Mark 9-13 Flashcards
How does Jesus respond to the father’s doubt?
Mark 9:21-24 - Jesus Heals a Boy with an Evil Spirit
Passage (Mark 9:21-24):
21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “He has been like this from childhood,” he answered.
22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Analysis: In this passage, a desperate father asks Jesus to help his demon-possessed son. The father’s question about Jesus’ ability to help reveals doubt, to which Jesus responds by stressing that everything is possible for those who believe. The father’s cry, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief,” is a powerful reminder of the importance of persistence in faith, especially when facing doubt. This moment teaches us to continually ask Jesus for help in strengthening our belief, as true faith is a process. Our faith should remain consistent in all aspects of life—whether in daily tasks or during challenging times—and through constant prayer and reflection, we can overcome unbelief. By focusing on Jesus’ presence and teachings, everything becomes possible.
Why couldn’t the disciples drive out the demon
Mark 9:28-29 - The Power of Prayer
Passage (Mark 9:28-29):
28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”
Analysis: The disciples were confused about why they couldn’t cast out the demon, and Jesus tells them that some things require prayer. Prayer is essential in the Christian life, as it connects us directly to God and strengthens our faith. By constantly seeking God’s help through prayer, our belief grows stronger. Our prayers should not be limited to specific times or places but should be ongoing—whether we’re safe at home, succeeding at school, or simply enjoying life’s moments. God sees our persistence, and through consistent prayer, He rewards us with lasting faith.
Receiving the Kingdom of God Like a Child
Mark 10:15
Passage (Mark 10:15):
15 “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Analysis: This verse emphasizes the importance of approaching the kingdom of God with childlike faith. Like children, we must absorb God’s teachings, learning and growing through consistent study of the scriptures. Even when faced with challenges or frustration, remember that God is guiding you for a divine purpose. Just as children retain knowledge through repetition, we should continually examine and apply God’s Word. No matter how mature we may feel, we are always God’s children, and God understands our imperfections. A child of God seeks to learn and grow every day, and God provides ample opportunities to do so—if we are willing to accept them.
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
Mark 11:15-17
Luke 19:45-48
15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”
Analysis:
This passage reveals how Jesus feels when the House of God is misused. While we may not physically sell or trade in the church, we still disrespect God’s house when we let our thoughts wander away from Him. Being in His house demands a certain level of focus and respect, as if Jesus Himself were present beside us. We should carry this same level of respect and reverence always, but particularly when we enter the church. In the house of God, we must behave as eager students, always ready to learn and fellowship with Him.
The Parable of the Tenants
Mark 12:1-12
Luke 19:9-19
This parable illustrates how God has sent many prophets over time to call His people back to Him, but they were either rejected or killed. Jesus, the Greatest Prophet, came not just as a prophet but as the Son of God, and He too was killed. This shows God’s immense dedication to drawing people to Himself, even to the point of sending His Son. The parable also highlights the persistent rejection God faced and foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. While this may not seem directly applicable to everyone, it emphasizes God’s efforts to ensure we can have eternal life with Him. Despite Jesus being killed, He did not stay dead—He is alive in our hearts. Even when we are sent to bring others to God, we may face persecution, but we are protected and guided by the risen Christ who lives in us.
Give to Caesar and to God
Mark 12:13-17
“Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. They came to him and said, ‘Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?’
But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. ‘Why are you trying to trap me?’ he asked. ‘Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.’
They brought the coin, and he asked them, ‘Whose image is this? And whose inscription?’
‘Caesar’s,’ they replied.
Then Jesus said to them, ‘Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.’ And they were amazed at him.”
— Mark 12:13-17
Analysis:
Jesus’ response to the question about paying taxes is profound. While we should give what belongs to the world (e.g., taxes or worldly possessions) back to the world, the more significant point is that we must give to God what belongs to Him—our lives. Our sins and worldly distractions belong to the devil, but our lives, thoughts, tongues, and hearts belong to God. This passage urges us to return our life to God by using everything we have for His glory—our actions, words, and even our thoughts should reflect Him. Sin, which belongs to the demons, should be handed back to them. What God wants is a clean vessel, free from sin, to serve Him. This is what it means to give back to God what is His.
The Resurrection and Transformation
Mark 12:25
Luke 19:34-36
“When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”
Jesus’ teaching here highlights the transformation that will occur after death. In the resurrection, believers will be like angels—no longer bound by earthly institutions like marriage, but fully transformed into eternal servants of God. The key is that this transformation starts now, even while we are still on earth. If we submit fully to God’s will, He can give us glimpses of the eternal blessings we will experience. By surrendering our lives to God, we begin the process of being shaped more into the likeness of His Son, Jesus. Since you first heard God’s call, you’ve already been transformed spiritually, and with each passing day, God is molding you more into what He has planned for you in eternity. Submission to His will now is the key to experiencing the first fruits of this transformation on earth.
The Greatest Commandment/s
Mark 12:29-31
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength means that God should always be the focus of your life, in every moment. God is watching your every move, guiding you to the path that leads to Him. To love God with all your heart is to guard your heart, keeping it free from demonic thoughts and influences. When negative thoughts arise, repeating the name of Jesus helps cleanse your heart and remove those attacks. Loving God with all your soul involves keeping His commandments, as the internal condition of your soul determines the purity of your external actions. You know when you sin, but discerning sin from righteousness shows that you cherish God’s law. Loving God with all your mind is about maintaining a Christ-centered mindset at all times, reminding yourself to seek God, keeping your thoughts aligned with His Word. A pure mind protects you from harmful thoughts and behaviors. This internal love for God reflects outwardly in your actions, purifying your behavior. Loving your neighbor, as Jesus modeled, is crucial. Jesus always helped those in need and never refused anyone. In the same way, we are called to mend broken relationships, forgive others, and seek reconciliation over revenge, just as Jesus did during His time on earth. This is a call to love unconditionally and embody Christ’s love in every interaction.
The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times
Mark 13:1-31(Too big for a flashcard so go to notion)
Luke 20:5-29
On notion
