October 29th, 2017 (Mark 14: 53-72)
- Why would Mark mention the tragic detail that Peter followed at a distance when Jesus was taken to court?
- Is it significant that Peter warmed himself by a fire? (Verse 54) If so, why?
- Why did Jesus refuse to reply to the charges being made against Him?
- Did Jesus fall into the high priest’s “trap” of asking if He were the Christ? Since their charges were inconsistent, why didn’t He stay quiet?
- If you had been in Simon Peter’s shoes and denied Jesus three times, what would your motives have been?
- If we deny Jesus today, do we experience the same remorse as Peter? Why or why not?
November 5th, 2017 (Mark 15: 1-20)
- Why did the Jews have Pilate try Jesus in Roman court?
- Why do you think Jesus admitted He was the king of the Jews, but then made no further answer to the charges brought against him?
- Can you get inside Pilate’s mind and figure out why an uncaring Roman like Pilate tried so hard to release Jesus? He knew he was innocent and that they had delivered him because of envy, so why did he “cave in” and crucify Jesus?
- Do we face any similar type of situations as Pilate? What are they?
- Consider the depth of Mark’s statement—“Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them.” (Verse 15) How does this relate to our faith today? If Pilate had not been concerned about “satisfying the crowd”, would the crucifixion have ever happened? Why or why not?
November 12th, 2017 (Mark 15: 21-39)
- Why do you think Jesus refused to drink the wine mingled with myrrh?
- What is the significance of the inscription on Jesus’ cross?
- Is there any significance in the two insults hurled at Jesus while He was on the cross?
- What did Jesus mean when He said, “My God, why has thou forsaken me?” Did God really forsake Jesus?
- Do you think the Jews saw any special significance in the veil of the temple being torn? Should they have? Why?
- What do you think the Roman centurion really meant when he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God?” Is there any significance in him saying Jesus “was” the Son of God, instead of “is” the Son of God?
November 19th, 2017 (Mark 15: 40-47)
- Can you get all of the characters straight mentioned in verse 40? Why are they significant?
- Why do you think so many women were drawn to Jesus? Mark even says, “Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there” in verse 41.
- What does it mean that Joseph was “…waiting for the kingdom of God…”? (Verse 43)
- It also says Joseph went “boldly” to Pilate to ask for Jesus’ body. Why was this such a “bold” move?
- Why do you think Pilate was surprised to hear Jesus was already dead? Wasn’t that the point of crucifixion? Was six hours a “quick” process?
- What else do we know about Joseph of Arimathea outside of this passage? How does it affect the story?
November 26th, 2017 (Mark 16)
- Is there enough evidence in this account of the empty tomb to establish the resurrection of Jesus as credible? How?
- Why do you think the disciples were so slow to believe this miracle when they had seen so many others, including the resurrection of Lazarus? (Verse 13)
- Jesus said belief and baptism would save, but Jesus doesn’t say that not being baptized will condemn. Is this significant? What does this mean? (Verse 16)
- Since Jesus said it would happen to believers, why don’t we cast out demons, speak in tongues, pick up serpents, and drink deadly poison today? (Does verses 19-20 give us a hint?)
- What has impacted you the most from the gospel of Mark? How will you use this information in the future?
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