We shall continue with
the study of the Book of Mark this week.
(1) If Jesus performed as many miracles (as in Galilee) in Gentile regions like Tyre and Sidon, what might the outcome be? Does it explain to you why Jesus sought to keep His presence secret?
(2) As this Greek woman was born into a culture of polytheism, how much did she know about Jesus? And, if Jesus healed her daughter instantly, how would she perceive Jesus?
(3) As much as what Jesus said to her appears to be very mean in v. 27 (which probably was a mean Jewish proverb that reflected the existing attitude of the disciples who must have said “amen” in their hearts), reflect on this statement and see what the statement itself affirm about who Jesus is and what Jesus can do.
(4) Instead of feeling insulted, the woman willingly assumed the analogy of a dog. Apart from her desperation (wanting to see her daughter healed), what kind of faith did she demonstrate that was so different from the Jews of the time?
(5) At the end of the encounter, what has the woman learned about Jesus?
(6) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
(1) Do you remember the miracle of the demon-possessed man in chapter 5? Where was he sent to bear witness for Jesus (5:20)? What effect might his obedience have had in light of this incident in chapter 7?
(2) Try to describe carefully the entire unusual process of Jesus’ healing. Why do many commentators consider it most appropriate in not just healing this man, but in communicating to this deaf and mute man?
(3) What does Jesus’ deep sigh mean to the crowd and to you?
(4) At the healing of this man, the crowd remarked that “He has done everything well (or ‘good’)”. See the cross-reference of Gen. 1:31; how would you define the word ‘good’?
(5) Jesus commissioned the demon-possessed man of chapter 5 to spread the word, and yet He commanded these men here to keep quiet. Why? (Note that Jesus’ commissioning was a result of the man’s response to His healing in 5:18.)
(6) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
The setting, location and other details of this account differ so significantly from the feeding of the 5,000 in chapter 6 that the two accounts cannot be the same. Mark in fact reaffirmed the two as separate in 8:19-20.
(1) Was the reason for feeding in both occasions the same? What was (were) the reason(s)? (See 6:34 and 8:2.)
(2) Jesus made special mention of the circumstances of this crowd. How special were they?
(3) How shall you imitate the Lord in this respect?
(4) The disciples asked Jesus, “Where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?. Where did the Israelites get enough food in the wilderness in Moses’ time? How were the 5,000 fed in chapter 6? Why were the disciples so “dull”?
(5) Can you remember the greatest deliverance that you have experienced from God during a great trial(s) in your life? If a similar situation happens again, will you immediately trust God without hesitation, without complaints and without any worries at all? Why or why not?
(6) Most commentators downplay the significance in the difference between the terms used for the twelve baskets and the seven baskets. But both accounts do reveal that there were leftovers. What might the significance of the message of leftovers be?
(7) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
(1) Jesus has already performed many miracles. Why did the Pharisees ask him to perform “a sign from heaven”? As far as the Pharisees were concerned, how is a sign of heaven different from any of the miracles which Jesus had already performed? Should there be any difference?
(2) Why did Jesus sigh “deeply” in response? The attitude of the Pharisees apparently represented that of the entire “generation”. What was this attitude? Is it still the same today? (Note that Jesus continued to perform miracles and yet said there would be no “sign” given for this generation.)
(3) Why did the disciples immediately relate Jesus’ statement about the yeast to their having no bread?
(4) Why did their response invite such a severe rebuke from Jesus?
(5) Jesus charged them with “hearts hardened” and failure to understand in spite of the two miracles of feeding. What were they supposed to learn and understand from these miracles, and why did Jesus ask about the leftovers?
(6) Jesus cautioned them against the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod. What does yeast mean? What are the yeasts of the Pharisees (hypocrisy?), of Herod (loyalists to Rome), and, in this case, of the disciples?
(7) What is the most significant lesson you have learned today and how can you apply it to yourself?
(1) Why did Jesus perform the healing outside of the village and ask the healed man not to “go into the village”? (You can read about the spiritual condition of the city in Matt. 11:20ff.)
(2) What can you learn about the impact or consequence of rejection of the gospel by a city?
(3) It took Jesus twice to open the eyes of this man. What might the reason be? Do you think it might have something to do with the spiritual condition of the city?
(4) Again, Jesus used a different method to heal in this case (leading by the hand, spitting on the eyes, putting his hand on him and eventually on his eyes.) How appropriate was this method of healing when it was applied to a man who could not see?
(5) What has this man learned from this healing?
(6) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
(1) Apart from divine revelation (as alluded to in Matt. 16:17), why did Peter give a completely different answer about who Jesus is from the people?
(2) As good and correct as Peter’s answer was, what was his take on Jesus’ Messiahship and what does it mean to be the Messiah’s disciples?
(3) Jesus used the occasion to correct the mind of men when it comes to following him, by stating that “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (v. 34)
a. What does following Him have to do with “saving” and “losing” one’s life?
b. Does gaining the whole world necessarily lead to forfeiting one’s soul?
c.Why did Jesus imply Peter’s response one of being “ashamed of me and my words”? (v. 38)
(4) Which of the following might be the more accurate title for this section and why?
a. The cost of discipleship (NIV)
b. The condition of following Christ (JB)
c. The way of the Cross (TNIV)
d. Or…?
(5) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
(1) Refer to Matthew 17:2, Luke 9:29 and Revelation 1:12-16. How would you feel if you were one of the disciples upon seeing Jesus in His transfigured form?
(2) Read Isaiah 53:2. Can you define “humility” in light of Jesus’ incarnation?
(3) Moses gave the Law and Elijah was often perceived as one of the greatest prophets (if not the greatest). What was the significance of their presence here as they talked about the departure (original Greek says, “Exodus”) of Jesus (Lk. 9:31)? Note also the two appeared also in splendor (Lk. 9:31).
(4) Jesus pre-announced that some (meaning Peter, James and John) would see the kingdom of God come with power.
(a) Why was the transfiguration described by Jesus as the coming of the Kingdom?
(b) What power was being demonstrated in this incident?
(c) Why was it shown to the three, especially in light of the voice from heaven?
(5) In fear, Peter blurted out the suggestion to build three shelters. Why did he make such a suggestion? Try to appreciate him before pointing out his error.
(6) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?