Introduction To The Mark Study

I.  Greetings:

            This study is designed for an in depth group study of the book of Mark.  It is designed for a directive but interactive approach where people are encouraged to talk, give their opinions, but most of all to think.  It can be adapted to preach from, but the original intent was to study the Word of God in a manner that helped people see for themselves with some guidance the "Beauty of the Lord".

            1.  The audience or group is to read the text, not the leader (except in rare occasions).  This helps the group get involved.

            2.  The study leader is encouraged to follow most readings with questions.  The more the audience speaks, thinks, interacts with the text, the better. 

            3.  The answers provided after most of the questions are only suggestions.  If the group comes up with the answers then the leader need not speak at all.  In most lessons there are questions with no answers provided for the leader.  Such answers are deemed not necessary, and the leader is dependent on the teaching coming from the group.  If the group does not answer, then it is not answered.

            4.  You will notice that the Greetings sections are usually left blank, this is because all groups have their seperate identity and will want to open in a manner appropriate to the group.           

 

II.  Sources:

            This study leans heavily on three commentaries:

            1. William Lane, The Gospel According to John,  (Eerdmans:  Grand Rapids), 1975

             

            2.  William Barclay, The Gospel of Mark,  (Westminster Press:  Philadelphia), 1956

             

            3.  St. Chrysostom, Homilies On The Gospel of Saint Matthew,  Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol. X, (Eerdmans:  Grand Rapids), 1975.

               This particular volume is on the Gospel of Matthew but as much of Mark is in Matthew I merely cross-referenced each particular passage.

            In addition, there are a lot of times when the study is dependent on my own "structural analysis" or outlining of the particular passage.  The outlines guided a great deal of my organization and understanding of many of the passages.

           

III. Intent:

            It is my hope that this study proves helpful in organizing or aiding your own study with those the Lord has put in your care.  I have purposely left out illustrations given in my own talks because I feel that leaves room for you to personalize the studies.  Most of all I would recommend that you spend time in prayer that His blessing attends your study of His Word.