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How to Use the Study Guide 4

An Introduction to the Gospel of Mark 5

Lesson 10: “Hope for the Hopelessly Broken” 6

Text: Mark 5

Key Verse(s): 5:21-34

Lesson 11: “Hope for the Hopelessly Ordinary” 8

Text: Mark 6:1-13


Lesson 12: “Hope for the Broken Hearted” 10

Text: Mark 6:14-29

Key Verse(s): Parallel passage in Matthew 11:28-30

Lesson 13: “Hope that conquers fear” 12

Text: Mark 4:35-41; Mark 6:30-52

Key Verse(s): 6:50

Lesson 14: “Hope for the Overly Religious” 14

Text: Mark 7

Key Verse(s): 7:6-8

Lesson 15: “Hope for the Stumbling Disciple” 16

Text: Mark 8


Lesson 16: “Hope for the Doubter” 18

Text: Mark 9:1-29

Key Verse(s): 9:14-29; John 1:43-49; John 9:1-28

Lesson 17: “Hope for those fighting anxiety and depression” 20

Text: Mark 9:1-29

Key Verse(s): Mark 9:27; Psalm 42; 2 Corinthians 12:6-10

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At Fellowship Church Pellissippi we aim to be disciples that make disciples. We do this by gathering

together for worship and teaching, growing together in disciple-making groups and serving in the church

and as the church in our community. Simply put, we Gather, we Grow and We Serve.

The primary way we grow is together and in the Word.

From the very beginning days of the New testament Church disciples would gather together to be

encouraged, sharpened, corrected and taught by the Word of God. The Word itself is life-giving.

(Hebrews 4:12-13) We can learn from the scripture in our private study – and we should. However, we

grow together when we bring those private spiritual moments in to Gospel-centered community. Like

fitness, we can exercise alone, but everyone knows the benefits of exercising with someone else. You

get pushed and challenged to new heights. You have accountability to show up and participate. These

are just a couple of benefits of studying God’s Word in community. This study guide is designed with

this in mind.

The Format

Our Study of the Gospel of Mark will be broken down into 5 ‘mini-series’. Each mini-series will explore a

particular theme and focus in the Gospel of Mark. Each lesson is based on the scripture passage taught

during the Sunday worship gatherings. As a leader and a participant, the lessons will bring the most

value when you’ve attended the worship gathering, or listened to the podcast.

Recommendations

Each week review the Scripture passage for the lesson. Make notes or journal what the Spirit is

revealing to you. Review the questions ahead of time, jotting down answers in advance. This

preparation will make your gathering time more beneficial – not just for you, but for your fellow group

members.

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In the Bigger Picture: The Gospel of Mark is the second of four “Gospels”. Each of these four Gospels

share the same theme: The good news (gospel) about Jesus. This is one of the reasons that you will see

familiar stories repeated in the other accounts of Matthew, Luke and John. Reading all of the Gospels

gives us a complimentary picture of the life and mission of Jesus, using different perspectives and

emphases to tell us one story. This means that while occasionally you may read something that seems

to be contradictory, in reality what you are reading is a different flavor of the same substance. Mark,

like his fellow Gospel writers, penned down this account under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim

3:16). Though Mark and the other Gospels are inspired, they are written from the author’s own human

viewpoint, personality, and for a particular audience. This accounts for an occasional variance in an

events details.

The Author: While no inherent claim of authorship is made in the book of Mark, we have considerable

evidence that supports John Mark (his formal name, see Acts 12:12) as the author. Mark likely relied on

the apostle Peter as a primary source for his Gospel account; we know that Mark and Peter shared a

close bond (1 Pt 5:13) and that they worked closely together. He is also notably a cousin of Barnabas

(Col 4:10). Mark’s failure and restoration is a significant storyline in the New Testament narrative. Paul

felt that he was too risky to take a second chance on, but not Barnabas. Barnabas took him on his

missionary journey, and the results indicate that Mark was fully restored through Barnabas’ and Peter’s

mentorship. Paul even requested that Mark rejoin him in his ministry work (2 Tim 4:11).

Date and Setting: Most scholars believe that Mark was written around 50 A.D. This is a significant date,

considering that many of the people mentioned in Mark’s work as witnesses of the life and ministry of

Jesus would have still been living when Mark wrote the details.

While Matthew was written primarily to a Jewish audience, Mark seems to be written first and foremost

to Roman and Gentile believers. The minimal use of parables, use of Roman time, lack of genealogies,

and the explanation of Jewish customs indicates that Mark’s audience would have been Roman/Gentile.

Another compelling reason why we believe Mark was specifically writing to Roman and Gentile readers

is Mark’s emphasis on the power of Jesus. Throughout Mark’s Gospel, we see references to the power of

Jesus made (i.e. Mk 5:30, 9:1, 13:26). Rome was a culture whose attentions were always fixed on gaining

power, influence, and becoming dominant forces in the world. Mark showcases many miracles in his

account, and he retells the events of Jesus’s life with action-oriented details; this would have made for

engaging and interesting reading among the Roman and Gentile crowds.

Theme: Mark presents to us Jesus – unparalleled in human history. His influence and power are on full

display. What makes Mark unique is the deeply personal Jesus we see. There is a greater emphasis on

Jesus’s actions, often showing mercy and compassion that was extraordinarily counterculture in the

times.

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Mark 5


“Hope for the Hopelessly Broken”

REVIEW: It’s important to think about these stories in light of the overall context of The Gospel of Mark.

Jesus is revealing Himself to be a King. A divine King. He has created quite a stir by claiming to have this

special authority and power. He has told a series of parables that illustrate it. Over the next few chapters,

Jesus begins to demonstrate it in significant ways. At the end of chapter 4 we witness the storm-

controlling power of Jesus. In chapter 5, we see a different kind of power. To whom does Jesus leverage

His power for in Mark 5? What kind of King is Jesus showing Himself to be?

REFLECTION: List the miracles Jesus does in this passage. In a group study of this passage, pick one person

to summarize each one.

Read Mark 5:17. What is the response of the people who saw this miracle? Until recently, everyone

wanted Jesus around. Now, people are asking Him to leave. How does this play out in our own day and

time?

Mark uses the word “daughter” to describe both the young girl who was brought up in a stable home with

believing parents (v. 23) and the unclean woman who was an outcast from society (v. 34). What does this

teach you about who will be welcome in Jesus’s kingdom?

In this passage, Mark contrasts fear and faith. How have you personally experienced fear and faith in your

life?

This passage shows us that Jesus responds to and rewards bold (but not necessarily perfect) faith. Where

in your life do you need to ask Jesus boldly for grace and healing?

Think about people with ‘power’ and ‘privilege’ today – how do they often leverage those gifts? How

does Jesus show us we should leverage them?

RESPOND: This passage also shows us that, through our faith in Jesus, each one of us has the status of a

son or daughter of the King. It also shows us how those who are a part of Christ’s kingdom should care

for others.

We all have different degrees of influence, power and authority. How are you leveraging yours for those

with little or none?

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Mark 6:1-13


“Hope for the Hopelessly Ordinary”

REVIEW: Revisit Mark 3:13-19. These are the 12 men Jesus appointed to be with Him, for training,

mentoring and eventually deploying for ministry service. These men were by and large very ordinary. Their

professions were mostly ordinary: fisherman, a tax collector a political/religious zealot. Their humanness

was consistently on display. They had doubts, worries, and fears. They also had hopes and dreams. They

struggled with pride, envy and jealousy. They had no remarkable connections. They weren’t political or

business elites. They were utterly ordinary, and yet, Jesus chooses them to bring extraordinary change to

the world.

Jesus’s choice of disciples is fascinating. If you were going to select twelve people to change the world,

what kind of people would you select? What do you know about 1st century fishermen? What do you

make of Jesus’s choice here?

REFLECTION: Mark includes a significant detail in verse 1. Jesus is visiting his hometown of Nazareth. Read

Mark 6:3. What does this verse tell us about the historical nature of the gospels? What does this verse

tell us about the reception Jesus received when he came back to his hometown?

Read Mark 5:5-6. Jesus’ limited healing in Nazareth is described as “no mighty work.” What do you make

of this statement and description of what is happening? The people who should have known Jesus best,

didn’t believe he was the Messiah. Exposure to the truth didn’t necessarily equal transformation in their

lives. How does this relate to us today in the Bible-belt?

Read Mark 6:7-13. Jesus gives his ordinary disciples an extraordinary task. What do you make of some of

the details in Jesus’ commissioning of the disciples into disciple-making ministry?

How does verse 11 relate to verses 1-7?

RESPOND: Do you feel that there are limitations on your ability to minister and serve Jesus today? What

are those limitations? How can you take what Jesus does with the 12 disciples and apply it to your life?

Jesus’ disciples made an extraordinary impact because of the power and authority Jesus gave them, not

because of their own qualifications. Faithful ministry to what God has called us to is the goal. Think of

ordinary ways you can serve Jesus faithfully, and let God make something extraordinary out of it.

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Mark 6:14-29

Key Verse(s): Parallel passage in Matthew 11:28-30

“Hope for the Broken Hearted”

REVIEW: Jesus had really high words of praise for John the Baptist in Matthew 11:11: “Truly, I say to you,

among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist.” Not only was John

the Baptist a profound prophetic voice for the Messiah – he was a friend of many of Jesus’ followers. His

arrest and death was a devastating blow to the disciples. They were heartbroken. Jesus responded to the

disciples’ loss with compassion and empathy. When Jesus’s friend Lazarus died, and Mary and Martha

were at a total loss, Jesus wept. (John 11:35)

How does Jesus compassion and empathy encourage you?

REFLECTION: Read Mark 6:14-29. The political and religious climate of the day was corrupt and

antagonistic towards truth. Did that alter John the Baptist or Jesus’s teaching? What conclusions can we

draw from this?

Read Mark 6:20. Why would one of the most powerful men alive fear John the Baptist?

The details of John the Baptist’s death are pretty brutal. How do you imagine the disciple’s emotions when

they got word?

Read Matthew 11:1-3, John 11:21 and John 11:32. What do you see in these questions from John the

Baptist, Martha, and Mary that you can relate to?

Read Matthew 11:4-5, John 11:23-27 and John 11:33-37. How does Jesus respond to these questions?

What can we learn about God from each response?

In our lives we will experience heartbreaking days. Our emotions can get the best of us. Read Matthew

11:28-30. How does the context (Jon the Baptist’s execution) emphasize this teaching?

RESPOND:

Are you “heavy laden”? Are you in need of “rest”? Take Christ’s promise of spiritual peace and rest to

heart. He cares for you and loves you. Write down a specific worry or burden that you are going to

trust to your Heavenly Father today.

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Mark 4:35-41; Mark 6:30-52

Key Verse(s): 6:50

“Hope that Conquers Fear”

REVIEW: These passages describe some of the more famous moments in Jesus earthly ministry. Asleep

in the middle of a storm. Feeding the 5,000. Walking on water. What can we learn from these events?

Why is Jesus displaying his power in such ways? Consider the two instances involving the disciple’s fear

of storms. These were experienced fisherman who were very familiar with the Sea of Gallilee. These

seaworthy fishermen were accustomed to storms, so this one must have been fierce for them to fear for

their lives.

Read Mark 4:35-41. How did the disciples react to this storm?

Read Mark 6:35-36. How did the disciple react to the predicament of the crowd?

REFLECTION: Are you ever annoyed when it looks like God is sleeping and ignoring the situation that has

"swamped" you and threatens to drown you?

Why do you think the disciples wake Jesus up in the Mark 4 passage?

The disciples had no control over their circumstances in these instances. Does being out of control ever

lead to fear in your life?

Did Jesus ask the disciples to do something supernatural with the crowd or bread in Mark 6:37-42? What

does he expect of them? What happens?

In Mark 4 and Mark 6 what are the disciples most afraid of? (Hint: It makes you wet). What did Jesus walk

on in Mark 6:48? What can we learn from this?

Read Mark 6:50. Why does Jesus say the disciples can take heart and be without fear?

In what areas of your life are you tempted to respond with fear rather than faith?

RESPOND: As we pray this week, consider how you will react when you are next tempted with those fears.

Let's ask Jesus to give us His rest of faith, and let's worship Him who commands all manner of winds and

waves.

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Mark 7

Key Verse(s): 7:6-8

“Hope for the Overly Religious”

REVIEW: The tension between Jesus and the religious establishment (Pharisees and Scribes) is sparked

once again. Mark spends more time explaining why in this chapter as opposed to the last chapter. The

issue it hand is not a Biblical or ‘law’ issue, but tradition. The ritual of ceremonial handwashing had

become the heart of spiritual piety in this instance. Jesus gives a sharp rebuke.

We’ve seen Jesus be gentle and compassionate with a demon-possessed man, a woman with “societal

scorn’, and complete strangers. Read Mark 7:1-3. How would you describe his tone with the Pharisees

and scribes here?

REFLECTION: Mark quotes Isaiah 29:13 in verses 6 & 7. Read the full text from the quote in Isaiah 29:13-

21. Do you see a similarity between what Isaiah is describing and what Jesus is experiencing with the

religious leaders and systems of the day? How so?

Discuss what it might look like to honor God with your lips, but not with your heart? How is it possible to

worship “in vain”?

Read Mark 7:15. What does Jesus mean here? Consider Luke 6:45 and Mark 7:21-23 in your answer.

What are your thoughts about the things Jesus includes in his list of heart defilement? Is there anything

that surprises you? The first seven are descriptions of sinful actions. The last six, sinful attitudes. What

point might Jesus be trying to make here?

Read Mark 7:26. Why do you think this detail is included? What do you make of Jesus’ decision to leave

the Pharisees and Scribes to visit a town and a Gentile woman (of Canaanite decent)?

This Gentile woman acknowledges that Jesus’s first call was to preach to the house of Israel, but that a

time would come when Gentiles would also be recipients of the Gospel. Her attitude is one of humility.

How does Jesus respond to her humility?

RESPOND: Read Psalm 139:23-24. Evaluate your heart. Evaluate your motivations. In your spiritual

disciplines, are you trying to get something from God, or are you seeking to be with God? Is your worship

rooted in affection or duty? Pursue God with your whole heart this week.

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Mark 8


“Hope for the Stumbling Disciple”

REVIEW: The disciple’s journey with Jesus feels like a roller-coaster. There were incredible highs, and

incredulous lows. Mark 8 is a microcosm of a disciple’s journey. Peter has a shining moment and

shameful moment consecutively. He confesses that Jesus is the Messiah, and in the next moment finds

himself rebuking the Messiah. Jesus says to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!” Ouch. Can you think of

anything worse that Jesus could call you?

REFLECTION: Mark 8:1-10 depicts Jesus miraculously feeding an enormous crowd for the second time.

Compare the disciples’ response to Jesus plan to feed the crowd in Mark 8:4 with their response in Mark

6:37-38. How is it different? How is it the same?

Mark 8:11-13. What frustrates Jesus in this passage? How spiritually blind does one have to be, to not

consider all of Jesus’s miraculous works as a visible sign? Have you ever doubted God despite

overwhelming evidence of His character and faithfulness?

Read Mark 8:14-21. Who is the spiritually blind group here? How can the disciples miss what is

happening? Jesus lists three things that they lack. What are they?

Where have you been spiritually blind in your life?

Mark 8:31 is a defining moment in this Gospel. A distinct shift is made. Before this event, the story

revolved around Jesus’s teaching about the kingdom of God and showing that he has the power and

authority to be the Christ. After this event, Mark shows that Jesus’s ministry changes. Other than healing

two blind men (8:22–26; 10:46–52) and casting out an unclean spirit (9:14–29), Jesus performs no more

miracles as he moves toward Jerusalem. His teaching ceases to be primarily directed toward crowds and

becomes almost exclusively targeted at the disciples. After Peter’s confession of Jesus’s identity as the

Christ, Jesus’s teaching primarily focuses on what the messianic mission is and what it means for those

who follow him.

In verse 31 the word “must” takes control of the sentence. What does verse 31 tell us about Jesus’s

purpose for coming to earth?

What does it mean for us to follow a servant king?

RESPOND: Look back at Mark 8:35–38. Break into groups of 2–4 and take turns making each verse into a

prayer to God.

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Mark 9

Key Verse(s): 9:14-29; John 1:43-49; John 9:1-28

“Hope for the Doubter”

REVIEW: Many people wrestle with doubt and questions on their journey to faith. Sometimes it is just

hard to believe. Mark 9 provides a pathway to faith for those with reasonable doubt. What are some of

the common obstacles that keep people from accepting Christianity?

REFLECTION: Read John 1:43-49. Nathanael was skeptical that the Messiah would come from Nazareth,

as we would be skeptical if someone from an obscure and insignificant city claimed to have found the

cure to cancer. And then he met Jesus. How does a relationship with God help put your objections into

perspective?

Read Mark 9:18. The man’s doubts are partially rooted in his experience with Jesus’s followers. Have you

or someone you know struggled to believe the claims of Jesus because of the actions or words of other

Christians? This is reasonable emotionally. Is it reasonable logically?

Often we expect to come to God on our terms: “God bless me, protect me, and don’t punish me.” Have

you seen this in your own life?

When God came to us, he did so on his terms. Read Genesis 12:1-3 and 15:5-6. What did God expect of

Abram in response to these promises?

Read Matthew 18:1-4. What would it look like for you to humble yourself before God like a child?

What are some things in life that you can't explain but yet you can't deny (i.e. how a cell phone works,

how a 747 jet flies, etc.)?

Why is it we believe in some things without understanding everything about them, but with other things

we feel like we need a complete explanation?

RESPOND: Reflect on this verse of Scripture this week: He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t

know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25)

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Mark 9:1-29

Key Verse(s): Mark 9:27; Psalm 42; 2 Corinthians 12:6-10

“Hope for those fighting anxiety and depression”

REVIEW: Life can feel overwhelming at times. Kids, bills, dating, healthy issues, stress, family and a

number of other things can bring anxiety, worry, discouragement and even depression our way. It can

feel like looking for a light switch in a dark room. What insight from this week’s sermon and study stuck

out for you? (What was helpful, insightful, or difficult to grasp?)

REFLECTION: Few things keep us from getting help with anxiety and depression like shame. Brené

Brown, author and researcher on shame says that “Shame is the most powerful, master emotion…it

corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change.” Do you agree? How has shame

played a part in your life and interactions with others?

Brené Brown goes on to say that, “If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy

and understanding, shame can't survive.” How can we cultivate 1) empathy and 2) understanding?

Read Mark 9:27. How does this interaction of Jesus instruct us to care for people who are hurting?

Read Psalm 42:1-3. Can you recount a time when you were desperate to feel God’s presence and

purpose in your life like the psalmist? If you feel comfortable, share that experience with the group.

Mark records a number of incidents where people were struggling with some form of mental illness.

(caused by spiritual, physical or psychological events) Why is the inclusion of these accounts in the life

of Jesus so important?

Read 2 Corinthians 12:7. Paul indicates that he saw his ‘thorn in the flesh’ as coming from his Heavenly Father. Does this idea, that your pain might have ‘passed through’ God’s hand give comfort like it did Paul or cause more pain? Why? Read Mark 9:24. Do you resonate with the father’s cry? How so? Read Mark 9:29. What role does pray play in fighting anxiety and depression? What changes do you need to make in this area of your life? RESPOND: IF you’re suffering with anxiety, despair etc. find 1 or 2 people you trust and share your pain with them. IF you’re not suffering look for opportunities to love (not council) those who are. Bear their burden with them.

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