The Gospel of Mark #23 – Study Questions

Kyle Bartholic   -   June 20, 2024

Actions of Love

Mark 14:1-25 (CGS#23)

INTRODUCTION:  As we continue our study through the final chapters of Mark’s Gospel, we are in the final week of Jesus’ life. Here is the timeline of that week with key verse markers.

  1. 11:11 – Sunday – Triumphant Entry
  2. 11:12 – Monday – Back to Jerusalem
  3. 11:20 – Tuesday – The day of questions
  4. 14:1 – Wednesday – “Two days before the Passover.”
  5. 14:12 – Thursday – “First day of the Passover.”
  6. 15:1 – Friday – “Soon it was morning.” – Trial and crucifixion
  7. 16:1 – Sunday – “When the Sabbath was passed.” – Resurrection

Chapter 14 quickly turns to the events that cascade into the crucifixion. Here is how one scholar helps us to see how chapter 13 flows into 14, “The first part of Act Three (before the explanatory discourse in ch. 13) has described the developing confrontation between Jesus and the Jerusalem authorities, up to the point where it has resulted in a decisive break. On the one hand the authorities have ceased to initiate any further dialogue with Jesus, and on the other hand Jesus has abandoned the temple area where his teaching and debates have been located, pronouncing the coming devastation of the temple as he did so. Chapter 13 has given the reader the opportunity to think about the implications of this breakdown. The coming destruction of the temple symbolizes the end of the old order, and the loss of Jerusalem’s significance as the focus of God’s presence and activity on earth. In its place is to be set up the authority of Jesus, the vindicated and enthroned Son of Man, who will gather the true people of God from all corners of the earth into a new community of grace. All this is now inevitable. It is guaranteed by the indestructible word of Jesus. Within the generation it will all have taken place. So now the time for talking is over, and it is time for the events to unfold which Jesus has insistently predicted since Caesarea Philippi, and which will set in train the scenario so vividly sketched out in chapter 13. The confrontation between the rival authorities is now to reach its tremendous climax in the final scenes of Mark’s drama, as the paradox of the rejected and executed King of the Jews is played out in deadly earnest. And it is symbolically appropriate that it should be played out at Passover, the festival which marked the original establishment of Israel as the covenant people of God rescued from slavery in Egypt. There will be a new Passover, and a new covenant, for the new people of God. This symbolism will be a central aspect of the story of Jesus’ last meal with his disciples, with which the sequence of the events of the passion will shortly begin.” [1]

What we will see as 14 opens is the significance of love experienced. The unnamed woman expresses a profound love for Jesus, and as we get to the last supper, Jesus points us once again to God’s profound love for humanity. All of this set in the backdrop of the Temple and Passover. God had once saved his people from their bondage in Egypt. He is now about to offer salvation from our bondage to sin through his Son, Jesus. Why? Because he loves us. In this whole scene we are reminded of the significance of love and that discipleship is a result of love experienced.

 

 

 

GETTING STARTED – As a group, take time to answer this question. When was a time in your life when you experienced the significance of love? Not romantic love per se, but love that worked for your greatest good? What did it look like and how did it impact you?

 

IN THE WORD –   Let’s dig back into the passage(s). It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.

First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)

Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.

 

 

Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?

 

 

Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?

 

Note: Another way to approach your time together is to talk through the following questions. [2]

  1. When we use the word love, we can mean many things. What do you mean by it when you hear that we are to love God?
  2. What similarities and differences do you see between the unnamed woman in Mark 14 and the unnamed woman in Mark 12? What does Jesus’ response to both women teach us?
  3. What do you do with your money? What does that say about your worship?
  4. What threatens to get in the way of making Christ your highest treasure?
  5. How has the love you’ve experienced from God motivated your discipleship?

 

[1] R. T. France, The Gospel of Mark: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 2002), 547.

[2] Questions 2-4: See Jason Meyer, Mark for You, ed. Carl Laferton, God’s Word for You (The Good Book Company, 2022), 218.