In Lesson 1 we learned the basic skill of observation. In this lesson we’ll practice that skill with a longer section of Mark.
Identify the repetition in Mark 1:14-45 by highlighting the same word/concept (or variations of the same word/concept) in the same way each time you see it. For example, if you see the word grass you could place a box around the word grass each time it appears. (Exclude basic parts of speech such as conjunctions, prepositions, and articles.) I know you’ll be reading this on a computer screen but if you are able to print out the linked-to passage below that would be ideal.
1. What repetition did you notice?
2. What does this section emphasize about Jesus?
3. Write out each major phrase of Jesus’ words in Mark 1:14-20 then write an explanation beside each.
(I’ll give my answers in the next lesson.)
The Kingdom of God
Hopefully, you noticed that “the kingdom of God” is an important aspect of Jesus’ teaching. He taught about God’s kingdom near the beginning of his ministry, he continued to teach about it through his parables of the kingdom (Mark 4), and he was still teaching about it after he rose from the dead (Acts 1). Look up the following verses then summarize them in the blank. If there’s more than one verse look for the similarities between them.
Characteristics of the Kingdom
1. _________________________________ (Hint: called kingdom of God)
2. _________________________________ (Dan. 7:13-14; Is. 9:6-7; Lk. 1:32-33)
3. _________________________________ (Dan. 7:27; Lk. 12:32; Col. 1:12-14)
4. _________________________________ (Ps. 145:13; Dan. 2:44; Heb. 12:28)
5. _________________________________ (Ps. 103:19)
6. _________________________________ (Matt. 13:40-42, 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Eph. 5:5)
7. _________________________________ (Jn. 18:36)
8. _________________________________ (Matt. 13:44-46)
9. _________________________________ (Rom. 14:17; Matt. 26:29; Lk. 13:28-29)
Characteristics of those who enter/receive the Kingdom
1. _________________________________ (Matt. 5:3)
2. _________________________________ (Matt. 5:10)
3. _________________________________ (Matt. 7:21)
4. _________________________________ (Mk. 9:42-49)
5. _________________________________ (Mk. 10:13-16)
6. _________________________________ (Matt. 25:34-40)
7. _________________________________ (Jn. 3:3)
8. _________________________________ (Acts 14:22)
Write out Revelation 11:15.
After graduating from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, I served as a high school Bible teacher in Asia. I enjoy traveling, writing, and playing the drums. For a deep dive into church history and the character of God, see my book Surprised by Hell.