1. Greetings:

This study is designed to bring about an in-depth group study of the Gospel of Mark.  It is an interactive, directive approach; in which people are encouraged to talk, give their opinions, and, most of all, to think about the meaning of the biblical text.  It can be adapted for preaching, but the original intent was to study the Word of God in a manner that (with some guidance) helped people see for themselves the “Beauty of the Lord”.

1. Someone in the audience or group is to read the text, not the leader (except on rare occasions).  This helps the group get involved.
2. The readings are usually followed with questions.  The more the audience speaks, thinks and interacts with the text, the better.  The questions are designed to be answered by the content of the text itself or by pondering what it is saying.
3. The answers provided after most of the questions are to be, in most cases, helps.  If the group comes up with the answers then the leader need not speak much at all.  In most lessons there are questions with no answers provided for the leader.  Such answers are deemed not necessary, and the leader is dependent on the teaching coming from the group.  In such cases, if the group does not come up with a response, then it is not answered.
4. You will notice that the “Greetings” sections are usually left blank, this is because all groups have their own identity and the leader should open in a manner appropriate to their group.

1. Sources:

This study leans heavily on three commentaries:

1. William Lane, The Gospel According to Mark, (Eerdmans: Grand Rapids), 1975

<Referred to as “Lane” and then the page numbers are given.>

2. William Barclay, The Gospel of Mark, (Westminster Press:  Philadelphia), 1956

<Referred to as “Barclay” and then the page numbers are given.>

3. St. Chrysostom, Homilies On The Gospel of Saint Matthew,  Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol. X, (Eerdmans:  Grand Rapids), 1975.

<Referred to as Chrysostom” and then page numbers are given.  This particular volume is on the Gospel of Matthew, but since 90% of Mark is in Matthew, I merely cross-referenced Mark and Matthew for each particular passage.

In addition, there are a lot of times when the study is dependent on my own “structural analysis” or outlining of the particular passage.  The outlines guided a great deal of the organization and understanding of many of the passages.

III. Intent:

I have found that breaking up the Mark study is wise.  Take a break for a few weeks after 12-15 lessons and perhaps the study a smaller book of the Bible.  Variety could be helpful for variety often allows the break necessary to return afresh to the all-important focus on Jesus’ actions and words.

I hope that this study proves helpful in organizing or aiding your study with those the Lord has put in your care.  I have purposely left out illustrations given in my own talks because that leaves room for you to personalize the studies.  Most of all I would recommend that you spend time in prayer for those in the study and live a life of obedience to the text.  After all, His blessing must attend our efforts if we truly want to help one another.[:]