The Gospel of Mark

Sermon Discussion: The Empty Tomb Mark 15:42–16:8 Main Idea: The resurrection vindicates Jesus’ entire ministry and opens the way for his fearful followers to become faithful disciples. Discussion Questions: 1. Why does Mark spend six verses (Mark 15:42–47) on the burial of Jesus? 2. What is the surprising irony of resurrection Sunday? 3. What does the resurrection imply about Jesus himself? (Romans 1:1–4) Why is this important? 4. Why doesn’t the angel tell the women to bring the disciples back…

The Crucifixion of Jesus Mark 15:21–41 Main Idea: It is impossible to grasp who Jesus is and why Jesus came apart from his shameful death on the cross. Discussion Questions: 1. How does this passage emphasize the utter rejection of Jesus? 2. Describe the irony in the attacks of the first three groups (people passing by, chief priests and scribes, and the two robbers). What is the underlying assumption of their attacks? 3. What does the darkness at high-noon reveal?…

Sermon Discussion: The Greatest Act of Injustice Mark 15:1–20 Main Idea: Jesus silently endured the greatest act of injustice in the history of the world so that he might suffer and die in our place. Discussion Questions: 1. How many ways can you (as a group) demonstrate that this entire event is a part of God’s sovereign plan to rescue sinful man from Scripture? 2. How should we understand Jesus’ silence before Pilate? 3. Who is on trial in verses…

Sermon Discussion: The Sovereignty of God in the Betrayal of His Son Mark 14:12–31 Main Idea: God sovereignly ordained that his New Covenant promises would be established through the betrayal and execution of his beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Discussion Questions: 1. How does the “sandwich structure” of this section highlight God’s sovereign activity in the betrayal of Jesus? 2. Why does Jesus reveal these details to his disciples? (Mark 14:17–21; 26–28) 3. Why doesn’t Jesus reveal his betrayer? 4. What…

Sermon Discussion: Treachery, Treasure, and Treason Mark 14:1–11 Main Idea: If greater knowledge about Jesus does not cause you to embrace him as your greatest hope and treasure, you will eventually trade him for another. I. The Leaders’ Treachery (14:1–2) II. The Woman’s Treasure (14:3–9) III. The Treasonous Disciple (14:10–11) Discussion Questions: How does the religious leaders’ hatred of Jesus and fear of a riot expose the sad reality that they treasured the opinions of men more than they treasured…

The Olivet Discourse- Part 2 Mark 13:124–27 Main Idea: Perseverance is fueled by steadfast hope in the second coming not fervent sign-watching. Discussion Questions: 1. How does Daniel 11:31–36 and its historical fulfillment in 167 B.C. help us understand the kind of event that Jesus’ is warning his disciples about in Mark 13:14? 2. Why would Jesus’ exhortation to run for the hills without packing provisions seem counterintuitive to his disciples and the first-century readers of this Gospel? 3. What…

Sermon Discussion: The Olivet Discourse – Part 1 Mark 13:1–13 Main Idea: Christian discipleship is a call to persevering gospel-centered faithfulness NOT a fascination with end-times speculation. Discussion Questions: (Read Mark 13:1–13) 1. How should the conversation between Jesus and his disciples in 13:1–4 guide our interpretation of the various events recorded in verses 5–37? 2. Identify the three imperative statements (commands) in verses 5–13. 3. How do the first two imperatives uniquely discourage prophetic sign watching? (i.e., what are the…

Sermon Discussion Questions: True Devotion Mark 12:38–44 Main Idea: True devotion is a matter of humble faith not overt acts of ostentatious piety. Discussion Questions: 1. How does the Scribes’ obsession with long robes, public greetings, the best seats in the synagogue and at public feasts betray their fundamental calling to ministry? 2. How does the intended audience of the Scribes’ public prayers betray the true depth of their devotion to God? 3. How does their abuse of widows, along…

Sermon Discussion Questions: The Messianic Paradox Mark 12:35–37 Main Idea:The Messiah’s surprising identity entails life-changing implications. Discussion Questions: 1. What is Jesus really asking in his question, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?” (Mark 12:35) 2. What Psalm does Jesus quote in Mark 1:36? 3.Why is it important to Jesus that this Psalm was written by David himself? 4. Who is the first “LORD” and second “lord” in Psalm 110:1? 5. How can…

Sermon Discussion Questions: The Greatest Commandment Mark 12:28–34 Main Idea: The Greatest Commandment exposes our failure and desperate need for a Savior. Discussion Questions: 1. In what ways does the affirmation “The LORD out God, the LORD is one” anchor the demands of the Greatest Commandment? 2. What does it mean to love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength? 3. How does the adverb “all” (Mark 12:29) help us understand the true depths of this first…