The Gospel According to Mark: Jesus the Suffering ServantSample

So many things happen in these verses that it can be hard to keep up. Each of the four episodes could be its own book or movie. Instead, they are each compressed into just a few verses. The lack of details in each scene creates space for readers to imagine and envision it for themselves. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you sense? The imagining and envisioning can help the story come to life. At the same time, it’s important not to insert anything into the story that would change its true meaning.

Some readers are surprised that Jesus attended and taught in the synagogue because they’ve been told that Jesus is anti-religion or anti-church. Jesus was actually a very religious man (he followed all of his religion’s traditions and teachings), and he’s the one who established the Church before leaving Earth after his resurrection.

What Jesus opposed was people who misused religious teaching and tradition for their own gain, or who twisted it in ways that confused and distanced certain people.

Jesus loved God’s Word. Jesus loved God’s place of worship and fellowship. Jesus loved God’s teaching and truth. He can show us how to do the same, with the right attitude and for the right reasons.

Focused Reflection

verses 22-23 (Jesus teaches in the synagogue)

• Jesus often attended and taught in the synagogue, which was the local Jewish place of worship. What are your thoughts about Jesus’ regular involvement in local synagogues?
• Describe your own involvement in a local church. Why do you think Jesus established the Church for his followers to be part of?

verses 40-44 (Jesus heals a man with leprosy)

• Put yourself in the story. What do you think the man with leprosy was feeling? If you were to kneel before Jesus, how would you finish this statement: “Jesus, if you are willing, you can ... ”

General Reflection

• What do you learn about Jesus from this passage?
• What do you learn about following Jesus from this passage?

Extra Info

• Sabbath​ was a day of worship and rest from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown.
• Synagogues​ were local places of worship. Most villages had a synagogue. Jesus often taught in the synagogues.
• The Law of Moses​ refers to writings in the first five books of the Bible, also called the Torah.
• Leviticus 14 includes ancient guidelines about skin diseases. Jesus eventually replaced the ancient ceremonial laws with his own sacrifice.
• Leprosy​ referred to many different skin diseases in the ancient world.