NE W TE S TA MENT
CH A P TER S 1–8
Searching for the man who is God
Introducing Mark
Introducing Mark
First published March 2005. Reprinted February 2010, May 2013. Anglican Youthworks PO Box A287, Sydney South NSW 1235 Phone: +61 2 8268 3344 www.cepstore.com.au Copyright Š Anglican Youthworks 2010. This book is copyright. Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Inquiries should be addressed to the Publishers. Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. ISBN 978-1-920935-67-2 Written by Scott Petty Edited by Julie Moser Managing editor, Revised edition – Julie Firmstone Designed by Rebecca Jee
Introducing the book of Mark The gospel of Mark is the shortest of the four gospels. Mark gets straight to the point of the gospel (or good news) about Jesus Christ (Mark 1:1). You will notice that the story of Jesus’ life in the gospel of Mark is a fast-paced ride. Mark is really a book of two halves. In the first half of Mark (chapters 1–8), which these studies will look at closely, the question that keeps occurring is ‘Who is this man?’ As these studies investigate this question, you will discover that Mark paints a portrait of Jesus as the man who is God. The studies in this booklet start by looking at what happened when Jesus started his public ministry proclaiming the coming of the kingdom of God and calling the first disciples. Studies 2 and 3 investigate what Jesus came to do by looking at what he said and did in the early days of his ministry. Studies 4 and 5 focus on what it means to hear what Jesus had to say, and what it means to have faith in him. Study 6 shows us how the man who is God cares for his people and Study 7 finishes the series by focusing on the question posed by Jesus to his disciples in Mark 8, ‘Who do you say I am?’. At the end of each study there is a section called ‘Bringing it home’. This is a part of the group study time and is designed to help you take what you have learned about Jesus and apply it to your lives. The end goal is that as you discover more about Jesus, you will be changed to become more wholehearted followers of the man who is God. Hope you enjoy the ride! Scott Petty
Searching for the man who is God
YOUTHWORKS Bible Study series
the man who is God Mark 1:1–20
Imagine your favourite singer, actor or sports player is coming to town. You have been waiting for ages for them to arrive. What will you do when you see them? Choose one of the options below and then discuss your answers. Scream like a crazy person. Ask for an autograph and then leave him/her alone. Faint. Invite him/her around to hang out with your buddies. Listen carefully to what he/she has to say at his/her press conference. Other:
Write down your first thoughts about this passage and then share your answers.
The Jewish people had been waiting for a saviour for hundreds of years. The quote from the Old Testament book of Isaiah (Mark 1:2–3) was over 700 years old when Jesus burst onto the scene. How did John the Baptist prepare people for the arrival of Jesus? (verses 4–8)
The man who is God
Many people in those days went to John, confessed their sins and were baptised (verse 5). Jesus had no sin to confess. However, he was baptised by John (verse 9) to show his connection with us as a human. The Holy Spirit came upon Jesus from heaven in the form of a dove and then God spoke (verses 10–11). What did God’s statement tell us about Jesus?
In this passage Jesus is shown to be both a real man (by his baptism) and God’s Son (by God’s statement). What do you think this would have meant for Jesus being tempted by Satan (verses 12–13) as: a) a real human
b) God’s Son
Read Hebrews 4:14–16. How can this passage help us when we face temptation?
YOUTHWORKS Bible Study series
Read Mark 1:14–20 After John was put in prison Jesus began his public ministry. What was the main idea of his message? (verse 15)
Why was Jesus’ message such ‘good news’? (verses 14–15) Also have a look at Mark 10:45 and Acts 13:38.
Soon after proclaiming the good news of God, Jesus spoke to two sets of brothers. Fill in the spaces below to record what happened.
(verse 16)
(verse 17)
(verse 18)
(verse 19)
(verse 20)
(verse 20)
The man who is God
Unlike most people, the brothers followed Jesus immediately. What reasons do people give for not following Jesus? Circle what you believe to be the most common excuse and explain your answer.
Have you ever used any of these excuses?
What could make it difficult for you to follow Jesus?
How can this group help each other to be committed to following Jesus?
Ask God that together you would have the courage and willingness to follow Jesus.
YOUTHWORKS Bible Study series
Who do you think Jesus is? Why did he do what he did? What does he want from you and me? Everyone has an opinion on Jesus, but the book of Mark gives us straight answers to these questions from Jesus himself. These studies give you an up-close-and-personal view of the central person of the Christian faith. About the author Scott Petty loves you ministry. He has been leading you groups, as a volunteer and full-time worker, for 15 years. He is currently the youth minister at Christ Church St Ives, Sydney. As a father to three sons, he is raising part of the next generation with his wife Carolyn. About the Youthworks Bible Study series More than ever, young people today need answers to life’s big questions. The Youthworks Bible Study series is designed to challenge and encourage young people to be confident in their faith in Jesus in a changing world. The studies have been written by experienced youth leaders and are arranged into Old Testament, New Testament and Topical.
ISBN 978-1-920935-67-2
9 781920 935672