Study Questions: 1. Can you recall any rivalry with others in your growing up years? READ Mark 10.32-52 2. What new information does Jesus reveal in this prediction of his death? Why does he predict his death more than once? 3. What behavior from the disciples shows their failure to accept or understand Jesus’ warning to them of his approaching death? 4. What does Jesus mean when he asks the brothers James and John if they can "drink the cup he will drink and be baptized with his baptism"? In what sense do the disciples eventually share in his cup and baptism? In what sense, if any, do we share in his cup and baptism? 5. How does biblical greatness differ from the way the world views greatness? Why is it so hard to achieve the kind of greatness that Jesus speaks of? What motivations are given us in this passage for pursuing this kind of greatness? 6. Give examples of relationships which require of you to become a better servant. In what specific ways might you serve these people better? 7. What is meant when Jesus says he "came to serve and give his life as a ransom for many?" What do we learn about his death here that we have not been told elsewhere? 8. What is new in this healing account? What makes it significant? 9. What is Bartimaeus' response to being healed and what are the implications for us?
I heard that you had a very interesting and lively discussion sessions. Here are some answers from the leader's "cheat-sheet." 1. The cup represents God's wrath at man's sin (Job 21:20; Ps. 60:3),particularly pride (Ps. 75:8). ... First, we share in Jesus' cup and baptism by placing our trust in him. By believing in Jesus, he becomes our representative. 2. What is new in this healing account? This is the final miracle that Jesus performs in Mark's gospel. Jesus is for the first time identified as the "Son of David". This was a title which was used of the expected Messiah in the time of Jesus. ... Secondly Bartimaeus cries for "mercy." He is asking for something he knows he does not deserve.
I have a bit addition on the "cup and baptism." Personally I think "drinking the cup and be baptized" means "obedience to God." It is not just about Christ's suffering. Can we be obedient to God even to suffer and die? (Phil. 2:8) In Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, he prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matt. 26:39) In Jesus' baptism, God declared that "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matt. 3:17)
In both cases, Jesus showed his obedience to God. So our concerned ought to be more on if we are obedient to God, not on what reward will I get from God. God is fair and just. He will make that determination. It should not be our concern as James and John did.
Study Questions:
ReplyDelete1. Can you recall any rivalry with others in your growing up years?
READ Mark 10.32-52
2. What new information does Jesus reveal in this prediction of his death? Why does he predict his death more than once?
3. What behavior from the disciples shows their failure to accept or understand Jesus’ warning to them of his approaching death?
4. What does Jesus mean when he asks the brothers James and John if they can "drink the cup he will drink and be baptized with his baptism"? In what sense do the disciples eventually share in his cup and baptism? In what sense, if any, do we share in his cup and baptism?
5. How does biblical greatness differ from the way the world views greatness? Why is it so hard to achieve the kind of greatness that Jesus speaks of? What motivations are given us in this passage for pursuing this kind of greatness?
6. Give examples of relationships which require of you to become a better servant. In what specific ways might you serve these people better?
7. What is meant when Jesus says he "came to serve and give his life as a ransom for many?" What do we learn about his death here that we have not been told elsewhere?
8. What is new in this healing account? What makes it significant?
9. What is Bartimaeus' response to being healed and what are the implications for us?
I heard that you had a very interesting and lively discussion sessions. Here are some answers from the leader's "cheat-sheet."
ReplyDelete1. The cup represents God's wrath at man's sin (Job 21:20; Ps. 60:3),particularly pride (Ps. 75:8). ... First, we share in Jesus' cup and baptism by placing our trust in him. By believing in Jesus, he becomes our representative.
2. What is new in this healing account? This is the final miracle that Jesus performs in Mark's gospel. Jesus is for the first time identified as the "Son of David". This was a title which was used of the expected Messiah in the time of Jesus. ... Secondly Bartimaeus cries for "mercy." He is asking for something he knows
he does not deserve.
I have a bit addition on the "cup and baptism." Personally I think "drinking the cup and be baptized" means "obedience to God." It is not just about Christ's suffering. Can we be obedient to God even to suffer and die? (Phil. 2:8)
In Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, he prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matt. 26:39)
In Jesus' baptism, God declared that "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matt. 3:17)
In both cases, Jesus showed his obedience to God. So our concerned ought to be more on if we are obedient to God, not on what reward will I get from God. God is fair and just. He will make that determination. It should not be our concern as James and John did.