Quiet Time on Mark: Making Change Simple Pt.3

This is Part 3 of a quiet time series on Mark. Check out Part 1 or Part 2 if you missed them!

This may be different than the typical bible study or article, because you actually need to open your Bible and take notes for yourself as you go through it! This quiet time will help you change your view of God, relationships, and team while teaching you how to interact with God differently when you read the Bible on your own.

I like to read the Bible the same way I read a novel so I can see the whole picture of who God is. In this study, most of my notes are about passages instead of specific verses, because convictions stay with me throughout the day better that way. It’s much easier for me to remember a story or narrative than a specific verse and its analysis.

Take a minute before you start to recall the one thing you want to change from part 2 and write down a summary of what you learned.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Open your Bible to Mark or click it open online!
2. Get out a notebook and pen.
3. Read the passage on your own. Feel free to underline or take your own notes.
4. Then read the questions and points below after each passage, and answer the questions in your notebook.

READ MARK 11:1–33

Changing Actions

• Jesus is going to Jerusalem where he will undergo his crucifiction, which will eventually change the world. What changes do you notice in Jesus’ actions?
• Where does Jesus get his power from?
• What keeps you from having that same power?

READ MARK 12:1–44

Changing Conversations

• Jesus changes the way he teaches and talks to people as well. What changes do you notice in his teaching?
• What does Jesus believe about God that gives him deep conviction?
• What do you need to believe about God to build stronger convictions?

READ MARK 13:1–14:9

Changing Perspectives

• Jesus also shows a shift of perspective from what could be considered very practical teaching about how to live your life to deeper teaching about spiritual powers. Why do you think Jesus waits until just before his crucifixion to talk about how strife and other intense events are indications of something spiritual happening?
• How does having a spiritual perspective on life help with change?
• What do you need to have a more spiritual perspective about?
• How does Jesus practically apply this perspective?

READ MARK 14:10–16:8

Changing Desires

• Considering your core sins, which of the people around the cross who hurt Jesus do you relate to the most? How is your sin similar to theirs?
• Jesus crucifiction is the most dramatic scene in the Bible. What part of Jesus suffering would be hardest for you? Which part do you think was hardest for him?
• What does God want you to do today that you don’t want to do? What kind of suffering makes you not want to do it? How does it compare to what Jesus suffered?
• Why were the women frightened by Jesus resurrection? What working of God’s power in your life frightens you?

Read Mark 16:9–20

Changing the World

• How did the disciples first respond to Jesus’ resurrection?
• What was Jesus last message to the disciples and how did the disciples respond?
• Are you willing to live God’s purpose for your life today? What do you need to do to maintain that willingness?

If you liked this study, check out our study on the Book of Ezra!