Lesson 8- Teaching Disciples Part 2

Read for This Week’s Study

Mark 10:1-52; Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:24; Galatians 4:1-2; Romans 6:1-11; Isaiah 11:1-16.

 Memory Text:

“ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many’ ” (Mark 10:45).

Sabbath Afternoon

Important Points:

1. Preparation for the Cross: Jesus spends much of Mark 10 teaching His disciples about discipleship in light of His upcoming sacrifice on the cross.
   • Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
2. Marriage and Divorce: Jesus emphasizes the sanctity of marriage, pointing back to God's original intent for it.
   • Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
3. Value of Children: Jesus blesses children, teaching that they are integral to the kingdom of God.
   • Mark 10:14: “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.”
4. The Challenge of Wealth: The story of the rich young ruler highlights the spiritual dangers of wealth.
   • Mark 10:21: “Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”
5. Healing Blindness as a Metaphor: The healing of the blind man signifies spiritual insight and the cost of following Jesus.
   • Mark 10:52: “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.”

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to serve others as Jesus served us?
   • Answer: Serving others as Jesus did means putting their needs above our own, acting out of love and compassion, and being willing to sacrifice for their well-being.
2. How can we maintain the sanctity of marriage in today's culture?
   • Answer: By upholding the biblical principles of love, commitment, and fidelity, and by seeking God's guidance in our relationships.
3. Why is spiritual blindness more dangerous than physical blindness?
   • Answer: Spiritual blindness keeps us from seeing and understanding the truth of God’s Word, which can lead to eternal separation from Him.

Sunday - God’s Plan for Marriage

Important Points:

1. Pharisees' Trap: The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a question about divorce to create conflict with Herod Antipas.
   • Mark 10:2: “The Pharisees came and asked Him, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?’ testing Him.”
2. God’s Original Design: Jesus points back to Genesis, emphasizing that marriage is a sacred, unbreakable bond.
   • Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
3. Hardness of Heart: Jesus explains that divorce was permitted because of the hardness of people's hearts, not because it was God’s desire.
   • Mark 10:5: “And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.’”
4. Unity in Marriage: Marriage is a union created by God, and what God has joined together, man should not separate.
   • Mark 10:9: “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
5. The Sanctity of Marriage: Jesus elevates the marriage relationship as a divine institution that reflects God’s plan for human relationships.
   • Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

Discussion Questions:

1. What can we learn from Jesus’ response to the Pharisees about divorce?
   • Answer: We learn that marriage is intended to be a lifelong commitment, reflecting God's original design for human relationships.
2. How does our understanding of marriage influence how we interact in our relationships?
   • Answer: Understanding marriage as a divine institution encourages us to treat it with respect, prioritizing love, commitment, and mutual support.
3. How can we support those who are struggling in their marriages within our church community?
   • Answer: We can offer prayer, counseling, and practical support, while encouraging them to seek God’s guidance and strength in their relationship.

Monday - Jesus and Children

Important Points:

1. Children’s Low Status: In ancient times, children were considered of low status, similar to slaves, yet they were deeply loved.
   • Galatians 4:1-2: “Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all.”
2. Disciples' Misunderstanding: The disciples rebuke those bringing children to Jesus, showing their misunderstanding of His teachings.
   • Mark 10:13: “Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.”
3. Jesus’ Indignation: Jesus strongly opposes the disciples, insisting that children should be allowed to come to Him.
   • Mark 10:14: “But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.’”
4. Kingdom Belongs to Children: Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like children—innocent, trusting, and humble.
   • Mark 10:15: “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
5. Blessing the Children: Jesus takes time to bless the children, showing the importance of nurturing their spiritual growth.
   • Mark 10:16: “And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.”

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized the importance of children in the kingdom of God?
   • Answer: Children embody the qualities of humility, trust, and innocence, which are essential for entering the kingdom of God.
2. How can we make our churches more welcoming to children?
   • Answer: By creating inclusive environments, offering programs that engage them spiritually, and showing them love and acceptance.
3. What can we learn from the way Jesus treated children about our interactions with others?
   • Answer: We learn to value everyone, regardless of status, and to approach others with love, kindness, and respect.

Tuesday - The Best Investment

Important Points:

1. Sincere Inquiry: The rich young ruler sincerely asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, showing his desire for righteousness.
   • Mark 10:17: “Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’”
2. Keeping the Commandments: Jesus points the man to the commandments, emphasizing the importance of obedience.
   • Mark 10:19: “You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”
3. Challenge of Wealth: Jesus tells the man to sell all he has and give to the poor, challenging him to prioritize eternal life over earthly wealth.
   • Mark 10:21: “Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”
4. Difficulty for the Rich: Jesus teaches that it is difficult for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God because of their attachment to riches.
   • Mark 10:25: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
5. God's Grace: Jesus assures that with God, all things are possible, highlighting the necessity of God’s grace for salvation.
   • Mark 10:27: “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

Discussion Questions:

1. Why did Jesus ask the rich young ruler to sell everything he had?
   • Answer: Jesus wanted to reveal the man’s attachment to wealth and to challenge him to prioritize God above all else.
2. How does wealth affect our spiritual lives?
   • Answer: Wealth can lead to self-sufficiency and distract us from relying on God, making it harder to prioritize spiritual matters.
3. What does it mean that “with God all things are possible”?
   • Answer: It means that our salvation and ability to live a righteous life depend entirely on God’s power and grace.

Wednesday - Can You Drink My Cup?

Important Points:

1.     The Request of James and John: James and John, the sons of Zebedee, asked Jesus to grant them seats of honor in His glory, one on His right and the other on His left.

o    Mark 10:35-37: "Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, 'Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.' And He said to them, 'What do you want Me to do for you?' They said to Him, 'Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.'"

2.     Misunderstanding the Kingdom: Their request shows a misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' kingdom, expecting a political or earthly reign rather than a spiritual one characterized by service and sacrifice.

o    Mark 10:42-45: Jesus used this opportunity to teach that greatness in His kingdom is not about power or position but about serving others.

3.     Jesus' Response: Jesus challenges James and John, asking if they can drink the cup He will drink and be baptized with His baptism, symbolizing suffering and sacrifice.

o    Mark 10:38-39: "But Jesus said to them, 'You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?' They said to Him, 'We are able.' So Jesus said to them, 'You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized.'"

4.     True Greatness: Jesus teaches that true greatness in the kingdom of God is measured by humility and service, not by positions of power.

o    Mark 10:43-44: "Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all."

5.     Example of Christ: Jesus presents Himself as the ultimate example of servanthood, willing to give His life as a ransom for many.

o    Mark 10:45: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Discussion Questions:

1.     What does it mean to “drink the cup” that Jesus drank?

o    Answer: It means to share in the suffering, challenges, and sacrifices that come with following Jesus, including enduring persecution for the sake of righteousness.

2.     How does Jesus redefine greatness in His kingdom?

o    Answer: Jesus redefines greatness as servanthood, where the greatest among His followers are those who serve others selflessly and humbly.

3.     What are some ways we can serve others in our daily lives?

o    Answer: We can serve others by offering help to those in need, showing kindness and compassion, volunteering our time and resources, and putting others’ needs before our own.

Thursday - Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight

Important Points:

1. Bartimaeus’ Faith: As Jesus passed through Jericho, the blind beggar Bartimaeus cried out, addressing Jesus as the "Son of David," a messianic title, showing his faith.
   • Mark 10:47: "And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!'"
2. Persistence in Prayer: Despite being rebuked by the crowd, Bartimaeus persisted in his cries for Jesus’ attention, showing the importance of persistence in prayer.
   • Mark 10:48: "Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!'"
3. Jesus’ Compassion: Jesus stops and calls Bartimaeus, asking him what he wants, demonstrating His willingness to listen and respond to those in need.
   • Mark 10:49: "So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, 'Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.'"
4. Faith and Healing: Bartimaeus’ request for his sight is granted by Jesus, who acknowledges that his faith has made him well.
   • Mark 10:52: "Then Jesus said to him, 'Go your way; your faith has made you well.' And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road."
5. Following Jesus: After receiving his sight, Bartimaeus follows Jesus, symbolizing the proper response to Jesus’ transformative power in our lives.
   • Mark 10:52: "And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road."

Discussion Questions:

1. What can we learn from Bartimaeus’ persistence in seeking Jesus?
   • Answer: We learn the importance of being persistent in prayer and faith, even when faced with obstacles or discouragement.
2. How does Jesus’ response to Bartimaeus encourage us in our own times of need?
   • Answer: Jesus' response shows that He is compassionate and attentive to our needs, and that He honors genuine faith.
3. What does it mean to “follow Jesus on the road” after He has worked in our lives?
   • Answer: It means to commit to living as His disciple, continually seeking to grow in faith, obeying His teachings, and sharing His love with others.

Friday - Further Thought

Important Points:

1. Servant Leadership: Jesus' teachings in Mark 10 challenge the worldly view of leadership and greatness, emphasizing servanthood as the highest calling.
   • Philippians 2:5-7: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men."
2. The Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus requires sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to put others before ourselves, mirroring His own life of service and sacrifice.
   • Luke 9:23: "Then He said to them all, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.'"
3. Faith in Action: The stories of the rich young ruler and Bartimaeus illustrate contrasting responses to Jesus—one hindered by attachment to wealth, the other emboldened by faith.
   • Hebrews 11:6: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we cultivate a servant-leader mindset in our daily interactions?
   • Answer: By intentionally looking for ways to serve others, practicing humility, and placing the needs of others above our own desires.
2. What sacrifices might be required of us to follow Jesus more closely?
   • Answer: Sacrifices could include giving up personal comfort, letting go of material possessions, enduring ridicule or persecution, or dedicating time and resources to God’s work.
3. In what ways can we put our faith into action like Bartimaeus?
   • Answer: We can actively seek Jesus through prayer and study, trust Him for our needs, and share our testimony of His work in our lives with others.