Welcome to a new series of studies on the Book of Genesis. In this season, we will study the early chapters of Genesis, which relate stories from primeval history, in preparation for studies in the patriarchal history of Abraham and his descendants in a later season. While Genesis is anonymous, Moses has traditionally been considered its author. Scholars have challenged that view in the last 150 years, however. This episode summarizes the authorship issue and suggests a mediating position that allows us to establish a historical context as the basis for our interpretation. We also touch on other introductory issues, such as the genre of Genesis and the book’s relationship to ancient near eastern literature and contemporary science. We conclude with an analysis of the first two verses of Genesis, setting the stage for a detailed study of the creation narrative in upcoming episodes.

 

00:00 Opening comments

03:34 Authorship of Genesis

13:22 Genre of Genesis

16:25 Genesis and ancient near eastern literature

20:35 Genesis and science

23:23 In the beginning…

32:30 Closing comments

 

Study questions for Genesis 1:1-2

1.      Genesis begins with “In the beginning,” not “In the beginning of….” What conclusions would you draw from this distinction?

2.      What is your first impression of God from these verses?

3.      Does it seem like God created the disordered state, then brought order out of it, or was the disordered state preexisting before God began bringing order?

4.      How does the phrase “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” make you feel?

5.      Why do you think that Genesis tells us that God was the creator, but does not tell us exactly how He created?

6.      How aware are you of God’s created world in your daily life?

7.      What do you hope to gain from studying the early stories of Genesis?

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This is the final episode in our series on the Gospel of Mark. Today we look at Mark’s story of Jesus’ resurrection, focusing on the boldness of Joseph to request Jesus’ body from Pilate for burial and the devotion of the women who also intended to honor his physical body by anointing him with spices. They were surprised and overwhelmed, however, by an angel who announced that Jesus had been raised to life, becoming the unexpected heralds of the resurrection. We also spend time examining the complex question, “How does Mark’s gospel really end?” We analyze the evidence concerning the longer ending added to Mark’s original text and consider whether Mark intended to conclude his gospel in the form that we now have. I also will share my personal reflections regarding our study in this earliest gospel.

 

00:00 Opening comments

02:09 Devotion at the tomb (15:40-16:8)

17:55 The ending of Mark

35:52 Personal reflections

39:39 Closing comments 

 

Study Questions for Mark 15:40-16:8

1.      What do you learn about Joseph in this passage (15:43-56)? How does his status add extra risk to his action?

2.      What is the significance the women watching Jesus’ burial (15:47)?

3.      Why did the women go to the tomb so early in the morning (16:2)?

4.      Why were the women alarmed as the entered the open tomb (16:5)? Do you think they believed angel? Would you have had trouble believing him? Why or why not?

5.      Why did the angel ask them specifically to speak to Peter (16:7)? What does this tell you about God’s character?

6.      What is the riskiest thing you have ever done because of your faith in Jesus? Why did you do it?

7.      What aspect of Jesus’ character will you remember most from your study of Mark?

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In this episode we see the final drama in Jesus’ earthly life, as he keeps his agreement with his father to give his life for the salvation of humankind. Jesus single-minded devotion to the purpose of God saw him condemned by Pilate, scourged and mocked by the soldiers, executed on a Roman cross, and abandoned by all around him. This obedience to his calling came at the cost of excruciating pain, vile mockery, cowardly abandonment and unprecedented separation from his Father. Amazingly, he did all this for our benefit. He desperately wanted to pay the price for our forgiveness so that we could come into right relationship with God. 

 

00:00 Opening comments

02:17 Jesus condemned by Pilate (15:1-15)

13:18 Jesus mocked by the soldiers (15:16-20)

17:00 Jesus crucified alone (Mark 15:21-39)

35:13 Closing comments

 

Study Questions for Mark 15:1-39

1.      What insight into Pilate’s character do you see in this story (vv. 1-15)?

2.      How does the release of Barabbas in exchange for Jesus parallel our relationship with Jesus’ death (v. 15)?

3.      What do you think you would have done in Pilate’s place? In Barabbas’ place? In the soldier’s place?

4.      Why is Simon needed to carry Jesus’ cross (v. 21)? How might this have affected him?

5.      What kind of people were usually crucified (v. 27)? How is Jesus like them? Unlike them?

6.      What irony do you see in the official posted charge for Jesus’ death (v. 25)? In the places occupied by the robbers (see 10:37)? In the call for Jesus to save himself and come down from the cross (v. 30, 32)?

7.      What caused Jesus separation from his father (v. 34)? What does this say about our part in his crucifixion?

8.      What was the significance of the torn temple curtain (v. 38)? What does that mean for our relationship with God?

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In this episode, Jesus continues to march resolutely toward his final predetermined destiny. We see the culmination of Judas’ plot to betray his master as Jesus is seized and led away for questioning.  In the presence of the high priest, Jesus unwaveringly gives true testimony before his questioners, even when they resort to false witnesses. He boldly declares his identity, sealing his own condemnation. Meanwhile, in sharp distinction, Peter denies his lord, testifying falsely under the questioning of a servant girl. This contrast instructs us in our own times of trial, providing an example of determination and a warning against unfaithfulness. 

00:00 Opening comments

02:22 Jesus seized (14:43-52)

09:25 Jesus interrogated (14:53-72)

27:12 Closing comments 

Study Questions for Mark 14:43-72

1.      Why did the crowd with Judas come with swords and clubs (v. 43)? What does this tell you about Judas’ understanding of Jesus’ mission? What irony do you see in Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss (vv. 44-45)?

2.      Peter followed Jesus at a distance to the high priest’s home where Jesus was interrogated (v. 54). What does this tell you about his character?

3.      What kind of evidence were Jesus’ accusers looking for (v. 55)? Why couldn’t they find any?

4.      Why did Jesus mostly remain silent (v. 61)? Why did he change his tactic and finally speak up (v. 62)? Why did his statement make the high priest so angry (v. 63)?

5.      If Peter was brave enough to follow Jesus to the high priest’s house, why did he then deny that he knew Jesus (vv. 68-71)?

6.      How did Peter feel when he heard the rooster crow (v. 72)? 

7.      Since Peter was the only disciple present when he denied Jesus, he must have told others about his failure. Why would he do this?

8.      What does this passage teach you about how to respond in times of crisis?

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In Episode 19, Jesus moves determinedly, agonizingly toward his final passion, feeling the full weight of his coming destiny. We see the contrast between the devotion of an unnamed woman anointing Jesus with costly perfume and the treachery of Judas grasping for a few pieces of silver even at the cost of betrayal. We hear Jesus offer himself as a sacrifice, even while he could foresee that all his disciples would soon desert him. And we experience the distinction between the agony of Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and his friends’ clueless slumber. We also come to a deeper understanding of what Jesus’ death really means for us and see how we should approach God in prayer when we are in deep distress.

 

00:00 Opening comments

02:28 Devotion and treachery at the table (14:1-11)

13:24 Sacrifice and desertion in the upper room (14:12-31)

34:06  Agony and resting in the garden (14:32-42)

44:42 Closing comments

 

Study Questions for Mark 14:1-42

1.      What effect does Mark achieve by sandwiching the story of the treachery of the Jewish officials and Judas with the story of the woman anointing Jesus with perfume (14:1-11)?

2.      How did Jesus defend the woman who offered up her expensive perfume (vv. 6-7)? Why did he defend her?

3.      When Jesus announced that one of those present would betray him, why did they each respond, ”Surely, you don’t mean me (v. 9)?”

4.      How did Jesus expand the meaning of the Passover bread and wine (vv. 22-24)? How much do you think the disciples understood? How do Jesus’ comments explain the meaning of his coming death?

5.      Why does Jesus, who has marched resolutely toward his destiny, now have such torment in His spirit (vv. 33-36)? Is it more difficult for you to surrender your will to God or to act on that decision?

6.      Why did Jesus urge his disciples to watch and pray (v. 34, 38)?

7.      What can we learn about prayer from Jesus’ experience in the Garden of Gethsemane?

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In this episode we dig deeply into Mark chapter 13, the longest block of Jesus’ teaching in the Gospel of Mark. We will take special note of the historical and prophetic contexts which shape our understanding of Jesus’ last teaching. Here, he predicts the coming destruction of the Jerusalem temple in AD 70 and uses that event as a prototype to reveal details about his second coming at the end of the age. This is a complex chapter, but Jesus gives us an important clue to its interpretation by the repeated use of the key terms “these things,” which refer to the events of the near future surrounding AD 70, and “those days,” which will see Jesus’ second coming in judgment. Jesus’ main point is that his followers should be vigilant and faithful, rather than speculating about an exact timetable for future events. 

 

00:00 Opening Comments

03:44 Historical context (vv. 1-4) 

09:12 Near future: Destruction of the temple (vv. 5-13)

16:55 Distant future: End of the age (vv. 14-27)

30:41 Application (vv. 28-37)

38:32 Closing comments

 

Study Questions for Mark 13

1.      Jesus delivers this message in the context of his prediction that the temple would be destroyed (v. 2). How does this context influence your interpretation of his message?

2.      Why was the temple so significant for the disciples. What would its destruction mean to them (vv. 1-2)?

3.      What are some events that might deceive the disciples into thinking that the end has come? What do those signs really signify (vv. 5-13)?

4.      How would the church’s persecution increase its witness (vv. 9-10)? How will God support then during these trials (v. 11)?

5.      The abomination of desolation was prophesied by Daniel (Daniel 9:27; 11:31-32; 12:11). What do these verses from Daniel add to your understanding of this phrase used by Jesus in verse 14?

6.      Jesus speaks of “days of distress” that will come before the end of the age (v. 19) How does Jesus’ description highlight the unique awfulness of those days (vv. 14-23)?

7.      How does Jesus describe the coming of the Son of Man (vv. 24-27)?

8.      How would Jesus’ promise in v. 31 bring comfort to those living through the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in AD 70? How do these words bring comfort to you?

9.      What does it mean to keep watch for the end of the age (vv. 34-37)? What does that look like in our daily lives? How does the Father’s secrecy about the timing of the end (v. 32) affect our watchfulness?

10. What is the aspect of Jesus’ second coming that excites you most? What do you find most distressing? What questions would you like to ask Jesus about it?

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Jesus’ contest with the Jewish leaders continues when they confront him in the temple with a series of questions. They intend to trap him, but Jesus skillfully addresses each question, discussing the appropriateness of paying taxes to Rome, the resurrection of the dead, and the greatest commandment. These questions still were not adequate to uncover who Jesus was, so he asks them one additional question regarding his divine identity. Throughout, Jesus demonstrates unparalleled wisdom and authority. The episode concludes with a poignant contrast between the hypocritical religious leaders and a humble widow's sincere devotion, exemplifying true discipleship. 

00:00 Opening comments

03:46 The Pharisees' legal question (12:13-17)

09:56 The Sadducees' mocking question (12:18-27)

17:20 The scribe's moral question (12:28-34)

24:07 Jesus' question of biblical interpretation (12:35-37)

30:32 The ultimate model of discipleship (12:38-44)

36:16 Closing Comments

 

Study Questions for Mark 12:13-44

1.      What if Jesus had just said, “Yes, pay taxes?” What if he had just said “no?” (v. 15)

2.      Why did the Sadducees ask this question (vv. 20-23), if they didn’t believe in the resurrection?

3.      Which do you know more about—the scriptures or the power of God (v. 24)? What are some ways that you can grow in the other area?

4.      How does Jesus characterize resurrected life (v. 25)?

5.      How does Jesus quotation in v. 26 (quoting Exodus 3:6) support the reality of resurrection?

6.      Why are these two commandments (vv. 29-31) the greatest? How do the 10 commandments relate to them?

7.      What does Jesus response to this scribe teach you about the kingdom of God (v. 34)? About Jesus?

8.      What is the main issue behind Jesus’ question (vv. 35-36)?

9.      How might some use religion today to promote their own welfare (vv. 38-40)?

10. How does the widow exemplify the true meaning of discipleship (v. 44)?

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This episode brings us to the final major section of Mark’s gospel, where events begin to accelerate toward Jesus death and resurrection. All events in this episode are set in the temple or are directly related to it. Mark shows us that Jesus did not come to reform temple worship but to replace it with his own sacrificial death. In this episode we see Jesus’ triumphal arrival at the temple and his prophetic judgement against the temple as he interrupted temple commerce and cursed the fig tree in a dramatized parable. We also see his authority over the temple leadership, masterfully answering their accusatory questions.

 

00:00 Opening Comments

03:08 Jesus' triumphal arrival at the temple

11:40 Jesus' prophetic judgment against the temple

24:36 Jesus definitive authority over the temple leadership

35:08 Closing Comments

 

Study Questions for Mark 11:1-12:12

1.      In what way does the manner of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem confirm his character?

2.      What does the event of Jesus disrupting the commerce in the temple tell you about Jesus character (11:15-17)?

3.      What is the significance of Jesus using the quotation in 11:17 in the section of the temple called “The court of the Gentiles?”

4.      What might Jesus’ promises in 11:23-24 have meant to Jark’s first readers, reading this just after the temple’s destruction in 70 AD?

5.      Why does Jesus focus the temple authorities on the baptism of John (11:30-33)?

6.      How did Jesus parable of the tenants answer the leaders question bout Jesus authority (11:28)?

With the quotation in 12:11, Jesus says that his rejection was always part of God’s plan and will ultimately be used for his glory. How do you think the persecuted 

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The mission of Jesus was not what the disciples expected. 

Jesus commended the weak for how easily they entered the kingdom and warned how difficult it was for the rich, those his followers assumed were blessed by God, to enter. The disciples expected Jesus to conquer the nation’s enemies achieving great glory, but Jesus predicted how he would suffer, ultimately giving his life to redeem all. Though Jesus expected his disciples to be servants like him, they looked instead for every opportunity to become great. As a result, near the end of their journey to Jerusalem, Mark does not present any of the twelve as a model disciple, but rather Bartimaeus, a blind man healed through simple faith, follows his teacher toward the cross.

Study Questions for Mark 10:13-52

1.      Why do you think the disciples wanted to keep the children away from Jesus (v. 13)?

2.      What qualities of children was Jesus commending the children for (v. 14)? How does this compare with the rich man’s assumption about how one gains eternal life (v. 17)?

3.      Why did Jesus command the rich man to give away all his wealth for the sake of the poor (v. 21)? How does this point out the one thing Jesus says that he lacked? How does the man’s response reveal what was hidden in his heart (v. 22)?

4.      What does the disciples’ amazement reveal about their assumption of who can enter the kingdom (v. 24-26)? How is it possible to be saved (vv. 26-27)?

5.      How did Jesus’ promise come true in the disciples’ lives (vv. 29-30)? How has it come true in your life?

6.      In your approach to God, are you more like the children or like the rich man? Why?

7.      Why did Jesus tell his disciples ahead of time about his suffering (vv. 32-34)?

8.      What is “the cup” and “baptism” Jesus mentioned as applied to himself (vv. 38-40)? As applied to James and John?

9.      What does Jesus’ teaching about authority and leadership in the kingdom say about our contemporary church hierarchical structures (vv. 43-44)? How does Jesus’ servant model influence your view of spiritual leadership?

10. In Mark 8:37 Jesus asked, “What can a man give in exchange for his soul?” How does Jesus statement in 10:45 answer that question?

11. How did the title “Son of David” demonstrate Bartimaeus’ faith (vv. 47-48)? How would you compare Bartimaeus with the man in the previous story?

12. If Jesus asked you, “What would you like me to do for you?” what would you say (v. 51)?

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On occasion I am asked to preach at my local church and today I am sharing one of those sermons with you. This is a break from our current series, but I am releasing it now so that I can maintain my pattern of releasing new episodes every other week, while also enjoying some time away with my wife.

This message is based on Matthew 5:1-12, commonly known as the beatitudes. We all want to live our best life, and in these famous words from Jesus, he teaches how to do just that. 

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