Based on the gospel of Mark:
Mark was written for non-Jews – drawing on what Peter had told him?
The gospel begins with the fulfilment of prophecy – the messenger!
Baptism as the mark of a complete change of heart and the forgiveness of sins – I have baptised you with water; he will baptise with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit came visibly on Jesus when he was baptised. You are my dearly beloved Son in whom I’m well pleased.
Then forty days in the wilderness.
After John’s arrest – repent and believe the good news
Simon and Andrew – follow me!
Jesus taught authoritatively in the synagogue.
Galilee – many healed in neighbouring towns – many came to him. The paralytic – your sins are forgiven – considered blasphemy by the scribes – Get up, pick up your bed and go home.
Levi the tax collector – follow me – Jesus didn’t come to invite the righteous but the sinners.
A time for fasting – new wine must go into new wineskins.
The Son of man is master of the Sabbath – the need for humanity.
Huge crowds followed Jesus and many were healed! The appointment of the twelve.
A kingdom divided against itself cannot last – used in a parable to show that Jesus was not in the power of an evil spirit.
Part of the family – brother and sister and mother to me – if we do the will of Father.
The parable of the sower – addressed to a vast crowd – some of the seed fell on good soil. [If you don’t understand this parable how are you going to understand all the others?]. The man who sows, sows the message – only some seed produces fruit!
The farmer and the crop that grows without any help from him – and then harvests it! The grain of mustard. Always using parables and explaining them privately to the disciples.
‘Legion’ told to go home to his own people and tell them.
The faith of the woman with a haemorrhage and Jairus (one of the presidents of the synagogue) was followed by healing!
The prophet without honour in his own town!
The twelve were sent out to preach the gospel – preaching repentance and healing many with oil.
The feeding of the 5000 – sheep without a shepherd – many healed.
Beware of the doctrines and traditions of men! It’s not what goes into a man, but what comes from the inside – it’s from men’s hearts and minds that evil thoughts (selfishness and self-centredness) arise and make him unclean.
The Pharisees wanted a sign from Jesus – the disciples didn’t seem to see the feeding of so many (the 4000) as a sign.
Jesus asked the disciples who men were saying he (Jesus) was. Peter recognised Jesus as the Christ – but was told not to tell anyone. Jesus explained what would happen – He rebuked Peter for his thoughts (of men).
If anyone wants to follow in my footsteps, he must give up all right to himself; take up his cross and follow me …
The transfiguration of Jesus – This is my dearly beloved Son. Listen to him. But don’t tell anyone until after …
The need for Elijah to come first – the beginning of the restoration of all things, followed by the suffering and contempt for the Son of Man!
The healing of the epileptic boy – I do believe, help me to believe more.
Those who are not against us are on our side – beware of disturbing the faith of others?
Entering the kingdom may involve painful sacrifice. Mark 9.43-50 refers to being thrown on the rubbish heap – are we sure of what it really means?
Man must not separate what God has joined together (adultery).
Let the children come – never stop them – the kingdom of God belongs to such as these – the need to accept the kingdom like a little child.
What must I do to be sure of eternal life? Go and sell everything and then come back and follow me – so difficult for those with great possessions to enter the kingdom – humanly it is impossible to be saved, but with God everything is possible.
Peter – we have left everything and followed you. I promise you … a hundred fold now … but not without persecution … eternal life.
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus tells the disciples about what is going to happen.
The disciples who wanted to be on either side of Jesus – servant of all – slave of all men – Jesus came to serve (love) and give his life to set many free.
The fetching of the colt – Bethany and the fig tree – driving out those buying and selling in the Temple. “My house …” The priests were afraid because Jesus had caught the imagination of the people. Whatever you pray about and ask for, believe that you have received it and it will be yours – whenever you stand praying you must forgive any grudge you are holding against anyone and Abba will forgive you your sins.
In the Temple Jesus was asked what authority he had. Jesus then asked them if the baptism of John was from heaven or was it purely human. When they said they didn’t know, Jesus didn’t answer their question.
The parable of the vineyard – the owner sent a servant to receive his share of the vintage – the servant was beaten and sent away empty – the third servant was murdered – he sent many others – finally he sent his own son – surely they will respect him – Let’s kill him and the property will be ours!
The catch question about tribute to Caesar – the coin!
When people rise from the dead they do not marry but live like the angels in heaven. I am the God of Abraham … God is not the God of the dead …
The two great commandments … infinitely more important than all those burnt offerings and sacrifices. Noting the wisdom of the scribe Jesus said to him, you are not far from the kingdom of God.
The scribes were maintaining that Christ is David’s son – but David was calling Christ ‘Lord’ – Jesus wanted to know where they got the idea that he is his son.
The offering of the poor widow – she from her poverty has given away everything!
Prophecies of the ruin of the Temple – when?
Many will come in my name – wars – earthquakes – before the end the gospel must be proclaimed to all nations. Don’t worry about what you will say … A time when the whole world will hate you because you are known as my followers (how do those preaching revival explain this?)
The abomination of desolation … utter misery – but never again. For the sake of the chosen those days will be shortened. False Christs and false prophets … signs and wonders … beware!
Then shall the Son of man come …
The parable of the fig tree … this generation … no one knows the day … As a doorkeeper we need to keep a look out for the Master – be alert – living in the present!
Two days before Passover – Jesus in Bethany – the alabaster flask of ointment – a wicked waste or a beautiful thing? The poor are always with you and you can do good to them whenever you like – but you will not always have me. She has anointed my body in preparation for burial.
Judas – Passover – Last Supper.
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