Divorce - Mark 10:1-12
Understand It
- Where did this episode take place? (10:1)
- What does this passage say about Christ’s attitude toward His ministry? (10:1)
- Why did the Pharisees go to see Jesus? (10:2)
- How did the Pharisees try to trick Jesus? (10:2)
- How did Jesus respond to the Pharisees’ question? (10:3)
- Why do you think Jesus brought Moses into this discussion? (10:3)
- What did Moses allow in the area of divorce? (10:4)
- How did Jesus explain Moses’ instructions? (10:5)
- What do we learn about the Pharisees from Jesus’ explanation of Moses’ words? (10:5)
- How did Jesus explain the relationship between the Law and the will of God? (10:5-9)
- How did Jesus lend authority to His words? (10:6-9)
- What was God’s original plan for marriage before sin entered the picture? (10:6-9)
- What is the meaning of "they are no longer two, but one"? (10:8)
- What overriding principle did Jesus want us to follow? (10:9)
- Why did this topic come up a second time that day? (10:10)
- What specific instructions did Jesus give regarding divorce? (10:11-12)
- How did Jesus protect women with His instructions? (10:11-12)
Apply It
- What is one specific step you can take this week to show respect for the sanctity of marriage?
- For what couple can you pray every day this week?
The Little Children and Jesus - Mark 10:13-16
Understand It
- Why were people bringing their children to Jesus? (10:13)
- How did the disciples react to this situation? (10:13)
- How was Jesus different from the disciples? (10:13-16)
- What about Jesus surprised the disciples in this situation? (10:13-16)
- How did Jesus respond to the disciples sending the children away? (10:14)
- What do Jesus’ actions tell us about His attitude toward children? (10:14)
- What did Jesus want His disciples to do? (10:14)
- Why did Jesus want the children to come to Him? (10:14)
- What unique connection do children have to the kingdom of God? (10:14)
- What can we learn from children about the kingdom of God? (10:15)
- How did Jesus want people to respond to Him? (10:15)
- How did Jesus treat the children He met? (10:16)
Apply It
- What concrete steps can you take this week to imitate Christ’s love and compassion for children?
- In what concrete way can you depend on God in your day-to-day affairs?
The Rich Young Man - Mark 10:17-31
Understand It
- What was the attitude of the wealthy man as he came to Jesus? (10:17)
- What did the man want Jesus to explain to him? (10:17)
- Why did Jesus say to the man, "No one is good, except God alone"? (10:18)
- How did Jesus explain the way to inherit eternal life? (10:19-21)
- How did the rich man respond to Jesus? (10:20)
- What does the rich man’s answer to Jesus tell us about his spiritual state? (10:20)
- What attitude did Jesus have toward the rich man? (10:21)
- What was difficult about the instruction that Jesus gave the young man? (10:21-22)
- In what way would selling all of his earthly possessions give the wealthy man "treasure in heaven"? (10:21)
- Why could the man not obey Christ’s instructions? (10:22)
- What did Jesus mean when He said, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God"? (10:24-25)
- When the disciples were astonished and dismayed at Jesus’ words, how did He encourage them? (10:26-27)
- How did Peter respond to this situation? (10:28)
- With what promise did Jesus conclude His teaching in this passage? (10:29-31)
Apply It
- What can you sell or give away in the near future to reflect a concern for God’s kingdom over things?
- What is one distraction you can set aside from your routine this week to help you concentrate more on devotion to Christ?
Jesus Again Predicts His Death - Mark 10:32-34
Understand It
- Where does this story take place? (10:32)
- What emotions were displayed by the disciples? (10:32)
- Why was there such a range of strong emotions on this trip? (10:32)
- What important news did Jesus tell the Twelve once again about what would happen to Him? (10:32-33)
- What did Jesus say about the "Son of Man"? (10:33)
- How did Jesus refer to Himself? (10:33)
- When Jesus predicted His death and resurrection this third time, what else did He say would happen? (10:33-34)
- How did Jesus say He would die? (10:33-34)
- How would Jesus be treated at the time of His death? (10:33-34)
- Who was going to torture and kill Jesus? (10:33-34)
Apply It
- What is one difficult situation that you need Jesus to lead you through this upcoming week?
- How can you place your trust in Christ each day rather than in your own abilities?
The Request of James and John - Mark 10:35-45
Understand It
- What was the relationship between James, John, and Jesus? (10:35)
- With what attitude did James and John confront Jesus? (10:35)
- What did James and John want from Jesus? (10:37)
- What did James and John’s request reflect about their character? (10:37)
- How did Jesus answer James and John’s request? (10:38-40)
- What were the "baptism" and "cup" of which Jesus spoke? (10:38-39)
- What figure of speech did Jesus use in speaking with James and John? (10:38-39)
- How did Jesus explain to James and John the impossibility of granting what they had requested? (10:39-40)
- Who will grant the seats to Christ’s right and left in glory? (10:40)
- How did the other disciples react to James and John’s request? (10:41)
- What did Jesus warn all His disciples about? (10:42-43)
- What value did Jesus place on serving? (10:42-45)
- What value did Jesus place on status? (10:42-45)
- How did Jesus advise the disciples regarding greatness? (10:43-44)
- What did Jesus mean when He said He "did not come to be served, but to serve"? (10:45)
Apply It
- What specific act of service could you do this week for someone else?
- What steps can you take to guard yourself against an attitude of selfishness or greed?
Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight - Mark 10:46-52
Understand It
- Where did the events of this story take place? (10:46)
- Where was the blind man sitting when Jesus passed by? (10:46)
- What was significant about the way the blind man addressed Jesus? (10:47-48)
- Why did the people rebuke the blind man? (10:48)
- How did the blind man respond to the criticism from the crowd? (10:48)
- What do the blind man’s actions tell you about his character and his attitude toward Jesus? (10:48)
- How did the crowds of people treat Bartimaeus after they found out Jesus had called for him? (10:49)
- How did Bartimaeus react when Jesus called him? (10:50)
- How did Jesus help Bartimaeus? (10:51)
- How did Bartimaeus respond to Jesus’ question? (10:51)
- How did the blind man’s actions reveal to Jesus that he had faith? (10:52)
- What did Bartimaeus do after Jesus had healed him? (10:52)
Apply It
- What is one request that you will commit yourself to pray for regularly this week?
- How is it possible for a Christian to increase his or her faith?
