The Parable of the Tenants - Mark 12:1-12
Understand It
- Whom do the farmer, servants, and son in the parable represent? (12:1-6)
- Why did the owner of the vineyard send so many servants to the tenants looking after the vineyard? (12:2-5)
- How did the tenants treat the owner’s son? Why? (12:7-8)
Apply It
- What can you do every day this week out of respect for God’s Word?
Paying Taxes to Caesar - Mark 12:13-17
Understand It
- How did the religious leaders try to trick Jesus? (12:13-15)
- What did Jesus ask the religious leaders to bring Him? Why? (12:15-17)
- What did Jesus mean when He said, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s"? (12:17)
Apply It
- What is a prayer you can use to give to God what belongs to Him?
Marriage at the Resurrection - Mark 12:18-27
Understand It
- Who were the Sadducees, and what did they want from Jesus? (12:18)
- In what way were the Sadducees "in error"? (12:24-27)
- What was wrong with the Sadducees’ viewpoint? (12:24-27)
Apply It
- What concrete action would you be willing to take this week to get to know the Scriptures better?
The Greatest Commandment - Mark 12:28-34
Understand It
- What significant question did the teacher of the law pose to Jesus? (12:28)
- How did Jesus respond to the man’s question? (12:29-31)
- How did the man speaking with Jesus show that He understood God’s heart? (12:32-34)
Apply It
- Who is one neighbor to whom you can show your love in a practical way this week? How?
Whose Son Is the Christ? - Mark 12:35-40
Understand It
- Why did Jesus condemn the teachers of the law? (12:38-39)
- What did the teachers of the law betray about themselves through their actions? (12:38-39)
- What did Jesus say would happen to the teachers of the law? (12:40)
Apply It
- What step can you take this week to pray, go to church, and do other spiritual devotions only out of a desire to please God?
The Widow's Offering - Mark 12:41-44
Understand It
- What did the "poor widow" give to the treasury? (12:42)
- Why did Jesus call His disciples when He saw the widow put in her offering? (12:43)
- How did Jesus compare the actions of the wealthy people to the actions of the poor woman? (12:43-44)
Apply It
- How can you ensure that your attitude and motivation is right when you give to the Lord this week?
Signs of the End of the Age - Mark 13:1-31
Understand It
- What did Jesus’ disciples ask Him privately on the Mount of Olives? (13:3-4)
- How did Jesus respond to His disciples’ question? (13:5-8)
- What will be the greatest temptation during the "days of distress"? (13:21-23)
Apply It
- What can you read or do this week to strengthen your hold on the truth about Christ?
The Day and Hour Unknown - Mark 13:32-37
Understand It
- What will Jesus’ return be like? How? (13:34)
- What should the "servants" do to occupy their time while they wait for the owner’s return? (13:34)
- What did Jesus want us to do? (13:37)
Apply It
- How can you "keep watch" in your day-to-day activities at work?
Jesus Anointed at Bethany - Mark 14:1-11
Understand It
- What amazing thing did a woman do while Jesus was visiting Bethany? Where? (14:3)
- What reaction did the woman’s actions get? Why? (14:4-5)
- Whom did Jesus rebuke? Why? (14:6)
Apply It
- What is one way you can show your devotion to Christ above all other things, people, or ambitions in your life? When?
The Lord's Supper - Mark 14:12-26
Understand It
- The central emphasis of the Passover meal was traditionally the sacrificial lamb; where did Jesus place His emphasis? (14:22-24)
- What important announcement did Jesus make? (14:25)
- How did Jesus and the disciples conclude their Passover meal? (14:26)
Apply It
- What are two or three steps you can take to prepare for the next time you celebrate the Lord’s Supper?
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial - Mark 14:27-31
Understand It
- What did Jesus reveal to His disciples? (14:27)
- How did Peter respond to Christ’s words? (14:29)
- What did Jesus say about Peter’s loyalty? (14:30)
Apply It
- What can you do over the next week to renew and strengthen your faith in Christ?
Gethsemane - Mark 14:32-42
Understand It
- What emotions was Jesus feeling? (14:33-34)
- What distressed Jesus when He returned to His disciples? (14:37)
- Why did the disciples have so much trouble praying with Jesus? (14:38)
Apply It
- How can you support a friend or relative facing a difficult task this week?
Jesus Arrested - Mark 14:43-52
Understand It
- How did Jesus respond to the sight of the armed men? (14:48-49)
- Who fled the scene? When? (14:50-52)
- What is significant about the fact that all of Jesus’ followers deserted Him? (14:50-52)
Apply It
- What can you do now to prepare for times when your dedication to Christ is tested at work, at home, or around neighbors?
Before the Sanhedrin - Mark 14:53-65
Understand It
- What did the men of the Sanhedrin want to do to Jesus? Why? (14:55)
- What testimony did some witnesses bring against Jesus? (14:57-58)
- What was Jesus’ response to all the accusations against Him? (14:61)
Apply It
- How do you want to react the next time you are falsely accused or tricked?
Peter Disowns Jesus - Mark 14:66-72
Understand It
- How did Peter’s denial of Christ happen? (14:66-72)
- Who in the courtyard was curious and insistent about finding out who Jesus’ followers were? (14:66-70)
- How did Peter react when he realized what he had done? (14:72)
Apply It
- In what situation or context will you consciously identify with Christ publicly this week? How?
