New Testament Bible Study by John Stanko

Mark Study 17

Dear Student of the Word,

Are you staying the Word? That's what these studies are designed to help you do. I cover just four verses a day and I am surprised how much I learn every day. I try to make each day's quota practical, asking you questions that will help you apply what you are reading and studying.

Mark's gospel is full of nonstop action. This week, we take a look at several instances where the Jewish leaders tried to trap Jesus in a mis-statement because Jesus had made the leaders look bad. Before we get to that story, however, I wrote this about leadership.

vs. 31&32 -- Just a simple question, but it stumped the experts. By what authority did John do what he had done? If they said heaven's authority, then they were condemning themselves for disobedience. If they answered that John did what he did from the authority of men, then the people would rise up against them.

Here again we see that the people were more spiritual than their so-called leaders! They knew John was a prophet, while the leaders held that he was not. Why do we continually maintain that somehow our leaders are automatically more spiritual, intelligent or insightful than those who follow? When I was on church staff, I told the people that I was a member who happened to be employed by the church. I was not on staff because I was somehow superior in any way to those who were not. I have an obligation to get skilled and wise in the things of God after I am called, but I am not called because I am skilled or wise in the things of God. Does that make sense?

Leaders serve because it is a calling, not because they are better than others. The calling equips them to do their work, not their inherent talent or insight.

Feel free to add your comments to any part of this study on the site where it is posted.

Download this week's study: Mark Study 17.doc

Mark Study 16

Dear Student of the Word,

It's time again for your regular dose of God's word, compliments of yours truly. There were several verses this week that really impacted me and I hope it comes through in what I wrote. We start this week's study with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a triumph that was short-lived. Here is some of what I wrote about that parade into Jerusalem:

11:3 -- Jesus was asking His disciples to borrow someone's donkey, without the owner's permission. If anyone inquired as to what they were doing, they were to put the responsibility on the Lord. Here is another subtle example of Jesus indicating that He was God. While some would that the Lord in heaven was the One who needed the donkey's services, it was really the Lord God walking among them who needed it.

This took great faith on the part of the two disciples. First, they had to believe that the colt would be where Jesus said it was and that they would select the correct one. Then they had to trust that the owner would understand and not accuse them of stealing.

What is the Lord telling you to do that requires faith-filled obedience? Why are you hesitant? Are you concerned about what others will think? Are you fearful it won't turn out as the Lord promised, or as you would like? What is holding you back?

You can visit the other studies in this series from Mark or post your own comments on the site where every installment is located.

Download this week's study: Mark Study 16.doc

Mark Study 15

Dear Student of the Word,

It's been a few weeks once again since you've had a study, but technical challenges, lack of Internet and electricity here in Zimbabwe and my schedule all worked against posting this installment.  That's all past history, however, and I am glad to be back in touch.

In this week's study, I wrote:

10:24 -- Jesus was talking about the rich in this verse.  I asked in previous studies and I will ask again:  Do you own your stuff or does your stuff own you?  One of the problems with being rich is that it requires so much money and effort to keep the riches.  You need attorneys, accountants, advisers and investment counselors.  That can take a lot of time and energy away from the kingdom of God!

What is the kingdom of God?  Simply put, it is God's government in your life and the life of the body of people of which you are a part.  It is the visible expression of God's rule in your life.  Money can interfere with God's authority and supremacy, for He wants to direct you to use and distribute your wealth as He sees fit, not as your advisers see fit.

Feel free to add your insight or comments to this study on the site where it is posted at www.stankobiblestudy.com.

Download this week's study: Download mark_study_15.doc