For Sunday, February 28, 2010

Reading selections and questions for Sunday, February 28, 2010

1) Mark 15:1-15
How would you describe this trial? Why didn’t Jesus answer more questions or give a defense during the trial? Even Pilate knew the chief priests’ motive was _________.
The people chose Barabbas over Jesus. What do people today choose when they reject Jesus?

2) Mark 15:15-20
What part of their treatment of Jesus seems worst to you? What temptation did Jesus have to face at this moment?
Philippians 2:8-11
How does the scene in the Mark 15 passage compare to this description of Jesus’ return?

3) Mark 15:25-40
Who insulted Jesus? How did they insult Him? When did they stop insulting Him? Who among the crowd didn’t insult Him? What reaction do you have that Jesus stayed on the cross for your benefit?

4) Mark 16:1-8
What were the women concerned about? What did the white-robed man tell them as evidence of the resurrection? What were their instructions?

Class Gathering -- Bible Study

The Bible study and potluck dinner scheduled for February 26th has been postponed. I will post a new message when it gets rescheduled!
Thanks!

For Sunday, February 21, 2010

Reading selections and questions for Sunday, February 21, 2010

1) Mark 14:32-42
What were Jesus’ emotions at this time? What was His solution for facing these emotions? Why did He take Peter, James and John with Him? How much help were they?

2) Mark 14:43-50
Describe all the people gathered by verse 43. Who was there? Who was not (or not mentioned)? How did Jesus explain His willingness to be arrested? What words would you use to describe Jesus in this passage?

3) Mark 14:35-36
Label the parts of Jesus’ prayer. What did He include? What did He leave out?
Isaiah 51:17
What did Jesus mean by “this cup?”

4) Mark 14:27-31, 40
What was the bad news for the disciples? What was the good news for them? How did the disciples’ actions match Jesus’ expectations?

For Sunday, February 14, 2010

Reading selections and questions for Sunday, February 14, 2010

1) Mark 13:1-8
How did the disciples react to Jesus’ prophecy about the temple? Which of the signs of the end times have you seen in your lifetime? Which did the disciples see in their lifetimes? Which of the circumstances listed tempts you to be frightened?

2) Mark 13:9-13
What is the bad news in this passage? What is the good news? How do you think the disciples felt about this message?

3) Mark 13:14-27
The abomination that causes desolation is the detestable thing that causes desolation in the holy place. We will talk more about this in class.
According to Jesus in this passage, what will be the challenge of living through these times? How has God shown mercy in His plan for these days? How will the difficult time end?

4) Mark 13:28-37
How do you view signs of the end times? What were Jesus’ instructions about preparing for these times? What does it mean to “keep watch?” How are you “keeping watch” in your life?

For Sunday, February 7, 2010

Reading selections and questions for Sunday, February 7, 2010

1) Mark 12:13
Why were the leaders trying to trap Jesus?
Mark 11:1-11, 15-19, 27-33; 12:12
How did all these events motivate the leaders against Jesus?

2) Mark 12:13-17
What question did they ask Jesus? Why was this a tricky question? How did Jesus answer the challenge? What are our responsibilities toward our government? How well do you follow Jesus' instructions in 12:17? What is your attitude?

3) Mark 12:28-34
What was the teacher's question to Jesus? In your opinion, what were his motives in asking? How did he respond to Jesus' answer?

4) Mark 12:29-31
Why did Jesus choose these two commandments as the top two greatest?
(Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Leviticus 19:18 These are the Old Testament sources for Jesus' answer.)
Luke 10:25-37
How do you demonstrate Mark 12:30? How is the way you love others connected to the way you love God?