Getting Excited About Jesus

8/13/2019 Getting Excited About Jesus

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This booklet contains:Ada lumHow to begin an evangelistic Bible Study,Inter Varsity Press, USA, Copyright 1971by lnter Varsity Christian Fellowship ofUSAAdalumYour friends can meet Jesus in small groups EBS) ,Copyright FOCUS, Regional Office, P. O. Box 48789, Nairobi , KenyaWerner BaderschneiderHible study guide on the Cospel of MarkMartin HaizmannBible study guide on the Cospel of John

J 2 5 artin Haizmann and Werner BaderschneiderFr('lhcrr -von Stein-Str. 10, 35041 Marburg, GermanyA rlg lll \ reserved.f Ir \ l pub li >hed 2005.

ver dt'\lgn by Sonnhter, Graphische Dienstleistungen,www. ollllhueter.comllinq hy Helga Wickenhbfert hy ()rll


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We would liketo thank everybodywho has helped write this booklet,especially the translators KristinaVondran, Sandra Tews and KathrinHarrison aswellasKeithAdeneyand CarolAd eneywho playedamajorrolein the finalediting. Thanks alsogoestoHelgaWickenhfer for thetypesetting of"Getting ExcitedaboutJesus".

Martin Haizmann and Werner BaderschneiderJuly2005

Table of Contentshat is the aim of this booklet? ..................................... 3

A. Gaining the attention of others1. Howcan weattract our friends' interest in joint Bible

studies? ............... ... ..... ... ... .. ...................... ... ..... .... ........ ........ .......... 82. What are "evangelistcBiblestudies"?........ .................... ........... 93. EvangelisticBiblestudiesas an integral part of mission .... 124. Putting yourself into somebody else'sshoes- or :

Why wedo not make an impression on others .............. ........ 135. Passingon the Good News- three prerequisites..... ........ ...... 15

B. Preparation1. Choiceof appropriate passages 202. PersonalBiblestudy 21

2.1 Observation 222.2 lnterpretation 232.3 Application 232.4 Clarificatonof terms, facts and historicalbackground 242.5 Aims ,keymessages 242.6 Structure 243. Preparation ofthe group discussion 253.1 Prayer 253.2 Sornefactsabout your friends 253.3 Coming up with goodquestions 263.4 Opening ,introducing and concluding thediscussion 283.5 Finalversion 29

c. The discussion1. Practicalhints forthe discussion 362. Leading the discusson 37

2.1 Do weneed somebody tolead the discussionat all? 372.2 Therelationship between the leader of thediscussionand the participants 37


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:,LJ Ilintsonhowtoleadthediscussion 38:l.4 Reclllcingtension 41

:J. lhept'rsonalchatafterthegroupdiscussion- an invitationto trustChrist 43D Biblestudies

Gujdelinesforpersonalpreparationandgroupdiscussion.....48TheGospelaccordingtoMark- Biblestudies..... ... .... ......... ..... 511. Mark4:35-41 Beingafraidof thestorm...... .. ............ .... ..... 532. Mark10:46-52 FromhearsaytoalifewithJesus... .. ......... .583. Marl


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1. ow can we attract our friends' interestin joint Bible studies?

One day, Rainer, a biologystudent, said to his fellow course mates who hespends a considerable amount oftime with at university. "We talk abouta lot of questions and problems, we have fun together, we know eachother well and you know that 1am a Christian.But 1 e el you don t really understand what the Christian faith is all about.We know each others viewpoints and arguments. But we have neverexpIicitly talked about what God says to us through His word in the Bible.If we did do so, 1 could show you much more clearly why faith is soimportant to me.What do you think about meeting up on a few evenings to talk aboutsorne passages from the New Testament?"Monika, a course mate and participant in those Bible studies wrote later:1 had never really met young Christians and have always had a verycritical view of anything to do with church. Faith seemed to be sorne sort

of self-deception. This was when Rainer invited me to join a Bible group.First of all, 1 was going to refuse as 1did not want to disturb the harmonyin the group. But 1did accept in the end.When 1got there, 1 was determined to leave as soon as they would start tosing hymns or to pray. But none of the like happened. 1 was welcomedwith open arms, felt at ease in a friendly atmosphere and was part ofthegroup right from the beginning. 1 also liked the fact that 1 was not theonly one to have reservations.It was important to me to feel 1 was being taken seriously with al thequestions 1 had and all the bad experience 1 have had with church andChristians. Moreover, 1 noticed that they even cared about me. Sometimes,1 was even wondering why they were treating each other with so muchlove. t was valuable to me to see that there are people who take the Bibleseriously as God's word and yet are completely normal and sensible, whoalso know doubts and insecurities and can still trust in Jesus Christ; in anutshell: they are convincing Christians and not untouchable saints.

1 ended up accepting an invitation to go to a camp where 1 really feltJesus was addressing me very personally. This is how became a Christian."This is an example ofhow we can start reading the Bible with non-Christians. There are four main issues:

a) being convinced ofthe fact that God has intentionally put usinto a certain situation in order for us to be witnesse s for Him.

b) being prepared for real friendship that shows God s way ofloving, a "lave in spite 01' which is prepared to be there forsomebody without them needing to earn this love.

c) developing a feel for judging when the right moment has comefor a conversation about the Christian faith, without the otherperson already having to believe certain things.

d) being wise about when to take an interested non-Christian intoa wider Christian congregation.The number ofthose who want to win people for God is thus multiplied- through students who are experienced in leading Bible discussions andin evangelising on a one-on-one basis. In many Christian unions andchurches, evangelistic Bible studies are already being done. People whohave got the message pass it on to others. The basic principie is as follows:

nd the things you have heard me say in the presence ofmany witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also bequalified to teach others.Tim :

2. What are evangelistic Bible studies ?Evangelistic Bible studies are not a new method of doing mission, butone that has been neglected They are as old as Christian mission itself.Luke gives us one example from the first century in Acts 8:26-40 which isthe account ofa treasurer from Ethiopia. Philip heard ... , asked ... , nistened tothe answer ) ... , then Philip began with th t ver)' passage of Scripture (Isaiah 53)and told him the good news bout ]esus.

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n e l i s t i Biblestudiesas an integralp rt of mission

11\1 nl t precious enough for us to read it thoroughly. Non-Christianslg hl criLicise it thoughtlessly 01' disagree. And yet, the Bible is still awol'ldwide beSlseller and has so far had the largest literary influence outof < lhe books there are in the world. When reading the Bible, we do

IlOl demand of our interlocutors to accept the Bible as Cod's word .

a) TheBibletakesquestionsfromthe worldofacademiaseriouslyWherever we go in the world, there is an increasing dissatisfaction withauthoritative teaching methods whereby the facts laid down by theteacher can no longer be questioned. Students practise to do researchwhilst learning i.e. to examine facts, to see their meaning and then drawconclusions .They increasingly want to learn by questioning and debatingand do not want to be fed with ready-made answers. The same holds truefor discussions about the Christian faith. During evangelist ic Bible studies,the individual person is taken seriously.Evangelistic Bible studies bear in mind that everybody is intelligentenough to deal with Jesus and his claim while reading the Bible. It is notabout Christians talking about their faith in an intellectual manner butabou t being intelligent and wise when talking about the selected passageand about the reasons for their own faith .

b) Evangelisticbiblestudiesneedthe informalatmosphereof asmal/group

We al! need that especially first year students who have come intocompletely new surroundings. Moreover, most people prefer to talk aboutmatters of faith in an informal private gathering. An atmosphere ofopenness, honesty and impartiality gives non-Christians an idea ofwhatChristian community is.

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e) Readingthe bibledoesnotdependon the leadershipoffuI/-timestaff

Students are often better leaders ofBible studies than full-time staftl OnePhilippine student wrote for example : ever since our workshops about leader-ship in Bible study groups we have had our OW 1t discusson leaders and are fiot asdependent on our vicar any more. And it works well The leaders themselves areastonished about the work oI the Holy Spirit in them and are pleased when theydiscover their abilities as discu ssion leaders

d) Evangelisticbiblestudiesareequal/ybeneficialtohelpersandguests

During the discussion, all the participants are to feel free to be themselves.They do not need to behave like a hunter and his prey in a kind ofpreserve.Those who serve their Lord as helpers , will themselves get a lot out ofreading the Bible with others. They will discover new things about Codand about themselves .They will grow in character and will begin to understand and love non-Chri stians mor e. This will happen automatically.

4. Puttingyourselfintosomebodyelse'sshoes- or:why we donotmakeanimpressiononothers

Stereotypes, prejudices and hasty conclusions about other people, whichexist on both sides, with Christians and non-Christians, make realencounters very difficult.But there are also other reasons for why we often do not make animpression on other students . One difficulty, which is possibly typical ofthe Western world, consists in the fact that we are utterly convinced thatwe can grasp reality exclusively with logical thinking. We tend to thinkthat if only we could explain the basic truths of the Cospel in a logicalcontext , others would respond to them in a more positive manner. Furthermore we tend to insist on dogmatism in the sense of one specifictheology which means that we stick to one particular way of expressing

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Bihlll"ill 1I',HJi tion that we may be familiar with, but which may justn \ w 1I JI' ' 1I lTIpletely foreign to other students . This is not at a11 aboutf;11I h, hUI lmul a certain interpretation which is taken for the only correctIInFil1,dlv. Wl' are also prejudiced about what non-Christians are like, such.11 .. 1 11 of them being harsh and relentless when it comes to bringing forth.l l gulllents. This is why we answer questions that have not even beenasked or we feel an almost compulsive impulse to put others right whenI hey utter something which is theologica11y not quite sound. Or we overoexplai n. Or we become defensive and think of them against us", especia11yso when our own point-of-view is questioned rather than the Cospel.OUF own incorrect self-assessment can also be a big obstacle for a realtestimony. Ada Lum once asked a group of students to write down whichideas their friends had ofJesus Christ and Christians. She thus wanted tofind out what Christians thought of themselves. The evaluation of theanswers showed that two tbirds of the students in that group had verylow self-esteem. They had an inferiority complex oSo t was not surprisingthat they had come to think ofthemselves as being excluded. But a Christian ghetto is contrary to Jesus ' Creat Commission (Mt 28:18-20). We canonly start to go al1d make disciples ofal natiOl1s, ifwe try to understand otherpeople and open our Iives to them. This , by the way, is love'

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5. assing on the Good News -three prerequisitesWhen we prepare Evangelistic Bible studies and pray for our non-Christian friends, we should ask Cod to make us aware ofwhat they rea11y thinkand feel and how they react. In order for them to deal wi th Jesus Christ ina serious manner, we need to make sure tbat reading the Bible is realistic,personal, meaningful and thought-provoking.

a) RealisticAda Lum te11s us she once went to a Bible study on Lk 5:2-16 , a storyabout Jesus healing a leperoA Hindu student asked why Jesus was notafraid to catch the awful disease himselfwhen touching the mano A Christian nurse responded triumphantly : Because he was God 's Son Bang TheHindu did not saya word afterwards. I rea11y felt like crying out loud:Jesus took the risk ofgetting leprosy for love 's sake While I was explaining a11 ofthis - and probably looked like a heretic humanist to everybody- a Muslim student interrupted. 1would never touch a leperoI would never even think ofit. At this point in the discussion , we almost missed an opportunity toexplain the truly ood News of Jesus. Luckily, one of the other Christians took the fIoor and said: 1 don t think it mattered to Jesus to contract leprosyor 0t What mattered to him was to help the manoThis is when the othersshowed a genuine interest in finding out who Jesus rea11y was (even thenurse) .The aim of these Bible studies is not to convey the entire Christian faithin one go . It is indeed our final aim for our friend to become a committeddisciple of our Lord Jesus . But an evangelistic Bible study just wants toget our friend to develop a posi tive attitude towards J esus Christ , j ust Iikethe Hindu and the Muslim students in our discussion did. Such animpression of Christ is the creative and dynamic work of the Holy Spiritin the same way as being born again. So we need to consider the fo11owin gquestion: How can we first of all gain the interest of our fe110w humanbeings in Jesus Christ?How did Cod attract the attention ofthe people in Jesus' time? Throughthings they were able to understand. This is exactly the reason for Codbecoming human. It is an astonishing historie fact that Cod became one

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r IJHIOI be explained because we cannot distinguish one hundredIll'lween Christ as human being and Christ as deity.:rst of all we need to record all the facts from the New Testament thatprove that Jesus was human befo re we move on to dealing with Hisholiness and deity. Even when we skim through the Gospels, we see thateven the disciples gained more and more experience with Jesus. Hisbecoming human not only served the purpose ofpeople getting to knowGod better. The truly human side of Jesus is to give us an example ofhowGod intended us human beings to be (Heb 2:5-18). We take a close loo katJesus in order for us to see what we are actually supposed to be and whatwe can still become. Jesus Christ comes to us today as a living person andnot as a theological system.In a nutshell: evangelistic Bible studies need to be realistic. They need toaim at Jesus Christ becoming a living reality even for modern people.They need to show which way we are heading as human beings, what weare and how we are intended to be. They need to invite decisions that aretaken in the presence of our Creator and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

b Personal and meaningfulPaul stayed with the Thessalonians for three weeks. This visit laid thefoundation for a church there. Our gospel came to you not simply with wordsbut also with power with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction for your saleO.oO But we were gentle among you like a mother caring for her Uttle children. Weloved you so much that we were delighted to share with you 11 t only the gospel ofCod but our Uves as well because you had become so dear to us 1 Thess 1:5 2:78).When it comes to evangelistic Bible studies, Christians are aboye all elsewitnesses. It is possible that we need to explain something when we areleading a discussion. But we are not trying to impress the others withour Bible knowledge or experience. t is quite liberating that we do notneed to behave like little popes beca use we are still God's apprentices.Nevertheless we are witnesses and God entitled us - being beggarsourselves - to invite beggars in order for them to celebrate together withus at one tableo

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True enthusiasm for Jesus is contagious. Just think of the Samaritanwoman after her conversation with Him: she became convinced that Hewas telling the truth. At once she invited her fellow citizens (who, by theway, had ostracised her because ofher lifestyle), to become convinced ofJesus, too. Many of the Samaritans believed in him because of the woman sOtestimony Un 4:39). Somebody who is searching will not be convincedthrough our words, however seriously we are able to persuade them.Nonetheless, we need to ask God to help us point clearly to Jesus. TheHoly Spirit is the divine "convincer". Jesus Himself says that in Jn 14:26and 16:8 & 13-15. We can be glad that this is the case. One of my morepragmatic friends frequently reminds me: Prepare everything and work insuch a way as everything depended on you but pray in such a way as everythingdepended on CodoThe power in 1 Thess 1:5 (see aboye) seems to be the same one that Paul isthinking about in Ro 1:16: The Gospel is the power ofCod for the salvation ofeveryone who believes. The Gospel has got a power which independently ofour best and logical arguments gets men and women to accept Jesus.If we do not really believe this, we will forever stick to being eloquentbringing forth logical arguments to our personal charisma tothreatening eternal damnation to enticing with the reward in heavenand modern PR tricks when we are trying to convince the non-believer. Ifwe dou bt God s power in the Gospel, we need to immedia tely stopeverything and pray for faith.

e Thought provokingHere sorne practical hints:

Choose passages from the Gospels This is where we see Jesus actwe touch His unique life. Most non-Christians only have vague ideasabout Jesus just because they do not know the facts. We first needto work through the passage thoroughly before we can applyspecific information to our own personallives.We need to try and understand the human situation that comesup in the Bible passage. We should proceed like a reporter who iscovering this event, as our fellow student probably does not havesuch a vivid imagination of Biblical scenes.

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The questions about the discussion should get the group to identifYwith the characters in the respective Bible passages: with a desperate person who is seekingJesus help; with the disciples w o knowit all even with the compassionate Jesus Himself, with those whofight Him, with those who love Him, but do not understand Him.This is how reading the Bible becomes relevant for our lives andwe feel wirh rhe characters. This helps us meet Jesus und quitenaturally leads us ro accept the claim of His love and power.Jeslls always has to be depicted the way He was (and is : warm-hearted, perceptive, totally understanding, accepting people,controlled, controlling the situarion. He constantly captivated thepeople until they had a real relationship with Him. Such a characteris always attractive to a non-believer, especially in these days whichare characterised by anonymity and hopelessness .

BPreparation

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1 Choice of appropriate passageslesus is our Cood News! Many non-Christians know little about Him .Incoherent facts about a friendly and harmless miracle-maker is often athey know. If non-Christians are to get to know Him as a living personwho is important to them , then you need to first choose Cospel passagesin which people have a far-reaching encounter with lesus:

in which non-Christians discern the problems with which thesepeople come to lesus;in which they can identify with the people (including lesus). theirreactions and their desires;in which they recognize lesus more and more as an interesting,attractive, important characterin which the encounter described challenges them to make a personal stand;which do not require too much prior experience and explanations.

Do not choose passages which, even at an early stage, lead to unnecessarydebates. Choose passages that can be fully dealt with in the arrangedtime . In six to eight Bible studies, the vital points of the Cospel can betreated .Later, when your friends start to understand the importance of lesus'true and fascinating humaneness, they can benefit from more theologicalexplanations about His eternal meaning for a . This is when they wi11askjust like His first disciples: Wh o is this? Even the wind nd the waves obeyhim cf. Mk 4:41).The death and resurrection oflesus need to be at the centre .lesus himselfpointed to this core very early on in His preaching Un 2:19). The preachingof the disciples was based on the crucifixion and resurrection . We canexamine the accounts of the passion and resurrection, bu t we also needto read passages Isaiah 53, Romans 5, 2 Corinthians 5 or 1 Peter 2, inorder to understand the importance of death and resurrection.

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Examples for summaries of the Cospel:Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Philippians 2:5-11Romans 5:6-11 Titus 3:3-72 Corinthians 5:17-21 Hebrews 2:10-18Ephesians 2:1-10 1 Peter 2:22-25The passages which we find in the Epistles of the New Testament werewritten to believers. They as sume a basic understanding of the specifichistoric facts of the life and miss ion of lesus. I f you use them too early,you might end up having to explain a lot preaching or bringing fortharguments?), instead ofinspiring the non-Christians to get to know lesusthemselves. But be prepared in order to have the passages at your disposalat the right momento

2 Personal Bible studyBefore you think about how you will introduce the passage to the group,you should systematica11y work through the text in private.Work with the text until you feel completely fa miliar with it. In doing so,fo11ow the three basic steps ofworking with a Bible passage.

a) Examine the facts and try to think your way into thesituation observation) untiJ you

b) have discovered the main thoughts of the author(interpretation) and then can

c) draw appropriate and practical consequences application).

According to Adolf Schlatter,Bible interpretation consists of:1 looking2 Thinking3. living

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Obsl rvatlonII,III II I\\. Ylurselfwith the passageas though youwanted tomake a' 111 .111 1 111 il.What are the main facts in this personal encounter?I*pc(ia llydig forfacts that do not appear on the surface.Theauthors of the Gospelswereevangeliststhemselves.When they talkabout encounters with lesus they want the readerstobepart of them .Thelistbelowwillhelp youunderstand this intention.

1. Externalcircumstances:Who?Where?When?Why?Why there andat that moment intime?

2. People and their problems:What is unique about these people?What is saidabout theirbackgrounds?Whydo theycome to Jesus?Howdothey approachHim?

3 Jesus and Hisreaction:What does Hesee in them and theirproblems(somethingothersdo not see)? 5 there anythingunusualin thewayHe reacts?Whydoes He react in exactlythat way?Dowe noticeanythingel sethat is interestingor curious?

4 Results Highlights:What impact did the encounter haveon the differentpeople?What does the author want to stressor makeclear?

Makesure you do not move on to the interpretation stage tooquickly.Keepasking:What doesitreallysayin the passage?Otherwise ,youwillrun the riskofmissingmany interesting observationsand re-interpreting the passagealong lines that youare alreadyfamiliar with ,reading more into the passagethan youget out of it.

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Pay attention to verbs, different speech acts (plea, order), address,relationships betweenwords(e.g.Mk 10:46ff:blind - sight,bythe roadside- along the road,wassitting - followed),textstructures.

2.2 InterpretationGettoknow the passage.Askquestions . ecurious and do not becontentwith obvious and superficial observations. But avoid irrelevant ,speculative or application-related questions. Make a clear distinctionbetween the passage,opinions, speculations etc. Really try torelate tothe passage:What else is hidden in there7 Jwonder whether . Maybe Jf this isright could it be that ?Which internal evellts are hidden behind external evellts?The list in 2.1 holds true for the interpretation stage aswell. Theinterpretation results from observing the passage and the ensuingquestions:

Which thoughts form the basisof the passage?Lookfora commonbackground which puts the observationsinto an interrelation withone another :people's attitudes,fears,desires ,motives, intentions,the character of lesus His personoHisgoals.Developafeelfor the atmosphere, the emotional and psychologicalstate ofthe different people.Howdo they react toone another, howdo they treat one another?Observe deeper relationships in the passage, emphases,struggles,growth in understanding, continuing lackof faith and resistance.Payattention to relations between people, thoughts, actions.Trytoassesswhy the author emphasises certain facts.Pay attention to how the context increases your understanding ofthe passage.Examine whether you truly understand keywords and technicalterms, especiallywhen youfeelvery familiar with them.

2.3 ApplicationWhat doesthe passagemean touspersonally and fromapractical pointofview?

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Pay attention to points of contact with life today. In what ways arewe similar to the people described? To what extent are their problemsthe same as ours? In what way does God's working in the lives ofthose people mean something for our lives? In what way does theirencounter with Jesus, their resistance, their dedication affect us?Think of practical steps in order to put the passage into action byapplying it to us both as individuals and as group.

Give all the glory to God. Ask for His help in order for you to live the truththat you have seen.

2.4 Clarification of terrns. facts and historicalbackgroundTake down terms and facts that need clarifying, even ifyou are familiarwith them . Others might be unclear about them . Look them up in a Biblelexicon or a commentary. You should be able to explain them briefly andthey should be easily understandable.

2.5 Airns. key rnessagesBe clear about the key messages ofthe passage. You should be guided bythe writer 's intention. Remain faithful to the texto Interpret but do notover-interpret

2.6 StructureGive the text an appropriate heading and break it down into three orfour main sections (the basic structure on page 22 might be helpful) . Payattention to the internal context and to the chronology (the thread).Follow the structure ofthe passage beca use the writer intended the orderto be as it is According t their literary genre you can usually find thefollowing pa tterns:

Story tale: background - problem - solution - outcomeSpeech Iecture: context - problem(s) - advice - different choices

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3. Preparation of the group discussionAfter finishing the personal study ofthe passage, we move on to preparingthe grou p discussion . It is necessary to prepare the discussion in writingwith questions and answers .This can either be a rough outline or scriptedword by word. This lowers the risk of the discussion going off in onedirection or missing the key message . There are ready-made scripts, butis is better to draw one up yourself. The following paragraph should help .

3.1 PrayerPray regularly for the participants ofthe cliscussion and foryour meetingswith them. This will directly influence your preparation. Trust in theguidance of the Holy Spirit whilst praying, preparing and during thediscussion. God wants to use you. Is this not reason to rejoice?

3.2 Sorne facts bout your friends(potential participants in the discussionThey are individual human bcings. What is important to them?What family backgrounds do they have?What questions do theyhave? What are their aims and desires? Where are theirfrustrations? What religious backgrounds do they come from?Your course mate wants to be completely accepted as a personoThey should feel free to be just as they are. Just like our Lordwho invited sinners we should never have any reservationsagainst them .Where are they vulnerable? Where are their needs? Identifywiththem and their needs, but do not try to be their psychiatrist.Remember that God is there with all of His love and healingpower.They do not want to be lulle or dominated by Christians. Makesure that at least half the participants in the Bible study arenon-Christians. Otherwise the discussion can easily becomeunnatural ; non-Christians might feel uncomfortable and adopta defensive a ttitude.

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3.3 (.omlng up with good questionsI l l hlll M e your bestassetifyou want tohelp agroup gofurther into

1111 J I ~ o g c and think more intensivelyabout itsmeaning. Thisis whyit'j:> Wlll' t h taking alot of time when drawing up those questions.lf'yOll takequestions from an existingscript cf. Biblestudy guideson theGospelsof Markand John in chapter D) ,youneedtoadapt them to theneedsofthe group . You mayneed tochange the emphases ofindividualquestions,rephrase questions in order for them tosound more likeyou,omit some of them or add new ones. Pleasesee the criteria on goodquestionsbelow.lfyou compile your own setof questions,try tocome up with groups ofquestions which are in line with the main sectionsofyour structure. Addbrief,claritying remarl


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Check your questions - the best way isto tal k them through with somebody.~ ~ What is the group supposed to discover with the help of each and every. / question? Does the verbiage motivate / searching and thinking? Answer them III \)O I~ \ U ~\ \ \ ~ t t__

; P ~ \ . t i CV':/ yourself. How many different answerse '\I can you think of? Only one? ?~ c ~ Do a dress rehearsal in your head. How ~ \ \ could people react to particularquestions? Will they accept your

assumptions? Which emotions couldbe triggered: boredom? livelyinterest? confusion? lf particular situations occur, how would youcontinue in each specific case? To write down good Bible study questionsis not only the right thing to do. You also need to be inspired Ps 45:2). Doyou really feellike the author ofPs 119:162?

3.4 Opening introducing and concluding the dis ussionThe beginning and the first question are decisive for a successful Biblestudy.The introduction is to make clear why it could be worthwhile to dealwith such an old text today (establish a connection to today ). This is howyou arouse interest in the participants . Brief introductory remarks onthe context or references to passages talked about so far can be helpful.To begin you can also take short sketches, Iyrics, poems , newspaperclippings, parts of films, pictures, cartoons or advertisement slogans.The ftrst question needs to bring about lively participation. An int erestingquestion contributes a lot to an open, lively atmosphere during thediscussion.Questions are notjust asked without a context , but follow on from thediscussion. They can be introduced through brief preliminaryremarla explanations or bridging summaries. Think about hownew insights can be summarised at the end of the discussion. These ofcourse depend on the course of the discussion.8

Think about the time frame. How long is the discussion supposed to goon for? A fixed end is better than an open end). How long are you to talkabout individual questions? 1s the plan realistic in terms oftime?

3.5 Final versionAfter these preparatory steps, a guide for the group discussion canbe put as follows:Text and heading Aims key messagesThese ensue from the intentions ofthe writer ofthe passage and from

wha t is important to the grou p. (This is just to help the leader of thediscussion and to point him her in the right direction) .Annotations on the passageUse terms, facts and an explanation .IntroductionArouse interest, clarify the relevance of the passage, contextoQuestions on the Bible studyThe questions refer to the main sections of the structure. This thenmakes up three or four groups of questions. Give each group a short,imaginative title so that the key ideas and the development throughto the final goal can be recognised.ApplicationQuestions of application usually come up during or after the studysession. Select the ones that are appropriate. Present them to thegroup. Remember that far-reaching questions of application cannotreally be discussed before you have understood the entire passage.Too many questions of application to begin with can distract fromworking with the passage.

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1. Practical hints for the discussionTry to create an open , informal atmosphere . Feelings have a direct impacton the learning process . A lot of people easily beco me self-conscious orfeel uncomfortable when it comes to discussing religious topics . Sornefeel questioned in their long-established views and threa tened in theirconfidence. Sometimes abad conscience makes things even morecomplicated. Affection and the feeling ofbeing accepted, ofbeing loved,help them deal with new things.Sit down in an informal personal circle so that everybody can seeeverybody else comfortably. Make sure you know each other by name. Atthe beginning of each Bible study session, you should take sorne time total k about joint interests and problems . It is worth it.It is better not to sing unless the song is something everybody is familiarwith or knows . In the same way, a prayer at the beginning or end mightbe inappropriate .You have to develop a feel for what is suitable and whatis notoIn order to avoid confusion, t is best to only use one Bible translation. (Ifthe group is international you should think about who should have thetext in front of them in their mother tongue). It should be a moderntranslation . People who are not familiar with the Bible find it easier toget used to pages and paragraphs than to books, chapters and verses . Amodern Bible translation can also help to get rid of the view that theChristian faith is part of a bygone era .Start on time . Introduce new arrivals. Have a few spare Bibles handy.Start offwith an interesting introduction . Make sure the passage is beingread well. Decide in advance whether or not you want to offer food ordrink afterwards.

2 . Leading the discussion2.1 Do we need somebody to lead the discussion t all?Many people recoil from hav ing one particular person lead the discussion.We recommend thinking about the strucrure of the church in whichevery member has to work towards the good of the whole body 1 Cor11 :4-26). The main task as the leader ofthe discussion is ro lead the groupto discover what the Bible says and means.

2.2 The relationship between the leader of thediscussion and the participantsEvangelistic Bible studies are to arouse curiosity, especially in terms ofthe character ofJesus . The questions asked by the non-Christians may bemore decisive than sorne ofyours .They show what is important to themwhat they understand and what they do not understand. If we listenclosely, we may hear not only words and thoughts , but also doubts , fearsand desires.Never lose track of the non-Christian's point of view. Evangelistic Biblestudies are to be an informal dialogue between equal partners withspontaneous give and take. In spite of our leading role, we are learning atthe same time . Non-Christians often have new insights into the text thatare missed by Christians . Our own willingness to learn can be contagiousSometimes a passage raises questions that need an explanation more thana debate. Always be brief and do not eliver a sennonA Christian must not think sfh is spiritually aboye the others . A Christian is a sinner who knows that Cod has forgiven and accepted him her.The non-Christian is a sinner who does not know that yet. Martin Lu therencouraged us: Dare to be a sinner If we understand this invitationcorrectly, we are set free in a wonderful wayBeing honest when giving a personal testimony is vital. We testity to JesusChrist and to what He has done and not to our problem-f ree lives. Whenwe t al k about the joy we have through living with Him, we need to makeclear that He is Lord over our human problems which - in all honesty

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everybody has. Throw off your masks Sometimes it can do wonders if aChristian says in a discussion: "I do not know an answer to this question .I will think about it and try to find an answer for the next time we meet .Be as authentic and as real as possible.Try to co-operate: when other Christians are present, they should have afeel for helping the leader at the right moment by including participantswho sfh obviously overlooks, by clarifying things that might be unclear,by rephrasing a difficult question, by refocusing on the passage or theintention when sfh digresses and by trying to reduce tensions withinthe group (see p. 41).

2.3 Hints on how to lead th discussionTrust that Cod can speak for Himself through His own word. Yourauthority lies in the Bible, not in personal experiences or subjectiveopinions and feelings. Your own experiences and theological commentscan serve as clarification, but they should never be aboye the Bible. This,however, does not mean that a non-Christian needs to accept the Bible asCod's word as a prerequisite for a serious discussion with you. The truthhas its own hidden ways of entering into people.

It can be helpful to explain at tbe beginning howyou wantto tackle the passage, why in exactly that way and not in anyother way.Don t be tense. Keep your sense of humour. Be prepared tolaugh about yourself. Our Lord is in your midst. Be passionatelyinvolved without being disrespectful or catching others out.Lead the debate in such a way that openness and trust candevelop .It is not enough to just listen to people.We also need to be ableto discem what tbey are trying to s yo That is love Themore thoroughly you have prepared, the freer you are to be allears for the others. You are part of the grou p and as such youshould comment on contributions or ask counter-questions orquestions to move on just like you would normally do in adiscussion.

Express yuurself clearly. Listen to what you are saying in acritical way. Pay attention to the facial expressions and gesturesof the others which should indicate if you are not beingunderstood. Avoid language that is too religious . Explaintheological terms in a simple manner.

Everybody should be free r say whatever comes to theirmind, but try and stick to the topic and the passage.You mightwant to dig deeper into a superficial view by asking the othersif they want to add something.Keep tbe discussion going by asking more than one personto present their points ofview on one and the same issue. Thisis especially important when interpreting decisive Bible passagesor when talking about the practical application of a passage.Resist tbe temptation r answer yuur question yourselfeven if there is no spontaneous answer. Try to rephrase it.Encourage the otbers to ask questions , bu t pass thequestion back to the group. Don t let yourself be made theconstant point of reference.Don t be immediately happy witb the first correctresponse, encourage further contributions. Don t be afraid ofdiffering opinions They sharpen the group s thinkingLook out for opportunities to summarise tbe discussion inorder to move on to the next point.Remind the participants to check tbelr opinions againstthe Bible passage . Be prepared to help them distinguishbetween the passage , general knowledge, opinions andspeculations. If a contribution has little to do with the text, thequestion of "Where did you find this in our passage? How didyou come to this conclusion?" can help. Or you could ask forother contributions to correct that view.Avoid dogmatismo Your strong beliefs have more effect whenyou present them in a factual manner and with good reasons.Introduce statements offaith by referring to the respective Biblepassages, for example: "According to verses 10 and 12, it seems

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The digressing type : Are they causing confusionwith a lot of cross-references? Or are theywt ontinuously jumping into new topics? Try this:"This is quite interesting, but we want to stick toour passage and first work out its deeper meaning.If somebody has a lot of personal problems andwants to exhibit them, then you could suggesttalking to yourself or somebody else later on . (Andthen hold true to your word )

Questlons you cannot answer Even though you are well prepared,you cannot be expected to know an answer to all the questions that youare asked on the spot. Ifthere is nobody to provide an answer, be honestand say: 1have never thought about this This can work wonders in terms ofthe atmosphere and can get others to work even harder. The questionsmay also be irrelevant at that point. But ifit is important, ask somebodyto do some research and present the results the next time.Avoid a discussion which compares religions especially if thereare Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists or members of other religions present.That does not lead anywhere and sends the discussion off on a tangent.What is worse, it could cause arguments and hard feelings. On the otherhand be prepared for a constructive discussion if this is the wish of thewhole group . But suggest a later point in time in order for everybody tobe better prepared. r is generally better not to use words such as Christianity01 hristian s as they only mean something formal to most people. Youshould rather use it says in the Bible . or od says in the Bible or according totlle Gospels , when referring to the Christian faith. When you talk aboutyourself, you can say 1have come to the conclusion . Instead of saying 1havebecome a Christian , you could say 1have become a child ofCod or 1have starteda new life with hrist etc.

3. The personal chat fter the groupdiscussion an invitation to trust Christ

Those who have read aboutJesus Christ in the Gospels will soon realise : Ineed to respond to God one way or another.So you need to make sure you discern which ofthe participants has beenaddressed by God. Finish the group session early enough and take sornetime to have a one-on-one chat with the person concerned.Some Christians may find such chats intimidating. Reasons for thisinclude:

You have gradually grown into your faith and subconsciouslythink that this is how it happens for everybody.As you yourselfdid not make a sudden decision for Jesus, you find it difficult toencourage others to make up their minds right here and now.Stay open for how and when God wants to act and that He wantsto use you for itYou have never led anybody to faith in Jesus and are hencefeeling insecure . You may even be afraid of messing it up. Donot be afraid because it is Jesus who attracts people and Helikes using you for His work.You are limiting yourself and God if you say that you are notthe evangelistic type, that you can more easily socialise withpeople than encourage them to make a decision . Trust God todo new and amazing things - even with youYou do not want to risk your friendship with your non-Christianfriend by inviting them to make a decision. But let's face it ,which is more important to your friend: their relationship withyou or with Jesus?You have had sorne bad experience before when you were talkingabout the necessiry to give one's life to Christ. As sad as thatexperience may have been. do not let it dominate your future.but expect new surprises with God


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Ifwe are attentive to questions and the way your interlocutor s mindsetis changing, ifwe listen closely and silently pray for them, God will giveus the ability to discern when we can invite somebody to give his her lifeto ]esus.And then we only need to help the process along, be prepared to jump inand be available, butwe do not need to do everything in our own strength.Ifwe want to lead somebody to ]esus, we are not alone. Ihere are not onlythe two of you (you and the other person), nor are there three of you(with the other person and Jesus), but there are always four peopleinvolved: the enemy is there, too . Ihis is why the beginning of the chatcan be fought overo We do not need to mention it, but we do need to beaware ofthe fact that God's victory is hidden behind this sort ofresistance.You can either refer to the text you were talking about, e.g. 1 think youare still not quite clear about what Jesus' stance is on sin. t differs greatlyfrom what people usually think. .." or ask e.g. "How do you feel when youhear Jesus' invitation 'Come and follow me '?"Or you can use one of the following questions:

What is actually preventing you from becoming a Christian?What would there be to gain ifyou became a Christian?What do you think you would have to give up ifyou gave yourlife to Jesus?

Questions like these lead to a role reversa . Ihe person who was askingquestions or was monitoring the situation becomes the person beingasked. The interlocutor is challenged to make a personal stance. What ismore, with these questions, you are showing the other person that youare confident in them becoming a Christian which is an importantencouragement.Ifsomebody is open to acceptJesus, it can often be helpful to talk aboutthe sinner s prayer (but do not pray yet ). Ihis is to show them whatbecoming a Christian is aH about and the spiritual viewpoint ofthe otherperson can again be double-checked cf. sinner s prayer in Appendix p.160). If he or she agrees, you can ask him or her to pray the prayer or to

pray to Jesus in their very own words. t might be helpful to have anotherChristian with you who can accompany you in this step.

Important stepsThere are a few important steps that are part of becoming a Christian:A Christian is somebody who can say in all honesty: jesus, my Saviourand Lord.jesus it is about Him, not about a vague idea about God;My it involves a personal decision and a personal relationship;Saviour: it is about leaving your past behind you. This may entailnaming certain sins tha t separate me from God and to askfor forgiveness.lord: it is about a new life in which jesus is my Lord, Lord overmy plans, my feelings, my will. He also wants to be Lordover all the areas that we consciously or unconsciouslyhave opened up to Satan through occult practices. FinallyHe wants to be Lord over evil curses other people havewished down on uso jesus can and wants to set us freefrom all of this and reign instead in all His goodness.

AfterwardsWe can encourage Christians in a similar way to Paul, e.g.

with the promise ofbeing God's children Un 1:12) ;with the promise of a new citizenship (Eph 2:15; - you cannotlose your citizenship. So we can say that we have got a newpassport - we belong to heaven);with the promise of security (Rom 8:31-8:33);with the promise of salvation and eternallife Un 3:16);with the promise ofbeing a new creation 2 Cor 5: 7 Eph 5:8)

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your own introduction that connects the text with the lives of those inthe group . We suggest that after the introduction, one ofthe participantsor each participant in turn reads the text out loud. Each person shouldbe able to read along in a Bible. Having read the text, you can start withthe questions, if the meaning of the words in the text is clear.

B Questions and C ApplieationThe group leader should have studied and answered the questions forhimself herself and should perhaps think of additional questions. Thelist of questions is split into 'General Questions' that explore the meaningofthe text, and questions of'Personal Application' that seek to apply thetext to the lives of the participants. The list of questions does notnecessa rily have to be studied completely; the group leader is free to makea selection. The group leader's manner ofleading the discussion shouldencourage others to express their own opinions. The leader should notjudge improper answers as wrong, but should have the courage to leavethem as they were given or comment on them in the following manner:What you say is interesting. Looking at the text, how have you come to

this conclusion? Or: What do the others think? Both questions expressa confidence that the group leader should have that God can and willreveal Himself to each individual participant through His Word. Theleader is not looking for the right answers, but instead is praying for apersonal encounter with Jesus in His Word.We suggest that the group leader not only ask questions but participatein the discussion as well. After having sufficiently studied a paragraph ofthe text, the leader moves on to the next idea by asking a new question ormaking an appropriate statement. She he should always try to have theparticipants follow the text during the discussion.

D Closing remarksThe closing remarks are a suggestion ofhow to end the study and awakeinterest in the next study. They are also designed to form a melodic linebetween the studies.he time after the ible study is also very important. Then personalquestions and statements can be discussed in private. Often people waitfor this opportunity. For some people such a private conversation caneven lead to the beginning a relationship with Jesus.

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The Gospel according to ark -Bible Studies

Texts and TopiesMark 4:35-41

Mark 10:46-52

Mark 2:1 12

Mark 9:14-29

Mark 14:32-42

Mark 16:1-20

Mark 10:17-27

Mark 8:31-38

Mark 14:3-9

Being afraid of the storm(Fear Who is He?)From hearsay to alife with Jesus(Faith What do you want Me to do for you?)Health isn't everything(Forgiveness Why does this fellow talk likethat?)A desperate father - a disappointed Jesus(Priority Between belief and unbelief)The sleepy disciples - a struggling Jesus(Prayer Jesus' resolve in Gethsemane)The surprised followers - the risen Jesus(Power The resurrection of Jesus - the eventand its importance)longing for eternallife(Impossible? Being called to fo ow Jesus)Saving or losing life(loss? The invitation to fo ow Jesus)A resolute woman willing to make sacrifices(love! Following by serving Jesus)

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The selection of texts we have chosen from Mark s Gospel does notfollow the usual order. The chosen arrangement makes it possible topresent and to get to know Jesus before we pay attention to the invitationto follow Jesus.Questions such as Who is He (Mark 4) or hat do you want Me to do for you(Mark 10) help readers to reconsider their image of]esus and ofthemselves.In the third text, we read how]esus heals the body and soul ofa man andattaches great importance to the forgiveness of sins.In the fourth text, we look at a desperate father who, on the one hand, issceptical and, on the other hand, faithful.The fifth text shows us how]esus prays.And the following text deals with His resurrection.Then, we are asked te make a decision and are invited to follow]esus.In the last text, we think about how we can serve ]esus.Fear, faith and forgiveness as themes of the first three texts give a briefbut rounded foundation ofwho Jesus is, before going onto the next threetexts that start explaining the consequences ofwhat this meant for ]esu s.The final three texts then outline the consequences for uso

1 Being afraid ofth stormFear Who is He?)

Mark 4:35 41

l. Personal PreparationA. Main messageEven the wind and the waves obey]esus. He cares for us when we areafraid or worried.

B. Structure1. On the sea v. 35-36)2. A storm arises v. 37)3. The disciples are frightened; ]esus is asleep v. 38)4. Jesus takes action v. 39-40)5. Who is this man? v. 41)

C. Observation interpretationContext: A great multitude had gathered around ]esus. From His boat onthe sea, He taught them and spoke in parables to them. The disciples hadbeen accompanying ]esus for quite a while. They had already witnessedHis mirac1es, healings and listened to His teachings.v.35-36 At the end ofthis long day,]esus is tired. He retires and asks thedisciples to dismiss the people. He wants to be alone with Hisdisciples and to teach them cf. 33-34).37-38 The experienced fishermen fear that they might die. They do

not know what to do facing these forces ofnature. In this crisisthey openly show their true feelings . They are annoyed with

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Jesus, who does not seem to pay any attention to their worries.They tell Him that they fear they might perish and complain toHim asking a reproachful question. They respect Him as theirmaster and seek His help, however only as a last resort, whenthey are in utter despair and fear that they might perish dothey askJesus to help them.

39-40 Jesus has power over destructive forces, over nature and overpeople 's worries (e .g. fear).The destructive forces obey Jesus and are forced to yield. Jesusspeaks powerfully, and the elements are brought un der controlbeca use He is the Creator.Jesus does not bale water out of the boat together with thedisciples. Jesus is not angry, he does not cal m them down butchanges the situation. Cod is in control even when we think Hedoesn't careoJesus asks them about their fear. He does not want to knowwhat they are afraid of(storm) but why they are afraid (lack offaith).Jesus asks them about their faith; they do have some faith ingeneral but fail to apply their faith in Him in this situation.

41 The disciples are frightened again. This time they are not afraidofwhat they have to cope with outside the boat, but they arefrightened ofthe One who sits with them in the boato They arefrightened to see Jesus' power. He is more than a teacher, ahealer; He is ...

This passage deals withJesus' power and the trust ofthose who believe inHim .

D. Additional cornrnents37 urioussqualL Strong winds can come down from the moun tains

surrounding the Sea ofCalilee and often cause sudden storms .In those days no one doubted that some kind of supernaturalforce caused a storm. In the Old Testament, it was Cod whocalmed the storm; in the New Testament, it is Jesus.

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11. Group discussionA. IntroductionOption a Fear - there is hardly any other word that describes the lives ofpeople in our world better than fear. Fear ofterrorism, fear of exams, fearofthe future, fear oflife, fear ofhunger, fear of evil powers, fear of death,fear of sorrow, fear ofillness. But are we alone when we are afraid ? Todaywe are reading a passage from the Bible that shows people who are veryafraid and at the same time in this fear have a challenging encounterwithJesus.

Option b) short play - Person A watches the news on TV or reads newsheadlines in a newspaper. The news seems quite shocking (someone actsas the newsreader). Person A becomes more and more frightened, turnsoffthe TV j puts away the newspaper and tries to cope with his j her fearsby consulting different persons:

1. someone who is lying comfortably on the couch drinking a glassofwine and who invites person A to sit down and relax; ("Justrelax and shrug offyour fears.")

2. a pharmacist who offers person A a new remedy for fear, but ithas no effect on person A;

3. a psychologist who asks person A several questions but who,without giving helpful answers,just ends up inviting her j himto a new session;

4. a sportsperson who invites person A to do some jogging withhimjher beca use it reduces fear and stress;

5. a globetrotter who suggests traveling to a foreign continent;6. a scientist who tries to explain the condition offear in scientific

terms;At the end, person A is still frightened and wonders hat do I o now

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B. Questions1. Remember that Jesus had been teaching a lot t is day. Why doyou think that Jesus proposes crossing over to the other side of

the Sea of Galilee?2. What do the disciples feel and think when they ask Jesus:"Teacher, don't you care if we drown? Why is their reaction

understandable? How do they deal with their fear?3. How would we have expected Jesus to react? Which reaction

could have been expected?4. The forces ofnature obey Jesus. What does this reveal about His

person?5. In response to the disciples' fear Jesus asks them a question.

Why does He ask this question?6. The last question is one of the most important cuestions thedisciples have ever asked. What are they thinking when they

ask this question? How does their view of Jesus change? Whatdo they learn about His identity?

7. Why does Jesus expect them to challenge and confront theirfear?

C. Application1. Like the disciples we face various difficulties and some-timesfeel powerless. What causes us to be afraid or panic?2. How do we handle our fears?3. This story shows an encounter betweenJesus and His disciples.

What can we learn from this encounter and apply to our ownencounter with Jesus?

4. nd it was completely calm Where do I need a calmness in my life?5. The disciples' view of Jesus obviously changes in this passage.How did my view ofJesus change when 1first heard about Him?6. How would I respond to the disciples' last question? What doesJesus mean to me?

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7. Have we ever experienced God intervening in in our lives? Didt make us more afraid ofGod or did it draw us closer to Him?

D. Closing remarksIn this study we saw how Jesus challenged the disciples to change from alife offear, to alife offaith in Him. In the next study we will meet amanwilling to give himselfinto alife offaith inJesus .

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2. From hearsay to alife with Jesus(Faith What do you want Me to do for you7)

Mark10:46S2

1 Personal preparationA. Main message1can put al my trust faith in Jesus.

B. Structure1. A blind man calls for help (v. 46-48).2. Jesus receives al people with an open heart (v. 49-51).

a. Jesus and the crowd (v. 49)b. The blind man s answer to the invitation (v. 50)c. Jesus and the blind man talking to each other (v. 51)3. Healing and discipleship (v. 52).

C. Observation interpretationContext: Here Mark writes about the last healing that Jesus performsbefore His death . Hereafter, the entry into Jerusalem, the Feast of thePassover, the crucifixion and the resurrection follow.46/ 52 Verses 46 and 52 present us with the main external contrasting

elements of the study.sat [stationary] (v. 46) - fol owed him [moving] (v. 52)a blind man [darkness] (v. 46) - he received his sight [light]v. 52)by the roadside [in isolation] (v. 46) - along the road [infel owship] (v. 52)

46-48 Bartimaeus must have heard of Jesus before. Sitting by theroadside, he had probably overheard others talldng aboutJesus .Maybe others had even talked to him aboutJesus. His k.nowledgeof Jesus is enough to give him hope and expectations, and soBartimaeus cries persistently for merey - he does not let theother people stop him.

49 Jesus takes people who call out to Him seriously - in this case itwas Bartimaeus.Jesus stops - He allows others to interrupt Him .He involves other people in helping the blind man in doingso, He helps the crowd to be merciful, and experience what itmeans to be merciful.The crowd and the blind man stop shouting it is suddenlypeaceful when Jesus starts to speak.Whenever Jesus' words are passed on, healing is made possible.

50 Bartimaeus takes a risk when he throws aside his garment how will he find it again as a blind man?Bartimaeus is total y trusting and confident he rose.

51 Jesus helps Bartimaeus express his innermost desire - Jesusvalues him beyond measure.A blind person was regarded a sinner and held the lowestposition in society.Jesus lifts Bartimaeus up to the highest position. in front ofthewhole crowd.By His question Jesus , his creator. makes himself a servant tothis despised blindman.Jesus wants us to honestly express our wishes.

52 Jesus helps those who believe in Him.Jesus sets Bartimaeus free (go your way . Having received thisfreedom. Bartimaeus decides to follow Jesus.

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D. dditional cornrnentsJcricho is located on the way from the Jordan valley to Jerusalem. It is thelast city on the way up the mountains. Jericho is 250 m below sea leveland was a rich city.Son 01 David. David was one of the greatest kings in Israel. God promisedhim that his future descendant would reign forever and be God's son(2.Sam 7:12-16). It is the honourary title for the predicted Saviour.Rabbi means Master, Teacher and is a particularly honourable title.Timaeus means appreciated, honoured. Bartimaeus = Son of the honouredmanCarment. It has a special meaning in the Bible bec a use it was somethingwhich was used to protect oneself from the cold and used as a blanketduring the night. Therefore the garment was not to be taken overnightas a security (Exodus 22:25; Dtnm. 24:10-13).

11. Group discussionA. IntroductionOption a) 1cannot believe in God because 1cannot see Him - this is whatsorne people say, but is this true? Today we meet someone who, so far,had only heard about Jesus from hearsay rumours. Then he has anencounter with Jesus. We can also have an encounter with Jesus even ifwe cannot see Him.Option b A game of trust with three people: Two people stand oppositeeach other. One stands in the middle facing one ofthe two. With his hereyes shut, the one in the middle lets himself herselffall backwards. Theperson behind catches the one "fa11ing" and pushes him her towardsthe other persono Then the one in the middle fa11s forward and the otherperson catches them and pushes him her back. Talk about what thepeople felt playing this game. Then go back to the text: Total trust wasrequired in the texto Today we hear about a blind person who provokedan encounter with Jesus.

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B. Questions1. What kind oflife do you think Bartimaeus lead? What wouldhave felt ifI had been blind and sitting by the roadside alongside

Bartimaeus?2. Meeting Jesus was not easy. Which internal and externalobstacles did Bartimaeus have to overcome?3. Having heard the blind man s cry, Jesus stops. Why does Jesus

not go to the blind man Himself? Why doesn tJesus just ignorethe crowd?

4. Which att i tude beco mes evident through Bartimaeusbehaviour in V. 50?

5. Jesus does not heal the blind man immediately but instead asksa seemingly pointless question. What could be the purpose ofHim asking this question? What does this question reveal abouthow Jesus relates to people?

6. Jesus speaks about faith, although it has not been mentionedbefore. What attitudes and actions does Jesus consider as faith?Which ofthese sma11 steps might we be able to take as well?

7. Why does the healed man not simply say Thank you and thengoodbye'?

C. pplication1. What is drawing me closer to Jesus? What is pushing me away

or hindering me?2. What would answer to Jesus' question (v. 51) if He aked me

that question today?3. Are there people who stand in the way between me and Jesus?

How can 1cope with this?4. Am 1standing beside the road orwalking on the road withJesus

(analysis of my own si tuation)?5. Does this text somehow encourage us to think that God is

capable of changing things in our life that we cannot changeourselves?61


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D. Closing remarksIn this study we saw how Jesus totall y changed the life of aman who puthis trust in Him. In the next study we wiU see Jesus perform a healingthat again goes deeper than just making a sick person healthy again.

3. Healthisn'teverything(Forgiveness Why does this fellowtalklike that?) Mark2:1-12

l. PersonalpreparationA. MainmessageJesus has the power to forgive sins and to heal.

B. Structure1. Jesus in Capernaum v. 1-2)2. The paralytic and his friends v. 3-4)3. Forgiveness of sins and the scribes indignation v. 5-7)4. Jesus answer to the scribes and the healing of the paralytic

v. 8-11)5. Reaction of the paralytic and the people v. 12)

C. Observation,interpretationContext: Jesus had been to Capernaum before and had healed, amongothers, Peters mother-in-Iaw. He had taught in the synagogue and hadcast out demons .1-2 Jesus becomes more and more known in Capernaum. His

teachings are captivating. Many people come to see Him becausethey are attracted by His teachings and by His persono

3-4 Their faith inJesus and love for their friend help them overcomeobstacles. They risk making a fool ofthemselves and becomingunpopular. They disrupt a meeting and provoke a reaction fromJesus.

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5-7 Jesus allows them to interrupt Him and reacts positively to the"trouble-makers." He does not tell them to wait in line until itis their turno Jesus sees their faith.Jesus forgives the man's sins before He heals. Jesus comes tforgive us our sins. Thus, Jesus claims God's right and putsHimself on the same level as God. Jesus forgives our sins, notonly sorne kind of feeling of sin.Son v. 5) illustrates that Jesus gives the sick person protectionand includes him in God's family.Jesus is able to grant forgiveness of sins. No other person hasthe right to do this .

8-11 Jesus sees inside our heart. He sees our faith v. 5) and our hiddenthoughts v. 7). Jesus can see everything .Jesus not only has the power to do these things but has beengiven the authority (from God) to do all this .Jesus has the power to forgive sins and to heal. He shows this byhealing the sick man after the "invisible" forgiveness of sins.Jesus saves completely - He saves body and soul.

12 Jesus wants to be close to us so that He can even see the darkestsides in our life. This is sometimes shocking for us but alsobrings forth grateful praise.

D dditional cornrnents1 Jesus' disputes with His opponents in Galilee start in the second

chapter (2:1-3.6). Jesus now seeks to directly confront hisopponents . Here, we are looking at the first text in which Jesusdirectly grants forgiveness ofsins ; another text can be found inLuke 7:48 .Capernaum A town on the northwest shore ofthe Sea ofGalilee.Jesus lived there when he started to teach, preach and heal.

4 Construction ofthe house The house looked like a square box andhad a terraced roof (fIat root). Branches and reeds were laid

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over the cross-beams. A 30 cm thick layer of clay and chaffwasput on top ofit . An outside staircase led to the fIat roof.

5-11 Relation between guilt and illness Jesus explicitly rejects that illnessis automatically the result of sin Ooh 9:3; Lk 1 ,2t). Only in thiscase does Jesus mention sin before healing someone; in anothercase He mentions it afterwards Ooh 5:14). lt is true that sufferingis connected with guilt in many ways, but it does not alwaysresult in the guilt ofthe sick persono Back then, th e Jews thoughtthat illness was the result of a sick person 's guilt . Forgiving thesins at the beginning, Jesus addresses the basic evil.Sins All acts and attitudes that do not result in faith are sin. Hamartia (sin) means to miss one's aim. Someone who leads alife without Jesus misses his her true aim in life, in the sameway that an archer misses the target. Someone who is livingautonomously without God is a sinner. Sin stands for thenegation that belong to God.

6 Scribes Experts and teachers of the Old Testament. They wererespected people.

10 Son ofMan This is how Jesus likes to identify Himself. He is usinga title from Daniel 7.The people in His time did not undertstandthe deeper meaning ofthis name; they did not understand it asa title of the Messiah . He uses this ti tle instead of Messiah(Saviour) whom the people are expecting.

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4. A desperate father -a disappointed Jesus(Priority between belief and unbelief)

ark 9:14 29

1 Personal preparationA. Main messageAll things are possibleforthe person who makes it apriority tobelieve.Thispassageshowsushow wecan believe.

B Structure1. Jesusinterrupts adispute v. 14-16). .2. Adesperate father v. 17-24)a . The father's lament v. 17-18)

b. Jesus'response todisbelief(v.19)c. The suffering of the son and desperation of thefather v. 20-22)

d . Jesusencourages the father to believe v. 23-24)3. J esus heals the son v. 25-27)4. Jesus'explanation to the disciplesv. 28-29) . Observation, interpretationContext:Jesus,Peter.Jam esand John havereturned fromthe mountainwhere Jesuswas transfigured. There the three discipleswitnessed the

glory ofJesus .Nowthey return tothe other disciplesand alargecrowdofpeo ple.

14 The other disciplesare disputing with the leading scribes.Thelack of authority (viz.the lack of faith)provoked this dispute.The situation arose because Jesuswasnot present at the time.

15 The people are in aweand treatJesus respectfully.Jesusreturnsat just the right moment. Hedisolves the dispute and gathersthe crowdexpectantly around himself.

16 Jesuswants toknow what the disciplesaredoing.Healsopaysattention to the father and hisson.

17-18 This text shows how limited we humans are.Jesusasks hisdisciplesastraight-forwardquestion v. 16). Thefather interruptsthem; he doesnot answer in amatter-of-factwaybut letsJesusknow how distressed and disappointed he is.Thisshowshowmuch the father is suffering.The father must have suffered a lot standing beside histormented son.Seeingthe disciplesnot being abletohelp theboymust haveincreased his suffering. But they ould not helpthe father 'sutter disappointment is shown here .

19 Jesus expressesdisappointment in the father's unbelief. Ourunbelief is not sorneprivatematter that wealone havetocopewith; our unbeliefpains Jesus.Jesusfaces the difficulties.Hetakesthe initiative (as is alsoevident in the rest ofthe passageand has the boybrought to Him .Jesusdoes not givea speech about how tobelievebut insteadfaces the boy'ssuffering and helps.

20-22 Theboy'ssuffering showsthe devil'sdestructive intention. Thedevilwants tobring about death and destruction.The boy's suffering alsoillustrates the human condition. Theboycannot control himself anymore, He can be compared tosomeone who is moving with the masses ,who has not foundthe meaning of histife,who is torn and self-centered.Jesusenquires about the boy'scondition v.21). Jesustakestheboy and his father aside(because, later on v.25). the people

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comerunning).Jesus is interestedin theboy'ssufferingsandiswillingtomake timeforhim. Jyou can do nything... scepticisl11, impatience, helplessnesscharacterise thefather inhisdesperation.Jesushelpspeoplelikehim .

23 Jesus'wordsexposetheunbelief.Jesus'wordscreatebelief(v. 24:1believe).S0renKierkegaardwritesin"TheSicknessuntoDeath"(translatedbyAlastairHannay.PenguinBooks.London: 1989): Jaithis possibility . Believingthat"]01' Cod everything is possible". Everytruebeliever, possesses the ever-sure ntidote t despa': possibility;since Jor Cad everything is possible at every momentoThis is the health oJaith which resolves a contradictions.

24 Thefatheris inneed.Hehasinterceded(askedforhelp)forhisson.Nowhe intercedesforhimself.Help me overcome my unbelie:Jesuswants notonlytoheal the boybutalso tochange thefather'sinnerturmoil(i .e. hisunbelief).Jesushearstherequestforbelief.Jesusdoes not care that the father still has sorne doubts.Therefore,Jesuswil!always hearourprayers,evenifweinitiallydonotbelievethattheywillbeanswered.Theconfession1believe is notjustlip-service:Thefather'swholebeingis broughtbeforeJesus; thisis alsoshowninhisrequesthelp me overcome my unbelieJ.

25-27 Jesus'wordsbringhealing.Jesusis notusing'magic ' .HiswordsandHis personalityovercomeal!evilpowersthatcanbindmeno(1,1 command you; 1is especiallyunderlined in theGreekbyitsrepe tition .)Jesus notonlyhealsbutalsolifts theboyup. HoldingJesus'hand,hecanstanduptoanewlife.

28-29 Thedisciplesarenotsatisfied;theywanttofindoutthesecretofHisauthority.Theycontinuelearningandwanttogodeeper.

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Jesusunderlinesthatprayer(i.e.anintimaterelationshipwithGod)is thesecretofhavingauthority.(Fasting is onlymentionedin latermanuscripts.Fastingcanaccompanyprayerbutis onlyvaluable if ithelpsmakeourprayertimesmoreintimate.)Heparticularlyunderlines Prayer. Maybe the disciples wereexpectingsornenewmethodtobeabletocastoutdemons .Jesus'answeris intimacywi th God throughprayer,andprayeralone.lt is notprayerandacertainmethod.Prayerandfaithgohandinhand.

D Additional commentsThedisciplesare notabletoheal theboyo However, aJewish14-15 sayingwent:An ambassador is considered the same s the one whosent him. Thescribesdonotseethedisciplesasprivateindividualsbutas Jesus' messengers.Therefore, thecredibility of Jesus isquestioned by the failingsof His disciples.Thismightbe thereasonforthescribesanddisciples'dispute.Aspiritth t has robbed himspeech. Theevilis notanabstractthing17 butapowerfulforcehavinganinfluenceonpeopleandsociety.Satanstandsbehindal evil;hewantstotakecontrolanddestroy.Anyonewho is notsaved is thereforeunderSatan's controloftenwithoutknowingit.Be awareof talkingtoomuchabouttheevilspirit.ltis fartooeasytobe attractedby the fascinationof evil. t is crucialtokeepclearlyinmindthatJesuswonthevictoryoverevil.

Note:Thinkcarefully about howto explain to someone thenatureof evil.

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11. Group discussionsA. IntroductionOption a There are different ways of approaching how we believe'. Sornethink:

I am not a religious person, therefore I cannot believe inGod. I had no Christian education, that is why I do not know

anything about the Christian faith. I am too sceptical and cannot relate to my believing anything.Today we want to look at an interesting encounter between Jesus and aman who can be regarded as a sceptic.Option b) Hand out a copy of Edvard Munch s The Scream. Discuss thefolIowing questions: What impression does this painting have on me?What does Munch express in his painting? Can we find an anwer orsolution in the painting itself? Go back to the Bible study: Today we hearabout a person who is in a similarly desperate situation and comes to seeJesus.

B. Questions1. Jesus arrives right in the middle ofa dispute. What do the people

who have gathered there think of Him?2. The disciples have no time to answer the question Jesus asked

them (v. 16) because a father interrupts their conversation. Whatdoes the father s appearance show about his inner condition?What is he having to cope with?

3. To what extent can we compare the boy's life to the lives ofmany in our society?

4. Does Jesus only care about the boy's suffering? What else movesHim (v. 19)?

5. The people did believe, so why does Jesus say that the peopleare faithless?

6. How does Jesus react to the father s request? (He calls the son,he asks for detailed information, He takes him aside, He talksto him seriously...)

7. What kind of hope is revealed in the father s words (v. 22)?What would I have said to Jesus ifI were in the father s position?Which comparison can you draw between us and the father?

8. What does Jesus' answer mean to the father (v. 23)? To whatextent is the answer helpful, even ifit seems a little rude?

9. What change occurs in the father after Jesus' question andcomment?

10. When does the healing occur? What does the healing reveal ofJesus' identity?

C. pplication1. How can I compare myselfwith the boy? What do I desire to be

set free from?2. The father goes through a process: disappointment (v. 12)

resigned, sceptical request (v. 22) - confession and asking forhelp (v. 24). Where am I in this process?

3. What do I like about Jesus during this encounter?4. What encourages me in this story to believe in Jesus?

D. Closing remarksIn today's study we saw how Jesus was deeply disappointed with the lackof belief around him. In the next study Jesus' loneliness is even morepronounced, as we read about His last night with His disciples before Heis captured.

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(Mark 9:2-10) are with Him now . During the transfiguration5 The sleepy disciples - Jesus' body was shining and His Father's voice came out of thecloud telling the disciples to believe Jesus' words. On the Mounta strugglingJesus of Olives however, Jesus is praying and trembling; He is cryingout of the deepest depths of His heart ro His Father. Jesus is(Prayer Jesus resolve in Gethsemane) absolutely honest in His prayer.Jesus was God and human at the same time. He experiencedsufferings as many ofus do .ark 14:3 42In the difficult hours, Jesus needs friends and witnesses whocan, later on , teIl what happened.l. Personal preparation Jesus is trembling beca use He, the holy one, is made ro be sinand handed over to the hands of the sinners 2. Corinthians5:21).A. Main message

35 Jesus' body language shows a great humbleness before God or aWrestling in prayer, Jesus gains strength and receives encouragement tosubmit to God's will. deep despair.36 Abba Father No Jew before Jesus would have addressed God inB. Structure this intimate way. Jesus says Abba Father in all the 19 prayers in

the New Testament. He feels at home with God. He uses a non1. Jesus is shocked knowing what awaits Him v. 32-34) liturgical family-language . He trusts God. Jesus' prayer shows2 J e s u s p r a y e r ( ~ 3 5 - 3 6 ) us how we may pray.3. The disciples are sleeping v. 37-40)4. Jesus faces His betrayal v. 41-42) After these familiar words, Jesus' attention is drawn to God 'sunlimited possibilities. 1t is God Who might know another wayof redemption. Prayer means counting on God's possibilities.C Observation interpretation Jesus ' praying is totally genuine. He allows Himselfto ask ifGodContext: Jesus spent His Iast hours with His disciples. They celebrated the might have another way ofsaving humanity.Passover toget her. During this evening, Jesus blessed the bread and the Jesus' prayer is clear and straight forward.wine and thus instituted the Lord's Supper. Then Jesus and His disciples

went out to the Mount of Olives; the disciples promised Jesus that they Jesus' prayer ha s a goal: the will and honour of God.would remain wth Him always. Jesus is not forced ro take up the cross, He takes it up voluntarily.32 Jesus makes sure that He has a place and enough time to pray. 37-40 The one who declared himselfwilling to accept martyrdom isMorning (Mark 1 35) or evening (here), He goes to a solit ary place falling asleep. - This is how we are as human beings.in order to pray and spend time with His Father.Confident Peter fails beca use he is not aware ofhis dependence33-34 Jesus values having friends that support Him in prayer. The same - in prayer - upon God.disciples that went with Him to the Mount ofTransfiguration

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Someone defined prayer as eturning from a land of illusions toreality. Prayer is the higltest form ofvigilance; one becomes aware of hethings that really matter.Jesus does not ignore the sleepiness of the disciples butvigorously draws their attention to overcoming it for prayer.However when they fail, He does not turn away from them.

41-42 During the time of prayer Jesus is changed. He is the one Whois active and chooses to go to the cross. He goes from tremblingbefore the Father to confidently approaching His ene mies. Andtoday He stiH continues to approach us in love; He is the Lord ofaH humanity.This scene can be compared to the temptation from Satan inthe desert (Mark 1:12-13) bec ause there God's plan ofsalvationwas also at stake.

D. dditional cornrnentsGethsemane. A garden with olive trees near the Kidron Valley, east ofJerusalem.The text was deliberately studied with a focus on prayer, even if the textdeals with other themes as well.

11. Group discussionA. IntroductionOption: In an important passage of the Gospel according to Mark Jesussays about Himself: For even tite Son of Man did not come to be served but toserve and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Hardly any of thedisciples understood then what Jesus meant when He said this. On theevening befo re his death, Jesus eats together with His disciples andprepares them for His death and resurrection. For the last three years Hehad been sharing His life with them and had taught them many things.They saw great things with Him. Now, on the evening before his death

7

they, and also we, see a different side of Him. We learn something newabout His person and how He prayed.

B. Questions1. We see a totally different side ofJesus here (v. 32-34). What is sostriking about Him? What does the time in Gethsemane mean

to Him?2. How does Jesus pray?3. What effect does Jesus' p rayer have (v. 41-42)7 The disciples do

not pray; what effect does this have?4. How does Jesus' care for His disciples show?5. What is revealed aboutJesus personality (v. 42)?

C. pplication1. What do we learn from the way Jesus prays? What does it really

mean to pray to God?2. Which experience do we have with prayer?3. Do we ask God for His will ro be done in our life? How important

is this to us? How do we go about making decisions?4. Have we been in situations where we wished that someone

would have stayed with us to watch and pray?

D. Closing rernarksIn today's study we saw ho w Jesus was struggling to submit to the will ofGod. In the next study we will see how God honoured Him for beingfaithful.

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6. The surprised followers -th risenJesus(Power The resurrectionof Jesus-the event and itsimportance)

Mark 16:1 20

l. Personal preparationA. Main messageEveryone should hear the Good News (the Gospel) of]esus' resurrection.

B. Structure1. The last respects to a dead person v. 1-5)2. Good News and call into mission: ]esus is risen v. 6-7)3. No Easter joy, instead shock and trembling v. 8)4. The influence of the Good News on the disciples v. 9-13)5. ]esus' universal salvation claim and missionary call v. 14-19)6. The reaction ofthe frightened disciples to the rise n Lord v. 20)

C Observation, interpretationContext: On the evening after the crucifixion, ]esus is taken down fromthe cross and laid in the tomb of a rich mano1 The wo men come to pay their last respects. The anointing is

not performed as in Egypt for the purpose of mummificationbut can be compared to today's laying of a wreath on the grave.The entire report is written in a matter-of-fact style .

3-4 Their entire mood is governed by mourning. They are shockedby the rea lity of]esus' death.8

5 As always, the encounter with a messenger of God causes fear.The shining clothes reveal the heavenly origino6 A detailed description of ]esus is given to show that they are

not looking for Him in the wrong tomb.SeeThe sudarium a cloth forwiping sweat) and the linen clothsare not mentioned explicitly, but we can presume that they arepresent. And thus they serve as indication and proof of theangel's message.See They are asked to see for themselves. Even today it is theresponsibility of ]esus' disciples to invite people to see forthemselves and examine the evidence.]esus cannot be found.]esus rose physically. He is not only livingon in the imagination ofHis disciples or in His own words andideas.

7 The direction has changed . Before, ]esus went from Galilee to]erusalem ; now the disciples ar e sent away from th e place wherethe salvation history started .]esus continues to go ahead ofthe disciples. He continues to bethe Good Shepherd who goes ahead .

8 They trembled and were amazed Now nothing is certain anymore;even death is not certain anymore. We , and al so our neighbour,will not remain dead. Everything that we are and do wiII berevealed before God. God breaks into th e law of death with theressurection of]esus and He has promised to raise the dead onthe last day.There is no Easter joyoNo one expected this to happen, neitherenemy nor fri end of ]esus, nor the people who were indifferent.

9-13 Various encounters between the risen ]esus and His disciplesshow that they were by no means more credulous than we aretoday. The first witnesses were women. The testimony of awoman was not accepted in court at that time. If someone hadmade up th e idea ofresurrection, this person would have had

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to provide more reliable witnesses to support the truth of hiswords.14-19 The Good News ofthe cross and the resurrection wiIl be told toevery persono Jesus has a universal claim to His salvation. Thesalvation, however, depends on belief or unbelief of meno

In V. 16 belief and salvation, unbelief and condemnation arelinked. Baptism relates to belief. But not being baptised doesnot lead per se to condemnation . The first believer who wassaved was the robber who was al so cruc ified next to Jesus andwho was not baptised.igns (v. 17- 18) only point to something else . During a state visit,

the signs correspond to the escorts and the state coach but arenot the politician himself. We can receive heal ing and help fromGod even here. They are signs of His comprehensive salvationplan and reaffirm the message of the Gospel, but they do nothave to occur. The complete salvation (no pain, no death, nosin, communitywithGod) can onlybe granted in the newworldafter the Second Coming of Christ .The resurrection radically changes the frightened andmourning disciples. The one who lives his life with Jesus livesout of a new strength. The living Lord lives and reigns in himher.Jesus has conque red death and thus aIl His miracles must betrue .

D dditional cornrnentsThe tom ofJesus was a cave cut out ofrock. A heavy big stone similar toa miIlstone) was rolled in front of the tomb in order to protect it fromwild animals and thieves. Several men were needed to role the stone fromin front of the grave . This stone was sealed with a seal by the Romanauthorities to prevent any tampering.Galilee. Region around the Sea ofGalilee and the mountains between theMediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee (partly non-Jewish heathenarea).

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Tips for th group leaderThe passage V. 9-20 is not present in the oldest and best preservedmanuscripts, but it was known to the Fathers ofthe Church as early asthe 3rd and 4rh century. From the 5th century onwards, it is present moreoften in the manuscripts information only for the leader!).It is important for the group leader to prepare him herselfweIl for thissubject and know the arguments that are stated against the resurrection.There are two main aspects of this ten:1. To help people who find it difficult to understand the resurrection. It

wiIl be helpful to iIlustrate that the disciples had similar difficultieswith the resurrection, very similar to those some people have today.Arguments for the resurrection being real and historical are as foIlow:a) Women were not accepted as witnesses in those days .b) The empty tomb (the opponents could have shown the body asevidence to the contrary, if they had taken it to another place).c) The resignation, hopelessness and unbelief of the disciples show

that they themselves did not expect this possibility ("Easter shockand 1l0t

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