The Gospels

Today we dive into the action-packed Gospel of Mark. We’ll explore more about the audience of the book and what they discovered about Jesus from Mark’s words. After exploring the Gospel’s abrupt ending, we’ll consider how we can overcome fear to share the good news about Jesus with others.

WELCOME

Leader’s notes: The session today starts off with a Trivia Quiz about Ancient Rome. The purpose of this activity is to provide context for the audience of the Gospel of Mark.

Watch: ROMAN EMPIRE QUIZ  (6:43) 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

• What fascinating fact have you discovered about the Romans that you didn’t know before?

WORD

Today we are taking a whistle stop tour through the book of Mark, noticing how it is written and who it was written for. To set the scene, we’re going to watch a performance of Mark Chapter 1 by Max McLean.

Watch: Gospel of Mark Chapter 1 (5:58) 

Watch 0:00-0:36

What key facts about the book of Mark do we discover in the first thirty seconds of this clip?
Most scholars believe that Mark’s gospel was the first to be written.
Some date it as early as A.D.55, within twenty-five years of Jesus’ ministry.
Mark acted as Peter’s assistant, and translator, and on many occasions would have heard Peter telling the story of Jesus.
Peter’s first-hand accounts of Jesus were the likely source of Mark’s Gospel.

Watch 0:37-5:58

Leader’s notes: As they watch the remainder of the clip, ask the group to jot down all the events outlined in the first chapter. When the clip has finished, share their thoughts together.

The Gospel of Mark is action packed. It was written for a Roman audience who had little knowledge of Jewish Scripture or history. Its purpose was to declare that Jesus was the Son of God rather than to demonstrate that he was the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy.
What is missing from the beginning of the Gospel of Mark? Mark chooses not to include the story of the birth of Jesus and instead launches into the start of his ministry.
The audience for the Gospel of Mark was mainly Roman Christians. Why would the opening statement of Mark 1:1 have been so controversial? Mark 1:1 declares that Jesus is the ‘Son of God,’ a title first adopted by Augustus Caesar. Mark was making a bold statement about the power and authority of Jesus when he used this title.

Leader’s notes: The aim of this section is for the young people to explore scripture for themselves. Divide the group into two teams. One group will focus on Mark 1-9 and the other Mark 10-16. Give each group large sheets of paper and felt tips. The aim of the activity is for the groups to summarise the key events of each chapter. They can use pictures or key words, but when everyone comes back together, they will need to speedily recap the content of their section of the book.
Give the group time to review their chapters and then bring them back together. 

• What do they notice about the events that Mark focuses on? 
• Why do they think he does this? 
• What other themes did they spot?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
If the group would like to discover more about the Gospel of Mark, then watch and discuss the following clip together.
Watch: The Gospel of Mark in 6 Minutes – Pastor Landon (6:15)

WITNESS

Many scholars recommend the Gospel of Mark as the perfect starting point for someone who is new to the Christian faith. 

• Why do you think the Gospel of Mark is recommended to new believers or those wanting to learn more about the life of Jesus?

The book of Mark contains a story of the conversion of a Roman soldier.

Read:
33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). 
35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.”
36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.
37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”
(Mark 15:33-39)

• How did the centurion describe Jesus?
• Where have we seen this phrase before in the book of Mark? Refer back to the discussion regarding Mark 1:1.

For our Witness activity today, we are going to create a resource, based around the book of Mark, that encourages people to discover more about Jesus.

Leader’s notes: The young people will need to work in teams and choose a section of the Gospel of Mark to focus on. The aim of the activity is to plan a resource that would be helpful to those wanting to know more about Jesus. This could be a short teaching clip, an outline of activities for café church, a game, a short Bible study or a devotional piece of writing. Encourage the group to be creative and give them time to formulate their ideas. You can then bring the group back together to discuss their creation.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Leader’s notes: Encourage the group to explore how their ideas could move from a rough plan to a usable resource. They may want to follow this up after the session and create their resource to use within the wider church.

WORSHIP

In its original form, the Gospel of Mark has an unusual ending.

Watch: Gospel of Mark 16 (Watch from 0:00-1:18)

If you look in your Bible, you may notice a comment that Mark 16:9-20 was not in the original version of the Gospel of Mark. That means that the original finished like this…

Read:
6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. 
(Mark 16:6-8)

• In what way is this a strange ending?
• Why do you think the additional section was added? What purpose does it serve?

We can only assume that the women did decide to tell the disciples about Jesus, or we wouldn’t be sat sharing together today.

• Why do you think they were so afraid to tell others about Jesus?
• What is your response to the following quote?

“Time and time again the disciples misunderstand Jesus and then ultimately they let him down and run away. Even the women who remained faithful for longer flee. 
As the Gospel screeches to an undignified halt in 16:8, all we can hear is feet running in the opposite direction.”
Paula Gooder

As we bring the session to a close, we’re going to spend time asking God to give us the courage to tell others about Jesus.

Leader’s notes: During this section you can continue to discuss the different ways we can share the gospel with others or give the young people time to pray individually. A piece of reflective music is provided if required.

Watch: What He’s Done – Martha Munizzi (4:07)

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Leader’s notes: To bring the session to a close, watch the additional section of Mark’s gospel. What call to action do the young people recognise in the final verses of Mark’s Gospel?
Watch: Gospel of Mark 16 (Watch from 1:14-3:17)
 

Continuing our series about the four gospels, this session explores the content and themes of the book of Matthew. The young people will develop their personal Bible study skills as they research the background and content of this gospel. They will then consider the teachings of Jesus and reflect on the part they can play in living out Christ’s great commission in the world.

WELCOME

In today’s session, we’re moving on from the Gospel of Mark and discovering more about the Gospel of Matthew. To get us started, we’re going to see what you know so far.

Leader’s notes: The quiz has 15 questions and there are ten seconds to answer each one. You could divide the group into two teams, and they could answer alternate questions. The team with the most points wins.

Watch: Emoji Bible Quiz on the Book of Matthew (stop at 3:52)

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Choose a Bible story and create an emoji quiz question for the rest of the group to answer.

WORD

Leader’s notes: The aim of this activity is to encourage the group to research and discover more about the Gospel of Matthew for themselves. They can use the internet if required, but it would also be useful to have a number of study Bibles, commentaries or concordances available. The key questions are on the ‘Discovering the Gospel of Matthew’ handout. You can divide the group into smaller teams to tackle allocated questions and then they can feed back what they have discovered.

The group will need to be able to see the questions below and have something to write on to note down their thoughts and answers.

• Who is Matthew? What is his backstory?
• Who is the main audience for this gospel?
• What is the significance of Matthew 1:1 and why does the book of Matthew start with a genealogy?
• What part of the birth narrative does the Gospel of Matthew focus on? How is it different to the traditional nativity story?
• Who killed John the Baptist and why did it happen?
• Why is Matthew 5:17 such an important verse?
• Look at the section titles in the Gospel of Matthew. What does Matthew want us to know about Jesus?
• What are the main events of chapters 8-9? Why are they important?
• What proportion of the Gospel of Matthew is dedicated to the last week of Jesus’ life?
• What is the ‘great commission’ and where is it found in the Gospel of Matthew?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Based on their research so far, ask each group to create two bonus questions for the other teams to answer. Give them time to explore and then ask for feedback.

WITNESS

Social media is dominated by groups trying to convince others to join their cause. Whether it’s religious groups, political campaigns or influencers, there’s always someone trying to persuade you to align with their way of thinking. Within the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus delivered one of the most influential and radical sermons of all time. It spoke of a new way of living here on earth, and one of its key sections is known as the ‘Beatitudes’.

Leader’s notes: The Bible Project clip reminds us how radical Jesus’ teaching was. He called his followers to join the Jesus revolution. Explain to the group that they are going to create a social media campaign to encourage others to join the Jesus revolution. They can use the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) as a starting point. Read and discuss the Scripture together and then watch the clip to gain a deeper understanding of the text.
How would they encourage others to join the Jesus revolution and live out God’s kingdom here on earth?

Watch: “Blessed are the Poor in Spirit”: Explore the Meaning of the Beatitudes (stop at 5:40)

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
What do you find most challenging about the teaching in the ‘Beatitudes’? Explain your answer.

WORSHIP

Throughout today’s session we have skimmed the surface of the themes contained in the Gospel of Matthew. As in the additional verses of the Gospel of Mark, Matthew concludes with the great commission.

Read:
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’
(Matthew 28:16-20)

In these verses Jesus asks his disciples to teach others about the way he wants us to live our lives.
Reflect on what you have discovered about the Gospel of Matthew. 

• What have you learned about how to live your life for Jesus?
• How could you teach this to others?

As you listen to the music, ask God to fill you with his power and presence to live out the great commission.

Encourage the group to share with each other if they feel that there are things that have come to mind that would help to share and discuss.

Watch: CAIN – The Commission (Official Lyric Video) (3:15)

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Bring the session to a close by reading the Message translation of the great commission.

18-20 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:18-20 MSG)
 

Luke cared about details! He spent time questioning those who had witnessed the life and ministry of Jesus and recorded their eye-witness accounts in his gospel. In today’s session we’ll explore the themes of Luke, create a teaching resource for children in our church and spend time considering the power of prayer in this book.

WELCOME

Leader’s notes: Ask each member of the group to think of a historical event they would love to discover more about. It might be a historical mystery they would like to solve, or an opportunity to have a birds-eye view of an important event. Ask each person to share their event and why they have chosen it. 

Ask the group to imagine they are a journalist who has been granted exclusive interviews with any three people involved in this event. If they could travel back in time, who would they interview and what would they ask? After they have shared their thoughts ask them to discuss whether they would trust the account of those who had witnessed the event. If so, why?

In today’s session we are considering the gospel of Luke. This book meticulously records the events and details of the life of Jesus and is based on a range of eyewitness accounts. As you explore this gospel, keep in mind the careful work Dr. Luke did to collate these events into one book.

WORD

The Gospel of Luke opens with a clear explanation of how and why the book was written.

Read:
1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
(Luke 1:1-4)

• How does Luke’s approach to recording the events of Jesus’ life differ from Mark and Matthew?

Luke takes a methodical approach to writing the story of Jesus, gathering first-hand accounts and adding details missed out by Mark and Matthew. As a Doctor, he carefully collates the information to present to Theophilus.

Leader’s notes: Using the following timings, watch the clip and discuss the questions together. Place a large sheet of flip chart paper in the centre of the group and divide it into four sections with the headings: Preparation, Power, Parables, and Passion. These are the headings used within the clip. As you work through each section, record the thoughts and ideas of the group on the flip chart paper.

Watch: The Gospel of Luke in 7 Minutes (7:02)

Watch 0:00 – 1:55 - Preparation
The first section of Luke discussed in the clip is ‘preparation’. Skim through chapters 1-4:13 and note down everything that happens to prepare Jesus for his ministry.
Share what you have discovered as a group.

Watch 1:55 – 3:10 Power
In the second section of the book of Luke, Jesus demonstrates the power of God in a number of ways. Using the information from the clip and Luke 4:14-9:50 jot down the many demonstrations of God’s power found in these chapters.

Watch 3:11-4:47 Parables
As a group, hunt through Luke 9:50 – Luke 19:26 and jot down as many parables as you can. You might like to take a section each and report back to the rest of the group.

Watch 4:48-7:04 Passion
Take a moment to reflect on the events of Luke 19:28 – Luke 24:53. On the flip chart note the event and the feelings it creates within you. 

• How does the story of Jesus become personal to you in the final section of Luke?

Leader’s notes: Discuss the discoveries made by the group about the Gospel of Luke. What sections would they like to explore in more detail? How could they do that independently over the coming weeks?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
The Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts are part one and two of a continuing story. If your group would like to discover more about how these books are linked, then watch and discuss the clip together.

Watch: Luke & Acts: How do they relate? N.T. Wright Online (4:52)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShecR34g59A

WITNESS

Throughout these sessions, you have been given an opportunity to take a message from one of the gospels and present it in a way that is accessible to a specific group of people. Today, you are going to think about the younger children in your church. Your task is to choose a parable and create a cartoon, short clip, poem, story, comic strip or Kids Alive! article that shares the message of the parable. The gospel writers were careful to tailor their storytelling to their audience. It is totally up to you what you create but keep your audience at the centre of your thoughts.

Leader’s notes: The group will need a range of resources to complete this activity including felt tips, paper and possibly craft materials. Encourage them to get creative and think carefully about the importance of effectively sharing Jesus’ teaching. After the group have finished their creations, share them together.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

• How could the resources you have created be used to teach the children in your church and community about Jesus? Rather than general discussion, try to make a specific plan to make this happen.

WORSHIP

One of the recurring themes of the book of Luke is the importance of prayer. For our time of reflection, we’re going to look at examples of prayer in the gospel of Luke and then centre our thoughts on the prayer Jesus taught his disciples.

Leader’s notes: Share out the following Scripture references between the group. Ask them to look up their verse and briefly share the example of prayer they have found. This is a quick-fire activity aiming to cover lots of moments of prayer.            
Luke 1:46-55        
Luke 3:21-22        
Luke 6:27-28        
Luke 11:1-4    
Luke 19:46        
Luke 22:31-32        
Luke 22:40-41        
Luke 23:34,46    
Luke 24:50-51

• What can we learn from these prayer moments described in the book of Luke?
• How can they impact our prayer life?

One of the most well-known prayers found in the gospel of Luke is the Lord’s Prayer. As you listen to a musical rendition of the Lord’s Prayer, spend time reflecting on everything you have discovered about Jesus in the book of Luke.

Watch: The Lord’s Prayer Lyric – Hillsong Worship (6:08)

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Leader’s notes: To bring the session to a close, read the Lord’s Prayer from the Passion Translation.

Read:
2So Jesus taught them this prayer: “Our heavenly Father, may the glory of your name be the centre on which our life turns.  May your Holy Spirit come upon us and cleanse us.  Manifest your kingdom on earth. 3And give us our needed bread for the coming day.  4Forgive our sins as we ourselves release forgiveness to those who have wronged us. And rescue us every time we face tribulations.” 
(Luke 11:2-4, TPT)

In today’s session, we will complete our time in the gospels and explore the book of John. We’ll consider the book’s overall structure, key messages and discover how John shares the story of Jesus. The young people will then have an opportunity to get creative and express the words of John through art.

WELCOME

Over the past month we have explored the first three gospels of the New Testament. Before we dive into the book of John, we’re going to recap the gospels we have covered so far. As you watch the clip, jot down three new facts you did not know about the gospels.

Watch: The Gospel – Bible Project (stop at 5:19)

Leader’s notes: Discuss with the group their three new facts about the gospels. What is the overall purpose of the four gospels?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
“Jesus was God spelling himself out in language humanity could understand.”
S.D. Gordon

• How do the gospels “spell out” the character of God through the life of Jesus?

WORD

Matthew, Mark and Luke are known as the synoptic gospels as they share similar information about the story of Jesus. John takes a different approach and tells us new and fascinating information.

Leader’s notes: Follow the timings from the clip and discuss the questions and scriptures together.

Watch: The Gospel of John: Overview – Whiteboard Bible Study (8:01)

Watch: 0:00-2:10

• How is John described throughout the book? Have a look at John 13:23, 19:34-37, 20:2 to help find the answer.

Read:
30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
(John 20:31)

• Why was the book of John written? 
• What is its purpose?
• How is the Gospel of John different to Matthew, Mark and Luke (the synoptic gospels)?

Watch: 2:11-4:40

Read:
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
(John 1:1-5)

• What does John want us to understand about Jesus in the opening verses?
• Why do you think John referred to Genesis 1 when he described Jesus?
• Chapters 2-12 are known as the ‘Book of Signs’. What seven miracles does John describe? Use your Bible to help you find the answer.
• What ‘I Am’ statements does Jesus make about himself in these chapters?
• How do the Jewish leaders react to Jesus?

Watch: 4:41-6:51

• Why are chapters 13-20 known as the ‘Book of Glory’?
• Where does Jesus focus his attention in this section of the book? Why do you think he made this choice?
• How does the ending of the ‘Book of Signs’ reflect the ending of the ‘Book of Glory’?

Just like the Jewish leaders, Thomas struggled to believe that Jesus was the son of God.

Read:
24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
(John 20:24-29)

• In what way do you relate to the difficulties Thomas had in believing who Jesus is?

Straight after this event, John reminds us why he wrote this gospel. Have another look at John 20:31.

• Why do you think he included this statement?
• What relevance, if any, does it have for us today?

Watch: 6:51-8:01
What important events happen in the epilogue of John’s gospel (Chapter 21)?

Read:
24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
(John 21:24-25)

•    Why do you think John finished his book with these words?
•    Do you think studying the book of John in more detail would be valuable? If so, why?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
If your group would like to discover more about the history behind the gospel of John then watch and discuss the following clip together.

Watch: Gospel of John Historical Background – Why was John written? (7:26)

WITNESS

The clip described the book of John as poetic and artistic. Today you will have the opportunity to create a piece of artwork bringing the words of John’s gospel to life.

Leader’s notes: The group will need a range of art materials to create their piece of artwork based on the Gospel of John. They can use any of the Scriptures or key messages from the gospel of John and present them however they like. If the group need a little artistic help, then make use of Drawing Closer Volume 2 resources which are based around the ‘I Am’ statements of John.
https://www.salvationist.org.uk/resources/worship/drawing-closer-vol-2

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

• What opportunities are there in your church for people to use their artistic skills?
• How could these gifts and talents be used to share the message of Jesus in your church community?

WORSHIP

Leader’s notes: Explain to the group that the focus of the reflection time is Jesus’ prayer in John 17. Using your preferred translation, read through the prayer together. 
What words and phrases stand out to the group? What does it feel like to know that Jesus prays for every believer, including us?
Watch the clip together and discuss the questions below.

Watch: John 17 – Jesus’ Priestly Prayer – Bible Study (Stop at 3:17)

• What is the powerful message of John 17?
• What happens if we depend on God for everything?
• How will the world know about Jesus Christ? What is our role in this mission?

Leader’s notes: Discuss with the group where they need help to live out the mission of Jesus in their lives. Spend time praying together.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Bring the session to a close with the following quote:
“Jesus’ disciples are sent into ‘the world’, not just in the first century, but in every generation. ‘The world’ remains the object of God’s saving love, the reason why Jesus died (3.16). He was sent into it by the father, and now he sends us. And whatever part we are called to play, we go to it with his words (16.33) ringing in our ears: ‘You’ll have trouble in the world. But cheer up! I have defeated the world!’”
N.T. Wright, John for Everyone (Part 2)