Jesus Begins His Ministry

What a great group of ladies today. If you were there last week, and weren't able to come today, we missed you and prayed for you! Hope you can make it back next week. And welcome to the 4 new ladies today as well! We had 15 ladies today, and 12 kids!

We looked at Mark 1:14 - 3:6 and here are some of the questions we discussed.

Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. "The time has come," he said. " The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" Mark 1:14b-15

His ministry consisted of several things... preaching and teaching, performing miracles like healing people and driving out demons, and working with his disciples. Jesus also drew the attention of the Jewish leaders and came into conflict with them because of His teachings.

1. Why did Jesus start His ministry by saying, "The time is come. Repent and believe..." what would this mean to his listeners?

2. Jesus didn't just come out and say who He was and what He was doing there. Why do you think He chose to not explain this right away?

Read Mark 1:16-20
3. Would you leave your job and follow Jesus at a moment's notice?

4. Why do you think Jesus chose fishermen to be His first disciples?

Read Mark 1:21-34
5. What an amazing day! What do you think was going through the disciples minds after that first day with Jesus?

Read Mark 1:40-45

6. How strong was the leper's faith?

7. Why is it significant that Jesus "touched" the leper?

8. Why do you think Jesus repeatedly told people that He healed throughout the Gospels to "not tell anyone," but to go directly to the Priest, or to their families?

Read Mark 2:1-3:5

9. Who has the power and authority to forgive sins?

10. Why were the Jewish leaders upset by what Jesus said to the paralytic?

11. Who was upset that Jesus chose to dine with Matthew? Why did this bother them so much?

12. How do you think the Pharisees viewed themselves?

13. Why did Jesus say His disciples didn't need to fast while they were with Him?

14. Think about Jesus' actions on the Sabbath. Why did He not follow the law as the Jews knew it?

15. The Pharisees watched Jesus closely. Why?

16. Why did the Pharisees feel so threatened by Jesus?

Throughout His ministry, Jesus' fame and influence grew quickly. People followed Him everywhere. He showed that he was God's agent through his authoritative preaching and miracles of healing.

Have a great week everyone! Hope to see you next Tuesday. I will post some thoughts on these questions before next Tuesday.