Study Preparation and Discussion Questions - Mark 3:7-35
Following Jesus
Recommended Preparation
1) Mark 3:7-35
2) Mark for Everyone, pages 32-40
3) Sermon: With Jesus
4) Sermon: The Family of Jesus
Discussion Questions
1) By this point, Jesus appears to be attracting huge crowds of followers. Why do you think that is?
2) How do you understand who, or what, the "unclean spirits" were?
3) Why do you think Jesus didn't want the unclean spirits to reveal his identity?
4) What powerful symbolic message was Jesus conveying by selecting 12 of his followers to be his "apostles"? What is the difference between an apostle and a disciple?
5) What do you find interesting or surprising about the list of the 12 followers Jesus calls to be his apostles?
6) As the news about Jesus spreads, his family apparently becomes concerned. What did they think had happened to Jesus? Does that shock you?
7) We learn that "scribes", or "teachers of the law", or "experts" had come down from Jerusalem. What did they think had happened to Jesus? Does that shock you?
8) How does Jesus answer their accusations? Jesus compares himself to a strong man plundering a house. How does this help answer the question about being in league with the devil?
9) As Christians, we believe that there are no sins that God cannot forgive, which makes verse 29 a bit shocking. How do you understand what message Jesus is trying teach here?
10) We have just read about two different reactions to Jesus. What do you think are the impressions today about people who are serious followers of Jesus?
11) When Jesus' family was looking for him, how he responded was outrageously scandalous. Why?
12) What allegiances do we hold dear today? How do they sometimes supersede our allegiance to Jesus and his "family"?
1) Mark 3:7-35
2) Mark for Everyone, pages 32-40
3) Sermon: With Jesus
4) Sermon: The Family of Jesus
Discussion Questions
1) By this point, Jesus appears to be attracting huge crowds of followers. Why do you think that is?
2) How do you understand who, or what, the "unclean spirits" were?
3) Why do you think Jesus didn't want the unclean spirits to reveal his identity?
4) What powerful symbolic message was Jesus conveying by selecting 12 of his followers to be his "apostles"? What is the difference between an apostle and a disciple?
5) What do you find interesting or surprising about the list of the 12 followers Jesus calls to be his apostles?
6) As the news about Jesus spreads, his family apparently becomes concerned. What did they think had happened to Jesus? Does that shock you?
7) We learn that "scribes", or "teachers of the law", or "experts" had come down from Jerusalem. What did they think had happened to Jesus? Does that shock you?
8) How does Jesus answer their accusations? Jesus compares himself to a strong man plundering a house. How does this help answer the question about being in league with the devil?
9) As Christians, we believe that there are no sins that God cannot forgive, which makes verse 29 a bit shocking. How do you understand what message Jesus is trying teach here?
10) We have just read about two different reactions to Jesus. What do you think are the impressions today about people who are serious followers of Jesus?
11) When Jesus' family was looking for him, how he responded was outrageously scandalous. Why?
12) What allegiances do we hold dear today? How do they sometimes supersede our allegiance to Jesus and his "family"?