Mark Gospel: Key Themes, Parables, Miracles, and Discipleship

What four things provide slices of what the Kingdom of God will look like?

The four things are often described as parables, miracles, teachings, and the actions of Jesus.

What term is often used by Mark for a demon? Why?

The term 'unclean spirit' is often used by Mark, emphasizing the moral and spiritual impurity associated with demons.

Why were many upset at Jesus after the four men lowered the paralytic through the roof?

Many were upset because Jesus forgave the paralytic's sins, which they believed only God could do.

What occupation did Levi (Matthew) have?

Levi, also known as Matthew, was a tax collector.

Which of the Ten Commandments was Jesus often accused of violating?

Jesus was often accused of violating the Sabbath.

Why is it symbolically significant that there were twelve disciples?

The number twelve symbolizes the twelve tribes of Israel, representing God's chosen people.

What three things did Jesus give the Twelve authority to do?

Jesus gave the Twelve authority to preach, cast out demons, and heal the sick.

What did Jesus' family accuse Him of?

Jesus' family accused Him of being out of His mind.

Who did the Teachers of the Law say had possessed Jesus?

The Teachers of the Law claimed that Jesus was possessed by Beelzebul, the prince of demons.

What does the word 'parable' literally mean?

The word 'parable' literally means 'to throw alongside,' referring to a story that illustrates a moral or spiritual lesson.

Which parable communicates that the Kingdom will take time to grow?

The Parable of the Mustard Seed communicates that the Kingdom will take time to grow.

What does water often symbolize in Scripture?

Water often symbolizes life, purification, and the Holy Spirit in Scripture.

What was the name the demoniac man from the Gerasenes gave to himself?

The demoniac man called himself 'Legion' because many demons had entered him.

How did the people of the Gerasenes respond after Jesus healed the demoniac?

The people of the Gerasenes were afraid and asked Jesus to leave their region.

What symbolically important number is connected both to the healing of the woman with constant bleeding and Jairus' daughter?

The number twelve is symbolically important, as the woman had been suffering for twelve years and Jairus' daughter was twelve years old.

What is the first city to reject Jesus in Mark, leading to Him not being able to perform many miracles there?

Nazareth is the first city to reject Jesus, leading to His inability to perform many miracles.

Who did Herod claim to believe Jesus was?

Herod claimed that Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead.

What are two reasons given for why Herod initially spared John the Baptist's life despite John's disapproval of Herod's marriage?

Herod feared the people because they regarded John as a prophet, and he was also intrigued by John's teachings.

Whose daughter requested the head of John the Baptist?

Herodias' daughter, Salome, requested the head of John the Baptist.

How many loaves did the disciples have to feed the five thousand? How many fish?

The disciples had five loaves of bread and two fish to feed the five thousand.

Why is Jesus' walking on water significant?

Jesus walking on water is significant as it declares His divinity and authority over nature.

What is Corban?

Corban is a term meaning 'dedicated to God,' often used to describe gifts that are set aside for religious purposes.

What did the term 'dog' often symbolize for Jews?

The term 'dog' often symbolized impurity and was used to refer to Gentiles in a derogatory manner.

How were the recipients of the feeding of the four thousand different from the feeding of the five thousand?

The recipients of the feeding of the four thousand were primarily Gentiles, while the five thousand were primarily Jews.

How many loaves of bread did the disciples have for the feeding of the four thousand? How many fish?

The disciples had seven loaves of bread and a few small fish for the feeding of the four thousand.

When the disciples forgot to bring bread on their trip, what did Jesus warn them against?

Jesus warned them against the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod.

What does the fact that it took two attempts to cure the man of blindness symbolize?

The two attempts to cure the man of blindness symbolize the gradual process of understanding and faith.

What city is the 'turning point' in Mark where the narrative begins to drive towards Jerusalem?

Caesarea Philippi is the turning point city in Mark.

Why is this city significant to Jesus' travels?

Caesarea Philippi is significant as it is where Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah.

What significant declaration about Jesus happened in this 'turning point' city?

In Caesarea Philippi, Peter declared that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

How did Jesus respond to Peter's rebuke in Mark 8?

Jesus rebuked Peter by saying, 'Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.'