Gospel of Mark
Mark Study 29
Read Mark 11: 1-11
Read Genesis 49: 10-11, Psalm 118: 25-27 and Zechariah 9: 9-10.
1. How did each of these Old Testament prophecies contribute to the God's people's expectations for the coming "Messiah"?
2. In what ways did Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem declare him publicly to be the Messiah? Why did He choose this moment to reveal His identity?
Read 2 Samuel 7: 10-12 and 16
3. How is God's promise to David fulfilled in Jesus?
4. What do the words shouted by the people show about their understanding of Jesus' identity as the Messiah?
5. What kind of king would the people have been expecting?
6. Why does Jesus go first to the temple?
7. What does it mean for Jesus to be our King?
Mark Study 30
Read Mark 11: 12-19
Read Hosea 9: 10 and 9: 16 - 10 :3
1. What is the significance of the fig tree? Why does Jesus curse it?
2. What activities does Jesus find happening in the temple court?
Read Jeremiah 7: 9-11
3. Why does Jesus clear the temple? What does he mean by "a den of robbers"?
4. How do the chief priests and teachers of the law respond? Why?
Read Isaiah 56: 7
5. What was God's intended purpose for his temple?
6. How is the church today a fulfilment of God's purposes?
7. How can we avoid bringing dishonour to God's house?
Mark Study 31
Read Mark 11:20-25
1. Why was the fig tree withered? How was this symbolic of some of the religious leaders of Jesus' day?
2. Jesus was training new leaders for God's people. What should characterise the disciples' ministry?
Read Matthew 6:7-15
3. For what does Jesus say the disciples should pray?
4. Why is it important to forgive?
5. What is the connection between faith, prayer and the will of God?
6. How can we know what to pray for?
7. How could a misunderstanding of this passage in Mark lead to disappointment or disaster?
8. How do we cope when our prayers seem to go unanswered?