Yale University

Youth Ministry Institute

The Gospel of Mark Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 1: Mark 1

A Bible study on the Gospel of Mark for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.

Practice Duration 30-60 minutes
Lesson developed byJill Olds and Victoria Crook
Setting the Atmosphere
  • If in person, set the room with chairs or around a table for a small group conversation
  • Consider centering the space with a lit candle (unscented for those with sensitivities), or with a simple symbol, such as a cross
  • Consider having a ball or stuffed animal to throw around the circle, for the person speaking to hold when it is their turn
  • If virtually, schedule in your preferred video platform
Materials Checklist
  • Bibles or copies of the scripture
  • Paper and pens/pencils for the group
  • Laptop or media device with the clip from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (The scene where Neville Longbottom inspires others to continue for good. YouTube Clip)

Introduction for Leaders

We hope you enjoy our curriculum on the Gospel of Mark. Each session focuses on a few chapters of the book, and contains within it: a theme that encapsulates the chapters; a specific Scripture passage, which highlights the theme; at least two activities (one hands-on, and one media-based); and some concluding discussion questions.

Our hope is that you will use these pieces to craft your session and contextualize it for your group. Some groups might start with reading Scripture; others might start with a movie clip, or a hands-on activity. You might use some of these pieces, or all of them. May the Spirit lead you as you customize your sessions!

Gather

  • Begin with a check in with members
  • Open with prayer
  • Read the scripture together

Engage

Select the option that best suits your group’s needs:

Exercise Option 1:

  • Have the youth write down a short list of people they look up to; celebrities, people in the community, family etc.
  • Once they do this, have them write down a reason why they look up to the person/a positive trait that person displays.
  • Discuss your role models together, compare if there is any overlap in choices or character traits.
  • If you want to push boundaries with your youth, also have them write down a negative trait of this person.
  • Discuss the importance of not idolizing others and point out that we are all human – even our role models.
  • Compare the negative traits, and question why we may not want to be exactly like our role models, but that they can still be positive influences in our lives.

Exercise Option 2:

Watch the video clip from the final Harry Potter film when Neville Longbottom inspires others to continue for good. (YouTube clip)

Reflect

Reflect together on the following questions:

  1. Who points the way to Jesus for you? How tempting is it to want to be like that person? What are the positives and negatives to this?
  2. Who might you be a John the Baptist for? What would that look like?

Send Forth

  • Close the lesson in prayer (either the leader or a group member)
  • Or, consider utilizing a check-out exercise
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