The Gospel Of Mark Bible Study Lesson 70

The Gospel Of Mark Bible Study Lesson 70:

This week’s Bible Study of Mark’s Gospel will again include questions for you to answer. Once you finish the lesson on your own. You can look at my answers. Anytime you do Bible study ask yourself these 3 questions:

3 questions:

·        What is this passage about?

·        What do I learn from this passage?

·        How can I apply what I have learned to my life?

Scripture to meditate on before you do this week’s Bible study:

Isaiah 34:4 NIV

All the stars of the heavens will be dissolved and the sky rolled up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree.

Matthew 23:28 NIV  
In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Luke 11:34 NIV  
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness.

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This Week’s Bible passage from the Gospel of Mark:

Mark 13:28-37

Read the passage below:  

Mark 13:28-37 NIV     28"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. 30I tell you the truth, this generation[a] will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. The Day and Hour Unknown     32"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Be on guard! Be alert[b]! You do not know when that time will come. 34It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.     35"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "   Scripture Links:   Matthew 24:32-44  /  Luke 21:29-36 Note: In the Gospel of Mark, Matthew & Luke Jesus taught the parable of the fig tree.

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Answer the questions below:

1.   Content:  What is this passage about?

·        Who are the people if any?  

  

·        What are they doing?         

                                 

·        Where does this take place? 

·        When does this take place? 

2.   Lesson:   What do I learn from this passage?

·        Is there a warning, command or promise?

·        Is there an example to follow or not to follow?

·        What is/are the main truth/truths of this passage?  

·        Is there a lesson or principle that is a universal truth?

·        Why did God put this passage in the Bible?

What does the passage reveal about the character of God?

·        His Attributes/Characteristics (ex. loving, caring, Holy, Merciful etc.):

·        His ways of relating/Communicating to people:

·        His emotions:

·        His views:

·        Reasons for us to love God more:  

3.  Application:  How can I apply what I have learned to my life?

·        Can you think of a current situation in your personal life, home life, 

          Church, or business which is similar to what you are learning?

·        How can I apply what I am learning to my current circumstances?

·        Are there specific things in to which to pray about?

·        Is there a new thought to me? An encouraging thought?  

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Here is my layout for: Mark 13:28-37

1.    Content: What is this passage about?

·        Jesus used the parable of the fig tree to teach His disciples to watch for the signs of His coming according to His eternal words at a time known only to the Father.

·        Jesus uses the parable of the man on a journey to exhort all to be alert and prepared for His unannounced return.

Who are the people if any?

·        Jesus and some of His Disciples (Peter, James, John & Andrew) (Matthew refers to His disciples) (Luke refers to some of His disciples)

    What are they doing?

·        Jesus is speaking to Peter, James, John & Andrew (His disciples)

      

Where does this take place?

·        On the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.

When does this take place?

·        Late in Jesus’ ministry after Jesus tells His disciples about the signs to look for when He returns.

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2.    Lesson: What do I learn from this passage?

·        God has a plan to end the world as we know it.

·        I don’t need to know when Christ will return, but I do need to work faithfully at what He has assigned me until then.

Is there a warning, command or promise?

·        Jesus promises us when we see the signs relating to His return, that His return is near.

·        Jesus refers to “this generation” (possible meaning race of people) will certainly not pass away until the signs have occurred.

·        Jesus said heaven and earth will pass away but His words will never pass away.

·        Jesus said no one including Himself, knows the exact time when he will return. Only God the Father knows the time.

·        Jesus tells His disciples and us to be on and alert for His return.

·        Jesus tells everyone to keep watch and for us not to be caught sleeping.

·        Jesus emphasizes that we should be prepared for His return.

Is there an example to follow or not to follow?

·        We must be prepared and keep watch for Jesus’ return.

·        We should not try to predict from some false pretense when exactly Jesus’ return will happen.

·        We should not be caught up in worldly things but be sober and alert, so we will be prepared for Jesus return. (Read verses below to affirm)

1 John 2:15 NIV  
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 Thessalonians 5:6 NIV

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.

What are the main points in this passage?

·        Jesus uses the parable of the fig tree to compare the signs of its blossom, to the signs of His return.

·        When Jesus returns the earth as we know it will pass away.

·        Jesus says His words are eternal and will never pass away.

·        No one except the Father knows when Jesus will return.

·        We must be on our guard and alert for Jesus’ return.

·        Jesus warns us to keep watch for Him and not to be caught sleeping. I think Jesus was speaking to us in a spiritual sense when He tells us not to be caught sleeping. We can be religious and keep our Christian faith on the outside but lose sight of our eternal perspective and be unaware of God’s will and purpose for our lives on the inside.

·        Jesus is also warning those who are not followers of Christ of His inevitable return.

Is there a lesson or principle that is a universal truth?

·        There will be signs that will take place before Jesus’ return.

·        Jesus will return and the earth we know will pass away.

·        No one but the Father knows the hour of Jesus’ return. (Read passage below)

1 Thessalonians 5:1-5 NIV

Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,  for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

     But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.  You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5, Paul made the following points:
1. No one knows when the Lord will return.
2. His return will be a surprise to all, even the faithful.
3. Doubters and unbelievers will feel secure in their safety.
4. When he does come, it will be universal! Even the doubters and unbelievers will know of it.

   Why did God put this passage in the Bible?

·        To warn us to keep watch and be prepared for Jesus’ return.

·        To keep an eternal perspective on life.

·        To not lose sight God’s purpose for our lives.

What does the passage reveal about the character of : God/Jesus?

A.   His attributes: 

·        Son of Man, Teacher, God the Son, The Messiah, Savior of the world, Caring.  

   

B. His ways of relating/communicating to people:     

·        Through His prophetic teaching, and parables.

     C. His emotions:

·        Jesus was passionate about us keeping watch for His return.

D. His views:

·        We must be on guard and alert for His return.

·        We must keep watch and not get distracted from our personal relationship with God and the mission He has given us.

      E. Reasons for us to love Him more:  

·       Jesus will return for the final judgment of this world and take His people home.

3.  Application:  How can I apply what I have learned to my life?

·        How am I living today as though Jesus might come at any moment?

·        What am I doing now to prepare and warn a lost world for His coming?

·        Is there anything or anyone in my life that I trust or depend on more than the eternal words of God?

·        What task has Jesus given me to do until He returns?

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My prayer for you:

I pray you will take God’s Word to heart and ask God to help you apply what you have learned. I hope and pray that this Bible Study helps you grow spiritually by deepening your faith, trust and love for God.

Jesus declared that if we seek God, he will provide everything we need to live the abundant life, providing for us physically and spiritually:

Matthew 6:32-33  Living Bible (TLB)

 “So don’t worry at all about having enough food and clothing. Why be like the heathen? For they take pride in all these things and are deeply concerned about them. But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to.

John 10:10 English Standard Version (ESV)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Philippians 4:19 New Living Translation (NLT)

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

John 14:26 (NIV)

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Also, remember the importance and impact of embracing of God’s Word in light of how we are to be God’s Ambassadors and Teachers, as well as to live abundantly in a fallen world:

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Psalm 119:105 (ESV)   

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

John 8:31-32  (NIV)

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Daily Application ideas:

·        Pray! Ask God to help you understand the passage of scripture you are

          reading.

·        Pray! Ask God to help you apply what you are learning.

·        Write down your thoughts and prayers. Seek to understand what God is

          trying to teach you.

·        Begin to make changes in your patterns of behavior in accordance to 

          God’s teaching.

·        Act on God’s answer to prayer.

·        Put God first in your life in every area of your life 

         (Marriage, Parenting, Ministry, Work etc.).

·        Be determined to make quality & quantity time for God in your life

           (ex. Quiet time, prayer time, Bible reading/study).

Helpful Hints for this Bible Study:

·        Not everything we read will contain enough info to answer all the questions.

·        Other questions may come to mind as you read.

·        The questions are just helpful guidelines.

·        Following the reading of the passage of scripture take a moment to write

          down your thoughts.

·        After you have asked yourself the above Template questions, answer the

          questions specifically. 

·        Refer back to above questions when you need to.

·        Then concentrate on a couple of things that are meaningful to you

          personally. 

·        Then go to the application section.

·        Think through the application questions and journal your thoughts and

          prayers.

Just Sayin……………..Dave