Thursday, January 24

This Thursday, January 24, we will be discussing Mark chapter 8. 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 8 - What does it mean to deny Self?
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Discussion #1

Mark 8:1-21

When you read Mark 8 you probably had a sense of Deja vu. Mark 8 seems to repeat many of the same events of Mark 6 and 7 we looked at two weeks ago. Take a look starting at Mark 6:30. Mark's book is short, concise and deliberate. The author would not repeat a similar incident unless there was a very intentional reason.

1. What are the similarities and differences between Mark 6/7 and Mark 8?
2. What do you think is the reason that Mark seems to repeat himself? What is the point Mark is trying to convey?
3. The Pharisees come to Jesus and ask for a sign. Why do you think Jesus refuses the Pharisees?

Discussion #2

Mark 8:22-9:1

1. In Mark 7, Jesus touches the deaf man once. In Mark 8, Jesus touches the blind man twice. Do you think there is any significance to this?
   
2. Why does Jesus continue to tell recipients of healing not to publicize?
3. Why does Jesus rebuke Peter?
4. What does it mean to deny self? (Mk 8:34)