Question to think about When Reading the Gospel of Mark

One of the intentions of this blog is to encourage our readers to examine the scriptures with clarity and depth. All to often we treat the word of God like a fast food happy meal. We gobble it up and then expect a prize. But sadly we miss the prize because in our haste we've swallowed it instead.

In this post I don't want to give the answers. I want to challenge you to further reflection. To sit and meditate upon the scriptures. What is God trying to say?

Let's start with the book of Mark.

1. In Mark, where, when and by whom is Jesus called Son of God? Who calls Jesus Lord? Who calls him Rabbi or Teacher? Is it important? Why or why not?
2. What is a disciple according to Mark? What do the disciples do?
3. What connection is there between the stories of Mark 1:39-3:6?
4. Why does Jesus teach in parables? Why does he begin to teach them at this certain point in the story?
5. What connection is there between the stories of lake crossing, legion, woman with the issue of blood, and Jarius’ daughter in Mark 4:35-5:43?
6. What is the meaning of the stories in Mark 7? How do they help to interpret one another?
7. How is Mark 8:27-30 a turning point in the gospel? Do you see a new pattern beginning to emerge? If so what is it?
8. Where, in Mark, do we first learn of Jesus' impending death?
9. James and John ask to sit on Jesus right and left in Mark 10:35-40 but Jesus says these places have been prepared for others. Who are the others to whom Jesus refers?
10. What does the fig tree represent in Mark 11:12-23?
11. What is the significance of the streaking disciple in Mark 14:51-52? Where else does a young man appear and who else wears a linen sheet?
12. Why does Mark end at 16:8? What are some possible explanations?
13. After reflecting on these questions, how do each of these topics combine to illustrate Marks major themes and purpose?

I encourage you to post your reflections in our comments box. Remember there are three rules for studying the bible. Context, context, context.