Jesus Faces His Critics

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 11:27-12:44
Series: The Gospel of Mark

Sermon Notes

  1. Disbelief (vv. 11:27-12:12)
  2. Hypocrisy (vv. 12:13-17)
  3. Ignorance (vv. 12:18-34)
  4. Pride (vv. 12:38-44)

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.


What kind of criticism of Jesus bothers you the most? Why?    


  1. Read Mark 1:14-15.
    • How do these verses capture the theme of Mark’s Gospel?
    • What is the gospel? What are common false gospels?
    • What does it mean to repent?
    • Read Matthew 3:8. What does it mean to “produce fruit”?
  2. How would you explain how to be saved to someone in fewer than 30 words?
  3. Read Mark 11:27-33.
    • What are the four ways people reject Jesus according to the message?
    • Who were 1) the chief priests, 2) the teachers of the Law, 3) the elders?
    • Discuss how and where Mark’s Gospel emphasizes the authority of Jesus over all things.
  4. Read the four responses we see to Jesus in this extended section. Which is closest to you?
  5. Read Mark 12:13, 18. Who were the 1) Pharisees, 2) Herodians, 3) Sadducees?
  6. Read Mark 12:24.
    • Why is ignorance of the Bible so dangerous?
    • Read Psalm 119:9-16. How do we develop this kind of attitude toward God’s Word?
    • Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Discuss how God’s Word is profitable; be specific with examples.
    • What are your Bible reading/study habits?
    • What kind of Bible reference tools have you found helpful?
  7. Jesus quotes Psalm 110 in Mark 12:6. (Note: Psalm 110 is the most-quoted chapter of the Old Testament in the New Testament.) Read this Psalm and discuss how it applies to Jesus.
  8. Read Mark 12:38-44.
    • Discuss the contrast Jesus draws here between the teachers and the poor widow.
    • What does this mean: “Such men will be punished most severely”? Where? How?
    • What were the “two small copper coins”? How much were they worth? Why is pride one of the worst sins?


What is a practical way to boost your biblical/theological knowledge?

Posted on March 8, 2015 and filed under The Gospel of Mark.