Mark, Chapter 2: The Healer in Galilee

For the next suggested Bible Study passage, I suggest reading in the Gospel According to Mark, through the end of Chapter 2.  Why do you suppose that the author gives no explanation regarding why Simon, Andrew, James and John decided to follow Jesus?  This section of the Gospel centers on stories of Jesus' early proclamation of "the kingdom of God," on his teaching "with authority," and on various healings.  As he was casting out demons, he commanded them to remain silent about his identity--why do you think he did so? Why would Jesus choose to live in Capernaum, rather than in Nazareth?  Chapter 2 features the healing of a paralytic man who was lowered through the roof of Jesus' house by the man's friends.  Can you remember times when others have "carried" you in times of need, or when you have helped others who seemed helpless?  Do you think Jesus disapproved of fasting or avoiding work during the Sabbath?  If not, what was his attitude toward such things?  

A New Online Bible Study! Starting with Mark, Chapter 1: "And immediately..."

This is the start of our new Bible Study Reading Club and Discussion Group! I'll suggest a Bible passage to read, and ask some questions, just to get the thought process going. I hope you will all read the passage and make comments. Offer ideas, questions, or memories that are triggered by the reading. Let's have a real conversation! To start, why don't we read Chapter 1 of the Gospel According to Mark? Mark is almost certainly the first of the gospel accounts to have been written, and it's the shortest. In Chapter 1, Mark just launches into a description of the ministry of John the baptizer. Why is there no account of the birth of Jesus? He just arrives as an adult from Nazareth, to be baptized by John. What does it mean for John to describe himself as "not worthy to untie the sandals" of the one who will follow him? Why should Jesus present himself for baptism? Why does Mark start so many sentences with the word "And" or the phrase "And immediately..."? What did Jesus mean in proclaiming that "The kingdom of God is at hand"?