By Michael C. Mack
1. Did you get together with anyone who is far from God to just hang out or share a meal? If so, how did that go?
2. When have you been overwhelmed with amazement? Please describe it.
Ask two people to read aloud Mark 7:24-37 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize the passage.
3. What stands out to you most in this passage?
4. Jesus used what Mark Scott calls “highly figurative language” with the mother whose daughter was possessed by a demon. “Children = Israelites; bread = the gospel or spiritual nourishment from God; dogs = pagans, Gentiles, unbelievers.” How does that help you understand what he was saying to her?
5. Scott also suggests that the woman’s reply to Jesus essentially was, “I’ll take whatever help you can give me—even a crumb.” How would you describe her faith?
6. What do you learn about Jesus from this passage?
7. What do you learn about yourself?
8. Referring to verse 36, David Faust says, “Ironically, in this case Jesus said not to tell anyone about the miracle, and they kept talking about it anyway. In the Great Commission, Jesus said we should share the good news with everyone, and we tend to keep the message to ourselves!” With whom will you keep talking about what Jesus has done in your life?
9. Based on our study and discussion, complete the sentence: “I will . . .”
10. In your life right now, what do you most need to surrender to the Lord?
For Next Week: Read and reflect on Mark 14:1-9. You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.
Author: Christian Standard
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