Mark Lesson 8 (2022)

THE SABBATH IS FOR MAN, NOT THE OTHER WAY

Mark 2:23-3:6

Key Verse: 2:27

Open it:

1. How do you prefer to use your weekends?

Explore it:

1. Read verses 23-24. What did the disciples do that outraged the Pharisees? Why did the Pharisees confront Jesus about the actions of his disciples?

2. Read verses 25-28. What was Jesus’ response to the Pharisee’s charges? According to Jesus, why were the disciples of both David and Jesus justified in breaking the Sabbath? What should we do when a requirement of the faith seems to conflict with a human need? Why did Jesus say he was “Lord even of the Sabbath”? (28)

3. Read 3:1-3. Why were some of the Pharisees watching Jesus so closely? What was notable about the way Jesus performed this miracle? (3) Why do you think Jesus healed the man publicly?

4. Read verse 4. To whom did Jesus address a provocative question about “the Sabbath”? (4) How was Jesus’ spirituality different from that of the Pharisees?

5. Read verses 5-6. What was it about the Pharisees that so distressed Jesus? (5) What did Jesus say to him? (5b) Why could it be a challenge to stretch out his hand? What significance do you see in that the Pharisees were willing to plot with their enemies, the Herodians, to kill Jesus? (6)

Apply it:

1. What can you use as a reminder to guard against a concern only for the letter of the law?