Download Lesson: 6.23.24 Class Notes – Mark 15.1-20

LOOK:

Mark challenges us, his readers, to open our eyes and see Jesus for who He really is. Mark dares us to follow the example of this suffering, dying Servant of the Lord. Our discipleship will be costly. It may call for leaving families, giving up horded resources, even giving up life itself. All too often we, like those first disciples, will fail Jesus. We too misunderstand; we too lack faith; we too retreat under pressure; we too remain silent and comfortable while others wait to hear that we have been with Jesus. Our stories of discipleship, like Mark’s story, are incomplete. But Jesus’ promises stand sure. Like those first disciples, Jesus will forgive our failures and make us into what He desires—bold witnesses and followers in His way of costly discipleship.

Download Lesson: 6.16.24 Class Notes – Mark 14.32-72

LOOK:

Jesus, by His example, teaches us that it is legitimate to pray that God would provide us with an “alternative route” and would allow us to avoid the encounter with trial, if it is possible. But, having made that request, we must go on to say with our Lord, “not my will, but your will be done.” In other words, we must accept God’s will, submit to it, and trust in His grace to bring us through the trial.

Download Lesson: 6.9.24 Class Notes – Mark 14.1-31

LOOK:

“Surely not me” all the disciples proclaim, wanting to believe that they would never betray Jesus. “Surely not me” we say, wanting to believe WE would never betray or deny Him. We like to think the best of ourselves. This passage gives us a reality check. Even the one who protested the most that he would die for Jesus if he had to, denied knowing Jesus. Let’s ask the Lord to give us the strength to stay loyal to Him, no matter the circumstances.

Download Lesson: 6.2.24 Class Notes – Mark 13

LOOK:

New Testament scholars agree that Mark 13 has generated more disagreement among interpreters. The history of interpretation of this chapter is immensely complex. So let’s follow Jesus’ commands to “watch out, be on guard and pray!” “Lord Jesus, as we live between your resurrection and your return, give us a steadfast faith to trust you, an enduring hope to wait for you, and an abiding love to live for you until the day of your return. It’s in Jesus’ name we pray.