The Gospel Of Mark Bible Study Lesson 88

The Gospel Of Mark Bible Study Lesson 88:

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:

Hebrews 10:11-22 NLT

¹¹ Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. ¹² But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. ¹³ There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. ¹⁴ For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.

¹⁵ And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says,

¹⁶ “This is the new covenant I will make
    with my people on that day, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
    and I will write them on their minds.”

¹⁷ Then he says,

“I will never again remember
    their sins and lawless deeds.”

¹⁸ And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.

A Call to Persevere

¹⁹ And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. ²⁰ By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. ²¹ And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, ²² let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

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

Mark 15:38-41

Read the passages below:

Mark 15:38-41 NIV

    ³⁸The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. ³⁹And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son^[b] of God!"

    ⁴⁰Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. ⁴¹In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.

Matthew 27:51-56 NIV

    ⁵¹At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. ⁵²The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. ⁵³They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

    ⁵⁴When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"

    ⁵⁵Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. ⁵⁶Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

Luke 23:44-49 NIV

Jesus' Death

    ⁴⁴It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, ⁴⁵for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. ⁴⁶Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

    ⁴⁷The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." ⁴⁸When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. ⁴⁹But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

 Scripture Links:  

Matthew 27:51-56  /  Luke 23:44-49      

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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 15:38-41

1.    Content: What is this passage about?

While caring women watched Jesus die on the cross, the temple veil was torn from top to bottom, and the centurion acknowledged Him as God’s son

Who are the people if any?

·        Jesus, the centurion and others guarding Jesus, many women who cared for Jesus.

    What are they doing?

·        A centurion guarding Jesus and others who stood in His presence are affected by His death.

Where does this take place?

·        Golgotha.

Golgotha: “The Place of the Skull” is the biblical name for the place

                   where Jesus was crucified.

When does this take place?

·        During the time of the Passover.

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

·        Jesus death on the cross opened the way for all who believe in Him to have intimate fellowship with God.

Is there a warning, command or promise?

·        The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This supernatural event was symbolic of the end of the Temple sacrifice of animals for atonement (reconciliation between God and people, The covering over of sin) in favor of the once and for all sacrifice of Jesus whose sacrifice had atoned for the Fall (The sin of Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden), and bridged the gap for man to have reconciliation and fellowship with God. The actual sacrifice of animals actually ended in 70 AD after the destruction of the Temple.

Daniel 9:26-27 NIV

After the sixty-two 'sevens,' the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed.  He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.'   In the middle of the 'seven'   he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.  

Daniel 11:31 NIV

His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.

Is there an example to follow or not to follow?

·        A centurion guarding Jesus, witnessed and was moved by the events surrounding Jesus’ death. He was convinced that Jesus was more than just a man. The centurion was convinced Jesus was the Son of God. Since we are not witnesses to the death and events surrounding Jesus life, death and resurrection, we have to rely on God’s Word to reveal the evidence that Jesus was who He said he was. In essence, we have to live by faith and not by sight. As we read the Bible, God’s inspired Word give us the evidence we need to have faith in Jesus’ divinity. As followers of Jesus we also have the help of the Holy Spirit to convince us of this biblical truth.  The Holy Spirit acts as our teacher, comforter, and guide so we can stand firm in our faith.

Here, in the scripture below, we get an understanding of the Holy Spirit’s role in a believer’s life:

John 16:13-15 NIV

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.  He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.  All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.

John 15:26 NIV

When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.

John 14:26 NIV 
But the Counselor, 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.

Acts 1:8 NIV 
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Ephesians 1:13 NIV 
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

1 Thessalonians 1:5 NIV 
because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

1 Thessalonians 1:6 NIV 
You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

Titus 3:5 NIV 
he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

·        Many women who were followers of Jesus cared for his needs. In the same way, as followers of Jesus, we are also to care for the needs of others.

The scripture below enlightens us about our attitude while in service to God:

Ephesians 2:10 NIV
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

1 Peter 4:10 NIV 
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 5:2 NIV 
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;

Ephesians 6:7 NIV 
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men,

What are the main points in this passage?

·        The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

·        A centurion and others after witnessing the events surrounding Jesus’ death are convinced He is the Son Of God.

·        Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

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

·        Jesus is the Son of God.

·        Jesus’ death atoned for the sin of man.

·        The animal sacrifice for sin offering was no longer necessary after Jesus’ work on the Cross.

Why did God put this passage in the Bible?

·        To show us that the work of Jesus on the Cross was needed to atone for the sins of man once and for all.  

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

A.   His attributes: 

·        Son of God, Suffering Servant, Lamb of God

     B. His ways of relating/communicating to people:     

·        Through supernatural events like the tearing of the Temple curtain, the dead being raised, the earthquake, the centurion’s change of heart and belief in Jesus as the Son of God.

     C. His emotions:

·        Jesus was in extreme pain and cried out before His death.  He suffered a momentary abandonment and separation from God while His work on the cross was being completed.

D. His views:

·        His sacrifice was necessary to end the Temple sacrifice of animals.  His work on the Cross would atone for the sins of the world once and for all.  Those who believe in His Work will be saved.

     E. Reasons for us to love Him more:  

·        Because of what Jesus did on the Cross we can have forgiveness of sin and be reconciled back to God.

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

·        Do I remember to give thanks because Jesus gave Himself in order that I might have access to God?

·        What will I do to bring others face-to-face with Jesus so He can draw them to Himself?

·        What can I do to minister in Jesus’ name?

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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