Introducing the Real Jesus Mark 1:1-45 Most people have some picture of Jesusa good man, a great

teacher, perhaps even a divine figure. Mark, one of the first followers of Jesus, wrote his book to tell us what Jesus is really like. He and Peter, from whom he got his information, knew Jesus well. His opening words tell us that his story is the gospelliterally, "good news"about "Jesus Christ, the Son of God." His first chapter tells us how Jesus was identified and introduced to the people of his time. 1. Why do you think people still disagree about Jesus' identity?

2. Read Mark 1:1-45. There are three witnesses that tell about who Jesus is: Isaiah (Mark 1:2-3), John the Baptist (Mark 1:4-8) and a voice from heaven (Mark 1:10-11). What does each of these witnesses tell us about him?

3. John baptized people who confessed their sins. If Jesus was the Son of God, why did he need to be baptized? (Mark 1:9-11) After he was baptized, why was he then tempted (Mark 1:12-13)? 4. The first thing Jesus did was to proclaim that "the kingdom of God is near" (Mark 1:14-15). Why was this good news? How should we respond to this message (Mark 1:15)? 5. Some fishermen are Jesus' first followers (Mark 1:16-20). Why do you think they follow him? How much does a person need to know to start following Jesus? 6. Jesus' authority is seen as he helps people (see Mark 1:21-34). How does he show his authority?

7. What does Mark 1:35 tell us about the source of Jesus' authority?

8. Everyone was looking for Jesus, but he decided to leave (Mark 1:36-39). Why then does he stop and touch a man with leprosy (Mark 1:40-45)?

9. Mark wants to tell us who Jesus is. Yet Jesus himself seems reluctant to reveal his identity (Mark 1:34, 43-44). Why do you think he acts this way?

10. Give a summary of how this chapter describes Jesus?