A Study of the Gospel of Mark

[Hardcase]

A Study of the Gospel of Mark by by Gary Fisher.

Authority of Jesus
Lesson 1

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Jesus lived almost 2000 years ago, but even today people all over the world serve Him. We know this man primarily through four Bible books: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. First-hand acquaintance with these writings will help us understand Jesus and His message.

This course surveys Mark's narrative of Jesus' life. As you study each lesson, please keep a Bible at your side so that you can verify what you are learning by the Scriptures. You will notice that Mark is divided into sixteen major sections (chapters), each of which contains small divisions (verses). When a notation like 5:12 is used in these lessons, you should look at the fifth chapter of Mark and the twelfth verse.

A couple of items before we get started: to profit most from these lessons, you need an open heart to receive what Jesus taught and did. Allow His words to direct you as you read. A prayer for God's guidance at the beginning and end of each study is recommended. If you don't understand something mentioned in this course or in your reading of Mark, please feel free to post questions. We will all work together to anwser it if we can.

John Prepares the Way
>>> Read Mark 1:1-8. <<<

Please read Mark 1:1-8 in your Bible before continuing the lesson. In the very first verse, Mark announced that he would write about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is surprising, therefore, that he did not start out by telling about Jesus Himself; instead, he described the work of John the Baptist. This was because John was to prepare the way for Jesus. John fulfilled this mission by preaching to get people ready for the coming of the Lord.

John's message focused on two themes that will help us get ready to receive Christ. First, he preached about repentance. To repent means to decide to change. John was telling his hearers that they had to reverse their life's direction to get ready for Christ; those unwilling to change could not come to Him. Second, John declared the greatness of Jesus. He said Jesus was so great that he himself was not even worthy to stoop down and untie His shoes. This was an amazing declaration because one does not have to have much worth to untie somebody's shoes. In fact, in John's day, untying shoes was considered to be a slave's lowest duty - John wasn't worthy to be Jesus' humblest slave! So, for us to be ready to receive Jesus, we must repent (change our lives) and recognize His awesome greatness.

Post the answers in posts below and any discussion.

*1* John came to prepare the way for whom? (a) Moses, (b) Mohammed, (c) Jesus, (d) Peter. Answer: (put the letter of the correct answer in the blank) ______.

*2* What word in our study means "to decide to change"? Answer: The word is (put the correct word in the blank) ______ .

*3* John said he was unworthy to: a) untie Jesus' shoes; b) carry Jesus' bags; c) stand beside Jesus

[johnporter]

1. C
2. Repentance
3. A

[Hardcase]

Anybody have a comments on this lesson?

[gd3006]

It's really awe-inspiring to see the reverence and understanding of the significance of the arrival of Jesus to those who played a part in his emergence. While a long-term perspective was hundreds of years away, the impact he had during his tenure here on earth was amazing considering that he was only here for 3 decades.

[Hardcase]

Early Events in Jesus' Career
>>> Read Mark 1:9-15. <<<

Just like thousands of others, Jesus came to John to be baptized. But as He emerged from the water, something startling occurred: The Holy Spirit came down upon Him in the form of a dove and a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." God was showing His approval of Jesus in a dramatic way.

Then Jesus entered the wilderness where the devil tempted Him. While Matthew and Luke provide more specific information about the temptations (Matthew 4; Luke 4), Mark's brief account shows two things. First, Jesus experienced temptation as all men do. Second, doing what pleases God, as Jesus did when He was baptized, does not exempt one from temptation. Satan often intensifies his efforts when a person begins to serve God.

*4&5* What two amazing things happened when Jesus was baptized? Answer: The ______ came on Him in a form like a dove, and a voice spoke from ______ saying, "This is my beloved Son."

*6* Where was Jesus baptized (v9)? Answer: He was baptized in the ______ River.

*7* For how many days was Jesus tempted by Satan in the wilderness (v13; cf. Luke 4:1,2)? Answer: ______ days (give a number).

*8* What message did Jesus preach (v15)? Answer: He told people to repent and believe in the ______.

[broncbuster2]

Answers;
4 Spirit---5 Heaven
6 Jordan River
7 40 day's
8 Believe in the gospel..

[pawclaws]

The act of Jesus baptism reminds me of something He replied at the last supper when He was asked "Who among them was the greatest?" He, replied something like "The least among them would be the greatest in Heaven." What greater act of love, contrition, and obedience could He have expressed but to submit Himself to His own servent for baptism in water? Another big Wow ! Can you imagine how pleased God must have been? You know when I think of it all God was really doing by sending the Holy Spirit and making his announcement was literally saying; "Son, I am proud of you!" I wonder how many sons need to hear that from their Fathers.

[Hardcase]

To me Jesus was saying I'm the same as everyday man, I'm at your level. I want you see that to submit to the Father is the responsibility of all no matter who they are! Jesus was saying I am Lord and I am servant! A perfect role model for all to see!

[mac]

Thanks for the lesson

Mac

[Hardcase]

Jesus Calls Four Fishermen
>>> Read Mark 1:16-20. <<<

As Jesus walked along, He saw two of His friends, Peter and Andrew, who were professional fishermen. He asked them to follow Him and become fishers of men. At once, they quit their jobs and began following Christ. He next found James and John, and requested that they do the same. With no hesitation, they left not only their occupation but also their father, and began to accompany the Lord. Clearly, these men recognized Jesus' greatness. He was the one whose shoes John was unworthy to untie. God had specially acknowledged Him by His own voice from heaven. So when Jesus demanded radical action (to drop everything and follow Him), they responded immediately.

Note -- Characteristics of followers of Jesus: These fishermen demonstrated the meaning of discipleship. When Jesus called, they: 1) acted immediately, 2) left both job and family, and 3) started following Him.

Christ calls today through His Word. When we perceive His greatness, we too will: 1) obey immediately all He says, 2) put Him ahead of everything, including our job and family, and 3) follow Him, allowing His example to direct every step.

People who know that Jesus wants them to change, but put it off, are not like these four fishermen.

*9* Which of these things did the disciples not do when Jesus called them? a) decide immediately; b) leave family and job; c) follow Jesus; d) go to school for training. Answer: ______.

*10* What did Jesus say He would make these men (v17)? Answer: He would make them fishers of ______.

[Bro. Freddie]

#9 D
#10 men

[Hardcase]

Jesus Amazes the Crowds
>>> Read Mark 1:21-28. <<<

Jesus' teaching astounded the multitude in the synagogue (a synagogue was like a church among the Jews). He taught with authority. He issued His commands as if He had the right to tell others exactly what to do!

Jesus' actions showed that He really had the authority that He claimed. In this paragraph, He cast out a demon. How? By His words! Nothing more. When Jesus merely said, "Be quiet and come out of him," the demon left the man. His words had authority even over demons. The calmness with which Jesus expelled demons reflected His power: He never argued or struggled or created a scene. He simply ordered the demons to leave and they left. No wonder people were amazed. He had demonstrated the credentials to prove His authority.

Note -- Need for authority: In every area, authority is essential. To determine distance, it is necessary to have a yardstick or standard of measure by which to calculate length. Thus, if someone wishes to know how long a room is, he measures it. There is no other way to know for sure. God has provided a yardstick in religion: Jesus and His words. When we wish to know whether something is right or wrong, we should evaluate it by the standard of the Scriptures. This should be done with every teacher and teaching - even this correspondence course. Therefore, you need to have a Bible at your side while you are studying, and continually refer to it to be sure that what is taught in these lessons is true. The Bible is our yardstick.

*11* What amazed the multitudes about Jesus? a) physical appearance; b) intelligence; c) wealth; d) authority in teaching. Answer: ______.

*12* How did Jesus expel the demon? a) by conducting a seance; b) by a magical formula; c) by a simple command (rebuke); d) by taking up a collection. Answer: ______.

*13* What purpose did Jesus' miracles serve? a) they made Him rich, b) they demonstrated His authority and proved He was from God, c) they proved people today can do miracles, d) they served no purpose whatever. Answer: ______.

[Bro. Freddie]

11. D
12 C
13. B

Some of those choices are hilarious

[Hardcase]

Got your attention didn't it! ;D

[Bro. Freddie]

Yep.... Sometimes I think the options are better than the real answer. ;D