04 Family Worship Guide:

Book of Mark, Day Four, Lesson Four

Author

Justin Hoke
September 12, 2024

Dear Family Worship Magazine Community,

Family Worship Guide: Book of Mark, Day Four, Lesson Four
These guides are designed to help you lead your family in daily worship. Each lesson is brief, lasting only 15-25 minutes. If you'd like to extend the worship time, consider adding additional hymns or reviewing the Shorter Catechism. You'll find the first lesson included below.

Opening Prayer:

"Lord God, we come before You with hearts eager to hear from Your Word. As we read about the life and ministry of Your Son, Jesus, help us to see His power, compassion, and authority. Teach us to trust in Him more deeply and to follow Him with our whole hearts. Open our minds to understand, our hearts to believe, and our lives to reflect the truth of the gospel. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen."

Scripture Reading: Mark 1:21-28 (ESV)

And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

Reflection and Teaching:

In this passage, we see Jesus beginning His public ministry in Capernaum, teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath. His teaching was unlike anything the people had ever heard before. He spoke with authority, not like the scribes who often relied on traditions and the interpretations of others. Jesus spoke as the very source of truth because He is the Word of God made flesh.

While teaching, Jesus encounters a man possessed by an unclean spirit. The demon recognizes Jesus as the "Holy One of God" and fears His power. With just a word, Jesus commands the spirit to be silent and come out of the man. Immediately, the spirit obeys, showing Jesus’ power over the spiritual forces of darkness.

This miracle demonstrates not only the authority of Jesus’ teaching but also His power over all that is evil. The people were amazed and began to spread the news about Jesus. His authority extends beyond mere words; it is active, powerful, and transformative.

Discussion Questions:

For Younger Children (Ages 10-13):

  1. What was different about the way Jesus taught compared to the scribes?

  2. How did the unclean spirit respond when it saw Jesus? What does this tell us about Jesus’ power?

  3. What can we learn from Jesus’ command to the unclean spirit? How does this show us that Jesus is stronger than anything we might be afraid of?

For Older Children (Ages 14-18):

  1. Why do you think people were astonished by Jesus’ teaching? What does it mean that He taught with authority?

  2. The unclean spirit recognized Jesus as the “Holy One of God.” Why is it significant that even the demons knew who Jesus was?

  3. Reflect on a time when you have felt overwhelmed by fear or a struggle. How can Jesus’ authority and power over evil give you comfort and confidence in those moments?

Application:

  • For All Ages: Take time to discuss as a family areas of life where you need to trust in Jesus’ authority and power. Whether it’s a fear, a difficult situation, or a bad habit, bring these things to Jesus in prayer, knowing that He is greater than anything we face.

  • For Older Children: This week, consider how you can rely on Jesus’ authority in your life. When you feel anxious or tempted, remember His power and speak to Him in prayer, asking for His help and strength to overcome.

Closing Prayer:

"Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your authority and power over all things. Help us to trust You in every situation, knowing that You are able to do all things. Teach us to rest in Your truth, to rely on Your strength, and to walk in Your ways. Guard our hearts against fear and help us to proclaim Your mighty works to those around us. In Your name, we pray, Amen."

Hymn or Song:

Conclude with a hymn or song that reflects on the power of Christ, such as “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” or “In Christ Alone.”


If you would like to get these Family Worship Guides in your email, Please follow the link below to subscribe to our free newsletter.

https://family-worship-magazine.beehiiv.com/subscribe

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom..." - Colossians 3:16

If you would like to join Beehiiv with you own Newsletter CLICK HERE

If you don’t want Family Worship Magazine or updates from Christ Centered Reformed Ministries, no worries: unsubscribe at the button below.