For January 3, 2010

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, January 3, 2010.

1) Mark 6:6-13
What did the disciples need to follow Jesus’ instructions? What did they accomplish? How? How can we find courage to obey God when He sends us out on a special mission?

2) Mark 6:14-29
What was King Herod’s problem? How would you characterize his actions? What does this story remind us about promises?

3) Mark 6:30-34
What was the disciples’ news? What did they need?
Mark 6:35-44
What did the people need? How did this event take courage for the disciples to obey? How has God abundantly met your needs in the midst of scarcity?

4) Mark 6:45-56
Why did Jesus make them “immediately” get into the boat? What was the crowd left to do? What did Jesus need? Why did the disciples need courage in this passage? What can we learn from Jesus’ priorities in chapter 6?

For Sunday, December 27, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, December 27, 2009.

1) Mark 4:1-9
What real life example did Jesus use in this parable? What happened to each seed? What determined the seed’s results?

2) Mark 4:13-20
Instead of farming instructions, what was this parable really about? What was the evidence of good soil? How would you go about trying to help someone whose life seems choked by “thorns?”

3) Mark 4:9-12; 33-34
Why did Jesus teach with parables? What does it mean in verse 9 to “have ears?” Can you recall a time you had to overcome preoccupation with your own ideas to grasp a truth Jesus wanted to teach you?

4) Mark 4:26-32
How does Jesus describe the kingdom of God in these verses? What does He mean by each comparison? As believers, we participate in kingdom work, but are not responsible for making God’s kingdom grow. How does this truth encourage you?

For Sunday, December 20, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, December 20, 2009.

1) Luke 2:1-20
Name every character in this familiar passage. How did each person react to Jesus’ arrival? What was each person’s actions and attitudes?

2) Matthew 25:34-46
According to this passage, how does a person’s response to the needs of others relate to his/her reception of Jesus?

3) Luke 2:7; John 8:37
Is there room in your life for God? His Word? His Son? What is the evidence? Are any “rooms” of your life closed to Him? Confess it. Take steps to open those rooms to Him.

4) Acts 20:35; Matthew 10:7-8; Mark 10:15
How have your received God’s gifts to you? What have you been given? What are your attitudes and actions about passing the message of God’s gift of Jesus to others?

For Sunday, December 13, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, December 13, 2009.

1) Mark 2:1-12
What words would you use to describe the friends in this story? Who do you need to bring to Jesus? How did Jesus’ actions contradict the religious leaders’ expectations? How did He respond to their opposition?

2) Mark 2:13-17
What do we know about Levi (Matthew)? How did Jesus’ actions contradict the religious leaders’ expectations? How did He respond to their opposition? When you think of yourself, do you see yourself as among the “healthy” or the “sick?”

3) Mark 2:18-22
How did Jesus’ actions contradict the religious leaders’ expectations? How did Jesus explain His position and actions about fasting? Are there any areas of Your life where you are acting like a new piece of cloth on an old garment? What does that mean?

4) Mark 2:23-3:6
How did Jesus’ actions contradict the religious leaders’ expectations? How did He respond to their opposition? What is the purpose of the Sabbath? What were Jesus’ emotions in verse 5? Why was He feeling that way? What choice did He make in response to those emotions?