SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
Mark 9:1 through 13:37

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” (Mark 13:35-37)

BACKGROUND

A shift of focus is evident in this section of the Book of Mark. The last verses of chapter 8 and the beginning of chapter 9 are considered a midpoint of this book. From here on, Jesus began to interact more with His close followers and less with the multitudes. In about six months, He would face the Cross.

Chapter 9 tells how Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John. Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the prophets) stood before them. Yet Jesus in shiny, white raiment transcended them both. Jesus was the fulfillment of both the Law and the messages of the prophets, and God’s Voice confirmed that He was the divine Son of God.

With His steps headed toward Jerusalem, Jesus began to intensify His instructions to the disciples to help prepare them for the traumatic days ahead. He taught them about humility, unity, marriage and divorce, positions in the kingdom of God, and faith. Twice He warned them that He would be put to death, but also promised that He would rise again the third day.

Chapter 11 tells of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem and His cleansing of the Temple. The opposition of the religious leaders was strong, and Jesus gave parables and instruction to them, as well as to His disciples. The stage was being set for the crucial event of all time.

The events recorded in chapter 13 are not in chronological order. Some took place in history, some are present-day happenings, and some are yet to come. The purpose was not to pinpoint the timetable of events, but rather to warn believers to be ready for the terrible times ahead. The text concludes with the theme: “And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch” (Mark 13:37).

QUESTIONS

1. The Transfiguration was a glorious revelation and an important event in the life of Christ. Why do you think Jesus told Peter, James, and John not to tell others about this until after His death? Mark 9:9
   
2. In Mark 9:43-45, Jesus gave a stern warning about the consequence of allowing sin into one’s life. He told us to cut off our hand, our foot, or to pluck out our eye if they would cause us to sin. How should we apply this concept?
   
3. Jesus instructed His disciples to “have salt in yourselves” (Mark 9:50). Salt has several properties, including enhancing flavor, purifying, and preserving food. How can each of these attributes of salt be exemplified in our Christian lives?
   
4. In Mark 10:17-22, the rich young ruler said he had observed all the commandments that Jesus had rehearsed. Why do you think Jesus omitted the first commandment about loving the Lord with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength when He was talking with this young man?
   
5. Why was Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, as recorded in Mark 11:1-10, significant?
   
6. One of the scribes asked Jesus which of the Ten Commandments was most important. Jesus summarized the ten into first loving God, and second, loving others (Mark 12:28-31). What are ways we can put the second commandment into practice?
   
7. Jesus called the disciples’ attention to the poor widow who cast two mites into the Temple treasury, as opposed to those who cast in great wealth (Mark 12:41-44). What lessons can we learn from this simple account?
   
8. In Mark 13:32-37, Jesus warned His listeners of things that would occur at the end time. He repeatedly urged them to be ready, to watch and pray, and then concluded it all by saying, “What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” What are some ways we can “watch” in order to be ready for Jesus’ coming?

CONCLUSION

After Jesus gave instruction concerning the Kingdom of God, He concluded by warning His listeners to be ready for His next coming, and to “Watch.”