Walla Walla University Good Word Broadcasts

Opening Question

Is the cross an appropriate symbol for Christianity?

Introduction

Passion literature requires suffering, but not necessarily death. Jesus both suffers, and then dies in the Gospel account of Mark. The scenes are difficult to take in; perhaps for some, it can even be painful enough to read that they do not like to dwell on it. But face it we should, internalizing it draws us to the one suffering.

Mark 15:1-15

Pontius Pilate is known from Roman inscriptions, and some writings. He was not known as a reliable ruler, but when faced with the conundrum of Jewish riot vs. crucifying an innocent ...

Opening Question

Why do we sometimes distrust the court system to act justly?

Introduction

Chapter 14 of Mark begins with Jewish leaders plotting to take Jesus out, and ends with Him in handcuffs and facing a court charade. But these scenes also set up the fulfillment of Jesus’ words to Peter about the denials. Jesus is mistreated but is also fulfilling the 3 predictions about His death in Chs. 8-10. Even in these difficult scenes, Jesus is only further showing His power.

Mark 14:1-2

The plot to kill Jesus again shows how fearful the leaders were of losing their power, and how precarious the ...

Opening Question

If you could know your whole future, would you do so?

Introduction

The future always captures our imagination. We worry about our own future and legacy, about our world and its sustainability, about our family and friends, and even about objects like our houses or collectibles. When asked about the future, Jesus tells His disciples the most significant aspects of religious history ahead of them, and the lessons that come from it. Mark 13 parallels Matthew 24-25 in some significant ways.

Mark 13:1-8

Shocked by Jesus’ prophecy that the temple would be dismantled, Peter, Jacob (Greek name usually translated into English as ...

Opening Question

Would you rather live with no controversies or with them?

Introduction

Dr. Shepherd notes how this section adds controversies at the close of Jesus’ ministry that parallel the beginning of his ministry. The “sandwich story” concept in Mark extends even to the macro-level of the narrative structure. Some have wondered if Mark knew that he was writing in these parallel forms, if it was his just a subconscious Hebrew way of thinking, or if it was a divine inspiration that created such order. Either way, the closing scenes in Mark depict Jesus once again in contention with the religious leaders. ...

Opening Question

If you could request any gift from God, what might it be?

Introduction

As this lesson completes chapter 10, we also complete the three major chapters on discipleship in Mark. We learn more about Jesus’ death, and also Jesus’ approach to lordly authority and power among disciples. As a church, we have much to learn about this truth from Jesus, and much to relinquish in our hierarchal structure built on a nearly apostolic succession model of power through position/title.

Mark 10:1-12

Jesus is asked about divorce. And if there is a topic more ripe for discussion and disagreement based on popular opinion ...

Opening Question

What makes someone a good student?

Introduction

Many commentators will divide Mark into two sections: the first half ends at 8:30 or perhaps 8:38, and the 2nd half ends at 16:8 (or 20). The first half answers the question, “who is Jesus”? This half shows the path to identity ending at Caesarea Philippi where Peter announces the identity of Jesus. The second half asks, “why will Jesus die?” and shows the path to the cross and the passion of Jesus.

This lesson examines several teachings on discipleship. Jesus will predict his death, and then reveal to the disciples the cost of ...

Opening Question

Does Jesus care what we eat?

Introduction

One of the more challenging passages in Mark’s gospel is chapter 7’s discussion about unclean hands and foods. But perhaps we ask the wrong questions when we read it. This

Mark 7:1-23

Read through this passage, maybe a couple times. As you do, ask yourself what is the main issue raised and what is Jesus’ response to it? Without question, Jesus is addressing food, ritual purity and the tradition of the elders. The Jews in Jesus’ day believed that touching food in the market touched by gentiles would defile them spiritually, and especially so if ...

Opening Question

Who is more in need of immediate care: a person with a cold, or someone suffering a heart stroke?

Introduction

Several “boat scenes” in Mark’s gospel reveal misunderstandings of the disciples and give Jesus ample opportunity to teach and rebuke. The first is found at the end of Mark 4. Chapter 5 continues the exorcism stories, and concludes with another Markan “sandwich story” about two daughters healed by Jesus’ touch and another Messianic secret “hushing.” Chapter 6 includes yet another “sandwich story,” explaining the death of John the Baptist.

Mark 4:35-41

When the storm on the sea arises, Jesus is sleeping. The ...

Opening Question

Why do people enjoy riddles?

Introduction

This week’s study examines the Parables in Mark 4. In many ways, this chapter is parallel to Matthew 13. Jesus was not unlike the Rabbis of His day in using parables. But for Jesus, the parable was the vehicle to communicate the reality and characteristics of the Kingdom, not just reinforce Rabbinic traditions.

Mark 4:1-9, 14-20

The parable of the Sower is the quintessential simile: “the Kingdom of Heaven is like…” But this story also provides us a means of understanding how parables function; Jesus gives us an interpretation. While many scholars argue for one main ...

Opening Question

Have you ever been involved in something contentious or scandalous?

Introduction

This week’s lesson covers the next stories in Mark chapters 2 and 3. The stories are again punctuated with the word “immediately” which drives the stories forward. Jesus heals, but more than that, He also forgives sin. If this wasn’t enough to raise controversy, Jesus then asks a tax collector to become His student as well! But the controversies only begin here. Jesus becomes a target in these chapters!

Mark 2:1-12

One of my favorite stories in the gospels, a few points are worth noting here: first, Jesus does not heal ...