The Gospel According to Mark - Christian Fellowship Reflection Questions

Here are reflection questions for each chapter in the Book of Mark:

Mark 1

1. Mark 1:9-11 (Jesus' Baptism): How does Jesus’ baptism and the declaration from heaven ("You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased") shape our understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission? How should this shape our identity as followers of Christ?
2. Mark 1:14-20 (Calling of the First Disciples): What does it mean to “follow Jesus” in your daily life? How can we leave our “nets” and follow Him more closely?
3. Mark 1:35-39 (Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place): What can we learn from Jesus’ example of withdrawing to pray? How can we incorporate this practice into our lives?

Mark 2

1. Mark 2:1-12 (Jesus Heals a Paralytic): What does this story teach us about faith, both of the paralytic and his friends? How can we support others in their faith journey?
2. Mark 2:13-17 (Calling of Levi and Eating with Sinners): How does Jesus' willingness to associate with tax collectors and sinners challenge our approach to those society considers outcasts? How can we be more inclusive in our fellowship?
3. Mark 2:23-28 (Lord of the Sabbath): What does Jesus’ teaching about the Sabbath reveal about the purpose of the Sabbath and about Jesus’ authority? How can we honor the Sabbath in our lives today?

Mark 3

1. Mark 3:1-6 (Healing on the Sabbath): How does Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath challenge the religious leaders’ understanding of the law? What does this teach us about compassion versus legalism?
2. Mark 3:13-19 (The Appointing of the Twelve): Why is it significant that Jesus called ordinary people to be His disciples? How does this encourage you in your walk with Christ?
3. Mark 3:31-35 (Jesus’ Mother and Brothers): What does Jesus mean when He says, “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother”? How does this redefine family in the context of Christian fellowship?

Mark 4

1. Mark 4:1-20 (Parable of the Sower): Which type of soil best represents your heart right now? How can you cultivate a heart that is receptive to God’s word?
2. Mark 4:35-41 (Jesus Calms the Storm): How do you respond to storms or trials in your life? How can Jesus’ power over the storm strengthen your faith?
3. Mark 4:21-25 (A Lamp on a Stand): What does it mean to let your light shine before others? How can you actively reflect the light of Christ in your community?

Mark 5

1. Mark 5:1-20 (Healing of the Demon-Possessed Man): How does this story show Jesus’ power over evil? What does it teach us about the transformation that comes through Christ?
2. Mark 5:21-34 (Healing of the Woman with a Blood Issue): How does the woman’s faith in reaching out to touch Jesus inspire you? What steps of faith do you need to take in your own life?
3. Mark 5:35-43 (Raising of Jairus’ Daughter): What does Jesus’ response to Jairus and his household teach us about trust and faith in seemingly hopeless situations?

Mark 6

1. Mark 6:1-6 (A Prophet Without Honor): How do familiarity and preconceived notions hinder our faith? How can we overcome these barriers in our relationship with Jesus?
2. Mark 6:30-44 (Feeding of the 5000): How does Jesus’ provision in this story encourage you to trust Him with your needs? How can we be instruments of His provision for others?
3. Mark 6:45-52 (Jesus Walks on Water): How does Jesus’ presence in the storm bring comfort and assurance? How can we recognize and rely on His presence in our own struggles?

Mark 7

1. Mark 7:1-23 (Clean and Unclean): How does Jesus’ teaching about what defiles a person challenge our understanding of purity and holiness? What internal attitudes need transformation in your life?
2. Mark 7:24-30 (Faith of a Syrophoenician Woman): What can we learn from the Syrophoenician woman’s persistence and humility? How can we approach Jesus with similar faith?
3. Mark 7:31-37 (Healing of a Deaf and Mute Man): How does this miracle demonstrate Jesus’ compassion and power? How can we show compassion to those with physical and spiritual needs?

Mark 8

1. Mark 8:1-10 (Feeding the Four Thousand): What does this second feeding miracle teach us about Jesus’ compassion and provision? How can we cultivate a heart of gratitude for God’s provision?
2. Mark 8:27-30 (Peter’s Confession of Christ): What does Peter’s declaration about Jesus mean to you personally? How does this shape your identity as a follower of Christ?
3. Mark 8:34-38 (The Way of the Cross): What does it mean to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus? How can you apply this to your daily life?

Mark 9

1. Mark 9:2-13 (The Transfiguration): How does the transfiguration reveal Jesus’ glory and divine nature? How should this vision of Jesus impact our worship and discipleship?
2. Mark 9:14-29 (Healing of a Boy with an Evil Spirit): How does Jesus’ response to the boy’s father’s plea for help inspire you to bring your struggles to Him? What areas of your life need more faith and prayer?
3. Mark 9:33-37 (Who is the Greatest?): How does Jesus’ teaching on greatness and humility challenge our ambitions? How can we serve others with a Christ-like humility?

Mark 10

1. Mark 10:13-16 (Jesus Blesses the Children): What does Jesus’ welcome of children teach us about the kingdom of God? How can we adopt a childlike faith and trust in our relationship with God?
2. Mark 10:17-27 (The Rich Young Man): What obstacles or possessions might be holding you back from fully following Jesus? How can you prioritize your relationship with Him above all else?
3. Mark 10:46-52 (Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight): How does Bartimaeus’ persistence and faith inspire you? What areas of your life need healing or restoration through Jesus?

Mark 11

1. Mark 11:1-11 (The Triumphal Entry): How does Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as a humble king influence your understanding of His mission and kingship? How can we honor Jesus as King in our lives?
2. Mark 11:12-25 (Jesus Clears the Temple): What does Jesus’ cleansing of the temple teach us about true worship and reverence for God’s house? How can we cultivate a heart of sincere worship?
3. Mark 11:20-25 (The Withered Fig Tree): What does the withering of the fig tree symbolize about fruitfulness in our lives? How can we bear more spiritual fruit through faith and prayer?

Mark 12

1. Mark 12:1-12 (The Parable of the Tenants): How does this parable illustrate God’s patience and justice? What is your response to God’s call to bear fruit in His vineyard?
2. Mark 12:28-34 (The Greatest Commandment): How can we practically love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves? What specific steps can you take to live out these commandments?
3. Mark 12:41-44 (The Widow’s Offering): What does the widow’s offering teach us about true generosity and sacrifice? How can we give more selflessly to God and others?

Mark 13

1. Mark 13:1-13 (Signs of the End Times): How should Jesus’ teachings about the end times influence our priorities and actions today? How can we remain vigilant and faithful amidst challenges?
2. Mark 13:14-23 (The Abomination of Desolation): What does Jesus’ warning about the abomination of desolation teach us about preparedness and perseverance? How can we prepare our hearts for times of trial?
3. Mark 13:32-37 (No One Knows the Day or Hour): How does the uncertainty of Jesus’ return encourage us to live faithfully and expectantly? What changes can you make to be more watchful and ready?

Mark 14

1. Mark 14:3-9 (Jesus Anointed at Bethany): How does the woman’s act of anointing Jesus inspire you to show love and devotion to Him? What extravagant act of worship can you offer to Jesus?
2. Mark 14:32-42 (Gethsemane): What can we learn from Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane about facing trials and submitting to God’s will? How can we seek God’s strength in our moments of weakness?
3. Mark 14:66-72 (Peter Disowns Jesus): How does Peter’s denial and subsequent repentance offer hope to us when we fail? In what areas of your life do you need to seek forgiveness and restoration?

Mark 15

1. Mark 15:1-15 (Jesus Before Pilate): How does Jesus’ silence and composure before Pilate speak to you about handling unjust accusations or suffering? How can you reflect Jesus’ attitude in difficult situations?
2. Mark 15:16-32 (The Crucifixion): What does the crucifixion of Jesus reveal about the depth of God’s love for humanity? How does this understanding of sacrifice impact your relationship with God and others?
3. Mark 15:33-39 (The Death of Jesus): What is the significance of the temple veil being torn at Jesus’ death? How does this event change your access to and relationship with God?

Mark 16

1. Mark 16:1-8 (The Resurrection): How does the resurrection of Jesus provide hope and assurance for your faith? What difference does the resurrection make in your daily life and future hope?
2. Mark 16:9-20 (The Great Commission): How do Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples challenge you to share the gospel? What steps can you take to be more active in spreading the good news of Jesus?
3. Mark 16:14-18 (Jesus Appears to the Eleven): How does Jesus’ appearance to the doubting disciples encourage you in your moments of doubt? How can you support others who struggle with faith and belief?

These questions are designed to encourage deep reflection and discussion, fostering a greater understanding and application of the scriptures in personal and communal faith journeys.