Mark 11:1-11; 14:66-72 - “GOING PUBLIC”
- Rico Tice, in his book Exploring Christianity, describes a follower of Jesus as one who knows who Jesus is, understands why Jesus came, and is prepared to follow him whatever the cost. How do these two Scripture passages affirm that description?
- Why is the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry often portrayed as “the week that changed the world”?
- As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, how did the crowds receive him? How does his entrance compare with other accounts of Roman leaders entering cities as conquering heroes? Why might Mark’s gospel highlight the difference?
- Peter promised to follow Jesus anywhere, regardless of the cost (Mark 14:27-31). How did Peter respond when accused of being a follower of Christ? How are the three denials different? The same? What was his response to his actions?
- Why are promises broken? What’s the ultimate cost of broken promises to an individual? To a community?
- Why are promises kept? How does Jesus affirm that his promises stand and will be fulfilled in Mark 11:1-11?
- What is the power behind promises? How do promises define one’s identity? How do promises promote community? What happens when commitments are fulfilled?
- What are some risks with promise making? What are some risks of not making promises?
- 2 Corinthians 1:19-22 affirms the power of promise keeping. Why does Paul state that all God’s promises find their “Yes” in Jesus? What are some additional promises that are true because Jesus has kept his promises (see verses 21 & 22)?
- How can you trust Jesus to enable you to keep your commitments?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation on His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Mark 10: 32-52 “THE PATH OF SERVICE”
- Discipleship involves a commitment over the long haul. What have you learned about the difficulties of making a commitment to something over a long period of time (hint: learning to play the piano; being on an athletic team or church board)?
- The disciples discovered Jesus focus was on Jerusalem. How did Jesus tell the disciples of his commitment to enter the religious capital of the Jewish world (see 8:31; 9:31; 10:32)? What was their response each time?
- The disciples asked Jesus to do for them whatever they asked him to do. Have you ever experienced someone who asked that you do that for them? What was you response?
- Jesus clarified the request by asking that they be more specific. How did James and John answer? Why did they want to be seen? How did the other disciples respond? What would you ask Jesus to do for you?
- Mark 10:45 is the key verse for Mark’s Gospel. Why? What two words highlight Jesus’ service for the many who will be saved? How does the verse describing the service component of the Christ follower? Why is the source of all Christian service in the world found in the crucified and risen Christ? How does his death provide freedom for our lives?
- When Jesus is confronted by blind Bartimaeus, how does he respond to his cries for mercy? How did this man display faith? Compare Bartimaeus’ response with that of James and John. How would you describe the difference?
- How does humble service make one great? Is this a matter of works righteousness or is it a matter of understanding God’s grace?
- What area of service are you offering to the Lord? How does this action serve Christ’s kingdom?
- Why is discipleship a long obedience in the same direction?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation on His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Mark 10: 13-31 - “WHAT’S SO AMAZING ABOUT GRACE?”
- When you hear the word “amazing”, what first comes to your mind? What has amazed you recently? How were you surprised by what you discovered?
- Why is grace so amazing? How is grace counterintuitive to the law of cause and effect?
- Mark’s gospel places two events back to back for effect. How does Jesus’ response to the children (see 10:13-16) surprise the disciples? How does Jesus’ response to the wealthy young man (10:17-27) surprise the disciples?
- How do you spot the sacred in everyday life? Why are we often too busy to embrace the grace that comes our way each day?
- What characteristics does Jesus look for in the life of a disciple? Why does the rich young man not qualify in Jesus’ eyes? What was the central issue in his life?
- In the response of Jesus, the young man was told to give away his money to the poor. Is Jesus making this a requirement for all Christ-followers? Why or why not?
- This man also had moral wealth. He was a good person, cared for his mother, and fulfilled a majority of the Ten Commandments. Why does Jesus connect the last six commands with the first four commands of the Decalogue? What’s at the heart of this connection?
- How does grace threaten us? How does Jesus smash our cherished assumptions and practical righteousness?
- Study the interaction of Jesus with the young man. Why is verse 21 one of the greatest verses in the Bible? What does this tell us about Jesus?
- If grace is so amazing, why don’t we like it? If we are offended by Jesus use of grace, what does that tell us about our hearts? If we take grace for granted, what does that tell us about our hearts?
- Think about 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. How do these verses apply to Mark 10:13-31? Why must we remember that Jesus became poor that we might become rich in him?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation on His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Mark 8:31-9:13 - “NO and YES”
- Rico Tice, in his book Exploring Christianity, descries a follower of Jesus as one who knows who Jesus is, understands why Jesus came, and is prepared to follow Him whatever the cost. Do you affirm this definition of discipleship? Why or why not?
- Jesus taught his disciples that he must suffer, be rejected by the religious leaders, be killed and on the third day rise from the dead. Why were they unprepared to hear this teaching? What does this say about the human heart when confronted by the sheer grace of Christ’s actions?
- Jesus calls the crowds and his disciples together (8:34) and implores them to deny themselves, take up their cross and to follow him? What is the difference between a God-oriented life and a life of self-seeking?
- If taking up one’s cross doesn’t deal with self-pity for problems in life, then how does Jesus command imply an intentional and painful dying to our self-interests?
- Jesus invites people to follow him. What are the reasons that you follow or don’t follow Jesus? What is the cost of not following him?
- Jesus looks to the future as well as the past on the mount of transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13). How does Moses and Elijah’s presence point in both directions?How does Jesus stand at the center of biblical history in the past and the future?
- Peter misunderstood Jesus’ explanation of why the Messiah came (8:31-33) and, on the mountain, he wanted to build three “shelters” for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. What was Peter thinking in both instances? Why was he frightened by Christ’s words and Christ’s glory? Like Peter, how can our responses to Christ be an attempt to control the work of Christ’s kingdom on earth?
- Throughout this section, there is a call to embrace Christ and the gospel (see: 8:35, 38; 9:7). How does a disciple do this? What are some ways that you are committed to this life of discipleship?
- When they left the mount of transfiguration, they returned to face deep personal problems in ministry and the larger community? Why does Jesus call us to engage the world and not withdraw from this engagement? How can you faithfully touch this community for Christ? How can BG sharpen our outreach focus into the community?
- How does the NO and YES of Jesus words direct our lives in our homes and workplace?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation on His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Mark 8:22-33 - “Open Our Eyes, Lord”
- Mark’s Gospel begins with the words: “The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Written to Christians in Rome, how do these words confirm that Jesus is Lord and not Caesar?
- The entire Gospel answers two major questions - Who is Jesus? and What did Jesus do? This section of Scripture is the hinge that separates Mark’s answer to these questions. Read Mark 8:22-33 and make some observations on the transition from one question to the other.
- How does Jesus’ healing of a blind person illustrate the desperate need for Jesus touch on the disciples understanding? (see Mark 8:14-21)
- The remainder of Mark’s Gospel reflects the disciple’s need for clearer understanding of Jesus. What might be some reasons that Jesus asked about the public’s perception of himself? What are some current perceptions of Jesus? Why does he then ask a more personal question of the disciples? How would you answer his question in Mark 8:29?
- Jesus teaches the disciples that he MUST suffer, be rejected by religious leaders, killed and after three days rise again. How do these truths change your understanding of the Lord?
- Peter did not accept these promises and challenged Jesus stating that the true Messiah would never engage in these things? Why is it hard for many people to accept the suffering and death of Jesus? Why does Jesus rebuke Peter?
- Jesus classifies Peter’s response as having the things of men in mind and not the things of God. How does Jesus’ response relate to our lives in the 21st century? How does Jesus emphasize that he is central to all of life?
- BG’s mission statement emphasizes that we seek to glorify God by making disciples who engage the world for Jesus Christ. How does this section of Scripture teach us to disciple others with whom we work and live?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation on his Word to increase your love for him and others as we seek to live daily in the grace of the Lord Jesus.
Genesis 45:1-28 - “But God…”
- Joseph’s story is one of redemption. How does chapter 45 tie up all the loose ends of the previous chapters (37-44)? What is the central theme of this magnificent chapter?
- When Joseph discloses his identity, how does his action redefine the entire family situation? What impact would his disclosure have on you if you were one of his brothers? His father?
- How does Joseph’s disclosure shatter the “world of presumption” behind the family life?
- Do you agree or disagree that Joseph’s action creates newness in their relationship? Why or why not? How does this proclamation break the power of the families’ sinful behavior?
- Why does Joseph display grace instead of revenge? How does he reassure his brothers of his gracious intentions? Where do you need to extend grace in your life?
- Joseph has a new perspective on God’s work in the world? How has his dream (chapter 37) been fulfilled in righteous ways? When do you think Joseph fully understood God’s providential care in his life?
- God’s sovereignty is under girding the story with a purpose bigger than one person. Why is it important to realize that God works out His purposes in the context of human history? How does Joseph’s story help us trust God when it seems like He is hiding His purposes from us?
- Why do you think Joseph identified himself in Hebrew and not Egyptian terms? How do his displays of emotion throughout the story illustrate his deep passion for righteous action?
- But God! These two words highlight the mystery of God’s work throughout the 27 years of history. Why is it hard to see God’s work in our lives until the appropriate time and place of His choosing? How can we have a vigilant faith in the small as well as the bigger issues of our lives when it appears that God is not present in them?
- As the brothers returned home with great news for Jacob and an invitation from the pharaoh, Joseph reminds them to keep their hearts right (verse 24). Why is this statement an important reminder for the church in the 21st century? How can we keep our hearts on the big things of God’s kingdom and not let jealousy and strife be the main focus in life?
- Isaiah 9:6,7 is a promise that a Messiah will be born. Verse 7 states that the zeal of the Lord will accomplish this. Why are these four names of Christ important to everyday life? Why does Jesus Christ matter to you?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Genesis 42, 43, 44 - “Overcoming Bitterness”
- Hebrews 12:14-15 are helpful verses for our understanding of Genesis 42-44. “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” In our study of Joseph’s story to this point, how do these verses apply to Joseph and how do they apply to Joseph’s brothers and father?
- Genesis 42 indicates that Jacob is unwilling to send Benjamin to Egypt for food with his brothers during the famine. What are the reasons for his unwillingness? What has Benjamin become to Jacob since the loss of Joseph 25 years earlier?
- Compare the similarities of story line between chapters 37 and 42. How does Joseph break the cycle of revenge and bitterness within the family structure?
- Joseph is in a powerful position and can point his family in a new relational direction. Is Joseph’s action harsh and vengeful or restorative and filled with mercy? What are the clues in these chapters that it is the latter rather than the former?
- Does God work in our lives as He did in Joseph’s family (See Hebrews 12:1-15)? How has God used discipline in your life to rehabilitate your attitudes and character?
- Joseph’s brothers change dramatically over these three chapters. How did Judah step up in faith in response Jacob’s inaction (chapter 43)? Why is Judah’s action so reflective of his growing grasp of God’s grace in his life? (hint: compare Genesis 37:26,27; 43:3-5, 8-10; 44:14-34)
- Why did Jacob have a hard time letting go of Benjamin? What had Benjamin become to Jacob? Why do we turn good things into ultimate things? What happens when we lose these good things in our lives? How does bitterness rear its ugly head when this happens?
- In Chapter 44 we discover that the brothers passed the test and began to see things through Jacob’s eyes rather than their self-centeredness. How does Judah’s offer of sacrificing his freedom and comfort for Benjamin’s life reflect the change of their hearts?
- Redemption requires substitution. How did Joseph sacrifice revenge for forgiveness? How did Jacob sacrifice his idolatry of Benjamin for unconditional obedience (43:14)?
- What are some ways that bitterness has crept into your life? How do these chapters illustrate the need for God’s grace to continue working in your life? In the life of Bethel Grove? In Ithaca?
- Memorize Hebrews 12:14,15 and pray it into each situation of our lives.
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Genesis 41:1-57 - “Giving Thanks To God In Big and Small Things”
- Henry Ward Beecher writes: “The unthankful heart…discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!” Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?
- How is Pharaoh’s heart revealed in Genesis 41:1-8? Why was he so disturbed by the dream? How does the dream expose Egypt’s false sense of security?
- Joseph is summoned from prison to the Pharaoh’s presence when the cup bearer remembers Joseph. How is Joseph’s trust in God revealed in verses14-32?
- From prison to palace, Joseph’s character was shining at every turn. How does a thankful heart impact others? How does an unthankful heart impact others?
- God is the hero of Genesis 41 (as He is in all of Scripture). How does Pharaoh respond to God and to Joseph as God’s representative? What helpful insights might this chapter offer government officials and public servants? What does it offer to non-governmental persons like you and me?
- How does this chapter highlight Joseph’s yielded heart to God? In the face of great privileges (important government position, marriage to woman of high cultural status and extreme personal power) how does Joseph keep his faith in tact?
- In the naming of his sons, Joseph gives a clue to the strength of his yielded heart (see verses 51-52). Why did he give his sons Hebrew names? Because of the daily threat of becoming enculturated into a pagan society, how did Joseph keep his perspective? How do the names Manasseh and Ephraim encourage him towards developing a thankful heart?
- How would you describe the state of your heart today? Thankful or unthankful? Submissive or combative towards God and His ways?
- On Thanksgiving Day, gather as a family and give thanks to God for things great and small. In fact, make it a practice throughout each day.
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Genesis 39:19-23; 40:1-23 - “Overcoming Discouragement”
- Discouragement happens. We live in a broken world full of broken relationships, broken promises, broken dreams, and broken expectations. What are some reasons that you get discouraged in life? How are you inclined to handle discouragement?
- Joseph had more than enough discouragement to last a life time. What are some of his reasons for discouragement (see Genesis 37, 39 and 40)?
- Joseph moved form a favored position in his father’s house to being unjustly incarcerated. How does Genesis 39, verses17-23, remind us of Joseph’s trust in God? Why should Joseph continue to trust in God?
- Joseph’s character was shaped through harsh adversity. In what way is Joseph’s character displayed in chapter 40? How is the Lord developing your character through adversity?
- How can our dreams and a desire for perfection in all things rob us of joy in difficult circumstances? Why does an “all or nothing” approach to life lead to discouragement and broken relationships?
- What are some of Joseph’s reactions to discouragement? How could he be concerned about others feelings (40:7) when he was unjustly imprisoned? How could he be so confident of God’s presence, when his daily life was in shambles?
- Have you ever thought that God is unjust? Have you ever questioned that obeying God really doesn’t pay? If so, what’s behind those questions in your heart? What needs to be confronted as we face the discouragement of our hearts? What do we find in Joseph’s life that might help us in our discouraging times?
- Discouragement includes a lack of courage as well as a response to personal disappointments. How can other Christ-followers encourage us in our times of discouragement?
- When in prison, God was “kind” to Joseph (39:21). How is God’s kindness expressed in times of discouragement? How have you found His kindness to be a great resource in your discouragement?
- Philip Yancey, in his book Disappointment With God, writes: Through all the trials, Joseph learned to trust, not that God would prevent hardship, but that he would redeem even the hardship.” How has the Lord redeemed your hardships? How must you trust God in what you are facing now?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Genesis 39:1-23 - “Overcoming Temptation”
- This chapter begins with Joseph in Egypt, where he is a slave in Potiphar’s house. Read 39:1-6 to discover the setting of this chapter. What is a reoccurring theme of these verses? Why is the Lord’s presence an important part of these verses?
- How is God with Joseph in his “secular” work? How important is his work in the scheme of God’s big plan? How important is your work in the scheme of God’s big plan? Why is it important to understand that “secular” work is important to God? How do you view your daily work responsibilities?
- Joseph was successful in his work. How did Potiphar acknowledge Joseph’s faithfulness in caring for his household? What does Potiphar’s response tell us about Joseph’s character?
- How might Joseph’s success lead to temptation? How does success tempt you? How might personal success impact the way you live in a broken world?
- Joseph was a hunk and Potiphar’s wife noticed him. Read through verses 7-21 and identify the various ways that she tempted Joseph sexually. How was her temptation of Joseph progressive?
- Joseph understood the sacredness of sexuality. He knew that marriage covenants are not to be broken through infidelity. How does Joseph respond to her advances? Why must God’s people understand the sacredness of sexuality as we face sexual temptations in this sexually saturated culture?
- Joseph understood that sin is not only against another person, but ultimately it is an action against God. Why is that reality central to overcoming any temptation? How does that truth encourage growth in our relationship with the Lord? In our relationship with others?
- How are you a redemptive agent in our culture? Why does Joseph highlight the need for Christians to be agents in the workplace? How does Joseph story help us face sexual temptation in relationships?
- Jesus faced temptations that we faced (Hebrews 4:14-16). How do these verses emphasize the work of Christ on our behalf? How does He help His people face the temptations of our lives?
- Joseph knew that God was with him and he lived accordingly. How does his example speak to your heart and your actions this past week? Are there areas where you must seek forgiveness from God? If so, confess the sins and draw near to the Lord and trust Him for the grace and mercy to keep going.
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
