Thursday, March 27th

This Thursday, March 27th, we will be discussing Mark chapter 15. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Read ahead of time so you'll be ready for the discussion questions below. The Daily Page Homework may be found here. We look forward to seeing you!

Mark 15 – The Council of Religious Leaders Condemns Jesus; Jesus Stands Trial before Pilate; Pilate Hands Jesus Over to be Crucified; Roman Soldiers Mock Jesus; Jesus Is Led Away to be Crucified; Jesus Is Placed on the Cross; Jesus Dies on the Cross; Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
(NIV Headings)

Mark 15:1-32

1.) Why did Pilate marvel at the silence of Jesus?

2.) Why did the crowd choose Barabbas instead of Jesus?

3.) Why did Pilate have Jesus flogged before his crucifixion?

4.) Why did Roman soldiers mock Jesus with such cruelty?

Mark 15:33-15:47

5.) Why is there darkness in the land?

6.) What is the significance of the curtain being torn in two?
Hint: take a look at Leviticus 16 to get an idea how serious the curtain is.

7.) Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?

--questions by Grant

Thursday, March 20th

This Thursday, March 20th, we will be attending Menlo Presbyterian's Maundy Service. We'll meet around 7 PM at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park like normal. Then around 7:15 PM we will walk down the street as a group to the service. We look forward to seeing you!

Thursday, March 13th

This Thursday, March 13th, we will be discussing Mark chapter 14:32-72. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Read ahead of time so you'll be ready for the discussion questions below. The Daily Page Homework may be found here. We look forward to seeing you!

Mark 14:1-31 – Jesus Agonizes in the Garden; Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested; Caiaphas Questions Jesus; Peter Denies Knowing Jesus

Discussion #1 – Vs. 32-52

1. What is Jesus referring to when He says "take this cup from me" in verse 36?

2. In the garden of Gethsemane we read about Jesus' intense struggle to follow God's will for Him to go to the cross. Why do you think this is recorded in Scripture? Does it offer any encouragement to you when your will differs from God's will. Feel free to share examples.

3.In verse 38 Jesus says- "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The Spirit is willing but the body is weak." What does Jesus mean when He says the Spirit is willing but the body is weak? How did Jesus get His body in line with the Spirit? How might you do so?

4. (extra credit) Who do you think is the naked man is V. 51 and 52 and why does Mark include this odd event in the middle of this scene?

Discussion #2 – Verses 53-72


5. The High Priest asks Jesus a question in v. 60 and another question in v. 61. Why do you think Jesus was silent for the first question but responded to the second question?

6. The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin ( the high court of the Jews) were looking for "evidence against Jesus so that they could put Him to death, but they did not find any." V. 55 Why do you think these leaders were so intent in wanting to kill Jesus? Why are some people today so hostile toward Jesus?

7. What is your response to Jesus having to go to the cross? Was it really necessary? Do you feel that it is a true historical event?

--questions by Christl

Thursday, March 6th

This Thursday, March 6th, we will be discussing Mark chapter 14:1-31. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Read ahead of time so you'll be ready for the discussion questions below. We look forward to seeing you!

Mark 14:1-31 – Jesus Anointed at Bethany; The Lord's Supper; Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial

Discussion #1 –

Mark 14:1-11

1. Why do you think the woman poured the perfume on Jesus' head? What do you think of the indignant response of some of those present? How would you react in the same situation?

2. Judas walked alongside Jesus for three years and witnessed all His miracles. Why do you think he betrayed Jesus? What can you learn from Judas' act regarding your own faith?

Discussion #2 –

Mark 14:12-31

3. What is the covenant that Jesus mentions in verse 24? What did it replace? What does the practive of communion mean to you?

4. Have you ever expressed the confidence of Peter in promises you've made to God? If you didn't keep those promises, how did you feel when you realized it? How did you respone to God afterwards?

--questions by Virginia