Mark’s Gospel: First and Fast

First, read Brian Singer-Towns article entitled “Mark’s Gospel: First and Fast”. You will find it at http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/YU/ay1202.asp . This will provide background as you form your opinion about what you will read in the Gospel itself.

Read the specified sections of Mark’s Gospel and answer the following questions. (Most questions have more than one part; please address all parts.)

Part 1: “Man on the Move”
Your response to each of these questions should be at least one paragraph of 5-7 sentences.
1. Look in the Gospel of Mark and find a story of a miracle. Cite the chapter and verses of the miracle story and summarize the miracle in your own words. Also, state whether this miracle is controversial or not and explain why.
2. Look in the Gospel of Mark and find a parable. Cite the chapter and verses of the parable and summarize the parable in your own words. What does this parable explain concerning the Kingdom of God?
3. One of Jesus’ messages is the need for Christian service (see Mark 10:43-45). Think of a service organization or group with which you are familiar. How does that organization or group follow Jesus’ message of service?

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Part 2: “Clueless”
Read Mark 6:34-52. Answer each question using a paragraph of 5-7 sentences.
1. Describe what happens between Jesus and his Apostles in the passage.
2. In what ways do the Apostles appear weak or confused in this passage? Why do you think the Gospel writer allows the Apostles to appear weak and confused?

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Part 3: “Aha Moment”
Read Mark 8:27-38. Answer each question using complete sentences.
1. Summarize Jesus’ messages as revealed in this passage. (There are at least 2!)

2. “Rebuke” means “to scold or reprimand”. Re-read Mark 8:31-33. What does Jesus say that causes Peter to rebuke Jesus? What does this tell us about Peter?
3. Re-read Mark 8:29-30. In your opinion, why might Jesus not want his Apostles to tell anyone about who he is?

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Part 4: “Suffering Happens”
Read Mark 13:9-13. Answer each question using complete sentences.
1. Describe the specific suffering about which Jesus is warning his Apostles. What was the political environment for 1st Century Christians that makes this warning appropriate? What different types of suffering might certain Christian communities of the 21st Century face today?

2. What is the hopeful message of this passage? (Re-read Mark 13:13) Is this message important to your life? Why or why not?