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Introduction

INTRODUCTION: Particularly for the Leaders

The Lectionary being used this year is centred on Mark’s Gospel.

We shall base our snapshots in these four studies for Lent solely on the stories and descriptions in Mark’s Gospel, ignoring references to the same people and incidents in the other Gospels.

We suggest the group be asked to do some reading between the first and second studies:

  • Read the whole of Mark’s Gospel. It doesn’t take long at one sitting.
  • If this is too much at least read chapters 14 and 15.

Mark’s Gospel was written about 70 C.E. (A.D. in older terminology) i.e. around 40 years after Jesus’ death. Why? It was not thought necessary to write the memories at first. Few people could read or had access to manuscripts. People were used to listening, to repetition of stories, to remembering. And it seems likely that people expected Jesus to come back soon. As time went on Christian communities in different places found it necessary for the stories to be written down and preserved. And so the Gospels came to be written in the latter part of the first century after Jesus, or perhaps the Fourth Gospel was later than that. Mark was the first Gospel to be written and circulated.

Gospels are not biographies. They don’t tell you details of Jesus’ life that you might like to know. How it is written, what is included, the order events are recorded – all these and more make each Gospel distinct.

The first half of Mark’s Gospel, (chapters 1-8), is about Jesus’ work and teaching in Galilee, the second half (chapters 9-16) give the story of the road to Jerusalem culminating in the crucifixion. Chapters 14 and 15 give a "blow by blow" account of the events from two days before the Jewish Passover (Thursday) till sunset on the Friday. It is possible that this section was the first written and the earlier chapters added later.

During the six weeks of Lent leading up to the events of Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter Day congregations look at the life and ministry of Jesus. In these studies we are going to look only at a few people and incidents in the few days on the way to Calvary.

The Negro Spiritual "Were you there?" may be used as a meditation. It is suggested that this be used at the end of the series, i.e. at the end of Study 4. It helps to remind us that the events of so long ago are contemporary too and we become participants in a way, not just history students. But parts may be used earlier than this. The song may be listened to – there are some good recordings. It may be sung by the group or read by a member. Or something different may be done each time it is used. Not all the verses are so relevant to these studies. You could use a selection or focus on a different verse each time. Allow some silence, time to reflect.

Each session may open with prayer inviting open minds and a willingness to learn more and to share experiences.

Each session may end with prayer or a moment or two of silent reflection standing in a group. Then perhaps hold hands and say the Benediction (Blessing) together.

In most of the questions there are no right or wrong answers. Accept all the suggestions though the group may want to discuss the different ideas.

Be careful no one person dominates discussion.