The Book of Mark
Sabbath School Lesson 7
Teaching Disciples: Part 1
You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.
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> Download the notes for Lesson 7 video here.
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> Download Mark (3rd qtr) Sabbath School Lessons Here
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Protecting ourselves from the innate desire to exalt ourselves is a profound spiritual challenge that Christians must continually address. Here are some biblical and practical steps to help cultivate humility and resist self-exaltation.
Recognize and Confess Pride
Pride is a subtle sin that can easily take root. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
Regularly examine your heart and motives. Confess any pride to God and ask for His help in overcoming it.
Embrace Humility
Scriptural Insight: Philippians 2:3-4 teaches, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others."
Actively seek to serve others and place their needs above your own. Practicing humility in daily interactions can help counteract the desire to exalt oneself.
Follow Christ’s Example:
Jesus is the ultimate example of humility. Philippians 2:5-8 describes how He "emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant," and was "obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Meditate on Christ’s humility and strive to imitate His attitude and actions in your life.
Stay Grounded in Scripture:
The Bible repeatedly warns against pride and emphasizes the importance of humility. James 4:6 says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Regularly read and meditate on Scripture, especially passages that speak to humility and the dangers of pride. Allow God's Word to shape your thoughts and attitudes.
Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude
1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Gratitude shifts the focus from ourselves to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness. Regularly practice giving thanks to God for His blessings and provisions, which can help combat pride.
Seek Accountability
Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Surround yourself with fellow believers who can hold you accountable, pray with you, and offer guidance when pride begins to creep in.
Pray for Humility
Scriptural Insight: Humility is a fruit of the Spirit and a grace that God bestows. James 4:10 encourages, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you."
Pray regularly for God to help you remain humble and to reveal any areas of pride in your life.
Remember the Gospel
Scriptural Insight: The gospel reminds us of our need for a Savior and the grace that we receive through Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is a gift, "not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Keep the gospel central in your life. Reflect on the grace and mercy you've received, which leaves no room for self-exaltation.
By consistently applying these principles, Christians can guard against the temptation to exalt themselves and instead cultivate a spirit of humility that honors God.
Christian practices aimed at keeping the heart pure and focused on God often revolve around spiritual disciplines, community, and a life of intentional living. Here are some key practices that many Christians find helpful.
Prayer and Meditation
Regular prayer, including prayers of confession, gratitude, and supplication, helps Christians maintain a close relationship with God, fostering humility and a pure heart.
Reflecting on God’s Word helps internalize His teachings, guiding thoughts and actions.
Regular Scripture Reading
Immersing oneself in the Bible helps align the heart with God’s will. Studying Jesus’ life and teachings, in particular, can be a powerful way to cultivate a heart that mirrors His love and purity.
Committing verses to memory can provide strength in times of temptation and a quick reference for aligning one's thoughts with God's word.
Confession and Repentance
Confessing sins to God is a practice that brings forgiveness and renewal.
Regularly assessing one’s thoughts, words, and actions against the teachings of Christ can help identify areas that need repentance and growth.
Worship and Praise
Gathering with others to worship can help lift the heart towards God, focusing on His greatness rather than on worldly concerns.
in personal times of worship, whether through singing, listening to worship music, or simply being in awe of God’s creation, keeps the heart attuned to God.
Service to Others
Serving others selflessly helps purify motives, as it shifts focus from self to others, reflecting Christ’s love.
Being part of a community where love and support are practiced encourages living out the Gospel in practical ways.
Fasting
Regular Fasting: Abstaining from food or other comforts to focus more fully on God can help in gaining spiritual clarity and discipline, purifying the heart and mind.
Accountability Relationships
Having a mentor or a small group where you can be open about struggles and victories provides support and encouragement in the journey of maintaining a pure heart.
Regular check-ins with a trusted friend who helps keep you on track spiritually can be incredibly beneficial.
Gratitude and Contentment
Regularly writing down things you’re thankful for helps cultivate a heart of contentment and joy, reducing envy and negativity.
Focusing on what’s truly important, and avoiding materialism, helps keep the heart clean from the distractions of worldly desires.
Communion
Regular participation in Communion, where Christians remember Christ's sacrifice, can be a powerful reminder of God's love and a call to live in a way that honors Him.
Forgiveness
Practicing Forgiveness: Holding onto grudges can darken the heart. Actively forgiving others as God has forgiven us helps keep the heart free from bitterness.
These practices, when done with sincerity and intention, help in cultivating a pure heart that seeks to honor God in all things.
In Mark 8:14–21, the disciples had forgotten to bring bread with them on the boat, except for one loaf. Jesus used this situation to teach them an important lesson.
Passage Overview
Verses 14–16: The disciples realize they have only one loaf of bread and begin to worry about not having enough to eat. Jesus, aware of their concern, warns them to "watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." The disciples, misunderstanding, think He is talking about the lack of bread.
Verses 17–21: Jesus then questions the disciples, reminding them of the two recent miracles where He fed thousands of people with just a few loaves of bread (the feeding of the 5,000 and the 4,000). He asks them how many basketfuls of leftovers were collected after each miracle, and they answer correctly. Jesus ends by asking, "Do you still not understand?"
What Had the Disciples Forgotten?
The disciples had forgotten about the miraculous provision of food that Jesus had already performed. Despite witnessing Jesus' power to provide abundantly from very little, they were still anxious about their immediate lack of bread.
The Point Jesus Made
Jesus was emphasizing that they were missing the deeper meaning of His miracles and teachings. Their focus on physical needs, like bread, prevented them from understanding spiritual truths. Jesus wanted them to recognize that He was not just talking about physical bread but was warning them about the corrupting influence ("yeast") of the Pharisees and Herod, which represented unbelief, hypocrisy, and spiritual blindness.
Jesus pointed out their lack of understanding and urged them to move beyond concern for physical needs to grasp the spiritual realities He was teaching.
Mark 7:31-37 narrates the story of Jesus healing a deaf and mute man. Mark presents a vivid account of Jesus' miraculous healing, highlighting his compassion, power, and the broader implications of his ministry. It underscores the theme of restoration and the breaking of barriers, pointing to the inclusive and transformative nature of the Kingdom of God.
Analysis
Context and Setting
Geographical Movement: Jesus travels from Tyre, through Sidon, to the Sea of Galilee and the region of the Decapolis. This indicates a journey through predominantly Gentile (non-Jewish) territories, highlighting the universality of Jesus' ministry.
Cultural and Social Context: The Decapolis was a region of ten cities with Greek influence. The fact that Jesus performs miracles here signifies the breaking of cultural and social barriers, extending his ministry beyond the Jewish people.
Characters
Jesus: The central figure who performs the miracle. His actions reveal his compassion, power, and the unique methods he sometimes employs in healing.
Deaf and Mute Man: Represents those marginalized and in need of healing. His condition makes communication with and integration into society challenging.
The Crowd: They bring the man to Jesus and witness the miracle. Their reaction reflects the amazement and recognition of Jesus' divine authority and power.
Miracle and Methods
Personal Attention: Jesus takes the man aside, away from the crowd. This personal touch shows Jesus' concern for the individual and the desire for a personal connection, rather than performing for the crowd.
Physical Touch: Jesus uses physical means—putting his fingers into the man's ears and touching his tongue with his spit. These actions, though unusual, symbolize direct intervention and the transmission of healing power.
Command “Ephphatha!”: The Aramaic word “Ephphatha,” meaning “Be opened,” is a direct and powerful command. This highlights the authority of Jesus' word in enacting healing.
Result: The man's ears are opened, and his speech is restored, signifying total healing and restoration to full participation in the community.
Responses
Jesus' Command for Silence: Jesus instructs the people not to spread the news, a common theme in Mark's Gospel known as the "Messianic Secret." This reflects Jesus' desire to avoid misunderstanding about his mission and to control the timing and nature of the revelation of his identity.
Public Reaction: Despite Jesus’ command, the people are overwhelmed with amazement and cannot keep silent. Their reaction underscores the extraordinary nature of Jesus' miracles and his ability to fulfill messianic prophecies (Isaiah 35:5-6).
Theological Implications
Jesus as Healer: The passage reinforces Jesus' role as a healer and miracle worker, demonstrating his compassion and divine power.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: The miracle fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah bringing healing and restoration (e.g., Isaiah 35:5-6).
Inclusivity of the Gospel: Jesus' ministry in Gentile regions signifies the inclusivity of the Gospel message, extending beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries.
Messianic Secret: The command for silence reflects the complexity of Jesus' mission and his strategic approach to revealing his identity and purpose.
The story in Mark 7:24–30, where Jesus interacts with the Syrophoenician woman, contains several important lessons.
Inclusiveness of Jesus' Ministry: This story highlights that Jesus' mission extends beyond the Jewish people to include Gentiles. The woman's faith and persistence lead to her daughter's healing, demonstrating that God's grace and mercy are available to all, regardless of ethnic or cultural background.
Power of Persistent Faith: The Syrophoenician woman shows great faith and persistence in her request to Jesus. Despite initially being turned away, she humbly persists, demonstrating a deep belief in Jesus' power and compassion. This persistence is rewarded, teaching the value of steadfast faith in the face of challenges.
Humility and Approach to Jesus: The woman approaches Jesus with humility, acknowledging her unworthiness yet still seeking His help. This reflects the proper attitude of humility and dependence when seeking God's intervention and grace.
Jesus' Compassion and Sensitivity: Although Jesus initially responds to the woman in a manner that seems dismissive, He ultimately grants her request. This highlights His compassion and sensitivity to genuine need and faith, even when it comes from unexpected sources.
Breaking Social Barriers: Jesus' interaction with the Syrophoenician woman breaks social and cultural barriers of His time. By responding to her plea, He demonstrates that God's love transcends societal divisions and prejudices.
Teaching Moments: Jesus uses this encounter as a teaching moment for His disciples and the broader audience. It serves as a lesson in understanding the broader scope of God's kingdom and the importance of faith that transcends boundaries.
These lessons emphasize the universal reach of Jesus' ministry, the importance of faith, humility, and persistence, and the breaking down of social and cultural barriers in the expression of God's love and grace.
Christians can preach a health message without directly referencing the Mosaic Law by focusing on principles that align with overall biblical teachings, general health guidelines, and the example of Jesus' ministry. Here are some approaches.
First, we cannot change the words that Jesus said. The King James Version for Mark 7:19, says,
Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
The original Greek infers that Jesus purified all foods. So, where to begin?
Emphasize Stewardship of the Body
Biblical Basis: Teach the concept that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and that believers should honor God with their bodies.
Application: Encourage practices like regular exercise, healthy eating, and avoiding harmful substances.
Focus on Love and Care for Self and Others
Biblical Basis: Highlight the command to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39) and extend this to caring for one's own health as well as the health of others.
Application: Promote community health initiatives, support systems for healthy living, and selfcare routines that enhance physical and mental wellbeing.
Highlight the Example of Jesus
Biblical Basis: Point to how Jesus cared for people's physical needs, healing the sick and feeding the hungry (e.g., the feeding of the 5,000 in John 6:114).
Application: Encourage following Jesus’ example by taking practical steps to promote health and wellbeing, such as healthy eating, resting, and stress management.
Teach General Biblical Wisdom
Biblical Basis: Draw on general wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, which promotes healthy living through wise choices (e.g., Proverbs 3:78).
Application: Discuss the benefits of healthy habits like moderation, selfcontrol, and diligence in maintaining health.
Utilize Contemporary Health Knowledge
Biblical Basis: Acknowledge that all truth, including scientific and medical knowledge about health, is part of God's revelation (James 1:17).
Application: Incorporate modern health guidelines and research findings into the message, presenting them as ways to care for the body God has given.
Encourage Balanced Living
Biblical Basis: Advocate for a balanced life that includes work, rest, and recreation, as seen in the pattern of creation (Genesis 2:23).
Application: Promote balanced routines that integrate work, rest, exercise, and leisure, emphasizing their importance for physical and mental health.
Advocate for a Peaceful Mind
Biblical Basis: Stress the importance of mental health by referencing scriptures that promote peace, such as Philippians 4:67 and Matthew 11:28-30.
Application: Encourage practices that reduce stress and anxiety, like prayer, meditation, and mindfulness.
By grounding health messages in these broader biblical principles, Christians can effectively promote health without directly referencing the Mosaic Law. Numerous health studies have been done as to which foods are bad for the human body. As Christians, food that affects our bodies in any unhealthy, chronic way, should be avoided.
Mark 7:1-13 contains a passage where Jesus addresses the Pharisees and scribes about the traditions of the elders and the commandments of God.
Relevant Truths Presented in Mark 7:1-13:
Critique of Hypocrisy:
Jesus criticizes the Pharisees and scribes for their hypocrisy. They focus on external rituals and traditions rather than the true essence of God's commandments. Jesus uses Isaiah's prophecy to highlight that their worship is superficial—honoring God with their lips while their hearts are far from Him.
Traditions vs. Commandments:
The passage contrasts human traditions with divine commandments. Jesus points out that the Pharisees have elevated their traditions to the level of God's commandments, even to the point of neglecting and invalidating God's actual commands.
Misuse of Religious Practices:
Jesus gives an example of how traditions can be misused to evade responsibilities. The practice of declaring something as "Corban" (a gift dedicated to God) was being used to avoid supporting one's parents, directly violating the commandment to honor father and mother. This highlights how religious practices can be twisted to serve selfish purposes.
Inner Purity Over External Rituals:
The emphasis is on inner purity and genuine obedience to God rather than mere external compliance with rituals. True worship and obedience come from the heart, aligning with God's commandments rather than merely following human traditions.
Authority of God's Word:
Jesus reaffirms the authority of God's word over human traditions. The passage underscores the importance of adhering to the commandments of God and not allowing human traditions to supersede or nullify them.
Call to Genuine Faith:
The passage calls believers to examine their faith and practices, ensuring that their devotion to God is sincere and not merely ritualistic. It encourages a faith that is deeply rooted in God's commandments and lived out authentically.
Mark 7:1-13 presents a strong message about the dangers of hypocrisy, the elevation of human traditions over divine commandments, and the importance of genuine, heart-felt obedience to God.