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First published March 2005 Anglican Youthworks PO Box A287, Sydney South NSW 1235 Tel: 61 2 8268 3344 www.youthworks.net

Copyright © Anglican Youthworks 2005

This book is copyright. Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Inquiries should be addressed to the publishers.

Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.

ISBN 1 920935 67 3 Written by Scott Petty Edited by Julie Moser Designed by www.firingminds.com

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The man who is God

Introducing the book of MarkThe gospel of Mark is the shortest of the four gospels. Mark gets straight to the point of the gospel (or good news) about Jesus Christ (Mark 1:1). You will notice that the story of Jesus’ life in the gospel of Mark is a fast paced ride. Mark is really a book of two halves. In the first half of Mark (chapters 1–8), which these studies will look at closely, the question that keeps occurring is ‘who is this man?’ As these studies investigate this question, you will discover that Mark paints a portrait of Jesus as the man who is God.

The studies in this booklet start by looking at what happened when Jesus started his public ministry proclaiming the coming of the kingdom of God and calling the first disciples. Studies 2 and 3 investigate what Jesus came to do by looking at what he said and did in the early days of his ministry. Studies 4 and 5 focus on what it means to hear what Jesus had to say, and what it means to have faith in him. Study 6 shows us how the man who is God cares for his people and Study 7 finishes the series by focussing on the question posed by Jesus to his disciples in Mark 8, ‘Who do you say I am?’

At the end of each study there is a section called ‘Bringing it home’. This is a part of the group study time and is designed to help you take what you have learned about Jesus and apply it to your lives. The end goal is that as you discover more about Jesus, you will be changed to become more whole-hearted followers of the man who is God.

Hope you enjoy the ride!

Scott Petty

The man who is God

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1The man who is God Mark 1:1–20

The man who is God

: : S H A R E

Imagine your favourite singer, actor or sports player is coming to town. You have been waiting for them to arrive for ages. What will you do when you see them? Choose one of the options below and then discuss your answers.

scream like a crazy person

ask for an autograph then leave him/her alone

faint

invite him/her around to hang out with your buddies

listen carefully to what he/she has to say at his/her press conference

other? ______________________________________________________

: : W H O I S J E S U S ? Read Mark 1:1–13

Write down your first thoughts about this passage and then share your answers.

The Jewish people had been waiting for a saviour for hundreds of years. The quote from the Old Testament book of Isaiah (Mark 1:2-3) was over 700 years old when Jesus burst onto the scene.

How did John the Baptist prepare people for the arrival of Jesus? (verses 4–8)

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Many people in those days went to John, confessed their sins and were baptised (verse 5). Jesus had no sin to confess however he was baptised by John (verse 9) to show his connection with us as a human.

The Holy Spirit came upon Jesus from heaven in the form of a dove and then God spoke (verses 10–11). What did God’s statement tell us about Jesus?

In this passage Jesus is shown to be both a real man (by his baptism) and God’s son (by God’s statement). What do you think this would have meant for Jesus being tempted by Satan (verse 12–13) as:

a) a real human

b) God’s son.

Read Hebrews 4:14–16.

How can this passage help us when we face temptation?

: : F O L L O W I N G J E S U S Read Mark 1:14–20

After John was put in prison Jesus began his public ministry. What was the main idea of his message? (verse 15)

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Why is Jesus’ message such ‘good news’? (verses 14 and 15)? Also have a look at Mark 10:45 and Acts 13:38.

Soon after proclaiming the good news of God, Jesus spoke to two sets of brothers. Fill in the spaces below to record what happened.

Their names What Jesus said to them

How they responded to Jesus

First set of brothers

(verse 16) (verse 17) (verse 18)

Second set of brothers

(verse 19) (verse 20) (verse 20)

: : B R I N G I N G I T H O M E

Unlike most people, the brothers followed Jesus immediately. What reasons do people give for not following Jesus? Circle what you believe to be the most common excuse and explain your answer.

I’m just too busy right now

I don’t want my life to change

My friends/family won’t understand

I don’t want someone to tell me how to live

I need to know more information before I follow Jesus

It would be too embarrassing

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Have you ever used any of these excuses?

What could make it difficult for you to follow Jesus?

How can this group help each other to be committed to following Jesus?

: : P R AY

Ask God that together you would have the courage and willingness to follow Jesus.