Mark 7:31-37

Mark 7:31-37Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Jesus Does Everything Well
³¹ Again, leaving the region of Tyre, He went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through^[a] the region of the Decapolis. ³² They brought to Him a deaf man who also had a speech difficulty, and begged Jesus to lay His hand on him. ³³ So He took him away from the crowd privately. After putting His fingers in the man’s ears and spitting, He touched his tongue. ³⁴ Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed deeply and said to him, “Ephphatha!”^[b] (that is, “Be opened!”). ³⁵ Immediately his ears were opened, his speech difficulty was removed, and he began to speak clearly. ³⁶ Then He ordered them to tell no one, but the more He would order them, the more they would proclaim it.
³⁷ They were extremely astonished and said, “He has done everything well! He even makes deaf people hear, and people unable to speak, talk!”
Questions:
1.   Why does his disciples or the crowd beg Jesus to heal this deaf man?
A.   Some wanted Jesus to simply heal their friend.  Others probably wanted to see if he would or could heal the deaf man.
2.   Why do you think Jesus took the deaf man away from the crowd privately?
A.   Jesus didn’t want to make a big scene that would draw attention to himself, and eventually lead to his crucifixion.  He did this to also show personal attention to the man.  He cares about all people and wants all people to be healed.  I’m sure the man now believes in Jesus.
3.   Why did Jesus use spit to heal the deaf man?
A.   Saliva was considered a valid treatment for healing during this time.  Jesus could have also rubbed his hands in the dirt before doing this act as well.  He used spit to communicate His intention to heal.
4.   Why did Jesus order them to tell no one about this healing?
A.   It wasn’t time for Him to be fully revealed.  He also didn’t want to be known for just healing.  He wanted people to hear and believe in Him.
5.   How were the people emotions in regard to Jesus healing this man?
A.   They were astonished and amazed.  

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Mark 7:24-30

Mark 7:24-30Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)A Gentile Mother’s Faith²⁴ He got up and departed from there to the region of Tyre and Sidon.^[a] He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it, but He could not escape notice. ²⁵ Instead, immediately after hearing about Him, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit came and fell at His feet. ²⁶ Now the woman was Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to drive the demonout of her daughter. ²⁷ He said to her, “Allow the children to be satisfied first, because it isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”
²⁸ But she replied to Him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
²⁹ Then He told her, “Because of this reply, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” ³⁰ When she went back to her home, she found her child lying on the bed, and the demon was gone.
 Question:1.       Why do you think Jesus was entering a home wanting to be unseen?
A.      He might have wanted to be alone, time to Himself, prayer, ????
2.       What does it mean to be Greek?
A.      Being Greek means she is a Gentile, just like us.
3.       What does it mean to feed the children first before the dogs?
A.      It means that Jesus came for the Jews first, then the Gentile.
4.       Why does Jesus come first for the Jews?
A.      They are his chosen people.  He came first for the Jewish people.
5.       Why does Jesus heal the mother’s daughter?
A.      Because of her faith and understanding that Jesus is here for the Jews first and she will take any blessing she can get.
6.       What’s the purpose of this passage
A.      The purpose of this passage is that God came for everyone.  He will always accept us, redeem us regardless of our race.  He chooses everyone, but was sent for the Jewish people first.  

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Mark 6:14-29

Mark 6:14-29Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

John the Baptist Beheaded

14 King Herod heard of this, because Jesus’ name had become well known. Some[a] said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that’s why supernatural powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He’s Elijah.” Still others said, “He’s a prophet[b]—like one of the prophets.”

16 When Herod heard of it, he said, “John, the one I beheaded, has been raised!” 17 For Herod himself had given orders to arrest John and to chain him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!” 19 So Herodias held a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 because Herod was in awe of[c] John and was protecting him, knowing he was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him he would be very disturbed,[d] yet would hear him gladly.

21 Now an opportune time came on his birthday, when Herod gave a banquet for his nobles, military commanders, and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When Herodias’s own daughter[e] came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I’ll give it to you.” 23 So he swore oaths to her: “Whatever you ask me I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”

24 Then she went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?”

“John the Baptist’s head!” she said.

25 Immediately she hurried to the king and said, “I want you to give me John the Baptist’s head on a platter—right now!”

26 Though the king was deeply distressed, because of his oaths and the guests[f] he did not want to refuse her. 27 The king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring John’s head. So he went and beheaded him in prison, 28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples[g]heard about it, they came and removed his corpse and placed it in a tomb.

Questions:

1. What might have Jesus done to become so well known that Herod would have heard of Him?

1. Jesus has performed many miracles within the last year, many people hear of Him.

2. Why did Herod’s wife not like John?

1. Because John told Herod he shouldn’t marry his brother’s wife.  

3. Before John’s death what type of person was Herod acting like?

1. Like a fool.  He was prideful and wanted to show off in front of his guests.

4. How did Herod feel after he told the executioner to behead John?

1. In deep distress, but he still went through with it.  Notice “Because of his oath and the guests he did not want to refuse her.  He could have refused her.  Sure his word would have been tarnished, but John would still be alive.  His pride in himself killed John.  

5. Why do you think Mark wrote this in his book.  He’s been writing all about Jesus and then switches to John’s death.  Why???

Mark 6:6-12

Mark 6:6-12
Commissioning the Twelve
Now He was going around the villages in a circuit, teaching. 7 He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs and gave them authority over unclean spirits. 8 He instructed them to take nothing for the road except a walking stick: no bread, no traveling bag, no money in their belts. 9 They were to wear sandals, but not put on an extra shirt. 10 Then He said to them,“ Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that place. 11 If any place does not welcome you and people refuse to listen to you, when you leave there, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”[a]
12 So they went out and preached that people should repent.
Questions:
1. How would you deal with having the powers that Jesus has?
A. Nervous, because I wouldn’t want to mess up.  I wouldn’t want people to think I did it, but that it is the Spirit of Christ working through me.
2. What do you think the 12 thought about not being able to bring food or money on their trips?
A. Scared, nervous, uneasy, but you will have to rely on Christ for everything.  
3. What does it mean to enter a house and leave when you are finished?
A. It me to stay and preach to that household as well  as other houses near by until you move to a new city.  
4. How would you act if one of the apostles dusted off their feet at your doorstep?
A. ??????
5. Why did he send the disciples on pairs?
A. For safety and encouragement, and any other need.  

Christmas 2014

Here are some adopt a family pictures.  We had a great time delivering them their presents.  She was so overwhelmed and thankful.  She said she was going to give some of the gifts to another in need.  What a giver.

Mark 4:30-41

Mark 4:30-41Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

³⁰ And He said: “How can we illustrate the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use to describe it? ³¹ It’s like a mustard seed that, when sown in the soil, is smaller than all the seeds on the ground. ³² And when sown, it comes up and grows taller than all the vegetables, and produces large branches, so that the birds of the sky can nest in its shade.”

Using Parables

³³ He would speak the word to them with many parables like these, as they were able to understand. ³⁴ And He did not speak to them without a parable. Privately, however, He would explain everything to His own disciples.

Wind and Wave Obey the Master

³⁵ On that day, when evening had come, He told them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the sea.” ³⁶ So they left the crowd and took Him along since He was already in the boat. And other boats were with Him. ³⁷ A fierce wind storm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. ³⁸ But He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him up and said to Him, “Teacher! Don’t You care that we’re going to die?”

³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Silence! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰ Then He said to them, “Why are you fearful? Do you still have no faith?”

⁴¹ And they were terrified and asked one another, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Questions:

1.       How big is a mustard seed?

A.     ???? Picture or bring in a seed

2.      The kingdom of Christ is like a mustard seed.  What does that mean?

A.     It starts off small, but can grow to be the largest of tree.  It brings food, shelter, and shade for those who need it.  God gives us, grace, mercy, and forgiveness of our sins.

3.      Why does Jesus not explain to the people, but he does explain to His disciples what each parable means?

A.     He wants the people to search for answers to grow in their faith, but he tells the disciples about the parables because He wants them to clearly know what each parable means, so they can teach when Jesus passes.

4.       What would you do during a massive storm on a boat?  How would you act?

A.?????

5. Do you think they are understand who Jesus is and what authority He has?

A.

6. Why do you think the disciples lose faith?

A. Because they didn’t want to die.  

Mark 4:21-30

Mark 4:21-29Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Using Your Light

²¹ He also said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it to be put on a lampstand? ²² For nothing is concealed except to be revealed, and nothing hidden except to come to light. ²³ If anyone has ears to hear, he should listen!” ²⁴ Then He said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear. By the measure you use,^[a] it will be measured and added to you. ²⁵ For to the one who has, it will be given, and from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.”

The Parable of the Growing Seed

²⁶ “The kingdom of God is like this,” He said. “A man scatters seed on the ground; ²⁷ he sleeps and rises—night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows—he doesn’t know how. ²⁸ The soil produces a crop by itself—first the blade, then the head, and then the ripe grain on the head. ²⁹ But as soon as the crop is ready, he sends for the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

Questions:

1.       When Jesus is talking about a lamp, what is He referring to?

A.     The Lamp is the Word of God, and the Light could be a Christian or the Word of God.

2.      How can God’s light shine through us?

A.     ????

3.      According to Jesus why should we pay attention to what we hear?

A.     Because if we do He will tell us more and reveal more of Himself.

4.     How is telling people about Jesus a lot like scattering seeds?

A.     A farmer scatters seeds and waits, we are to tell people about Jesus and wait for the Holy Spirit to take hold of that person and grow.

5.      How does the parable of the growing seed explain the process of our spiritual growth?

A.     Just like a seed grows slowly until it is ready to harvest, or spiritual growth if gradual as well.  

Mark 4:1-20

Mark 4:1-20Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

The Parable of the Sower

4 Again He began to teach by the sea, and a very large crowd gathered around Him. So He got into a boat on the sea and sat down, while the whole crowd was on the shore facing the sea. ² He taught them many things in parables, and in His teaching He said to them: ³ “Listen! Consider the sower who went out to sow. ⁴ As he sowed, this occurred: Some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. ⁵ Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil, and it sprang up right away, since it didn’t have deep soil. ⁶ When the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it didn’t have a root, it withered. ⁷ Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it didn’t produce a crop. ⁸ Still others fell on good ground and produced a crop that increased 30, 60, and 100 times what was sown.” ⁹ Then He said, “Anyone who has ears to hear should listen!”

Why Jesus Used Parables

¹⁰ When He was alone with the Twelve, those who were around Him asked Him about the parables. ¹¹ He answered them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those outside, everything comes in parables ¹² so that

they may look and look,
yet not perceive;
they may listen and listen,
yet not understand;
otherwise, they might turn back—
and be forgiven.”^[a][b]

The Parable of the Sower Explained

¹³ Then He said to them: “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any of the parables? ¹⁴ The sower sows the word. ¹⁵ These^[c] are the ones along the path where the word is sown: when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word sown in them.^[d] 16 And these are^[e] the ones sown on rocky ground: when they hear the word, immediately they receive it with joy. ¹⁷ But they have no root in themselves; they are short-lived. When pressure or persecution comes because of the word, they immediately stumble. ¹⁸ Others are sown among thorns; these are the ones who hear the word, ¹⁹ but the worries of this age, the seduction^[f] of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. ²⁰ But the ones sown on good ground are those who hear the word, welcome it, and produce a crop:30, 60, and 100 times what was sown.”

Questions:

1.   Why do you think Jesus taught by the sea?

A.   Jesus wanted the attention on Him, He didn’t want any distractions, plus He didn’t want the crowd to mob Him.

2.   Why did Jesus say, “Anyone who has ears to hear should listen!”

A.   People can hear, but they might not be listening.  We need to listen to what Jesus has to say about His Kingdom.  Listen and apply these things to our life. 

3.   Why did Jesus teach in parables?

A.   He doesn’t just give commands on how to act.  He lets us listen to what He has to say about certain situations and we have to interpret what He is saying.  We must listen and learn.  The disciples get a first hand view of the Lord, while we must listen.

4.   How come the crops multiplied by 30, 60, 100?

A.   Because that is what happens when you are saved.  It is a miracle crop.

5.   What soil are you on?

A.   ????

Mark 3:1-12

Mark 3:1-12Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

The Man with the Paralyzed Hand

3 Now He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a paralyzed hand.² In order to accuse Him, they were watching Him closely to see whether He would healhim on the Sabbath. ³ He told the man with the paralyzed hand, “Stand before us.”^[a]4 Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do what is good or to do what is evil, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. ⁵ After looking around at them with angerand sorrow at the hardness of their hearts, He told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and his hand was restored. ⁶ Immediately the Pharisees went out and started plotting with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.

Ministering to the Multitude

⁷ Jesus departed with His disciples to the sea, and a large crowd followed from Galilee,Judea, ⁸ Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and around Tyre and Sidon. The large crowd came to Him because they heard about everything He was doing. ⁹ Then He told His disciples to have a small boat ready for Him, so the crowd would not crush Him.¹⁰ Since He had healed many, all who had diseases were pressing toward Him to touchHim. ¹¹ Whenever the unclean spirits saw Him, those possessed fell down before Him and cried out, “You are the Son of God!” ¹² And He would strongly warn them not to make Him known.

Question:

1.       Who wants to accuse Jesus?

A.     The Pharisees

2.      What do you picture when you see Jesus and his followers following Him?

A.     ?????

3.      Do you believe it is good, or evil to heal a man on the Sabbath? What would you do?

A.     ?????

4.      What are the unclean spirits shouting? And, why does Jesus tell them to stop?

A.     “You are the Son of God", because it’s not Jesus’s time to reveal Himself as God’s Son.  

FCA Shirts $13.00

FCA T-SHIRTS

Bring any RED, WHITE, or GREY t-shirt to me with $13.00 made out to Marsha Arsitio.  Please attach, or write your name on the inside of the shirt.  Any fabric will work.  

Community Food Bank

Feeding America

When: November 8^th

Where: 3403 E. Central Ave Fresno, CA 93725

From: 8am-11am

Contact: 559-237-3663

Ask for Sarah Pedelty if you need any information

Please wear close toed shoes, and come ready to work.  Please bring your BLOCK R FORM WITH YOU!!!!!

Mark 2:18-27Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

A Question about Fasting

¹⁸ Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees^[a] were fasting. People came and asked Him, “Why do John’s disciples and the Pharisees’ disciples fast, but Your disciples do not fast?”

¹⁹ Jesus said to them, “The wedding guests^[b] cannot fast while the groom is with them, can they? As long as they have the groom with them, they cannot fast. ²⁰ But the time^[c]will come when the groom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.²¹ No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new patch pulls away from the old cloth, and a worse tear is made. ²² And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost as well as the skins.^[d] But new wine is for fresh wineskins.”

Lord of the Sabbath

²³ On the Sabbath He was going through the grainfields, and His disciples began to make their way picking some heads of grain. ²⁴ The Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?”

²⁵ He said to them, “Have you never read what David and those who were with him did when he was in need and hungry— ²⁶ how he entered the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest and ate the sacred bread—which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests—and also gave some to his companions?” ²⁷ Then He told them, “The Sabbath was made for^[e] man and not man for^[f] the Sabbath.

Questions:

1.       What is the purpose of fasting?

A.     To cleans their body and repent of their sins.  It is also a way to rely on God alone and not food.

2.      Why weren’t Jesus’s disciples fasting, but John’s disciples and the Pharisees were?

A.     Because Jesus was with them.  Fasting is a way to come closer to Christ, if he is with you that’s pretty close enough.  Fasting also drains your energy big time.  It’s hard to be effective in ministry (Physically) when you are fasting.

3.      Who is the Bridegroom Jesus is talking about?

A.     He is talking about himself.  Jesus is the Bridegroom.  He’s the wedding, He’s the celebration,

4.      Why did the Pharisees upset when the disciples were picking grain on a Sunday?

A.     Because to them the Sabbath was a holy day that you couldn’t work on. 

5.      What did Jesus mean when he said, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath?”

God created the Sabbath for our benefit and our time to focus on Him.  The Pharisees upheld the law no matter what, to a point of legalism