Discover the Gospel of Mark in 3 WeeksSample

Questioning Begins (Mark 2:1-3:12)

Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Mark 2:6-7 (NIV)

Context:

Jesus’s teachings, healings, and exorcisms demonstrated his authority and proved his identity as the Jewish Messiah. The problem was, Jesus also acted in ways that offended many religious people. The video below surveys the historical events which shaped the Messianic expectations of the Jews in the 1st century, and identifies why Jesus posed such a challenge to many in his audience.

Observation:

When Jesus does things that offend the religious leaders, they respond with accusatory questions. Notice (and highlight) all the questions that appear in today’s reading:

• “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:7)
• “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Mark 2:16)
• “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?” (Mark 2:18)
• “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” (Mark 2:23)

Pay attention to the immediate context in which each question arises. What did Jesus do or say which sparked the offense? Then, using a different color from the one above, highlight Jesus’s responses to each question.

At the end of today’s reading, Jesus asks the religious leaders a question of his own: “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” (Mark 3:4).

• What is Jesus feeling as he asks this question?
• After hearing his question, how do his opponents respond?

Interpretation:

A question often reveals what is in the heart of the person asking it.

• How would you describe what’s in the hearts of the religious leaders here? Why are they offended by Jesus?

After the reading from Mark, you’ll also read the Sabbath law from Deuteronomy 5. Notice its original emphasis on rest for the entire community, and its function as a reminder of Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt.

• In these stories, how are Jesus’s actions on the Sabbath fulfilling God’s intentions for this law?
• Why do you think the religious leaders missed God’s intention for the Sabbath to be a day to preserve and celebrate human life?

Through Jesus’s actions in these stories, what are Mark’s readers (the church in Rome) learning about God?

Application:

What comes to mind first when you ask yourself the question, “What does God want most from me?” Do the stories from today’s reading challenge your initial thoughts about this?

Like Jesus in today’s reading, God invites you to model his heart for sinners and to express his value for life to your community. In what specific way could you demonstrate this today? How about this week or this month?