Good Word Lessons

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...

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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 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...

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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...

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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 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...

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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)....

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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...

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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 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...

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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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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,...

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