Mark 7

Mark 7

Bible Reading Experience

Read or listen Mark 7

Watch Mark 7 brought to life

HOW THE EXPERIENCE WORKS

Bible project Mark

Black and white reflections

Read about a Jewish Ritual of Cleansing

Click for a modern art moment

Lectio Divina Mark 7:1-23

WORKSHEETS

In Mark 7, Jesus challenges the religious leaders' traditions, redefines what truly defiles a person, and shows how faith can break barriers

Study Tools

?

Flourishing Tools

Study Questions

Remember early in the Pandemic when there was a run on soap and hand sanitizer? Did you ask yourself what in the world all these people were doing before the Pandemic? Were they washing? At the point that people really started washing their hands and using proper precautions, the virus had already been spreading. If the virus had already taken root in our bodies, it didn't matter if we washed our hands all day long. Jesus makes a similar point when the Pharisees are upset the disciples aren't washing properly. He says that cleanliness on the inside, goodness of the heart, is what really matters. And washing hands all day long won't matter if that's not clean. Paramedic spraying down Hospital Beds,Photographed by Alex Majoli (born 1971),Photographed in March 2020,Black and White giclee print© Alex Majoli / Magnus Photos READ ABOUT THIS PIECE HERE. Mark 7: 1-13 (2021) | CHRISTIAN ART | Gospel Reading & Art ReflectionThe Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered round Jesus, and they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with...CHRISTIAN ART | Daily Gospel Reading & Art Reflection

Perhaps the battle between good and evil takes place within our hearts? Read more. Four Hearts,Painting by Jim Dine (born 1935),Painted in 1969,Screenprint on paper© Jim Dine / Tate Modern, London

We are inspired by 1 Thess. 1:3 to see all people living by faith, laboring in love and enduring through hope in Jesus. This is more than surviving – it’s thriving and flourishing. We’ve used Barna Research Group’s five areas of flourishing to organize resources that we believe will help you flourish and, in turn, live inspired by Jesus, impacting our city and the world. Go here for our flourishing resource lists. Take an online self-assessment to help you determine what areas of flourishing you should focus on first here.

• https://forms.gle/484dmm7Ddjgnxx1s5

Text questions to 833-912-0460.

Have questions?

• Text questions to 833-912-0460.

• Explore a commentary for more in-depth study. For the Enduring Word Commentary, click here.

• Find a clickable version of the Resource List for Engaging Scripture here.

GUIDED LECTIO DIVINA The practice of Lectio Divina is based on the belief that Christ is truly present in Scripture and that the reading of Scripture allows God to speak to us. The phrase Lectio Divina means “divine reading” in Latin and is a fitting name for this prayer practice of listening to Scripture with the ear of the heart. The traditional monastic practice includes scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's word. In the view of one commentator, it does not treat Scripture as texts to be studied, but as the living word. 1. Reading (Lectio)Read Mark 7:1-23 slowly and carefully.This passage focuses on a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees about the importance of inner purity versus external rituals. Notice the interaction, the challenge to tradition, and Jesus’ teaching on what truly defiles a person. Key Verse: Mark 7:15 – "Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them." 2. Meditation (Meditatio)Reflect on what stood out to you in the passage.

• What traditions or rules do you hold onto that may be more about appearance than heart?
• Consider the areas of your life where you focus on the external but may need to address your inner life and motivations.

3. Prayer (Oratio)Offer your thoughts and feelings to God.

• Pray for insight into areas where you may be focused on outward appearances rather than internal transformation.
• Ask God to help you live with a heart that seeks to please Him from the inside out.

4. Contemplation (Contemplatio)Sit quietly and rest in God’s presence.

• Allow the truth of this passage to settle in your spirit.
• What is God saying to you about your inner life and how it reflects outwardly?
• Be still and let God work in your heart, shaping you to reflect His love and purity.

5. Action (Actio)Live out the message.

• This week, examine your heart in daily activities and interactions. Are your actions coming from a place of love and integrity, or are they driven by appearance and tradition?
• Make an intentional effort to let your inner thoughts and feelings align with the love of God.

Our Bible Experiences are designed for individuals or groups.

Step 1: Begin your Bible experience by immersing yourself in the scripture — either by reading it or listening to the audio version.Step 2: Explore the diverse array of resources available, ranging from discussion questions, worksheets and videos to art and scripture activities that cater to various learning styles. Tailor your study experience by choosing the materials that resonate with you and your group.Step 3: If you have any questions or have a feature request, you can text us at 833-912-0460. We'll get back to you asap.

WORKSHEET

Download worksheet for Mark 7:24-37 here.

Whether you are studying scripture on your own or you have a group, our Engage Group worksheets are designed to help you interact with this week's passage.

1. What stood out to you this week?2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?3. Did anything make you feel differently about God?4. How might this change the way you live?

Bible Study Questions