BY: Judy Moore
DATE: Sunday 19 November 2023

‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Read online
Mark – Chapter 16, verses 1-8 & verses 9-20.

EXCERPT:
Glen Scrivener writes, ‘The resurrection of Jesus is undeniably a miracle. But it’s not a miracle that adds to the absurdity of your world. The resurrection explains what would otherwise be even more absurd.’ The resurrection of Jesus changes everything. We are all given the chance to overcome the greatest enemy of all, and come into a relationship with him now and forever. This world is not the end, death is no longer to be feared.

TRANSCRIPT:
Please scroll to the bottom of this page. 

Each week there are TWO different sets of questions for you to use, whether you are exploring the Bible within your Life Group, in other group settings, or simply using them on your own.

A | DISCUSSION STARTERS
These are simple questions to provoke discussion together out of the talk (ideal if you are watching our Sunday Service online with others in your group):

1 | Was there anything that particularly helped you during the talk?

2 | Was there anything that you didn’t necessarily agree with, or found difficult to understand in the talk?

3 | As a result of the talk, what:

a. Changes do you want to see?

b. Truths do you need to remember?

c. Actions do you need to take?

B | QUESTIONS TO EXPLORE
These are questions that are based on the talk and the surrounding themes:

Read: Mark – Chapter 16, verses 1-8 & verses 9-20.

1 | Glen Scrivener writes, ‘The resurrection of Jesus is undeniably a miracle. But it’s not a miracle that adds to the absurdity of your world. The resurrection explains what would otherwise be even more absurd.’ Do you think most people are afraid of death? How might your friends respond to the resurrection of Jesus?

2 | In Mark 16:1-4, the women come to the tomb and find it empty. How do their reactions to the empty tomb – fear and amazement – resonate with us today? How might Jesus’ resurrection offer hope and transformation in the middle of life’s uncertainties?

3 | Reflect on the message of the angel in Mark 16:6-7, “He has risen; he is not here.” How might this challenge our perception of death and the grave? See also 1 Corinthians 15:55-57; Revelation 1:18)

4 | Read Mark 16:7, where the angel instructs the women to tell the disciples and Peter about Jesus’ resurrection. Why do you think Peter is specifically mentioned, and what does this reveal about God’s grace and forgiveness in light of Peter’s denial? (See also Luke 22:54-62 and 1 John 1:9)

5 | Notice the inscription about verses 9-20, that is mentioned in many bibles (that these verses weren’t present in the earliest manuscripts). Why is this such an encouraging inscription, and
how might this assure us of the trustworthiness of Mark’s gospel?

6 | In Mark 16:9-11, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, but the disciples do not believe her. How might their initial doubt and skepticism encourage us about our own struggles in believing the
good news of Jesus’ resurrection?

7 | Reflect on the commission in Mark 16:15-16. How can we practically apply Jesus’ command to preach the gospel and believe in Him? How does this commission challenge us to actively share
our faith with others? (See also Acts 1:8)

8 | Notice that baptism is mentioned in Mark 16:16. How does baptism serve as a symbol of our identification with Jesus’ death and resurrection? Have you been baptised?

9 | Take some time to pray about the impact of Jesus’ resurrection and the Great Commission on your life today. Pray that you might truly known that Jesus is risen and that his promise of eternal life is secure.

As you explore these questions pray for one another to deepen and develop your relationship with Jesus.

BOOK:
King’s Cross’ by Timothy Keller

Unpredictable yet reliable, gentle yet powerful, authoritative yet humble, human yet divine.’ Respected pastor and bestselling author Tim Keller takes a deep and thought-provoking look at the life of Christ. Drawing from Mark’s gospel, he explains how Jesus’ identity as king and his purpose in dying on the cross have meaning and significance on a cosmic scale as well as for the individual. THE REASON FOR GOD gave a passionate and intellectually compelling case for God, while THE PRODIGAL GOD explored the gospel’s central message of grace. Now KING’S CROSS gives a captivating account of the person at the heart of it all: Jesus. Written in Keller’s trademark authoritative yet inviting style, this book will unlock new insights for believers and unbelievers alike. (Source)

COMMENTARY:
‘The Gospel According to Mark’ by James R. Edwards

This new Pillar volume offers exceptional commentary on Mark that clearly shows the second Gospel—though it was a product of the earliest Christian community—to be both relevant and sorely needed in today’s church.

Written by a biblical scholar who has devoted thirty years to the study of the second Gospel, this commentary aims primarily to interpret the Gospel of Mark according to its theological intentions and purposes, especially as they relate to the life and ministry of Jesus and the call to faith and discipleship. Unique features of James Edwards’s approach include clear descriptions of key terms used by Mark and revealing discussion of the Gospel’s literary features, including Mark’s use of the “sandwich” technique and of imagistic motifs and irony. Edwards also proposes a new paradigm for interpreting the difficult “Little Apocalypse” of chapter 13, and he argues for a new understanding of Mark’s controversial ending. (Source)

VIDEO:
‘Gospel of Mark Summary’ by The Bible Project

Watch this overview video on the book of Mark, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Mark demonstrates that Jesus is Israel’s Messiah who inaugurates God’s kingdom through his suffering, death, and resurrection.

Coming Soon