DAY SIX:  Following Christ

1.  As we read in the Introduction, between the time of the Babylonian captivity and the days of Jesus, the Hasidim (later the Pharisees) developed oral interpretations of what they thought the Law meant, and sadly began living more by their own interpretations rather than by the Law itself.  Judaism became a religion of external activity rather than a relationship with God.  After Jesus’ day, the rabbis complicated things even more.  They assembled the memorized oral traditions in writing (the Mishnah); later commentaries were made on the Mishnah (the Gemarah).  These in turn were compiled together in the Talmud in the Fourth and Fifth Centuries A.D.[xvi]  They had taken the beautiful Law and Word of God and instead emphasized human ideas and interpretations, taking the life out of their synagogue services.  Jesus’ teachings to the people were alive, unlike the boring droning on and on by the Pharisees and scribes. “The teaching was fresh, original as the dew of the morning on the blossoms just blown.”[xvii]

How are you approaching and proclaiming God’s Word to others?  How are you seeking to embrace its freshness?  Read the following passage, and record some thoughts about how you can better approach learning and sharing God’s Word to others: 

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12–13, nkjv)

2.  Not only do we need to have a fresh view of the Scriptures, but we need to set aside time daily to be in prayer.  Jesus’ example stood out to us of doing this.  Even after ministering to others late into the night, He did not miss His time with the Father to seek inspiration, wisdom, and strength.  How is your prayer life?  What are some ways that you can more effectively pray and set aside that special time for communing with God?  Write down your thoughts here, then as a group discuss these and seek to encourage each other in having a more effective life of prayer.

3.  Serving God and feeling compassion are linked together for us as believers.  Peter’s mother-in-law was a great example of serving in thankfulness for Jesus’ touch in her life.  Warren Wiersbe also pointed out that if Jesus came to the earth as a servant, “then being a servant is the highest of all callings.”[xviii] We can’t always do something about each situation that stirs God’s compassion in us, but there are many ways we can serve God and others each day.  What are some situations you have come across lately that stirred compassion in you?  How did you or could you have responded better in service to the person in the situation?  In view of all that Jesus has done for you, how will you commit yourself to follow and serve Him?

Scripture Memory:  Hopefully you now can write out this week’s passage completely by memory.  Do so now, and keep on reviewing it so you will be ready to share it with others in your group time.

Mark 1:41:

[i] Kenneth S. Wuest, The New Testament, An Expanded Translation (Grand Rapids:  Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1961), Mark 1:9.

[ii] Paul J. Achtemeier (ed.), Harper’s Bible Dictionary, 1^st Edition (San Francisco:  Harper and Row, 1985), on Logos Research Systems, Inc., Bellingham, 2001-2004.

[iii] Except where indicated, all Greek definitions referred to in this Lesson are based on A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, Vol. 5, 6 (Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.  Oak Harbor:  Logos Research Systems, Inc, 1932, 1933, 1997); James Strong, The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible:  Showing Every Word of the Text of the Common English Version of the Canonical Books, and Every Occurrence of Each Word in Regular Order (electronic edition).  Woodside Bible Fellowship:  Ontario, 1996; Kenneth W. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader (Grand Rapids:  Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.).  In Logos Research Systems, Inc., Bellingham, 1984, 199; and Spiros Zodhiates ed., The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga:  AMG Publishers, electronic edition).  In Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1992, 1993, 2000.

[iv]Joel F. Williams, Mark.  In Darrell Bock ed., The Bible Knowledge Key Word Study: The Gospels (Colorado Springs:  Cook Communications Ministries, 2002), p. 118.

[v] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary Vol. 1 (Wheaton:  Victor Books/SP Publications, Inc.), p. 112

[vi] Joel F. Williams, Mark, p. 119.

[vii] Robert H. Gundry, A Survey of the New Testament, 4^th Edition (Grand Rapids:  Zondervan, 1970, 1981, 1994, 2003), pp. 30. 31. 35.

[viii] James A. Brooks, Mark.  In David S. Dockery ed., The New American Commentary Vol. 23 (Nashville:  Broadman Press, 1991), p. 50.

[ix] Warren W.  Wiersbe, The Bible Knowledge Commentary Vol. 1, pp. 112, 113.

[x] Alexander Maclaren, Mark:  The God Who Serves (Old Tappan:  Fleming H. Revell Co., 1987), p. 41.

[xi] Joel F. Williams, Mark, p.119; also James A. Brooks, Mark, p. 53.

[xii] John D. Grossmick, Mark.  In John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck eds., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament (Wheaton:  Victor Books/SP Publications, 1983), p. 110.

[xiii] John D. Grossmick, Mark, p. 111.

[xiv] Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary:  New Testament (Downer’s Grove:  InterVarsity Press, 1993), p. 139.

[xv] John MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Commentary (Nashville:  Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2005), p. 1200; Warren W.  Wiersbe, The Bible Knowledge Commentary Vol. 1, p. 112.

[xvi] Robert H. Gundry, A Survey of the New Testament, 4^th Edition, p. 61, 62.

[xvii] A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, Vol. 5, 6 (Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.  Oak Harbor:  Logos Research Systems, Inc, 1932, 1933, 1997).

[xviii] Warren W. Wiersbe, p. 114.

© 2005 by Harvest Christian Fellowship. All rights reserved. Written by Thomas Klock for Men’s Bible Fellowship, 2005-2006.

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