6. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit – Mark 3:20-35

Mar 08, 2024

Read Mark 3:20-35 and pages 31-34 of A.S.K.

Questions from the Bible reading

1. What did Jesus’ family think about his work (v20-21)?

2. What does Jesus mean by “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.”? (v22-26)

3. Explain what is meant by (i) “the strong man” (ii) “carry off his possessions” (v27)

(i)

(ii)

4. What does the word “blasphemy” mean? (v28)

5. What reason does Mark give for Jesus’ enemies saying that he serves Beelzebub? (v29-30)

6. Why would people have thought it bad for Jesus to say “who is my mother and brothers”? (v31-33)

7. What does Jesus mean by “do God’s will”? (v34-35)

8. Draw a diagram, or write some words, to show the likely reaction of people to Jesus in v31-35.

Questions from the book

1. Why do you think it’s important that we should speak sensibly to God and not nonsense words?

2. Can you think of any reasons why some people like the idea of ‘gabbling to God’ in prayer?

3. Why should a pastor be extra careful in what they say to somebody who is a very new Christian?

4. Explain ‘blasphemy in the Spirit’ in your own words.

5. Can you remember a story or incident from Jesus’ life where he shows how willing God is to forgive us?

6. Compose a prayer which a person could pray when really worried about a particular sin in their life

Questions to do at home

1. Ask others what they think “blasphemy in the Spirit” means

2. If you found yourself uncomfortable with what was happening in a church service, what should you do?

3. What sins might some people wrongly thing of as unforgivable?