This week's Bible Study - Mark 13.1-13

Bible Study – Mark 13.1-13

Background
First, review chapters 11 and 12, noticing the ways in which the tension has been growing between Jesus and the Temple authorities.

Now read Mk 13.1-4
Though still incomplete in Jesus’ day, Herod’s Temple was one of the 7 wonders of the world; a vast and magnificent building.

Q1 Why do you think the unnamed disciple made his remark about the Temple?

Q2 If someone predicted the destruction of the White House in Washington DC, the Houses of Parliament in London or the Congreso de los Diputados in Madrid, how would their words be understood?

Q3 Complete the sentence: People today are too impressed by the permanence of…

Q4 What seems to motivate the disciples’ questions in 13.4? How do we deal with our desire to be in control of future events?

Now read Mk 13.5-13

Q5 Why does Jesus refuse to give a timetable? What does his answer focus on instead?

Q6 What dangers face followers of Jesus and how are they to guard against these dangers?

Q7 Many Christians around the world are even now suffering persecutions just as bad as the early church faced. Why is this and what can/should we do about it?

Q8 In what way can persecuted Christians be witnesses to their enemies (v9)? If we were in such circumstances, how confident would we be that the Holy Spirit would speak for us (v11)?

Q9 Jesus warns that even close family ties will be broken by the disciples’ loyalty to him. How could we cope with this agony? Is it worthwhile?

Q10 How can we develop the qualities of patience, endurance and love? How does this quest relate to the Gospel and the Kingdom of God?