Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, September 14, 2024.

Main Theme: Throughout the narrative, two contrasting story plots march hand in hand. In a crisp style, Mark sets before the reader these clashing plots while revealing the triumph of Jesus.

Read in Class: Mark 14:1-11, 22-31. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What two stories are intertwined here, and how do they play off of one another? What great significance to the Christian faith is found in this account of the latter passage?

Apply: What can you learn from whatever times you promised God that you would or would not do something and ended up doing or not doing it anyway?

Share: Your friend asks you if we should still be observing Passover? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Mark 14:32-42. Ask the class to define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What did Jesus pray in Gethsemane, and how was the prayer answered?

Apply: What is the closest you have ever come to experiencing what Jesus experienced in Gethsemane?

Share: Your friend asks why was Jesus seeking assistance from His disciples? Since He was God why couldn’t He just make it on His own? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Mark 14:43-52. Ask the class to define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What happens here that is so crucial to the plan of salvation?

Apply: Think about the fearful idea that being a slave of only one vice led Judas to do what he did. What should this tell us about hating sin and, by God’s grace, overcoming it?

Share: Your friend points out that in Matthew 26:50 Jesus calls Judas “friend,” when He is being betrayed. Your friend asks why Jesus called Judas “friend.” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Mark 14:60-72. Ask the class to define the main idea of this passage.

Study: Compare how Jesus responded to events in contrast to how Peter did. What lessons can we learn from the differences?

Apply: What words of hope would you give to someone who, though wanting to follow Jesus, fails at times to do so? Who of us has not, at times, failed to follow what we know Jesus wants?

Share: Can you think of a friend who may feel like they are on trial right now? How can you support them this week?