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...

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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...

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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...

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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”...

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