Questions Jesus Asked(II) Mark I. Introduction. A. Review the asking of questions. 1. Seek information, provoke people to think, reply to a question, to teach, and to find out one's knowledge. 2. Questions can also arouse people's curiosity. B. Questions are a scriptural method of teaching: Jesus and the apostles utilized such. C. Studied questions found in Matthew; today--look at some found in Mark(not all, in either book). D. We need to be provoked to do God's will by considering appropriate spiritual questions. II. Body. Jesus taught the truth as he asked these questions.... A. "Who do men say that I am?" Mark 8:27 1. Men were, as today, unwilling to accept Jesus as God come in the flesh. 2. Their ideas: v. 28. 3. Wonder if had advocated overthrow of Roman Empire how they would feel? 4. The correct answer: v. 29. a. Then told them: v. 30. b. Time was not right. 5. For 2000 years, many have been trying to explain Jesus Christ; without the word of God. B. "Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not, and do ye not remember?" Mark 8:18 1. Not the three avenues of learning covered: see, hear, recall. 2. The situation: v. 14. a. Jesus stated: v. 15 b. They had not listened and applied: v. 16. c. Hence: v. 17-18. 3. How like those of today: unable to separate the material from the spiritual. 4. Jesus fed them bread now: would realize the spiritual food later. C. "What were ye reasoning on the way?" Mark 9:33 1. Jesus knew without asking: He was teaching them a lesson. 2. Their reasoning: v. 34. 3. What the Lord taught: v. 35-37. 4. Humility does not produce greatness in this world, often the opposite. 5. All disciples should have this attitude: I Corinthians 15:9. 6. One must be humble in spirit and action to follow Jesus Christ. D. "The baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men?" Mark 11:30. 1. Note "Answer me." 2. Had been asked: v. 27-28. a. Seen as a threat to their power: HE WAS! b. Men love power(remember humility?). 3. Jesus confounded them: v. 31-32. 4. Their response, the Lord's answer: v. 33. 5. Jesus proved His authority; John pointed toward the Christ. 6. All religious teachings and practices should be weighed: heaven or men? E. "Is it lawful on the Sabbath Day to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to kill?" Mark 3:4 1. "Is it lawful" is a great way to approach any subject. 2. They would not reply: held peace. a. Hardened hearts: v. 5(Jesus action). b. Their plot: v. 6. c. Had sought to accuse him: v. 1-2. 3. Satan still tries to entrap(accuse) disciples and teachers. 4. What Jesus did was right: we follow his example every day. F. "Is the lamp brought to be put under a bushel?" Mark 4:21 1. When men lit the lamp, they did so to receive light(children's song). 2. Further: v. 22. 3. Hidden lamps shed no light; provide no guidance; betray their use. 4. Note secret(v. 22): the Lord will reveal all. 5. Paul said: Romans 2:16. 6. When one learns and grows, the light will shine. G. "Why are ye fearful?" Mark 4:40 1. It was storming and they were in a boat. a. In fact: v. 37. b. The Lord was sleeping: no fear. 2. The disciples fear: v. 38. 3. The action and the reaction: v. 39, 41. 4. This trial would be small compared to the ones they would endure. 5. Their faith would conquer their fears and they would put their trust in Jesus. H. The last question Jesus asked on earth: Mark 15:34. 1. Some believe Jehovah could not look upon His suffering. 2. Or--he allowed him to bear the penalty of sin--and appears he forsook him: II Corinthians 5:21. 3. Jesus felt the loneliness on the cross that he bore for all of mankind. 4. Or--was it the human abandonment that is felt at death? 5. The last question we might be asked: Has thou forsaken me? III. Conclusion. A. Are you following the Christ who died for you? B. As these disciples heard the Lord's questions--so someday we must answer to the Lord: Matthew 25:44-45.-James L. Yopp