On Wednesday night at RML we began to see and apply the ‘big picture’ of Mark 1-4:34 in our review studies. It would be great to keep thinking and praying about what Mark is saying. Why not use your own Bible reading and prayer time to continue reflecting on these great truths? Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
Use Mark 1–4, to help you pray before you read and think about God’s word. Turn Mark 4:24 into a prayer for yourself as you sit down to read and think about Mark 1-4 truths.
“And Jesus said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.” (Mark 4:24)
- Take some time to re-read each passage of the section (1:1-15, 1:16-2:17, 2:18-3:6, 3:7-3:35, 4:1-34). Perhaps take a different section each day. Pause at the end of each passage and write down brief answers to these questions. Some of the questions will be more relevant to some passages than others:
What does Mark want us to understand about...the kind of king Jesus is? - The kind of kingdom Jesus is bringing?
- Who Jesus' kingdom is for?
Ask yourself more questions, which will help you meditate on (thoughtfully reflect, ponder, turn over in your mind) the truths you’ve noticed. Here are some meditative questions to get you started:
- What is surprising about the overall picture we see of King Jesus? How does this compare to your current thinking? Where might your thinking need to change?
- What do you find attractive about the overall picture we see of Jesus' kingdom, (or King Jesus)? How does this compare to your current thinking? Where might your thinking need to change?
- What do you find challenging about the overall picture we see of who is included in his Jesus’ kingdom (or of King Jesus/his kingdom more generally)? How does this compare to your current thinking? Where might your thinking need to change?
Set aside some time to respond to God in prayer. You could find a quiet spot and pray out loud, or you could write down your prayers. There’s lots you could say to God:
- You could tell God your reflections on Mark 1–4, thanking him for each thing you have seen and enjoyed.
- You could tell him your reflections on Mark 1–4, telling him what you have found difficult and asking for your thinking to be changed.
- You could take some of the truths you have seen, and pray they would also be challenging and shaping others in your RML group.
- You could pray for friends/family who don’t yet know Jesus, that they would listen to Jesus words about himself and his kingdom, and be in his family.
Have fun!
