Day 10: Matthew 28, Mark 1-2

The Resurrection - Matthew 28:1-10

Understand It

• What amazing news did the angel announce to the women at the tomb? (28:5-6)
• What command did the angel give Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary"? (28:7)
• What kind of meeting took place as the women were going to tell the disciples about Jesus? (28:9)

Apply It

• When and where could you spend a few minutes meditating on the truth of this passage over the next week?

The Guards' Report - Matthew 28:11-15

Understand it

• What did the chief priests give the soldiers? Why? (28:12-13)
• How did the religious leaders reassure the guards that they would not get in trouble with the Roman government? (28:14)
• To what degree was the story made up by Jesus’ enemies spread and believed? (28:15)

Apply It

• What first step do you need to take today to live with more integrity, no matter how much it costs you?

The Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20

Understand It

• What did Jesus tell His disciples to make? (28:19)
• What activities were the disciples to be involved in? (28:19-20)
• With what words of comfort did Jesus leave His disciples? (28:20)

Apply It

• What step can you take this week in the process of making disciples?

John the Baptist Prepares the Way - Mark 1:1-8

Understand It

• Who sent the messenger? Why? (1:2-3)
• What were the two aspects of John’s ministry? (1:4)
• What was the theme of John’s message? (1:7-8)

Apply It

• What step could you take this week toward becoming a better witness for Christ?

The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus - Mark 1:9-13

Understand It

• What happened right after Jesus’ baptism? (1:12)
• What happened to Jesus in the desert? (1:13)
• What role did angels play in this event? (1:13)

Apply It

• What concrete steps can you take this week to resist temptation?

The Calling of the First Disciples - Mark 1:14-20

Understand It

• How did Jesus want people to respond to the fact that the kingdom of God was near? (1:15)
• What did Jesus tell the people they must do besides believe His good news? (1:15)
• How did Jesus get people to follow Him? (1:17)

Apply It

• How can you follow Jesus this week?

Jesus Drives Out an Evil Spirit - Mark 1:21-28

Understand It

• Why were the people amazed at Jesus’ teaching? (1:22)
• What do the evil spirit’s words tell us about Christ? (1:24)
• Why did the news about Jesus spread so quickly over the region? (1:27-28)

Apply It

• What is one way you can show submission to Christ’s authority in your life throughout this week?

Jesus Heals Many - Mark 1:29-34

Understand It

• What did Jesus do with His companions after teaching in the synagogue? (1:29)
• How did Jesus respond to the problem He was faced with? (1:31)
• What was Jesus’ response to the crowds of sick and demon-possessed people? (1:34)

Apply It

• What concrete step can you take to serve or help someone else this week?

Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place - Mark 1:35-39

Understand It

• Where did Jesus go, and why did he go there? (1:35)
• Why wasn’t Jesus able to pray alone? (1:37)
• What did Jesus plan to do after He was finished praying? (1:38)

Apply It

• When and where can you pray on a regular basis this week?

A Man with Leprosy - Mark 1:40-45

Understand It

• What do the man’s words to Jesus tell us about his attitude or spiritual condition? (1:40)
• Why did Jesus heal the man who came to Him? (1:41)
• What happened to the leper? (1:42)

Apply It

• To what person in your church or community could you reach out this week? How?

Jesus Heals a Paralytic - Mark 2:1-12

Understand It

• What dilemma did the paralytic man and his friends face? (2:2-4)
• What motivated Jesus to respond to the paralytic man’s plight? (2:5)
• Why did Jesus heal the paralytic man? (2:10-12)

Apply It

• What specific steps can you take this week to show faith in Christ?

The Calling of Levi - Mark 2:13-17

Understand It

• What was Levi’s status among his neighbors? (2:14)
• Why is it significant that Jesus went to Levi’s house for dinner? (2:14-15)
• What was it about Jesus’ life-style and attitude that made the Pharisees so uncomfortable? (2:15-17)

Apply It

• In what specific way can you honor or recognize a person of "lower status" this week?

Jesus Questioned About Fasting - Mark 2:18-22

Understand It

• What dilemma puzzled the people who came to Jesus? (2:18)
• How did Jesus’ story of the wedding feast answer the people’s question about why His disciples did not fast? (2:19-20)
• Why did Jesus tell two short stories? (2:21-22)

Apply It

• What steps can you take this week to practice a spiritual discipline (fasting, prayer, Bible study, meditation, solitude, simplicity, etc.)?

Lord of the Sabbath - Mark 2:23-3:6

Understand It

• What did the disciples do that outraged the Pharisees? (2:24)
• What was Jesus’ response to the Pharisees’ charges? (2:25-27)
• According to Jesus, why were the disciples of both David and Jesus justified in breaking the Sabbath? (2:25-27)

Apply It

• In what settings are you able to "do good and save life"? How?

Tomorrow: Mark 3-5