In 2012, Our Saviour is exploring our discipleship growth through a study of the gospel of St Mark. Mark is regarded as the first gospel written and the material provided by Mark (the Evangelist) forms the basis for the gospels of Luke and Matthew. In his message, Pastor Robin suggested that a reading of the whole gospel would only take about two hours. Here are some activities that could be used in preparation for Mark.
Read the opening chapter of Mark’s gospel. Consider the following:
- The role of John the Baptist – this gospel begins with John, not with the birth of Jesus. Note John’s words about Jesus: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stop down and untie. I baptise you with water but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.”
- The American pastor and academic Dallas Willard suggests scripture memorisation as an overlooked way of growing. Through memorisation, he argues, we come to see the bible/scriptures as a “description of reality.” What does this mean – a description of reality? As part of understanding this, try memorising John’s words. How might these words be connected to the “six marks of discipleship?”
- The second section of Chapter 1 is labelled “The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus.” The gospel is moving very quickly. What would the temptations of Jesus be? What can we learn from the fact that in Mark’s gospel the temptation is placed before his ministry begins?
- In the next section, “The Calling of the First Disciples” Jesus makes a proclamation of the “Kingdom of God being near. Repent and believe the good news.”
- What is the response of the fishermen to Jesus’ call?
- What is your understanding of ‘repent’? What place does repentance have in your life currently?
- Read through the next four sections and consider the key difference between Jesus teaching and the teachers of the law that is referred to in 1: 22.