STUDY ON THE BOOK OF MARK

Studying Mark's Gospel: Hey guyz this week we are going to do a study on the book of Mark. Lets walk together step by step as we listen to what God has for us.    DAY ONE:  Return and Rest Please carefully read Mark 6:30-32 and answer the following questions. 1.  What happened when the apostles returned from their mission (v. 30)? 2.  What did Jesus prescribe for His men, and why (v. 31, 32)? 3.  These men as well as Jesus Himself needed rest in view of the stress of all that had been going on. The Greek word for rest is in the middle voice, literally meaning refresh yourselves, rest up; a deserted place (or desert in the kjv) isn’t a desert in the sense we use the word, but a deserted place, solitary, lonely, uninhabited, the kind of place for an “over-wrought, exhausted Christian worker. How solicitous Jesus was for His tired servants. He Himself was careful to take His needed rest. It is the duty of His servants to do so also. The Devil would wear us out before our time, if he could.”[ii] This helps us see that Jesus is concerned for His followers’ physical well-being, taking into account our physical limitations. Jesus never encouraged His disciples to pamper themselves, nor did He encourage laziness![iii] There was a saying many years back about being “burned out for Christ,” letting Him completely exhaust us in service. While that sounds spiritual, rest is important to successful service and Christian living. The Old Testament law commanded one day in seven to rest, and also the observance of several holidays set aside on which to rest and regain strength. What did Isaiah record about this rest and renewal we all need (Isaiah 40:28-31)? 4.  What are some further important things that we read from the following passages about times of rest and renewal in our lives? Psalms 37:7; Jeremiah 6:16 Matthew 11:28-30 Hebrews 4:9-11 Scripture Memory:  This week we will be memorizing Mark 6:34. Review the passage several times throughout the day each day this week, and by the end of the week, you should have it memorized completely. And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.  Mark 6:34, nkjv