Day 11: Mark 3-5

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?

Crowds Follow Jesus - Mark 3:7-12

Understand  It

• Why did Jesus want to leave? (3:7)
• Why were the crowds so interested in following Jesus? (3:7-12)
• What do the details of this story tell us about Jesus’ priorities? (3:7-12)

Apply It

• What need can you bring to Jesus? How could you do so?

The Appointing of the Twelve Apostles - Mark 3:13-19

Understand  It

• What is the setting of this story? (3:13)
• What did Jesus expect of the men He designated apostles? (3:14-15)
• What was unusual about some of the men Jesus chose? (3:16-19)

Apply It

• What would be your first step toward learning from a more mature believer in your church?

The Appointing of the Twelve Apostles - Mark 3:13-19

Understand  It

• What is the setting of this story? (3:13)
• What did Jesus expect of the men He designated apostles? (3:14-15)
• What was unusual about some of the men Jesus chose? (3:16-19)

Apply It

• What would be your first step toward learning from a more mature believer in your church?

Jesus' Mother and Brothers - Mark 3:31-35

Understand  It

• Who wanted to see Jesus? Why? (3:31-32)
• What rhetorical question did Jesus ask? Why? (3:33)
• How did Jesus respond to the request by His mother and brothers? (3:33-34)

Apply It

• What could you do or say to help your family understand your faith in Christ?

The Parable of the Sower - Mark 4:1-20

Understand  It

• What are the four scenes described in this parable? (4:3-10)
• To what was Jesus referring when He said, "The farmer sows the word"? (4:14)
• What are some obstacles that prevent people from accepting the gospel or hanging on to their faith? (4:15-19)

Apply It

• In what area of your life do you need to start listening to God?

A Lamp on a Stand - Mark 4:21-25

Understand  It

• Why did Jesus warn us to "consider carefully" what we hear? (4:24)
• What will happen to those who use or put into practice what God has measured out to them? (4:24-25)
• What will happen to those who neglect or misuse the truth God has already revealed to them? (4:24-25)

Apply It

• What is one specific word of Jesus (a promise, truth, or command) that you can consciously remind yourself of throughout this next week?

The Parable of the Growing Seed - Mark 4:26-29

Understand  It

• What do the man and the seed in the parable represent? (4:26-29)
• How did the man get the seed to grow? (4:28)
• To what does the phrase "the harvest is come" refer? (4:29)

Apply It

• What specific steps can you take to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to change others when you tell them about Christ?

The Parable of the Mustard Seed - Mark 4:30-34

Understand  It

• How is the kingdom of God like a mustard seed? (4:32)
• What promise is given in this parable? (4:31-32)
• Why did Jesus use the smallest seed known to the Galilean farmers in His audience as the example in this parable? (4:31-32)

Apply It

• How can you get involved this week in spreading the Good News and participating in the growth of the kingdom of God?

Jesus Calms the Storm - Mark 4:35-41

Understand  It

• Where did Jesus and His disciples go? How? (4:35-36)
• Why were the disciples surprised with Jesus? (4:37-38)
• Why did Jesus rebuke His disciples? (4:40)

Apply It

• How can you trust God this upcoming week with situations that get out of control or seem hopeless?

The Healing of a Demon-possessed Man - Mark 5:1-20

Understand It

• Why was the man Jesus met chained up? (5:4-5)
• What did Jesus do to help the demon-possessed man? (5:8-20)
• What request did Jesus deny? Why? (5:18-19)

Apply It

• What can you do this week to bring the message of Christ to a friend or coworker?

A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman - Mark 5:21-43

Understand It

• Who was Jairus, and why did he want to see Jesus? (5:22-23)
• Whom did Jesus tell not to be afraid and to "just believe"? Why? (5:35-36)
• Who witnessed the girl being raised from the dead by Jesus? (5:40-42)

Apply It

• With what concrete action can you show your faith in the Lord this week?

Tomorrow: Mark 6-8