Questions for consideration: (1) When was the last time that you had difficult circumstances that got even worse? What was you initial reaction to that? How will this passage help you to deal with similar challenges in the future? (2) What can rob us of the “personal” aspect of our relationship with the Lord? How can we cultivate that personal aspect? (3) Why is it so important for you to see that everything you have comes from the Lord by His grace?

Mark pauses to reflect on the rapid growth of Christ’s ministry and to give us the account of the calling of the 12 disciples.

Mark pauses to reflect on the rapid growth of Christ’s ministry and to give us the account of the calling of the 12 disciples.

Questions for consideration: (1) When was the last time that you had difficult circumstances that got even worse? What was you initial reaction to that? How will this passage help you to deal with similar challenges in the future? (2) What can rob us of the “personal” aspect of our relationship with the Lord? How can we cultivate that personal aspect? (3) Why is it so important for you to see that everything you have comes from the Lord by His grace?

Jesus uses this conflict with the Pharisees to teach us much about Himself and about the Sabbath.

The Lord pursues His wandering sheep.

Jesus uses this conflict with the Pharisees to teach us much about Himself and about the Sabbath.

The Lord pursues His wandering sheep.

Jesus teaches that the coming of His kingdom was such a radically new and joyful time that His disciples would not fast during the time of His earthly sojourn. They would however fast when He was taken from them.

What is life like apart from a relationship with the Lord? This is a question worth asking, both by those who have not committed their lives to Christ and by those who have.