1: The Beginning of the Gospel – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: Mark had an early failure and recovery. Jesus message in Mark is intimately tied to the prophecy in Daniel at the beginning of the gospel proclamation.
July 6, 2024

1. Have a volunteer read Acts 13:1-5, 13.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
How did John Mark get attached to Saul and Barnabas, and what was the outcome?
Personal Application: Remember a time when you backed away from something, or flast out failed in your Christian walk. What did you learn from the experience? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of you relatives states, “What is similar and different about John the Baptist and Jesus in their descriptions and way they approached people?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Acts 15:56-59; Col 4:17; 2 Timothy 4:11; I Peter 5:13.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
Why did Paul reject John Mark and why did Barnabas give him a second chance?
Personal Application: What details about Mark’s recovery do these verses suggest? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your friends states, “Have you ever fallen or failed and were given a second chance? How did that experience change you and maybe change the way you looked or worked with others?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Mark 1:14,15.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What are the three parts of the gospel message that Jesus proclaimed?
Personal Application: When was the last time you studied the 70-week prophecy? Why is it important? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “How does knowing the 70-week prophecy help increase your faith in Jesus and the prophetic word?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Mark 1:9-13.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
Who is present at the baptism of Jesus and what happens?
Personal Application: What does this tell us about God’s love that Jesus would take on humanity forever to save us? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).