Thursday, July 24, 2014

As we continue to study the Gospel of Mark I would like to use the “4S” (step) approach to study the 11th chapter. This study approach can be better understood by the steps we might use in putting together a picture puzzle with its many small pieces. First, you spread out all the pieces before you, right side up. I usually follow this by sorting the pieces of a similar color together. Then I try connecting these groups together. Finally, I fill in the remaining pieces. When using this approach to study the Bible, read a chapter a few times, then spread out the information you find by writing it down. Then, sort related facts together and give each group a descriptive title. This becomes the basis for structuring an outline. When you do this it’s usually easy to give the outline a descriptive title. Once you’ve done this you’ll be able to summarize what you discovered into some applications. Mark 11 describes the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, His driving out of the merchants from the temple, the withering of the fig tree, and His being questioned about His authority. In each of these events you’ll find many details. As I reflected on the information spread out before me I sorted it into three groups and then structured it into a three point outline: praise, prayer and power, under the title, God’s plan exposed and fulfilled. Take some time to see if you can amplify these points and consider how you might apply what you discover into some applications to your own life.