Mark Study Guide Section 16

Read: Mark 16:1-20

Going Deeper:

It’s just two words; two simple words that capture the power and truth of the
Resurrection. So entrenched are they in the Resurrection story that it’s easy to
blow by them. The words? “And Peter”, as in, “He has risen! He is not here . . .

Mark Study Guide Section 15

Read: Mark 15:1-47

Going Deeper:

The narrative of the last few hours in the life of Jesus reveals a great contrast.
It’s the stark difference between the faithfulness of Christ and the unfaithfulness
of those around Him. Who will be faithful here? Will the disciples keep watch
and pray with Jesus in the garden? No, unfortunately, we find them sleeping.
Will Judas be faithful and obedient to Jesus? No, he sells out for mere silver
coins. Will Peter be faithful in acknowledging he knows Jesus? No, instead it’s
“woman, I don’t know what you are talking about” (14:68). Will Pilate faithfully
abide by Roman law? No, he’ll cave to intense peer pressure. There is just so
much unfaithfulness in this narrative.

Mark Study Guide Section 14

Read: Mark 14:1-72

Going Deeper:

It’s Passion Week for Jesus, the days leading up to His crucifixion and
Resurrection. It’s a busy week, comparable to tax time for an accountant or
finals week for a student. So what is Jesus doing? Studying? Cramming? Busy
with preparations? Try again. He’s dining with lepers (14:1-11). It’s here, in the
hours before He shares the Lord’s Supper with His disciples, that Jesus is
anointed with the expensive alabaster jar of oil. Even though He, no doubt, had
so much on His mind, here He is, dining with lepers. And in doing so, He is
teaching us that sometimes what appears as not that important is in fact just the
opposite . . .

Mark Study Guide Section 13

Read: Mark 13:1-37

Going Deeper:

The streets of 1stCentury Jerusalem must have been quite a sight, especially for someone not from the city. The buildings, the temple, and the signs of prosperity—it must have been pretty impressive. In fact, we hear a follower of Jesus say just as much. In the first few verses of chapter 13, one of the disciplescomments: “Look, teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” (13:1). It’s perhaps similar to what you’d hear today when taking someone to Michigan Avenue in Chicago or Times Square in New York City…

Mark Study Guide Section 12

Read: Mark12:1-44

Going Deeper:

Reading through the Gospel of Mark, or really any of the four accounts of thelife of Christ, you can begin to get the idea that the events that make up these books are random. It appears, seemingly, that there is no rhyme or reason why certain events or conversations happen when they do. Let me tell you—nothing could be further from the truth. God is orchestrating each and every event recorded in these Gospels, and they are ordered and connected like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle…

Mark Study Guide Section 11

Read: Mark 11:1-33

Going Deeper:

The beginning of Mark chapter 11 records the event that has become known and celebrated as Palm Sunday: the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem. One thing that makes Palm Sunday such a favorite day for so many is that for at least one day, Jesus is received as the king He truly was. A prepared road . . . garments and palm branches to make the way smooth . . . shouts of Hosanna and praise . . .