Mark Lesson 18 (2022)

JESUS SENDS OUT THE TWELVE TO PREACH GOD’S KINGDOM

Mark 6:6b-30

Key Verse: 6:12-13

Open it:

1. When you heard about God’s kingdom for the first time, what did you think of it?

Explore it:

1. Read verses 6b-7. What did Jesus do after his hometown people rejected him? (6b) What task did Jesus give his disciples? What do Jesus’ actions tell us about his attitude toward his men? How did Jesus send out the disciples? (7)

2. Read verses 8-11. What specific instructions did Jesus give the Twelve? Why do you think Jesus told his men t pack lightly? (8-10) What were the disciples to do if anyone would not welcome them? (11)

3. Read verses 12-13. How did the disciple carry out their task? What does this episode tell us about why Jesus came to earth?

4. Verses 14-29 describe Herod’s reaction toward the ministry of Jesus and his disciples. Read verses 14-20. Why was King Herod so afraid when he heard about Jesus’ ministry? (14-16) Why had Herod arrested and imprisoned John the Baptist? (17-20)

5. Read verses 21-28. What did Mark mean when he wrote, ‘Finally the opportune time came.” (21) What happened in the party described in this passage? (21-28)

6. Read verses 29-30. What does the death of John the Baptist indicate for the characteristics of God’s kingdom and the future of Jesus’ ministry?

Apply it:

1. In what sense is the message of God’s kingdom needed for you and the world? What can you do to enhance God’s kingdom in your life and others?