Renew Right Relations with God - Mark Chapters 9-12

Day 15 – Old Testament links in Chapters 9-12

Promise: The Lord their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. -Zech. 9:16

What hope this verse gives us! The Lord will save; we need not save ourselves. Just as a shepherd saves helpless sheep, we shall be saved. The next line though says that his people will sparkle in the land like jewels. You will sparkle like a jewel in his crown. How does that make you feel? What picture does your mind create when you read this verse?

In Mark 10:17-22, Jesus speaks to the rich young man about inheriting eternal life, responding with several of the commandments. Read Exodus 20:1-17 and jot down a 3–5-word summary of each of the 10 Commandments.

1                                                                                    6

2                                                                                    7

3                                                                                    8

4                                                                                    9

5                                                                                    10

Jesus responds to questions regarding the greatest commandment and the second in Mark 12:28-34. Categorize the above 10 commandments by these statements: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  Use the additional space above.

Do the commandments fit neatly into categories? Discuss the demands that the 10 commandments put on God’s people vs the demands of the two statements from Mark 12. Which are easier to follow? Why? Discuss if one set of commands (greater/second vs. 10 commandments) is better than the other and how.

‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ is quoted from Lev. 19:18. Read the verses surrounding it (11-18) to list the examples that are given. How else can we love our neighbor as ourselves?

Deuteronomy 6:1-9 give the instruction regarding the greatest commandment. These verses challenge us to obey and share the laws of God. What reward are we given by obeying them? How can we carry out the admonishments in verses 6-9?

The teacher of the law expands the answer about the greatest and second commandment to include that they are, ‘more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices’ (V. 33). Leviticus 1 describes the burnt offering which is made as a demonstration of wanting to renew relationship with God, especially by atonement. These sacrifices are ‘an aroma pleasing to God’ (Lev 1:9. 13, 17). What burnt sacrifices do we offer today? Consider Ps. 116:17, Ps. 50:23, Ps. 51:17, Phil. 4:18, Rom. 12:1-2 for ideas.

Psalm 118:15-29 parallels in many verses the activities of Mark 11:1-11, 15-19. Read the psalm and note the fulfillment of the verses in Mark. In what ways did the people in Jerusalem proclaim Jesus as master in the Mark passage?

Application: Praise, exalt, thanks, victory and joy are words found in Psalm 118 to describe the effect of Jesus in their lives. Write out a psalm of praise to Jesus for his impact in your life. If there is time, share it with your group.