At Vineyard Church, we're reading and studying through the Gospel of Mark together. A resource we're sharing is this "Daily Dip into Mark", a guide to experiencing the text.
You can download a pdf copy of Week 2 by clicking here (it's also copied below).
Please let us know how this week's reading hits you by adding your comments below!
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Introduction
Begin each day with a simple prayer asking God to speak to you today through the story of Mark’s Gospel.
If you have a couple minutes at the end of your time each day, come back here and consider using these prayers as a guide this week:
Prayers Appointed for the Week
(from the Divine Hours, edited by Phyllis Tickle)
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory now and for ever. Amen.
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
Monday
Start back at the beginning of Mark and read from the beginning through chapter 2, verse 12.
Which parts catch your attention? Why?
At the end, the people exclaim “We have never seen anything like this!” Which parts of this story so far contain things you’ve never seen anything like?
Tuesday
Re-read Mark 1:16-2:12.
Come back and focus on 1:16-20.
Jesus is beginning to handpick his students, in training to “fish for people”. What reasons (pragmatic or deep) could Jesus have had for choosing these fishermen to be his full-time students?
What is surprising about the fishermen’s responses?
What do we see here about Jesus himself as a fisher of people?
In this little section is a calling for disciples/apprentices: to fish for people, that is, to draw people into the Kingdom of God. But there is also an invitation: to learn this skill by following Jesus, who is the master fisherman. Jesus doesn’t even expect professional fishermen to already know how to fish for people. But once they have been trained by Jesus, they will be sent out to successfully do it. How does all this impact the way you think about your own calling to fish for people?
Wednesday
Re-read Mark 1:16-2:12.
Come back and focus on 1:21-39.
This is the snapshot of a day in the life of Jesus, during his early Kingdom campaigning. What is revealed about Jesus during this day? (Pay attention to repeated words and ideas in the section.)
“Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus is getting popular. How is fame impacting Jesus?
If you were Simon or one of the other students of Jesus, what would you think of him so far?
If you were you (you are you, just in case you didn’t know that already), what do you think of Jesus thus far in Mark’s story?
Thursday
Re-read Mark 1:16-2:12.
Come back and focus on 1:40-2:12.
Without answering them yet, list as many questions as you can about this section.
Friday
Re-read Mark 1:40-2:12.
Where does this passage hit you personally? What has God been showing you this week?
Posts
An Interview About My Book "Entering The Fray"
11 years ago
I've never blogged before, so I hope this works. First of all; where is week three of Mark's 'daily dip'?
ReplyDeleteAs for week two's impression that kept popping into my head. The holy Spirit is oeverflowing from Jesus. They have such an intimate relationship that people are amazed at His 'cool' response to the Pharisees, healings, knowing people's thoughts, recruiting people with a simple sentence. Yet He still seeks solitary places to commune with the Spirit and Father. Here is a man catching the attention of everyone from everywhere because of the Holy Spirit and He still seeks God in quiet moments to essentially 'download' upon His Spirit.
Or another way of saying it from a previous journal entry for week two. Jesus is overflowing with the Power of the Holy Spirit. With this He is able to call disciples to drop their 'lives' for the Kingdom's sake, deal, drive out demons, 'know' the thoughts of man (religious leaders), forgive sins and still seek God in a solitary place. All this creates a hunger and thirst for the Holy Spirit to overflow from me.
Great reflections! "Daily Dip" is taking a week off for Christmas... Week 3 will be back on 12/27!
ReplyDelete