Adult
• 4 Sessions of Learner’s Materials
• 4 Sessions of Teaching Materials
• 4 Handouts
1. Mark 1:14-20, 2:13-17, 3:13-19
2. Mark 4:1-20
3. Mark 10:17-31
4. Mark 14:1-11
In this unit we focus on one of the most important messages in Mark’s Gospel: making the choice between authentic and inauthentic spirituality. According to Mark, we have two choices: the path of evil or the path of good. Almost simplistic in his approach, Mark recounts the story of Jesus in order to illuminate this significant truth. Jesus leads us along the path of good and righteousness, the path and experience of authentic spirituality.
Session One: The Gospel of Mark clearly defines authentic spirituality. In this session, discipleship is presented as a call to enter into a vital, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, allowing oneself to be transformed by that relationship from the inside out.
Session Two: Today’s lesson provides an opportunity to gain understanding about Jesus’ idea of true and authentic spirituality, as well as to examine one’s own readiness to live in the kingdom.
Session Three: It is far too easy to let living a good life, following the rules, and doing good deeds become a substitute for discipleship. Jesus demanded of his disciples a radical re-ordering of priorities and affections; likewise, he makes this same demand of contemporary followers. Such is the challenge facing seekers of authentic spirituality.
Session Four: Today’s passage may be interpreted as encouragement for the inward spiritual disciplines of prayer and meditation, Bible study, and worship, and the outward spiritual discipline of giving. The woman in this passage is the portrait of humility and generosity, and Jesus’ appreciation for her gesture is obvious.
by Jeanie Miley
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