Mark lesson 2
Read Mark 1:16-28 – https://www.bible.com/bible/59/mrk.1.esv
Mark 1:16-20
As Jesus walked along, He saw two of His friends, Peter and Andrew, who were professional fishermen. He asked them to follow Him and become fishers of men. At once, they quit their jobs and began following Christ. He next found James and John, and requested that they do the same. With no hesitation, they left not only their occupation but also their father, and began to accompany the Lord. Clearly, these men recognized Jesus' greatness. He was the one whose shoes John was unworthy to untie. God had specially acknowledged Him by His own voice from heaven. So when Jesus demanded radical action (to drop everything and follow Him), they responded immediately.
Note -‐-‐ Characteristics of followers of Jesus: These fishermen demonstrated the meaning of discipleship. When Jesus called, they: 1) acted immediately, 2) left both job and family, and 3) started following Him.
Christ calls today through His Word. When we perceive His greatness, we too will: 1) obey immediately all He says, 2) put Him ahead of everything, including our job and family, and 3) follow Him, allowing His example to direct every step. People who know that Jesus wants them to change, but put it off, are not like these four fishermen.
1. Which of these things did the disciples NOT do when Jesus called them? a) decide immediately, b) leave family and job, c) follow Jesus, d) go to school for training. Answer:
2. What did Jesus say He would make these men (v17)? Answer: He would make them fishers of_____ .
Mark 1:21-28
Jesus' teaching astounded the multitude in the synagogue (a synagogue was like a church among the Jews). He taught with authority. He issued His commands as if He had the right to tell others exactly what to do! Jesus' actions showed that He really had the authority that He claimed. In this paragraph, He cast out a demon. How? By His words! Nothing more. When Jesus merely said, "Be quiet and come out of him," the demon left the man. His words had authority even over demons. The calmness with which Jesus expelled demons reflected His power: He never argued or struggled or created a scene. He simply ordered the demons to leave and they left. No wonder people were amazed. He had demonstrated the credentials to prove His authority.
Note -‐-‐ Need for authority: In every area, authority is essential. If someone wishes to know how long a room is, he uses a standard of measure, such as a yardstick. There is no other way to know for sure. God has provided a yardstick in religion: Jesus and His words. When we wish to know whether something is right or wrong, we should evaluate it by the standard of the Scriptures. This should be done with every teacher and teaching -‐ even this correspondence course. Therefore, you need to have a Bible at your side while you are studying, and continually refer to it to be sure that what is taught in these lessons is true. The Bible is our yardstick.
3. What amazed the multitudes about Jesus? a) physical appearance, b) intelligence, c) wealth, d) authority in teaching. Answer:
4. How did Jesus expel the demon? a) by conducting a séance, b) by a magical formula, c) by a simple command (rebuke), d ) by taking up a collection. Answer:
5. What purpose did Jesus' miracles serve? a) they made Him rich, b) they demonstrated His authority and proved He was from God, c) they proved people today can do miracles, d) they served no purpose whatever. Answer: