Author: Chienchong Lim

Who’s First & Who’s Last

Key Verse: Mark 10:31

But many that are first shall be last; & the last first

a. The First who became Last

– The Pharisees who were very religious (10:1-12)

– The young man who was extremely rich (10:17-27)

b. The Last who became First

– The children who weren’t highly regarded (10:13-16)

– The disciples who were firmly resolved (10:28-30)

Questions for consideration & discussion

a. What are examples in my life which show that my religiosity & resources could be hindering how I follow Jesus?

b. What does it mean for me to always rely on Jesus & stay resolved to follow Him?  

Beholding the King’s Glory

God’s kingdom comes with power (9:1)

1. Jesus relates His glory with how He will complete His Father’s work (9:2-13)

– The significance of the different people & events

– The response of the disciples

2. Jesus rebukes His disciples for how they have relied on themselves to do His work (9:14-29)

– The conversations with Jesus Christ

Questions for consideration & discussion

a. How have I been (or not been) listening to & talking about Jesus?

b. How can I tell if I’m relying on myself to do God’s work & serve Him?

Double Unexpectedness

1. The Woman’s Unexpected Belief (7:24-30)

   – The Gentile woman trusted the Lord

2. The Lord’s Miraculous Work (7:31-8:10)

   a. The Lord touched & opened the ears of the deaf  (7:31-37)

   b. The Lord cared for & fed the four thousand  (8:1-10)

3. The Pharisees’ Unexpected Unbelief  (8:11-13)

   – The religious Pharisees doubted the Lord

Questions for consideration:

Who are my friends & family (who are steeped in unbelief) whose salvation I can pray for? What are the areas in my own life (which I struggle with unbelief) that I can turn over to the Lord?

What do you see?

1. Jesus, his followers & the famished ‘flock’  (6:30-44)

2. Jesus, his followers & their hardened hearts  (6:45-52)

3. Jesus, the masses & His mighty miracles  (6:53-56)

Questions for consideration:

Do I see how the Lord has been really great & good in my life? How does this perspective in turn shape the way I see my limitations, current situations & motivation in following Jesus?