MARK THESE WOR DS Part 4 Mark 14-16
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. These are the very first words in the book of Mark, which serve both as an epic introduction to the book, but also to this journey you re about to undertake! In order to thoroughly journey through the book of Mark you will need to engage with it in three different ways: 1. Listen This is the Sunday Sermon, where you will find space to make notes, as well as to further reflect on the Sermon. If you happen to miss a Sunday you can always download the sermon recording from our website (www.ebcsa.org.za/resources), or order the CD. 2. Pray One of the greatest ways of growing in your relationship with God is simply learning to read & pray scripture in the context of your daily life. In order to help you develop this aspect of your relationship with God we ve put together a devotional guide through a selection of passages in Mark. The outline given in this book is for your own personal reflection, but we ve also put together a video devotional for each of these passages. In these videos our various teachers will act as tour guides, highlighting interesting parts of the passage and helping you apply it to your life in prayer. To access the weekly videos check our youtube channel or the website video portal. 3. Share God has designed it that we grow better together, by sharing our experiences and Christian journey with each other. To this end we have put together a small-group guide, which has questions on selected passages to be explored in a small group. We hope that this is in an EBC Homecell, where we encourage everyone to join these vibrant small communities of faith! However these can also be used as family devotionals, or perhaps as an outreach or bible study in the workplace. There is a detailed leader s guide available as well, which can be emailed to you should you want to start a study group. The only way you will be exposed to every verse in the book of Mark is to engage in all three of these ways! If you would like help with either of these paths, please don t hesitate to contact us!
Week 25: 29 Oct - 4 Nov Mark 14:1-25
Listen Sunday 29 Oct Mark 14:1-11 Message Notes How did God speak to you through this passage? What can you implement in your life from this passage this week? What are you going to pray for?
Share Date: Mark 14:12-25 The Passover Meal was being held in remembrance of the first Passover when God delivered His people from physical slavery. The Passover Meal the disciples shared with Jesus would come to be known as the Lord s Supper, which would signify an even greater deliverance: the ultimate deliverance from sin and death for God s people. As Jesus was sharing the meal with the disciples, He made an interesting statement. Take a look at verses 17-20. Week 25: 29 Oct - 4 Nov Why do you think Jesus stressed that it was one of the twelve that would betray Him? The disciples, like us, needed to be aware of their own weakness. They were shocked by the thought of one of them having the capacity to betray Jesus. But Jesus knew otherwise. He knew that in each of them was the sinful capacity to betray Him; He knew just how much each of them needed the sacrifice that He was preparing to make. Are you aware of your own weakness and the capacity in you to betray and sin against Christ? As we later find out, Judas is the disciple who will betray Jesus. Judas looked like a believer in every way, but by looking at his actions at the end of his life, it s hard to believe that he truly was. Take a moment to reflect on the following questions in light of that. 1. How are you like Judas? 2. In what ways is a genuine Christian unlike Judas? Take a moment to look at verse 22-24, paying close attention to what Jesus is saying. As Jesus shared the bread and wine with the disciples, He was making a major claim by stating that it represented His body and blood. Here, Jesus is claiming that He is about to deal with evil, sin, and death once and for all. As we conclude this weeks study, take some time to think over and reflect on the following statements regarding Jesus death. Jesus death was sacrificial Jesus death was substitutionary Jesus death was necessary Jesus death was sufficient
Pray Date: Mark 14:12-25 The most important event in the life of Christ is almost upon us: His crucifiction. As we build up to that event we have the seemingly insignificant event of Jesus sharing a last meal with His disciples. But as we will see even this simple meal is introducing us to the cross! Bite: Read Mark 14:1-25 Chew What do you think is the significance of the Passover meal in this story? What is the significance of the level of detail that Mark shares, such as the water jar in v13? What does Jesus foreknowledge of such tiny details say about His knowledge of the big events about to happen? Taste Jesus drops a bomb on the evening meal: He casually mentions that one of the disciples will betray Him! What does this contrast of a friendly scene mixed with betrayal tell us? How do you think the disciples would have understood Jesus talking about the bread being His body and the wine being His blood? What clues would they have had from it being the occasion of passover? Digest Judas betrayal set in a scene of friendship shows us just close we can be in proximity to Jesus, yet so far away in heart. Take some time to process your own relationship with Jesus. Is it really about an affectionate personal relationship, or is it perhaps more about proximity (ie things like going to church etc). Be honest and ask Christ to take you deeper in relationship with Him. The story starts with a mention of passover, when Israel was rescued from death by sprinkling he blood of lambs on their doorposts. The story then ends with Jesus speaking about his own blood being shed in an act of rescue. In the middle is Judas betrayal. What this means is that even an act of direct betrayal is not outside the scope of Jesus forgiveness! If you struggle with your relationship with Christ, and feel you might have betrayed Him, then take some time to receive His forgiveness.
Week 26: 5 Nov - 11 Nov Mark 14:26-52
Pray Date: Mark 14:26-31 Peter and the others insist; I would never! Bite: Read Mark 14:26-31 Chew The first thing Jesus does in this passage is quote Zechariah 13:7, which is the prophetic Words that the Good Shepherd will die on the cross, and the sheep will abandon him. Who is he referring to in both instances? We find in this passage that Peter and the disciples pledge their allegiance to Jesus, not knowing their own weakness, Jesus warns them that this would indeed happen. Imagine what they might have been feeling at this point? Taste Peter s focus in this passage was on the possibility of denying Jesus, not on Jesus promise of resurrection (v28). This shows how often our focus shifts away from the glory of Jesus to ourselves! Think through the times you focus on your failure, instead of Christ s glory. Digest I would never - these are dangerous words! Peter emphatically insisted he would never leave Jesus, claiming greater allegiance then all the others, yet his denial was worse then all the others! How often do you say the words - I would never to God and fail? Our encouragement is this: Jesus loved Peter & the disciples the same, just as He loves you! Pray and receive this same grace. Think about this: Instead of using the words I would never use Paul s words in 1 Corinthians 15:10, But by the grace of God, I am what I am.
Listen Sunday 5 Nov Mark 14:32-42 Message Notes Week 26: 5-11 Nov How did God speak to you through this passage? What can you implement in your life from this passage this week? What are you going to pray for?
Share Date: Mark 14:43-52 We find Jesus just after He has spent time in the garden of Gethsemane, being met by a crowd of which his betrayer is a part. This was not a haphazard crowd thrown together at the last minute, rather this was a carefully selected crowd, most likely composed of roman soldiers, sent by the religious leaders. In the next two verses, we see Judas betray Jesus with a kiss. In the culture of the day, a kiss on the cheek showed the closest love and adoration. It was reserved for one with whom a person had a close, intimate relationship. And yet, Judas chose to use it as the ultimate act of betrayal. Why do you think he did this? After Jesus is arrested he makes reference to the Scriptures that were being fulfilled at that very moment. Take a look at Zechariah 13:7 in light of what is happening to Jesus in these verses. Jesus death did not come as a surprise to Him, or to the Father. It was all part of God s plan to bring us out of darkness and back to Him. God can use the darkest days of evil and suffering to accomplish a greater good. Jesus knew the plan of God. He knew the Scriptures and depended on them heavily to walk by faith and stay true to the course that God called Him to, even in the midst of the heaviest suffering anyone has every experienced. If Jesus, the only Son of the living God needed to depend on His Word, how much more so do you and I need it? As we prepare to journey through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus in the next few weeks, let us pause now to prepare our hearts for what is coming. Let s turn to the prophecy found in Isaiah 53:7-9, 12. Take some time to reflect on the weight that was on Jesus as He was arrested and looked ahead to what He would endure on our behalf.
Week 27: 12-18 Nov Mark 14:53-72
Listen Sunday 12 Nov Mark 14:53-65 Message Notes How did God speak to you through this passage? What can you implement in your life from this passage this week? What are you going to pray for?
Share Date: Mark 14:66-72 Today we see Peter deny Jesus just as was prophesied. In order to get a sense of what is happening, read verses 53-72 of chapter 14. In many ways, these verses parallel the experience of Jesus with the experience of Peter. Take a look a their experiences and consider how they relate to one another: Jesus was interrogated by the Sanhedrin and the High Priest, meanwhile Peter was being questioned by a servant girl. The charges that are brought against Jesus are false, while the charges that are brought against Peter are true. Jesus professes and declares the truth. However, Peter denies the truth. Jesus speaks the truth and is beaten by the guards. Peter denies the truth and avoids the consequences. Mark seems to be comparing and contrasting the sin of Peter with the grace of Jesus. What do you think Mark is trying to show us by doing this? Week 27: 12-18 Nov As we look at these two experiences side by side, we see in Peter the very sins that Jesus is dying for. Jesus was on trial in the place of Peter and all of humanity, taking on the penalty that we deserve. As we turn our attention to Peter, we realise that he left everything to follow Jesus, and now it seemed that everything was falling apart right in front of him. To add to that, in the very moment when he was questioning everything, he was confronted by the people around him. In that moment Peter acted like many of us probably would: he acted out of complete self-preservation. Can you relate to Peter? Maybe it wasn t a blatant denial of knowing Christ, or maybe it was. Maybe it was keeping quiet when you should have spoken up. Maybe it was being more concerned for your standing in the eyes of the people around you than you were for your standing in the eyes of God. Remember the comparison between Peter & Jesus, and the fact that in that very moment Jesus was paying for Peter s denial, just as He has done this for us! Receive this gift of grace today!
Pray Date: Mark 14:66-72 Driven by his love and concern for Jesus, Peter follows Him to the high priest s house after Jesus betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. What follows is not Peter s finest moment, and reveals the truth of human weakness. Peter s denial of Christ is found in all four gospels and provides valuable lessons for us today. Bite: Read Mark 14:26-31 Chew Peter is in the courtyard when he is first noticed and recognized as one of Jesus followers. How do you think he felt? Notice how Peter s first denial is small, the second is larger, and the third is even greater, complete with cursing and oaths. What does that tell you about the nature of sin? What is Peter s reaction when he realizes what he has done? Taste The rooster s first crow should have served as a warning to Peter, reminding him of Jesus prediction that he would deny him 3 times before the rooster crowed twice. Think of the times when Jesus has given you a warning when you have been headed down the path of sin. Peter was over confident in his own ability and spiritual strength. Read what Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Corinthians 10:12 say about Pride and Presumption. Digest Consider the times you have broken promises to the Lord; the times you have allowed pride or fear prevent you from acknowledging Jesus; the times you have followed Jesus from a distance. We see that Peter acknowledges his sin, expresses genuine sorrow and repentance. He receives the forgiveness that Jesus promises us all (1John 1:9). Today, acknowledge your sin, express sorrow and repent, and receive His forgiveness. Continue to rely on the Holy Spirit to resist temptation, and experience the Lord s love and restoration in your life.
Week 28: 19-25 Nov Mark 15:1-20
Listen Sunday 19 Nov Mark 15:1-20 Message Notes How did God speak to you through this passage? What can you implement in your life from this passage this week? What are you going to pray for?
Share Date: Mark 15:1-20 In verse 7, we meet Barabbas for the first time. Mark spends more time than any other gospel writer on the character of Barabbas. Why do you think this is? In this account, Mark is clearly driving home the central theme of the substitutionary nature of the work of Christ. Here, Barabbas becomes a metaphor for all of us. In a symbolic switch, Jesus gets the punishment Barabbas deserves. The innocent dies in place of the guilty. But not only that, Barabbas receives the freedom that Jesus deserves. Barabbas is released from his cell, taken out into the light, and set free. What a beautiful picture of the gospel! How does this metaphor affect your view of the death of Christ? In this picture we see the double exchange spoken about in 2 Corinthians 5:21. Take a moment to read this verse in light of the above metaphor. In this we see that not only was Barabbas sin transferred to Christ, just as ours is, but Christ s righteousness was also transferred to him, just as it is to us! How does this truth affect the way you understand Christ s work on the cross? As Barabbas is freed, Jesus is handed over to the soldiers to be flogged and crucified. With every handing over of Jesus the guilt is spreading. The number of people with dirt on their hands is multiplying. Do you think this has any importance in our understanding of the crucifixion of Jesus? Week 28: 19-25 Nov The guilt is not on one person here. Judas alone cannot be blamed, nor can Pilate. Rather, the guilt is on all of us. Each of our individual sin placed Jesus on the cross, and yet He still chose to stand in our place and take the punishment we deserve. As we end this weeks study, take some time to reflect on the substitutionary nature of what Christ did on the cross and what that means for you.
Pray Date: Mark 15:1-20 Jesus has been arrested, and now stands trial before Pilate. The Religious leaders want Jesus crucified, but only the Roman governor can order that. They try to convince Pilate that Jesus is claiming to be a King, and therefore a threat to his rule. Bite: Read Mark 15:1-20 Chew Who are the people trying to get Jesus crucified? Pilate obviously find no fault in Jesus, but ends up giving in to their request to crucify Him. Why did Pilate do this? It seems that the crowd were stirred up the the religious leaders to also wish for Jesus crucifiction. Why do you think they did this? Taste When thinking about the scheming of the religious leaders, think also about religious leaders in our world. Do we simply accept all the things that we hear from religious leaders, or do we read Gods word and check out the facts so that we learn the truth for ourselves? Do we crucify Jesus daily by going along with the crowd because its easier to simply be quiet, or do we stand up for truth or justice? Digest Pray for discernment to see possible Barabbas items in your life. When have you cheered for people, material things or worldly circumstances instead of Jesus? Ultimately: Christ s death purchased Barabbas freedom. We have that same freedom! Pray and receive this gift today!
Week 29: 26-2 Dec Mark 15:21-41
Share Date: Mark 15:21-32 Crucifixion was one of the most excruciating and humiliating forms of execution. While the Son of God was on the cross bearing the weight of our sin, the very clothes off his back were being gambled for. In the midst of it all, the people around Him continuously threw insults at Him. Turn your attention to verses 27-32, as we see what we can learn from Mark s focus on the mocking statements. 1. We are reminded of just how easy it is to be caught up with popular opinion and go with the flow of the crowd. How difficult do you think it would have been for someone to stand up for Jesus? Do you find it difficult to go against popular opinion when it comes to your walk with Christ? 2. We see how easy it is to miss what God is doing in a particular situation. Far beneath the surface of what was happening, God was working out deep, redemptive purposes. When you face seemingly hopeless situations in life, do you find it difficult to be patient with God and His work in your life? 3. We see the malice that the human heart bears toward God. Take a look at Paul s words in Romans 8:7. The human heart is not neutral towards God. We hate anything that challenges our self-sovereignty. When we really listen to the claims of Jesus, we either respond with terror, hostility, or adoration. Have you seen this to be true in your life and the lives of those around you? It is interesting to note that the very ways in which Jesus was mocked point to who He truly was. The very insults that were thrown at Him proclaim His true identity. Take a few moments to look back through Mark 15:17-32 and take note of the statements about Christ. As we draw this weeks study to a conclusion, take some time to consider how the hand of God was present throughout the crucifixion of Jesus. Take some time to then consider how that same hand is present in whatever you are facing right now!
Listen Sunday 26 Nov Mark 15:33-39 Message Notes How did God speak to you through this passage? What can you implement in your life from this passage this week? Week 29: 26 Nov - 2 Dec What are you going to pray for?
Pray Date: Mark 15:40-41 Throughout his gospel account, Mark draws us in to notice specific characters that interact with Jesus. He makes no exception when describing the death of Jesus. Bite: Read Mark 15:40-41 Chew Mark often mentions marginalized people in his gospel inverting stereotypes. Who is his focus in these verses? Where were Jesus disciples at this point? (see Mark 14:50) These women display courage and devotion to Jesus. Try and imagine what it would have been like for them to be there at the crucifixion of Jesus. Taste Mark s recurring mention of women in his gospel suggests that they played a very positive role in the earliest Christian communities. What are your thoughts about this? Consider your own devotion to Jesus. Do you require courage to be faithful? Digest Pray for the role of women in the life of the universal Church today. Pray that God would give you courage to remain devoted to Christ in all things and in all circumstances.
Week 30: 3-9 Dec Mark 15:42-16:13
Share Date: Mark 15:42-47 In Mark s short account of the burial of Jesus, we meet Joseph of Arimathea. Take a few moments to note what we learn about Joseph in Mark s account. Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin, but whom we see here was clearly a follower of Christ. Joseph, as we see in John 19:38, had been a secret follower of Jesus during His life. And yet now, at His death, makes a daring move and asks Pilate for the body of Christ to bury. The only other two names mentioned are Mary Magdalene and Mary, Jesus mother. The disciples who had followed Jesus so closely during His life seem to be nowhere around. Why do you think Joseph, who was a secret follower of Jesus during His life, came forward after His death? Why do you think the disciples were nowhere around at the burial of Jesus? What do you think was happening for them during this time? As we close this weeks study, consider how you would have felt if you were one of the disciples. Would you have been caring for the body of your Master & Teacher, or would you have fled in fear, not sure what was going to happen next?
Listen Sunday 3 Dec Mark 16:1-8 Message Notes How did God speak to you through this passage? What can you implement in your life from this passage this week? What are you going to pray for? Week 30: 3-9 Dec
Pray Date: Mark 16:9-13 After Jesus resurrection He appears to various people in person, who then excitedly tell others, who refuse to believe them! Bite: Read Mark 16:9-13 Chew What is the significance of Jesus appearing first to Mary Magdalene? Read Luke 8:1-3 to refresh your mind on her story. Why do you think the disciples did not believe Mary? Is it because they didn t trust her? Or perhaps thought it was too good to be true? Were they too deep in mourning to think properly? Taste Verse 12-13 pretty much follows the same script as v9-11: someone sees Jesus in His resurrected form, tells others, who refuse to believe. What is the significance of Mark repeating this detail of unbelief? Digest It s easy to believe something when you see it, it s a very different thing to believe something you haven t seen, especially if it just doesn t seem possible! Mark repeats this for us because he wants to show us the importance of believing even if we haven t personally seen Jesus. Take some time to think about all the aspects of our faith that require trust, despite the physical evidence. Pray that God would build in you a courageous and strong faith, that believe the truth of Jesus despite how difficult it may be!
Week 31: 10-16 Dec Mark 16:14-20
Listen Sunday 10 Dec Mark 16:14-20 Message Notes How did God speak to you through this passage? What can you implement in your life from this passage this week? What are you going to pray for?
Share Date: Mark 16:14-20 Most of us would have heard the Great Commission before, most likely in the book of Matthew. Take a moment to compare these verses with Matthew 28:18-20, taking note of the similarities and differences. What is the major theme of these two passages and how should they affect the lives of believers? Do you find these verses to be more compelling in light of our study on the death and resurrection over the past few weeks? As we end this year long study on the book of Mark, hopefully you are walking away with more insight into the life of Jesus. As we journeyed from the baptism and temptation of Jesus to His Ministry, His time in Jerusalem, and His eventual death and resurrection, we saw Mark s account of His life take place. We looked at the miracles He performed and were challenged by His teachings. As you reflect back on the past year in the book of Mark, what stands out to you the most? Did you walk away with a new understanding of a certain topic or event? Did looking at the book chronologically, in its entirety open your eyes to anything new? Is there anything that challenged a specific part of your life and faith in Christ? Whatever this journey through the book of Mark has taught you, may God continue to use it to strengthen your walk with Him. May you have a new-found desire to go out and proclaim the good news of Jesus to those around you! Week 31: 10-16 Dec
Pray Date: Mark 16:14-20 In this last section of our journey through Mark, we come across the great commission of Jesus. Most of us are familiar with this, but in Mark we have the extra detail that it started with a rebuke of their unbelief! Bite: Read Mark 16:14-20 Chew Why is Jesus confronting them about the lack of faith? It is incredible to think that these people who had walked and witnessed countless teachings and miracles, would be so hardhearted as to forget the words of the Messiah leading up to the time of His crucifixion. It speaks to our tendency as humans for distraction from truth during times that test our faith and resolve. It is easy to say that we believe in something but to act it out is often an uncomfortable and difficult task! Taste Jesus goes on to commission these same people for a great mission! What does that say about who God chooses to serve His kingdom? Read v15: what is the scope of God s mission? What does that say about who can be saved? How does v19 encourage you as you ponder your mission with God? Digest This commission isn t just for the disciples, it s also for us today! All the world (v15) still needs to be reached! Some people are called to move to other countries and share the gospel, but ALL people s are called to simply share the gospel where they are, to all creation (v15) Pray for opportunities to share. Pray for courage to take the opportunities. Pray for the words to speak. Pray that God would move powerfully as you intentionally join His kingdom cause!