The Gospel of Mark (Page 3)
Mark: Lesson 25
Lesson text: Mark 10:35-52 James and John ask Jesus to allow them to sit at His right and left hand in glory. While this angers the other disciples, Jesus sees a teaching opportunity. He explains that greatness in God’s kingdom is based on service, not authority. Jesus Himself had come to earth to serve, not to be served by others. The pinnacle of His service would be His death on the cross. Soon after this, the group passes through Jericho…
Mark: Lesson 26
Lesson text: Mark 11:1-14 Chapter 11 begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on what has become known as Palm Sunday. Jesus deliberately rides into the city on the colt of a donkey. This action fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. Yet the disciples and most of the people watching Him miss the significance of Jesus’ actions. Once in the city, Jesus peruses the temple complex before heading out to Bethany. The next day He curses a fig tree when…
Mark: Lesson 27
Lesson text: Mark 11:15-33 On the day after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus enters the temple complex. He is appalled to see the Court of the Gentiles being used for the selling of animals and for currency exchange. He drives out the vendors because of their misuse of this area intended for worship. This event angers the scribes and chief priests, who now want Jesus dead. The next day, Peter notices that the fig tree cursed by Jesus is…
Mark: Lesson 28
Lesson text: Mark 12:1-17 Continuing His exchange with the Jewish leaders from chapter 11, Jesus recounts a parable about a vineyard. The owner has entrusted the vineyard to tenants who abuse, injure, and even kill the owner’s servants who are sent to collect the rent. When he sends his son, they decide to kill him so they can take possession of the vineyard. Jesus has harsh words for these tenants, which angers the Jewish leaders. The next day they attempt…
Mark: Lesson 29
Lesson text: Mark 12:18-34 Jesus’ crucifixion week encounters continue with the Sadducees approaching Him. These Jewish leaders did not believe in the resurrection or angels, and were skeptical about anything supernatural. The Sadducees, wanting to embarrass Jesus, ask Him about how death and remarriage work in the resurrection. Jesus responds by telling them they are sorely mistaken about Scripture. A scribe, impressed by Jesus’ response to the Sadducees, poses a sincere question to Jesus about the greatest commandment. Jesus takes…
Mark: Lesson 30
Lesson text: Mark 12:35-44; Mark 13:1-2 As Jesus completes His public ministry, a few matters remain. Sitting in the temple, He asks how the Messiah can be David’s Son and his Lord? This is another challenge to the Jewish leaders’ understanding of Scripture. He then warns the people of the hypocrisy and self-serving nature of the scribes. Just before leaving the temple, Jesus notices a widow giving all she has as an offering. Her generosity is a stark contrast to…
Mark: Lesson 31
Lesson text: Mark 12:3-23 Leaving the temple complex, Jesus leads His disciples up to the Mount of Olives. There He presents what has come to be known as the Olivet Discourse. Jesus alternates between prophecies about the destruction of the temple and the Day of the Lord. Underlying this, He encourages their (and our) faithfulness and obedience. Lesson worksheet Header image by Cristofer Maximilian on Unsplash.
Mark: Lesson 32
Lesson text: Mark 13:24-37 We complete our investigation of the “Olivet Discourse.” Jesus gives instructions regarding the fall of Jerusalem, telling his hearers to escape with haste. There will be false teachers who discourage their departure, but they must not listen to these men. Jesus then describes the day of the Lord, when He will come in the clouds with great power and glory. But because no one knows when that day is coming, He tells His followers that they…
Mark: Lesson 33
Lesson text: Mark 14:1-26 As Jesus’ crucifixion draws nearer, the tension and intrigue build. In Bethany, Mary anoints Jesus with a flask of costly perfume. Judas complains about what he sees as a waste of resources, but Jesus challenges his perspective. Jesus then has two of His disciples go to Jerusalem to prepare a place for them to celebrate the Passover meal. While there, Jesus institutes the Lord’s supper. All the while, Judas is plotting how he can betray Jesus.…
Mark: Lesson 34
Lesson text: Mark 14:27-42 Jesus and His disciples have left the upper room and are headed to the Mount of Olives. Along the way, Jesus tells them that they will be scattered before very long. Peter protests, which leads Jesus to tell him he will actually deny his rabbi before the cock crows twice. They arrive at the Garden of Gethsemane, and Jesus invites Peter, James, and John to join Him in prayer. Jesus is greatly troubled, knowing what lies…
Mark: Lesson 35
Lesson text: Mark 14:43-65 Judas agrees to betray Jesus to the Jewish leaders, choosing the garden of Gethsemane as the place of his betrayal. Once in custody, Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin. They are looking for some charge that ill allow them to sentence Him to death. Ultimately they declare that Jesus is guilty of blasphemy. Lesson worksheet Header image by Stacey Franco on Unsplash.
Mark: Lesson 36
Lesson text: Mark 14:66-15:15 Jesus has been arrested and is now standing trial before the Sanhedrin. Outside, Peter is sticking close. But a servant girl recognizes him and says he was with Jesus. Peter denies this. In short order, he denies Jesus twice more. At this, he hears the cock crow, reminding him that Jesus said Peter would deny Him. As night turns to morning, the Sanhedrin bring Jesus to Pontius Pilate. They need Pilate to endorse their death sentence.…