Bible Readings for April 25 – May 1

Mark 15

Why do you think Jesus responded to Pilate’s question by simply saying: “You have said so”? How do you think you would have responded if you found yourself in that situation?

How do you think Simon of Cyrene was affected by his role in Jesus’ crucifixion? Why do you think Mark (as well as other gospel writers) chooses to mention Simon?

Why did it take courage for Joseph to request the body of Jesus?

Mark 16

We often begin Easter Sunday in full joy and celebration. How does this mood compare to what we see demonstrated by Mary, Mary, and Salome? How can we remember not only the joy of the resurrection, but also the fear his followers had immediately after his death?

What reasons did the women have to be afraid?

If we assume the gospel of Mark ended with verse 8, do you think this was intentional and if so, why would Mark have ended his story here?

1 Thessalonians 1

Who are people in your life that you give thanks for their “work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of home”?

In what ways have you seen God’s message demonstrated in you with power and conviction?

How can you be such a person of faith that you are imitated by others?

1 Thessalonians 2

Describe a time when you have had to be bold in your proclamation of the gospel. In what ways did you encounter conflict as a result of your boldness? Did this conflict cause you to consider not being bold?

What sort of life must you live to demonstrate a “motherly affection” for the people you are trying to reach for Jesus? Would you say you often have this sort of attitude? Why or why not?

1 Thessalonians 3

Has there ever been a time when you were worried sick over the spiritual health of someone? How did you respond to this worry?

Pray this prayer for someone today: “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as I do for you.”

Bible Readings for April 11-17

Mark 5

Why do you think people were afraid to see the healed demoniac sitting calmly in his right mind? How do we typically respond to a demonstration of the power of God?

How desperate was the woman who touched Jesus’ cloak? What do you think you would have done if you had been in a similar situation and why?

What power or authority does Jesus NOT have? In what ways should our lives be different knowing the power he has?

Mark 6

Why do you think the people of Nazareth went so quickly from amazement at Jesus’ teaching to taking offense at what he was saying? How do you respond to Jesus’ teaching?

What would have been going through your mind if Jesus sent you out with nothing for your journey except the clothes on your back?

What does it tell you about Jesus that he had compassion on the crowd hearing him teach? And that he feed them?

Mark 7

What traditions might we hold that cause us to focus more on the tradition than on honoring God? How can we focus more on honoring Him?

Why do you think Jesus spends so much time telling people not to tell others about the healing and miracles he was doing?

Mark 8

Why do people want signs from God even in the midst of all of the great things Jesus is doing? How have you seen Jesus’ actions at work in your own life?

Do you think Peter knew what he was saying when he said that Jesus was the Christ? What does it mean to you that Jesus was not just a man, but was actually the Christ, the Messiah?

Mark 9

In what ways are you listening to Jesus? How do you make an effort to hear him better?

Do you think you would have understood Jesus’ saying he was going to be killed if you had been one of his disciples? Why do you think this is the case?

Why do we care so much about being the greatest … at almost everything!? In what ways do you seek to serve others instead of trying to be the greatest?

Bible Readings for April 4-10

2 Peter 3

In what ways might it be easy for us to assume that the promise of Christ’s return might have been overlooked? What reminder do you hold on to in order to not forget Christ’s coming return?

How does the slowness of Christ’s return and the desire of God to see people come to repentance motivate you to help people find faith in Jesus?

What are you looking forward to most about God’s promise of a new heaven and a new earth?

Mark 1

As you read through Mark 1, what is different about the start of this gospel in comparison to the other three? Why do you think this is the case?

Are you surprised at the first recorded words of Jesus here? What might you have expected if not these words? How would you have started your public ministry if you were in Jesus’ shoes?

Why do you think Jesus—the Son of God—felt compelled to go off to a solitary place and pray? How can you schedule more time for solitude and prayer in your life?

Mark 2

What sort of relationship do you think the paralytic had with the four men carrying him? Why do you think this is the case? How does this compare to the relationships you have with others?

Three (at least) of the stories in this chapter involve the Pharisees. Why do you sense the Pharisees were so focused on rule-keeping and maintaining holiness versus Jesus’ desire to call to him those who were lost? Which of these categories would you say you fit into?

Mark 3

The story of the man with the withered hand is the only place in the gospels where we are specifically told that Jesus was angry. What’s it take to make Jesus angry? How does this compare to what makes you angry and what might need to change in your life based on this reflection?

We often talk about belonging to the “family of God.” What does Jesus say it takes to be a part of his family? How “family” are you and how can you be even more so that way?

Mark 4

In what ways have you felt like each of the four different soils Jesus describes in this parable? What are you doing to try to be as healthy a soil as possible?

How is it that Jesus could sleep in the middle of this storm?

Why do you think “do not fear” is one of if not the most often used command Jesus tells others? How has knowing Jesus reduced fear in your life?