Search The Scriptures —Study 35 — Mark 16:9-20

Study 35 From the Book of Mark is: Mark 16:9-2o

With this lesson, we end the book of Mark. Tomorrow we will start the book of Judges.

1.      What three appearances of the risen Christ are recorded in these verses? What were the reasons for the rebuke of verse 14? Is our spiritual perception and growth hindered by the same two besetting sins? Cf. Heb. 3:12, 13.

2.     If we truly believe what is recorded in verse 19, what challenge and encouragement are there for us in verses 15 and 20? And what does verse 16 reveal concerning the issue with which the gospel confronts men, when it is preached? Cf. Rom. 10:11-15

Note. Verses 9-20. “this section is the so-called “Longer Ending” of Mark, omitted in some MSS…. Therefore, it seems reasonable to see this as an early attempt, known at least as early as Iranaeus, to “round off” a Gospel whose original ending had become in some way maimed or lost’.  

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Search The Scriptures —Study 34 — Mark 15:42—16:8

Study 34 From the Book of Mark is: Mark 15:42—16:8

1.      What deliberate acts of Joseph are mentioned here? Considering who he was and the situation at the time, what qualities of Character are shown by his behaviour? Which of these qualities is most lacking in my life?

2.     Although the women who went to anoint the body of Christ were told that He had risen and they could see the empty tomb, and although they were given the privilege and the command to tell others, yet ‘they said nothing to any one’ (16:18). Why was this? What did they still need to give them calmness, conviction and boldness in testimony? Are you at all like them?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 33 — Mark 15:22-41

Study 33 From the Book of Mark is: Mark 15:22-41

1.      With what words did the passers-by and the chief priests and scribes mock and revile Jesus? What have you seen, which they failed to see, which makes you believe that, nevertheless, He is the Christ?

2.     What is the answer to the question in verse 34? What is the significance of the rending of the veil, and what consequent benefit can we now enjoy? Cf. Is. 59:2; Gal. 3:13; Heb. 9:8; 10:18-22.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 32 — Mark 15: 1-21

Study 32 From the Book of Mark is: Mark 15:1-21

The main concern of the Jewish leaders now as to get their verdict carried into effect. For this they required the Roman governor’s decision, for the Romans reserved to themselves the right of capital punishment.

1.      What mistakes did Pilate make and what were the reasons underlying them? Are there any of these that we are in danger of repeating? If so, what positive action can we take to avoid them?

2.      Notice the amazing silence of Jesus (verse 4, 5; cf. 14; 60, 61a). Try, also, to picture the mocking of the soldiers, remembering that Jesus had just been scourged, a punishment of brutal severity. Why did Jesus submit without protest to such treatment, and why did God allow it to happen to Him? Cf. Phil. 2:8; 1 Pet. 2:22-24.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 31 — Mark 14:53:72

Study 31 From the Book of Mark is: Mark 14:53-72

The object of the Jewish council was to find legal grounds for putting Jesus to death. It had been previously decided that He must die. (14:1), but some ground must be sought, which would justify their action in condemning Him, and enable them to secure Pilate’s confirmation of the verdict. Cf. Lk. 23:1, 2.

1.      Verses 53-65. Note that the one definite charge, on which the decision to have Jesus put to death was taken, was His claim to be the Christ. Cf. 15:26. How did Jesus declare that His claim would be vindicated? Cf. Acts 2:32-36. What is your attitude to His claim?

1.   Observe the experiences through which Peter passed on this eventful night. What were the contributing factors which finally led up to his denial of Christ? See 14:29, 37, 50, 54. What can we learn from all this that will help us to be prepared for temptation?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 30 — Mark 14:26-52

Study 30 From the Book of Mark is: Mark 14:26-52

1.      Verses 26-31. Peter evidently found it much easier to apply the Lord’s words to the other disciples than to himself.  What wrong attitude does this reveal? Do we ever refuse to accept what the Lord is plainly trying to teach us?

2.   Verses 32-50. What caused our Lord’s distress? What is meant here by ‘the hour’ and ‘this cup’? Why was Jesus ready, in a way His disciples were not, for what had to be faced? What exactly was His petition? Was it answered, and if so, how? Cf. Heb. 5:7, 8; Ps. 119: 50, 92.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 29 — Mark 14:1-25

Study 29 From the Book of Mark is: Mark 14:1-25

1.      Verses 1-9. What some said about the value of the ointment and the need of the poor was perfectly true. Why then did Jesus commend Mary for her extravagance? What does this incident teach us about right priorities in Christian service?

2.     Verses 10-21. What do these verses suggest was the motive which lay behind Judas’ act of betrayal? Is our own attitude one of condemnation, or are we prepared to share the solemn heart searching of verse 19?

3.     Verses 22-25. Consider use here of the words ‘bread’, ‘blood’, ‘my’, ‘gave’, ‘take’, ‘drank’, ‘covenant’. What light do they throw on the nature and method of salvation? Cf. 1 Pet. 1:18, 19.

Notes

1.      Verses 8-9. Note Jesus’ remarkable prediction of the future world-wide preaching of the ‘gospel’; Cf. 13:10. There was in the woman’s action a recognition both of the unique Person and of the impending work of Jesus; and these are both essential gospel truths.   

2.     Verse 22. The expression ‘This is my body’ corresponds to the Passover formula, ‘This is the bread of affliction which our fathers ate in the land of affliction’. It indicates a symbolical commemoration, not an actual ‘transubstantiation’.        

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