Whether used as an individual Bible study or used for studying with a group, the Nelson Impact Bible Study Guide Series will deepen your knowledge and understanding of the Bible, book by book. Written in an easy-to-read, interesting style, each study guide will help you to experience the true meaning of the messages of the Bible, and in turn, empower you to truly make a difference in the world for Christ. Key Features Include: Timelines - Fun cultural facts and probing questions - Plenty of room for taking notes - Biblical and present-day maps Other study guides in the series include: 1 Corinthians ISBN: 1418506192 - Exodus ISBN: 1418506168 - Genesis ISBN: 1418506087 - Isaiah ISBN: 1418506095 - John ISBN: 1418506109 - Mark ISBN: 1418506184 - Romans ISBN: 1418506117 - Ruth & Esther ISBN: 1418506176 Parables Of Jesus Mark By Edward (Les) Middleton Thomas Nelson Copyright © 2006 Thomas Nelson, Inc. All right reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4185-0618-6 Contents Introduction...........................................................11 Preparing for Public Ministry (1:1–13)........................92 Early Galilean Ministry (1:14–3:6)............................163 Later Galilean Ministry (3:7–6:6).............................294 Ministry in Galilee and Beyond (6:7–8:30).....................495 Journey to Jerusalem (8:31–10:52).............................656 Jerusalem Ministry (11:1–13:37)...............................857 Suffering and Death (14:1–15:47)..............................1058 Resurrection (16:1–20)........................................1219 Coming to a Close....................................................127How to Build Your Reference Library....................................129 Chapter One Preparing For Public Ministry Mark 1:1–13 Before We Begin ... What do you believe was God's mission for John the Baptist? How do you think John reacted when he realized who Jesus was? In the very first sentence of his Gospel, Mark makes a point of introducing his main character—Jesus—with a specific title: "Jesus Christ, the Son of God." Every word in this introduction bears significant meaning. Jesus , a divinely given personal name, is the Greek equivalent of Yhosua (Joshua) in Hebrew and means "Yahweh is salvation." Christ is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew title mashiyach (messiah), meaning "anointed one." It refers to the ruler and deliverer anticipated by the Jewish people who would fulfill Old Testament prophecies. The title Christ eventually became part of Jesus' personal name. Son points to Jesus' unique relationship to God, as well as to His humanity. He depends on and obeys God the Father just as a human son does his father. God emphasizes Jesus' deity. Though He has adopted human form according to His Father's plan, He remains perfect, holy, and fully divine. Think about what Mark may have been trying to communicate by starting out his narrative this way, then answer the following questions. What effect might the name Jesus have had on people who met Him and understood its meaning? What other meanings of names might God have considered for His only Son? What does a title say about a person? How can a title be misleading? Does the idea of Jesus as "Son of God" make it easier or harder for you to identify with Him? Why? How can someone be both human and divine? List any struggles you might have with this concept. Getting Ready (Mark 1:1–8) The first section of the Gospel of Mark is all about "getting ready." John the Baptist prepares the people for the arrival of a new king—the King of all kings—with proclamations to great crowds of people. Jesus prepares for His historic ministry through His baptism and through a period of testing in the desert. The actions of both are vital to the success of everything that follows. Before describing these events, however, Mark readies his own readers for what is to come. He reminds us of the Old Testament prophecies about a messenger who will "prepare the way of the LORD" (Mark 1:3 NKJV) as recorded by the prophet Isaiah. Other than quotations by Jesus, it is the only place in his Gospel where Mark refers to the Old Testament. Fill in the blanks in the passage below, then answer the questions that follow. "Behold, I send My __________ before Your face, Who will __________ Your way before You." "The voice of one crying in the __________: 'Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His __________ straight.'" (Mark 1:2–3 NKJV) In ancient times, often a messenger was sent ahead to announce the coming of a king so townspeople could repair rough roads. How is John the Baptist like one of these messengers? In what ways might people have responded differently to Jesus if John the Baptist had not "prepared the way"? Do you see any similarities between the Israelites' wanderings in the wilderness and God's chosen messenger, John the Baptist? What are they? Why does Mark seem to emphasize th