jesus? Allow a few moments for private reflection. Then say, Do you believe you have been forgiven? Why? Again, allow a few moments for silent reflection.

30 30 The Gospel of Mark: People Responding to Jesus 5. Read Mark 16:5 7. Explain to the class that just as Jesus forgave and restored Peter, he forgives and restores us. Invite volunteers to read Psalm 103:1 4, 8 12; 1 John 1:9; Romans 5:1, 8, 10 11; 10:9. Ask, Do you know anyone who has strayed from God and feels he or she has failed God too badly to be restored? How can you provide reassurance? Encourage Application 6. Direct attention to the small article, Telling Jesus he is wrong by our actions, in the Study Guide. Read each point. Allow several seconds between each point for people to consider whether the point applies to them. At the end of the list, lead the class in discussion with questions such as these: Did any of these strike a nerve with you? What are some examples of how people like us do these things? How can we recognize when we are telling Jesus he is wrong? What do we need to do when we realize we are telling Jesus he is wrong? How can we keep ourselves from contradicting Jesus? Teaching Plan Lecture and Questions Connect with Life 1. Ask, Can you think of a time when you agreed to do something or join in a cause and then later came to understand that the requirements would be more difficult than you were aware? After a few minutes to think and perhaps respond, then ask, Has that been the case with your Christian faith? Again, allow a few minutes to think and for possible spoken responses. Say that in our second lesson about people responding to Jesus in Mark s Gospel, we see Peter, the great disciple, and how he told Jesus he was wrong. Along the way, we ll ask ourselves whether we ever do this ourselves, and under what circumstances.

31 Lesson 2: Peter: Telling Jesus He s Wrong 31 Guide Bible Study 2. Read Mark 1: Note that Mark s Gospel emphasizes the suddenness of Jesus call to the disciples as well as the suddenness of their response. Ask, How do we feel about sudden, or snap, decisions? When are they the right thing to do and when not? If you like, ask a volunteer to read Luke 14:28 33, and ask, Does this affect our thinking about making a rapid decision to follow Christ? Direct the class s attention in the Study Guide to the last two sentences under the section Jesus Chose Peter as a Disciple. ( Has your response been like Peter s, immediate and costly? Or if you were honest, would you say that your discipleship is conditional, based on whether it suits your needs? ) Allow time for private reflection on the two questions, or, if you think your group is up to it, allow people to share their experiences. 3. Read Mark 8: Read aloud (from the Study Guide), (1) Jesus was correcting the false image the disciples had built up in their minds about him. Is it possible that many disciples today have a false notion of who Jesus really is? Perhaps they have imagined and created a Jesus who fits their plans and desires, only to have missed who the real Jesus is all along. Ask, What might be some false notions of who Jesus really is? How does someone create a Jesus who fits his or her plans and desires? Say, Peter contradicted Jesus because he didn t like what he heard about God s plans for Jesus future. What are some ways that we reject God s will for our lives or in the lives of our loved ones because it does not meet our sensibilities for the world in which we live? Say, Sometimes we disregard or disobey God s will. What are some ways we rationalize or explain to ourselves or to others the reasons we disregard or disobey? 4. Have someone read Mark 14:26 31, Ask, What are some ways Christian believers today deny Jesus? 5. Enlist someone to read Mark 16:5 7. Ask, Why do you think Jesus specified Peter in verse 7? As needed, explain these verses using information in the Study Guide and in Bible Comments in this Teaching Guide. Read John 21: Ask, Why do you think Jesus singled out Peter for this conversation?