Mark’s Good News about Jesus – Peace in the Midst of Betrayal – December 12, 2021

 Peace in the Midst of Betrayal

2 Samuel 20:1-10 - New International Version (NIV)

¹ Now a troublemaker named Sheba son of Bikri, a Benjamite, happened to be there. He sounded the trumpet and shouted,

“We have no share in David,
    no part in Jesse’s son!
Every man to his tent, Israel!”

² So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bikri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

³ When David returned to his palace in Jerusalem, he took the ten concubines he had left to take care of the palace and put them in a house under guard. He provided for them but had no sexual relations with them. They were kept in confinement till the day of their death, living as widows.

⁴ Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.” ⁵ But when Amasa went to summon Judah, he took longer than the time the king had set for him.

⁶ David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba son of Bikri will do us more harm than Absalom did. Take your master’s men and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and escape from us.” ⁷ So Joab’s men and the Kerethites and Pelethites and all the mighty warriors went out under the command of Abishai. They marched out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bikri.

⁸ While they were at the great rock in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Joab was wearing his military tunic, and strapped over it at his waist was a belt with a dagger in its sheath. As he stepped forward, it dropped out of its sheath.

⁹ Joab said to Amasa, “How are you, my brother?” Then Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. ¹⁰ Amasa was not on his guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab plunged it into his belly, and his intestines spilled out on the ground. Without being stabbed again, Amasa died. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bikri.

How was Sheba son of Bikri described (verse 1)?

Who did the “men of Israel” follow (verse 2)?

In your opinion, why did the “men of Judah” stay with King David (verse 2)?

What happened to the ten concubines (verse 3)?

Who did King David ask to “summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself” (verse 4)?

How long did it take to summon Judah (verse 5)?

In your opinion, why did King David think that Sheba would do more harm than Absalom (verse 6)?

Who pursued Sheba (verse 7)?

What happens to Joab’s dagger (verse 8)?

Why did Joab take Amasa “by the beard” (verse 9)?

What did Joab do as he kissed Amasa (verse 10)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

Mark 14:43-52 - New International Version (NIV)

⁴³ Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.

⁴⁴ Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” ⁴⁵ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. ⁴⁶ The men seized Jesus and arrested him. ⁴⁷ Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

⁴⁸ “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? ⁴⁹ Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” ⁵⁰ Then everyone deserted him and fled.

⁵¹ A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, ⁵² he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.

Who was with Judas when he appeared (verse 43)?

What was the signal that Judas, the betrayer, had arranged (verse 44)?

When did Judas go to Jesus (verse 45)?

What did Judas say to Jesus (verse 45)?

What did Judas do (verse 45)?

What happened to Jesus (verse 46)?

Who was struck with the sword (verse 47)?

In your opinion, why would Jesus ask “am I leading a rebellion” (verse 48)?

What had Jesus been doing every day (verse 49)?

What did Jesus say “must be fulfilled” (verse 49)?

How did everyone respond (verse 50)?

How did the young man wearing the linen garment get away (verses 51 and 52)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, how are the kisses of Joab in 2 Samuel 20:1-10 and Judas in Mark 14:43-52 similar?    

Acts 9:26-31 – New International Version (NIV)

²⁶ When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. ²⁸ So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. ²⁹ He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. ³⁰ When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

³¹ Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

In your opinion, why would the disciples have been afraid of Paul (verse 26)?

Where did Barnabas take Saul (verse 27)?

What did Barnabas say about Saul (verse 27)?

How did Saul speak in Jerusalem (verse 28)?

In your opinion, why would the Hellenistic Jews that Saul debated try to kill him (verse 29)?

What did the believers do when that heard that the Hellenistic Jews had tried to kill Saul (verse 30)?

What happened to the church “throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria” (verse 31)?

Who did the church live in fear of (verse 31)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, why do you think the actions of Joab in 2 Samuel 20:1-10, who was acting on behalf of a King who had been fleeing from a revolt, and Barnabas in Acts 9:26-31, who was acting on behalf of a King who had died on the cross, were so different?

In your opinion, why did Judas act as a betrayer in Mark 14:43-52 and Barnabas as an encourager in Acts 9:26-31?

1 Peter 5:6-14 – New International Version (NIV)

⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

¹² With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

¹³ She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. ¹⁴ Greet one another with a kiss of love.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

When will God lift you up if you humble yourself (verse 6)?

Why should we cast our anxiety on God (verse 7)?

In your opinion, what does it mean to “be alert and of sober mind” (verse 8)?

Who is going through the same kind of sufferings that you are (verse 9)?

When will God “restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (verse 10)?

What had Silas done for Peter (verse 12)?

Who sends greetings (verse 13)?

How are Christians to “greet one another” (verse 14)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, how are the actions of Sheba, the troublemaker in 2 Samuel 20:1-10, different from the actions of the devil in 1 Peter 5:6-14?  How are they similar?

In your opinion, how has Peter, who John 18:10 says is the one who drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest in Mark 14:43-52, changed that he would now say that we should resist by “standing firm in the faith” in 1 Peter 5:6-14? 

In your opinion, what can the ways that Barnabas helped Saul in Acts 9:26-31 and Silas helped Peter in 1 Peter 5:6-14 teach us that we can apply today? 

In your opinion, what do these passages from 2 Samuel, Mark, Acts and 1 Peter, where kisses can mean betrayal or love, teach us about the source of betrayal and the source of love? 

In your opinion, in a world where cousins stab, disciples betray, and religious leaders try to kill; how can Christians have peace?

 

(sprucewhispers.blogspot.com)

Mark’s Good News about Jesus – What You Will – December 5, 2021

 What You Will

Psalm 42:1-5 - New International Version (NIV)

¹ As the deer pants for streams of water,
    so my soul pants for you, my God.
² My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
    When can I go and meet with God?
³ My tears have been my food
    day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
    “Where is your God?”
⁴ These things I remember
    as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
    under the protection of the Mighty One
with shouts of joy and praise
    among the festive throng.

⁵ Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.

How does the Psalmist’s soul pant for God (verse 1)?

In your opinion, when can we go and “meet with God” (verse 2)?

What has been the Psalmist’s food (verse 3)?

Where did the Psalmist go “with shouts of joy and praise” (verse 4)?

Where is the Psalmist’s soul to put its hope (verse 5)?

Who will the Psalmist “yet praise” (verse 5)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

Mark 14:32-42 - New International Version (NIV)

³² They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” ³³ He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ³⁴ “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

³⁵ Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. ³⁶ “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

³⁷ Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? ³⁸ Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

³⁹ Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. ⁴⁰ When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.

⁴¹ Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. ⁴² Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

Where did they go (verse 32)?

How did Jesus begin to feel (verse 33)?

How was Jesus’s soul (verse 34)?

What did Jesus pray for “if possible” (verse 35)?

What did Jesus say was possible for “Abba, Father” (verse 36)?

Whose will did Jesus pray to be accomplished (verse 36)?

Who was asleep (verse 37)?

In your opinion, why did Jesus tell Peter to “watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (verse 38)?

What did Jesus go back and pray (verse 39)?

When did Jesus find the disciples sleeping again (verse 40)?

Whose hands will “the Son of Man” be delivered into (verse 41)?

Who was coming (verse 42)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, how were the thirst of the Psalmist’s soul in Psalms 42:1-5 and the sorrow of Jesus’s soul in Mark 14:32-42 different?  How is the hope of the Psalmist related to Jesus’s prayer “Yet not what I will, but what you will”?    

Acts 18:18-23 – New International Version (NIV)

¹⁸ Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken. ¹⁹ They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. ²⁰ When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. ²¹ But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. ²² When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.

²³ After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Who accompanied Paul when he left Corinth (verse 18)?

Why did Paul have his hair cut (verse 18)?

Where did Paul go when he arrived at Ephesus (verse 19)?

How did Paul respond when the Jews of the synagogue ask him to spend more time with them (verse 20)?

In your opinion, why did Paul add “if it is God’s will” to his promise to return (verse 21)?

Who did Paul greet in Jerusalem (verse 22)?

What did Paul do as he “traveled from place to place” (verse 23)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, how does the Psalmist in Psalms 42:1-5 who remembers going to the “house of God under the protection of the Mighty One” and asks “when can I go and meet with God” have a different relationship with God than Paul who, in Acts 18:18-23, is traveling and worshipping in various places and only promises to return “if it is God’s will”?

In your opinion, how is Paul in his promise to “come back if it is God’s will” in Acts 18:18-23 following the example of Jesus who was overwhelmed with sorrow in Mark 14:32-42 but prayed for the Father’s will to be done?

1 Peter 3:8-17 – New International Version (NIV)

⁸ Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. ⁹ Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. ¹⁰ For,

“Whoever would love life
    and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
    and their lips from deceitful speech.
¹¹ They must turn from evil and do good;
    they must seek peace and pursue it.
¹² For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

¹³ Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” ¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. ¹⁷ For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Who is to “be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble” (verse 8)?

How should evil be repaid (verse 9)?

In your opinion, why should those who “would love life” need to “keep their tongue from evil” (verse 10)?

What are those who want to “see good days” to seek and pursue (verses 10 and 11)?

Whose ears are attentive to the prayer of the righteous (verse 12)?

In your opinion, who will “harm you if you are eager to do good” (verse13)?

When are you blessed (verse 14)?

What should happen in our hearts (verse 15)?

How can Christians make those who speak maliciously against them ashamed (verse 16)?

What is better than suffering for doing evil (verse 17)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, what is the difference between the soul thirsting for God in Psalms 42:1-5 and the heart revering God in 1 Peter 3:8-17? 

In your opinion, how does Jesus praying for the Father’s will to be done despite the sorrow in His soul in Mark 14:32-42 help us to revere Jesus in our hearts even if (especially if) we suffer today as commanded by 1 Peter 3:8-17?

In your opinion, how does knowing that the well-educated and logical Paul in Acts 18:18-23 and the impetuous and enthusiastic Peter in 1 Peter 3:8-17 both value “God’s will” help us understand the importance of God’s will in our lives today? 

In your opinion, what do these passages from Psalms, Mark, Acts and 1 Peter teach us about moving from thirsting for God to revering Christ as Lord? 

In your opinion, when we are suffering how can we, who share the sorrow of Jesus move from sorrow to being like Jesus when He prayed “Yet not what I will, but what you will”?

 

(sprucewhispers.blogspot.com)