As we approach the most important day of the Christian calendar, it’s helpful to take a refreshing scholarly look at Mark 14-16. In addition to spiritual application, these lessons focus on the historical and sociological context of the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. It’s amazing to see how, even on the cross, Jesus…
This week we studied Peter’s repentance after he realized his denial of Jesus; clarified the “three” trials; and learned a little bit about the first-century Roman Prefect, Pilate. This lesson served as a warning against becoming cocky in our faith (no pun intended), because we’re all vulnerable to temptation. We were encouraged as we discussed Jesus’ response to the…
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This week we studied the juxtaposition of Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin in the high priest’s home and Peter’s trial before the servants and guards in the courtyard. We saw how once again, the rich and powerful rejected the truth, while the humble and lowly pursued it. We saw how Mark’s technique of sandwiching helps…
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This week we focused on the physical context of the “trial” of Jesus in the home/palace of the High Priest (Caiaphas) while Peter stood outside in the courtyard denying Him. We discussed the Sanhedrin as a law-enforcing group within Judaism, as well as their inability to follow their own rules. We briefly reviewed the literary technique…
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This week we did a quick overview of the rest of Mark 14. We looked at a literary technique Mark uses in his Gospel to “SANDWICH” one story into the middle of another with an intentional and discernible theological purpose. The sandwiches emphasize the MAJOR THEMES of Mark’s Gospel— especially the meaning of faith, discipleship, bearing witness,…
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This week we studied Jesus’ Gethsemane prediction of Peter’s imminent denials and the forthcoming abandonment by His apostles. As they entered the Garden, the group of followers thinned out to only four: Peter, James, John, and Jesus. As they moved farther into the Garden, we observed how Jesus allowed this “inner circle of friends” to see…
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