Walla Walla University Good Word Broadcasts

Opening QuestionWhat aspects of the future worry you most? IntroductionThis lesson is primarily drawn from Daniel 2 and 3 and some New Testament parallels, especially Relation 13. Generally, Daniel can be divided into two sections: chs. 1-6 are narrative while chs. 7-12 are more prophetic/visionary. Yet in both chs. 2 and 4, Nebuchadnezzar has dreams. In both, Daniel interprets them for the king, setting the stage for, and giving us clues of interpretation regarding, the later chapters of the book.  It often surprises Bible readers when they learn that the narratives of Daniel are just as significant to helping interpret Revelation ...

Opening QuestionWhat value do you find hearing ancient stories? IntroductionThis lesson focuses on two small books: Ruth (4 chapters) and Esther (10 chapters). These stories have been told in Christian and Jewish circles with much respect for these faithful women, holding them up as beautiful exemplars. The stories contain some surprises when read beyond the children's books, but these only make the stories more complex and dramatic. I highly recommend reading through both books in their entirety, rather than reading a section here or there. We will find, as the quarterly addresses, that these stories have a future-focus as well. RuthRead ...

Opening QuestionCan God affect human events without violating our freedom of choice? IntroductionIn this study, the author examines stories from the Old Testament that in one way or another foreshadow, typify, or parallel some final events of the New Testament. The concept here is called typology. Essentially, typology is when an Old Testament historical person(s), place, event, or institution somehow prefigures Christ or last-day events. Many Old Testament stories find a parallel in Jesus Christ, such as the near-sacrifice of Isaac, and God's substitution of a ram for the firstborn.  An important question that may not find an easy answer is ...

Opening QuestionWhat is the greatest struggle you've endured? IntroductionThe Psalms offer encouragement to God's people as they journey through the struggle with sin and seek victory. One of the ways god encourages us is by painting pictures of a glorious future, providing hope of a world restored. This is a major theme of the Psalms, as well as the Hebrew Prophets and Revelation, too!  Psalm 46The lesson this week asks us to meditate on this Psalm. Read Psalm 46, and for each verse or section, consider what experiences here and now are addressed by the lines.  For the choir director. A Psalm ...

Opening QuestionDo you love poetry? Why or why not? IntroductionThe figurative language of poetry allows us to not only express specific ideas, but also feelings, images and pictures in ways that prose cannot. The use of symbols, of metaphor, simile, parallelism, and chiasm all contribute to create literary pictures and emotions that resonate in the heart, that move and draw us. Revelation borrows much of the imagery of the Psalms. The lesson this week explores some of these connections.  The Psalms as a WholeIt is helpful to consider the lyrics (sadly, most of the music is lost to us) of the ...

Opening QuestionHow do you think you would respond if you met God face to face? IntroductionThis lesson directs us to the throne, and to the living beings and their activities around it. While not a tremendous amount can be known of the angelic world—indeed some angelology goes far beyond scripture!—several books of the Bible highlight their role and proximity to God. We can learn more about the purposes of God by examining these beings. Angels in GenesisThroughout the Old Testament, when God sends a messenger to speak or meet with his people, that being is called “the angel of the Lord.” ...

Opening QuestionWhat would you give up for someone you love? IntroductionThe lesson this week is how the concept of sacrifice found throughout the Bible plays a role in the prophetic literature. As an earlier lesson noted, Genesis is the starting point for most major topics in Scripture, and certainly in Revelation. Sacrifice is so much a part of Revelation, that if we miss the temple/sanctuary structure of the book and the various sacrifices that take place there, we will fail to grasp the big picture of the Great Controversy, and how God uses His own sacrifice and that of His ...

Opening QuestionWhat good does human-led government provide us, and are there potential pitfalls? IntroductionScripture is clear about God wanting to be Israel's sole leader; humans do poorly at ruling when they trust to their own abilities, thinking, plans, and effort. This is not to say that all humans have failed, but that leadership and rule inherently contain a power-dynamic that the broken, sinful heart can easily abuse. This can happen even when rulers believe in their causes or have the best of intentions. How does the history of Israel's monarchy move power from their nation to others, and how does ...

Opening QuestionDo we ever see God working in obvious ways through the nations of the world or in secular governments? IntroductionWhile every human is individually accountable to and beloved by God, we also see larger groups of people become the object of God's regard or judgement, nations through which He can work, show His power, or choose as His special possession; or nations that reap the results of God's wrath for their iniquity. The lesson this week explores the role that the Babylonians played in later prophetic literature, and how the call of and covenant blessings to Abraham finds fulfillment ...

Opening QuestionWhat use is there for “marriage” outside of a Judeo-Christian worldview? Why would anyone want such a commitment in our western world? IntroductionGenesis 1-2 introduces God making humankind according to His own image. Reading Genesis 1:26-31 we find that image is contained in a male-female relationship with the possibility of producing offspring to fulfill God's command to “be fruitful and multiply. Thus, the image of God is found in this special bond. Not surprisingly, it is also one of the most parodied, mocked and attacked social institutions of our society. But just what is being attacked? It's not just ...

Opening QuestionHow might the beginning of God's story in the Genesis hint at how the Bible ends with Revelation? IntroductionCommentators have frequently noted Revelation's allusions to Genesis and the rest of the Torah (books of Moses). But provides much more than simply ideas for John to use in the apocalypse; it provides the context and origin from which the rest of the Bible's farthest reaching and deepest issues are developed and concluded. Every major topic in theology has it's roots here. Themes (systematic categories) such as God, Man, Creation, Marriage, Sabbath, the Fall, Sin, Death, Judgment, Destruction of Wicked, Prophecy, ...

Opening QuestionIf you believe in a God who knows the future, is that comforting to you? Why or why not? IntroductionThe lesson this week introduces the idea of God's foreknowledge as the basis for prophetic messages. Christian doctrine often includes as part of theology proper (the study of “God,”) a belief in God's omniscience. If God knows everything, then He knows the future as well. God's knowledge of the future is fairly standard orthodox belief in most Christian denominations. However, there are some scholars who believe the future is unknowable, and thus God cannot know it. Also, questions of free ...

Theme: “Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law” Leading Question: Is the word “law” friendly or frightful? Almost no one uses the word “law” in a friendly way. When someone says, “It's the law!” It usually a hard-liner. Let's look at examples of the different ways we use law: Mr. Thompson, you have broken the law. You have fulfilled the requirements for your BA degree. You broke your arm because you fell, breaking the law of gravity. Question: Assign a “friendliness” number to each of those uses. Use this scale: NegativeNeutralPositive-5-4-3-2-10+1+2+3+4+5 Briefly describe why you gave the number you did. Another way of looking at law is to reflect ...

Relevant Verses: atthew 7, 22, 23; 1 John 4; Micah 6; Psalm 82; Luke 10 Theme: “Love and Justice: The Two Greatest Commandments” Leading Question: Is it possible to identify the two greatest sins as well as the two greatest commandments? If we make the two greatest sins parallel with the two greatest commandments, then we can say that the greatest sins would be not loving God and not loving human beings. And Jesus seems to be suggesting a way of bringing the two together: the best way to love God is to love human beings. Two of his statements in the ...

Relevant Verses: Isaiah 5; John 3, 1 John 3; Matthew 21; 1 Corinthians 4 Theme: “What More Could I Have Done?” Leading Question: Does God always do everything he can to save his people? Our lesson for this week is entitled, “What more could I have done?” echoing the question Isaiah asks in the parable of the vineyard: Isaiah 5:3-4: “And now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and people of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. 4 What more was there to do for my vineyard that I have not done in it? When I expected it to yield grapes, why did it yield ...

Relevant Verses: 1 Kings 18; Deut 32; 1 Cor 10; Isa 44; Rev 12; Job 1,2 Theme: “Rules of Engagement” Leading Question: Does the Bible make clear that in the cosmic conflict God sets limitations on himself and on humans? We will return to the question of “limits.” But let us begin where the official study guide begins, at the confrontation on Mt. Carmel. Here is the narrative as found in 1 Kings 18:19-40: 1 Kings 18:19-40: 20 So Ahab sent to all the Israelites and assembled the prophets at Mount Carmel. 21 Elijah then came near to all the people and said, ...

Relevant Verses: Gen 1-3; Isa 14; Ezek 28; Matt 4, 13; Eph 6; Rev 12 Theme: “The Cosmic Conflict” Leading Question: What passages in the Bible teach most clearly that there is a cosmic conflict? Genesis 1-3: Tree and the SerpentIsaiah 14: Fall of Lucifer (King of Babylon)Ezekiel 28: Covering Cherub (King of Tyre)Matthew 4:1-11: Wilderness TemptationMatthew 13:24-27: An Enemy at workEphesians 6:12: We Wrestle Not against Flesh and BloodRevelation 12:7-9: War in Heaven Question: If you were uninitiated, which of these passages would be most helpful? Here is each passage, noting the questions, strengths and weaknesses of each passage: Genesis 1-3: The tree ...

Relevant Verses: Genesis 50; 1 Corinthians 13; Psalm 81; Deuteronomy 6; John 16 Theme: “Free Will, Love, and Divine Providence” Leading Question: How does one tell if a particular event is “providential,” “natural,” or “demonic”? Exploring the providential: A biblical story that reeks of providence is the story of Joseph. At the conclusion of the story, after the death of Jacob, Joseph's brothers feared that he would be seeking revenge on him. Joseph's comment to his brothers is remarkable for its forgiving spirit: Genesis 50:15-21: 15 Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph's brothers said, “What if Joseph still bears a grudge against ...

Relevant Verses: 2 Sam 6; 2 Kings 2; Exod 32; Gen 18; Ps 10, 22, 73; Matt 27; Mark 15; Hab 1, Mal 4, Job 30, 38; Jer 12, 13 Theme: “The Problem of Evil” Leading Question: Is there a happy solution to the problem of evil? One of the most enduring issues in our world is the problem of evil. If there is no over-all solution, there are at least four partial solutions, several of which are hinted at in the official study guide. 1. Partial Solution #1: Liberation from the stories of Uzzah and the two she-bears that mauled the 42 ...

Relevant Verses: Malachi 3, Exodus 23, Genesis 18, Numbers 35, Joshua 7 Theme: “God's Love of Justice” Leading Question: Is the understanding of “justice” the same among all human beings? When it comes to matters of diversity, an Ellen White quotation is a good place to start: Every association of life calls for the exercise of self-control, forbearance, and sympathy. We differ so widely in disposition, habits, education, that our ways of looking at things vary. We judge differently. Our understanding of truth, our ideas in regard to the conduct of life, are not in all respects the same. There are no two ...

Relevant Verses: Psalm 78, Nehemiah 9, Amos 7, Jonah, Mark 3, 10 Theme: “The Wrath of Divine Love” Leading Question: “The Wrath of Divine Love” sounds so negative. Can't we just skip it? We will return to address the “leading question” after an important detour, a brief discussion of Satan in the Old Testament and the inclusion of a chapter from Alden Thompson's book, Who's Afraid of the Old Testament God? The Brief Explanation A remarkable feature of the Old Testament is the almost total absence of any mention of Satan. In the entire Old Testament, Satan as a supernatural being opposed to God, ...

Relevant Verses: Isaiah 1, 49, Psalm 103, Luke 10, Matthew 9 Theme: “God Is Passionate and Compassionate” Leading Question: Is it “reasonable” for God to be passionate and compassionate with his wayward children? Question: Which is more biblical: To say that God will be reasonable with us or that he will be passionate and emotional with us? In the King James Version, Isaiah 1:18 makes a well known claim about God: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be ...

Relevant Verses: Zephaniah 3, Luke 15, Psalm 146, Romans 5 Theme: To Be Pleasing to God Leading Question: Which is our more serious challenge: Convincing arrogant sinners to abandon their arrogance, or convincing repentant sinners in their chagrined and depressed condition, that God really is eager to accept them? This week's memory text, Zephaniah 3:17, is a good place to start this week's discussion: Zephaniah 3:17: The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.” As the official study guide comments: “Zephaniah 3:17 ...

Relevant Verses: Genesis 6, 9, 15; Deuteronomy 7; Jeremiah 31, Psalm 136 Theme: Covenantal Love Leading Question: “How does the idea of covenant help us understand the word “love”? Our lesson speaks of “covenantal love.” Just what does that mean? Comment: Where we live there is a “covenant” which spells out what can be built and what cannot be built in our neighborhood. Does the restriction which such a word imply enrich or impoverish our understanding of love? In the early chapters of Genesis, the word “covenant” appears several times. The first instance is in Genesis 6, just before the great flood: Gen. 6:17-22: ...

Relevant Verses: Exodus 33; Hosea 14; Matthew 22 Theme: God Loves Freely Leading Question: Given all that we know about the human race and about ourselves, is it “reasonable” to expect that God should love us? Our lessons this quarter juxtapose the concepts of God's love and justice. Here are some crucial questions that help us address the tension between his love and his justice: Which is the more pressing question for us: Can I love God? Or: Can God love me? What drives each question? Perhaps the more sensitive and devout person would be the one to raise the question: Can God ...

Relevant Verses: John 21 Theme: Knowing Jesus Leading Question: What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? Question: Can you think of any events in your life that seemed bad at the time but in hindsight were meaningful? The last chapter in the Gospel of John contains Jesus' appearance to the disciples on the shores of the Sea of Tiberius. One recognizes here multiple resonances with themes occurring throughout the Gospel. The disciples have returned to their job of fishing, and it is into the ordinariness of daily life that the resurrected Jesus reveals himself. The Gospel provides a list of ...

Relevant Verses: John 18:33–19:5; 19:17–27; 20:1–18 Theme: The Crucified and the Risen Jesus In his book Night, Elie Wiesel describes a scene from the concentration camp in Auschwitz: One day, as we returned from work, we saw three gallows, three black ravens, erected on the Appelplatz. Roll call. The SS surrounding us, machine guns aimed at us: the usual ritual. Three prisoners in chains – and, among them, the little pipel, the sad-eyed angel. The SS seemed more preoccupied, more worried, than usual. To hang a child in front of thousands of onlookers was not a small matter. The head of the ...

Relevant Verses: John 14:10, 24; 16:7–11; 17:1–26 Theme: Inseparable Companionship Leading Question: What is your preferred way of thinking about the Trinity? John's Gospel has been a significant source for the Christian doctrine of the Trinity from the patristic period to the present. The Fourth Gospel cintains the most comprehensive raw material for this doctrine, but also the most highly developed patterns of reflection about the oneness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus' Farewell Speech in John 14–16 is especially rich in this regard. After Jesus' response to Thomas, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one ...

Relevant Verses: John 14:1–6 Theme: Jesus, the Only Way Leading Question: How do we know the way to God? In postmodern times, one of the most important discussions in Christianity is whether salvation, or soteriology (soteria in Greek means "salvation"), is particular or universal. Is salvation only through Christ? If there are other ways to reach up to the Father, then why did the Son have to come and die? Interestingly, the Gospel of John is the most important source for this very question about Christian particularity or universalism. In John 14:6, we read that no one can come to the Father ...

Relevant Verses: John 1:4, 12, 13; 6:61-68; 10:10; 14:6 Theme: Life in Abundance Leading Question: What metaphor do you like to use to describe life? The Gospel of John begins with God as the life-giver: times. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of all people.(John 1:4 NRSV) The theme of life appears with the Greek word zoe 36 times in John's narrative and uses word pictures or metaphoric language to describe “life” and “eternal life” like, light, a well of fresh water, bread, Jesus' flesh, Jesus' blood, and Jesus' words. In John 6:1-15, Jesus takes five loaves of bread and multiplies ...

Relevant Verses: John 5:17, 20, 36–40, 46, 47; 8:12–30 Theme: The Father's Testimony Leading Question: Have you ever waited for something important to happen and it felt like a life time? Healing on Sabbath (John 5)There were many who were sick—the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed—all aying at the pool gate of Bethesda. The man who was ill for 38 years was singled out. The length of time that the man has been ill, in the context of a human life span in the first century, suggests that he has been sick virtually his entire life. This includes his life-long dependance ...

Relevant Verses: John 8:54–58; 12:1–8; 19:4–22; 20:19– 31 Theme: Signs Faith versus Blessed Faith Leading Question: What do you need to believe? The tension between signs faith and belief without having seen is a curious one in John's Gospel. On one hand, Jesus' sings are featured with prominence in order that people might believe that Jesus is the Messiah. On the other hand, Jesus rebukes the seeking of signs, and those who believe without having seen are considered blessed. The Anointing of JesusThe anointing of Jesus, like previous sign acts in the Gospel of John, is described in a single verse, indicating that ...

Relevant Verses: John 1:32–36; 3:25–36; 5:36–38; 6:51–71; 7:37–53 Theme: The Scandal of Jesus Leading Question: Have you ever felt offended by something Jesus asked you to do? The miracle of the loaves and fish is recounted in all four Gospels. According to John's account in chapter 6, this miracle becomes a “sign” pointing beyond itself on a much deeper level. Jesus left after feeding the people and crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee but was pursued by the crowd who asked for further miracles. They eventually found him in the synagogue in Capernaum. Here, John's Gospel tells us, ...

Relevant Verses: John 4 Theme: The Witness of the Samaritan Woman Leading Question: Does a personal relationship with Jesus always feel good and comfortable? There could be no character more opposite to Nicodemus than the Samaritan woman at the well. Question: What are some of the contrasts you can draw between Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman? Question: What do you make of the detail that “it was necessary” for Jesus to go through Samaria on his journey from Judea to Galilee (John 4:3-4)? Is it just a geographical detail? Is it a theological necessity? (Remember: “God so loves the world …”) Question: What is the ...

Relevant Verses: John 1; 3 Theme: Witnesses of the Messiah Leading Question: How comfortable are you with being a permanent bystander or witness for someone else? There came a man sent from God, whose name was John.He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him.He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.John 1:6-8 A key term in the Gospel of John is the word “witness,” which appears 14 times in the Gospel. The purpose is to show that Jesus is God in the flesh and messiah. To do this, the ...

Relevant Verses: John 1:1-18 Theme: The Power of the Word Leading Question: What image does “the Word was God” convey for you? The prologue is the most profound statement about Jesus' identity in the New Testament, identifying Jesus as the “Word” (logos). The Greek term logos had a conceptual background in Judaism and in Greek philosophy. In the Old Testament, God's word is the dynamic force of his will. The psalmist declares, “By the word (logos) of the Lord were the heavens made” (Psalm 33:6). God speaks and it is done (Isa 55:11). In Greek philosophy, logos was used of the divine ...

Relevant Verses: John 6:1–15, 26–36; 11 Theme: Signs of Divinity Leading Question: What persuades you about Jesus as a divine being? Nowhere in the New Testament is Jesus presented as more thoroughly human and more thoroughly divine than in the Gospel of John. Consider these polarities pointed out by Prof. Paul N. Anderson, The Riddles of the Fourth Gospel (p. 26-27): On one hand, Jesus' divinity is pronounced in John: The glory of Jesus is testified to from the beginning of the Gospel (1:4; 2:11; 11:4; 14:13; 17:1) and his “glorification” is emphasized extensively (1:51; 3:14; 6:62; 8:28; 12:23, 34; 13:1) Jesus is ...

Relevant Verses: John 2:1–11; 4:46–54; 5:1– 5:1–47 Theme: Follow the Signs Leading Question: When was the last time you felt a subtle nudge to do something? There are signs everywhere, from the traffic signs that tell you how to act on the road, signs directing you in an airport, and signs telling you the name of streets and stores. If you're hungry, you look for the sign of your favorite place to eat. If you're lost, you try finding a sign telling you where you are and how you can get to where you want to go. But signs don't work in ...

Opening Question If Jesus rose from the dead as the Gospel of Mark says, what impact does that have on us today? Introduction The good news of the resurrection is recounted briefly in Mark, but still climatically. Main characters shift from the disciples to the women and Joseph of Arimathea, Pilate, and a “young man in white.” These characters mark a shift in the story to uncertainty, yet promises new things. Mark 15:42-47 Mark locates the timing of Jesus' death to Friday, the preparation day before the Sabbath. He also notes that Joseph of Arimathea provides a tomb for Jesus. One of the most ...

Opening Question Is the cross an appropriate symbol for Christianity? Introduction Passion literature requires suffering, but not necessarily death. Jesus both suffers, and then dies in the Gospel account of Mark. The scenes are difficult to take in; perhaps for some, it can even be painful enough to read that they do not like to dwell on it. But face it we should, internalizing it draws us to the one suffering. Mark 15:1-15 Pontius Pilate is known from Roman inscriptions, and some writings. He was not known as a reliable ruler, but when faced with the conundrum of Jewish riot vs. crucifying an innocent ...

Opening Question Why do we sometimes distrust the court system to act justly? Introduction Chapter 14 of Mark begins with Jewish leaders plotting to take Jesus out, and ends with Him in handcuffs and facing a court charade. But these scenes also set up the fulfillment of Jesus' words to Peter about the denials. Jesus is mistreated but is also fulfilling the 3 predictions about His death in Chs. 8-10. Even in these difficult scenes, Jesus is only further showing His power. Mark 14:1-2 The plot to kill Jesus again shows how fearful the leaders were of losing their power, and how precarious the ...

Opening Question If you could know your whole future, would you do so? Introduction The future always captures our imagination. We worry about our own future and legacy, about our world and its sustainability, about our family and friends, and even about objects like our houses or collectibles. When asked about the future, Jesus tells His disciples the most significant aspects of religious history ahead of them, and the lessons that come from it. Mark 13 parallels Matthew 24-25 in some significant ways. Mark 13:1-8 Shocked by Jesus' prophecy that the temple would be dismantled, Peter, Jacob (Greek name usually translated into English as ...

Opening Question Would you rather live with no controversies or with them? Introduction Dr. Shepherd notes how this section adds controversies at the close of Jesus' ministry that parallel the beginning of his ministry. The “sandwich story” concept in Mark extends even to the macro-level of the narrative structure. Some have wondered if Mark knew that he was writing in these parallel forms, if it was his just a subconscious Hebrew way of thinking, or if it was a divine inspiration that created such order. Either way, the closing scenes in Mark depict Jesus once again in contention with the religious leaders. ...

Opening Question If you could request any gift from God, what might it be? Introduction As this lesson completes chapter 10, we also complete the three major chapters on discipleship in Mark. We learn more about Jesus' death, and also Jesus' approach to lordly authority and power among disciples. As a church, we have much to learn about this truth from Jesus, and much to relinquish in our hierarchal structure built on a nearly apostolic succession model of power through position/title. Mark 10:1-12 Jesus is asked about divorce. And if there is a topic more ripe for discussion and disagreement based on popular opinion ...

Opening Question What makes someone a good student? Introduction Many commentators will divide Mark into two sections: the first half ends at 8:30 or perhaps 8:38, and the 2nd half ends at 16:8 (or 20). The first half answers the question, “who is Jesus”? This half shows the path to identity ending at Caesarea Philippi where Peter announces the identity of Jesus. The second half asks, “why will Jesus die?” and shows the path to the cross and the passion of Jesus. This lesson examines several teachings on discipleship. Jesus will predict his death, and then reveal to the disciples the cost of ...

Opening Question Does Jesus care what we eat? Introduction One of the more challenging passages in Mark's gospel is chapter 7's discussion about unclean hands and foods. But perhaps we ask the wrong questions when we read it. This Mark 7:1-23 Read through this passage, maybe a couple times. As you do, ask yourself what is the main issue raised and what is Jesus' response to it? Without question, Jesus is addressing food, ritual purity and the tradition of the elders. The Jews in Jesus' day believed that touching food in the market touched by gentiles would defile them spiritually, and especially so if ...

Opening Question Who is more in need of immediate care: a person with a cold, or someone suffering a heart stroke? Introduction Several “boat scenes” in Mark's gospel reveal misunderstandings of the disciples and give Jesus ample opportunity to teach and rebuke. The first is found at the end of Mark 4. Chapter 5 continues the exorcism stories, and concludes with another Markan “sandwich story” about two daughters healed by Jesus' touch and another Messianic secret “hushing.” Chapter 6 includes yet another “sandwich story,” explaining the death of John the Baptist. Mark 4:35-41 When the storm on the sea arises, Jesus is sleeping. The ...

Opening Question Why do people enjoy riddles? Introduction This week's study examines the Parables in Mark 4. In many ways, this chapter is parallel to Matthew 13. Jesus was not unlike the Rabbis of His day in using parables. But for Jesus, the parable was the vehicle to communicate the reality and characteristics of the Kingdom, not just reinforce Rabbinic traditions. Mark 4:1-9, 14-20 The parable of the Sower is the quintessential simile: “the Kingdom of Heaven is like…” But this story also provides us a means of understanding how parables function; Jesus gives us an interpretation. While many scholars argue for one main ...

Opening Question Have you ever been involved in something contentious or scandalous? Introduction This week's lesson covers the next stories in Mark chapters 2 and 3. The stories are again punctuated with the word “immediately” which drives the stories forward. Jesus heals, but more than that, He also forgives sin. If this wasn't enough to raise controversy, Jesus then asks a tax collector to become His student as well! But the controversies only begin here. Jesus becomes a target in these chapters! Mark 2:1-12 One of my favorite stories in the gospels, a few points are worth noting here: first, Jesus does not heal ...

Opening Question What is the most spontaneous thing you can remember doing? Introduction Our lesson this week takes on Mark 1:16-45. These verses cover a range of topics including the call of the first disciples, and the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. He preaches, prays, heals, casts out demons (a highlighted and oft-repeated miracle in Mark's gospel), and speaks with authority. Mark 1:16-20 Jesus calls his disciples and they immediately leave their nets, and they follow Him. Perhaps they had heard his initial preaching about repentance, and the arrival of the Kingdom of God. This would have stoked much messianic fervor in their hearts. Jesus' ...

Opening Question: What do people mean when they say, “it's the Gospel truth”? Introduction We begin our study this quarter of the Biblical “gospel” according to Mark, and the first couple days focus on John Mark as a historical character in the Christian scriptures. Modern historical critical scholars believe they have discounted John Mark as author of this gospel, but many of their arguments are built around speculation and an overemphasis on Mark's author (or implied author) as ignorant of Palestinian geography and Judaism. The earliest writings after the disciples who speak about Mark's authorship ascribe it to Peter who shared his ...