Evangelio de Marcos

A STUDY IN THE GOSPEL OF MARK
A C C O R D I N G T O M A R K | PA G E 1
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Letter From the Elders PA G E 3
Introduction PA G E 4
Personal Guide PA G E 2 4
Map PA G E 9 0
Passion Week Timeline PA G E 9 1
People and Positions PA G E 9 2

PA G E 2 | A C C O R D I N G T O M A R K
REDEEMER,
We are so excited to offer this Gospel of Mark guide for you. The
book of Mark is such a beautiful book detailing Jesus’ journey to the
cross. We are given a view into Jesus’ life while He was walking on
the earth, God incarnate. The book of Mark gives us a front row
seat to Jesus’ compassion towards those hurting. For example, Mark
shows us Jesus taking the hand of someone that’s hurting, holding
him, and meeting him where he was. This is the same Jesus that we
give our lives to, a kind and compassionate Savior. Mark pushes us
to consider the compassionate Jesus, the suffering servant, with his
face set towards the cross, and to have faith in Him alone.
So our encouragement is to use this resource well. Don’t pass over

it but instead dive deep into the truths revealed for us in the Gospel
of Mark. If you miss a day, it’s alright, catch up and press on. I
guarantee investing time in the Word of God won’t disappoint. Our
prayer and desire is that you all would fall more in love with Jesus
as a result of using the guide. May you be amazed at the incredible
Savior, Jesus. May your love for others grow deeper and move you
to proclaim the truths in Mark to others around you. John 8:31–32
says,
[31] So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my
word, you are truly my disciples, [32] and you will know the truth, and the truth
will set you free.”
As you spend time in this book, may it bare fruit in your life!
Spencer Stringer
On behalf of the Elders at Redeemer
INTRODUCTION
WELCOME
We are excited about this series in the Gospel of Mark. We hope

it helps you know Jesus more! We want you to understand why
there are four gospel accounts and enjoy the benefits of having
all four. We want to teach you how to be lifelong students of
the Word and give you the tools you need to study well on your
own. We believe God’s Word is perfect, reviving the soul and
that every bit of what was written in the Scriptures was written
to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement we
might have hope (Psalm 19:7; Romans 15:4).
It takes about an hour and a half to read through Mark. We

encourage you to read Mark through several times
during the weeks to come. We are confident that reading
it once a week for ten weeks will undoubtedly bear fruit. On
your first reading, just enjoy the book. Don’t worry about being
academic or investigative. It’s best to get a broad sweeping view
first. Reading it several times will help you become familiar with
the text which can lead to greater comprehension which sets you
up for better interpretation and appropriate application. You can
also listen to Mark at biblegateway.com.
Working through this introduction will take five days. This

introductory week will equip you with background information
to prepare you for the ten week study of Mark that is to follow.
This section is designed to help you think critically
about God’s purpose for giving the four gospel accounts.
The Scriptures will not be written out. Our hope is that you
will look up each reference that is given. There are questions
scattered throughout. Please pause and thoughtfully consider
your answers before moving on. Set aside some time with a Bible,
a journal, and a pen in hand.
Enjoy!
INTRODUCTION
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK
Begin reading through Mark. Read as much as you can in

one sitting. Ask God to give you understanding and delight as
you read His Word (Psalm 119:18, 97, 103).
Next week we will begin studying Mark’s text one or two chapters
at a time. This week is devoted to preparation and background
information. You should be reading through the book of Mark at
your own pace during your personal reading time as well. Take
notes as you read, but mostly, enjoy!
Let’s begin to learn about this particular gospel and how it relates
to the gospels as a whole.
Look over the definitions of the word gospel.
GOSPEL:
1. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles; the Christian

revelation.
2 . The story of Christ’s life and teachings, especially as
contained in the first four books of the New Testament,
namely Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
3 . Something regarded as true and implicitly believed: to take
his report for gospel.
4 . A doctrine regarded as of prime importance: political gospel.
5 . Glad tidings, especially concerning salvation and the
kingdom of God as announced to the world by Christ.
What does it mean that it is the gospel according to Mark?
Mark wrote his account of the life of Christ using the teachings
and testimony of Peter the Apostle. His account of the gospel
story is one of four such accounts in the Bible. While the
accounts are similar, they are not exactly the same. Why might
they be different? What purpose could that serve?
Look over the definitions of the phrase synoptic gospel.
SYNOPTIC GOSPEL:
1. Pertaining to or constituting a synopsis; affording or taking a

general view of the principal parts of a subject.
2. Taking a common view: used chiefly in reference to the
first three Gospels (synoptic Gospels), Matthew, Mark, and
Luke, from their similarity in content, order, and statement.
Which gospel is not a synoptic gospel?

(Hint: One gospel was written much later than the others and
includes more theology.)
What do you know already about the four gospels? Fill in the
chart on the next page with any who, what, why, when, where
information you might know. Author, audience, date written,
for what purpose, and main idea would be good thoughts to
start with. If you have a study Bible, it is possible that this kind
of information is found at the beginning of each book. It’s okay
if there are a lot of blank spaces for now! As you walk through
this introduction you will be able to fill in your chart with more
information.
M AT T H E W MARK LUKE JOHN
Which gospel are you most familiar with?

Is there one gospel that you tend to prefer to read over the
others? Why?
INTRODUCTION
T H E G O S P E L S : C O M PA R E A N D C O N T R A S T
If you were not able to read all the way through Mark, continue
doing so today. Ask God to teach you His Word and to give you
understanding (Psalm 119:130, 135; Proverbs 2:6 ).
Yesterday you listed what you already knew about each gospel or
maybe you also did some research to see what you could find out.
Today we will take a more detailed look at the differences in each
gospel. Highlight anything that stands out as interesting to you
and any important key events recorded in only one gospel.
M AT T H E W
• Author: Jewish tax collector, apostle, died a martyr

• Audience : Jews and Jewish converts, those familiar with the
prophets
• Date written: 65-70 AD
• Written in: Literary Greek
• Purpose: It is assumed from the genealogy that Matthew’s
purpose was to prove that the Jewish Messiah had come.
• Unique to the book: Sermon on the Mount, 10 additional
parables not found in the other gospels, and the ascension.
As a tax collector Matthew would have been skilled in writing
shorthand. His recording of the Sermon on the Mount is
assumed to be verbatim whereas other recordings of Jesus’
sayings in the other gospels are only parts of sermons and
possibly paraphrases. Matthew has more full sermons and more
direct Old Testament (OT) quotes than the other three gospels.
The account alternates between Jesus’ activities of healing
and casting out demons and major blocks of teaching. 20% of
Matthew’s material is unique to Matthew.
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MARK
• Author: Disciple of and translator for Peter. Cousin of

Barnabas. Also called John Mark. It was in Mark’s house that the
early church in Jerusalem gathered. He accompanied Barnabas
and Paul on their first missionary journey, being responsible for
travel arrangements, food and lodging. At Perga he quit. This
caused a rift between Paul and Barnabas. Barnabas returned to
Cyprus with Mark (Acts 15:37-41). He is not heard of again until
a decade later when scattered references show that he and Paul
had reconciled and that he was labouring alongside Peter.
• Audience: Gentiles and Roman believers
• Date written: Around 60 AD
• Written in: Colloquial Greek
• Purpose: While not stated as clearly as Luke’s and John’s,
based on the number of miracles recorded, it can be concluded
that Mark intends to show that Jesus is more powerful than
Satan, sickness, natural forces, and death. His seldom use of
the OT makes it user friendly for people with little to no Bible
background knowledge.
• Unique to the book: Only 3% of Mark’s material is unique
to Mark. The parable of the seed’s spontaneous growth and
the healing of the blind man with spit at Bethsaida. The other
97% appears either in Matthew or in Luke. Of that 97%, 76%
appears in BOTH Matthew and Luke. This means that 76% of
Mark’s material is shared by all three synoptic gospels. However,
when the same events are recorded in each of the synoptics,
those in Mark are narrated in fuller fashion than in the other
gospels. This is a little bit surprising when you consider that
Mark’s gospel is shorter in length and actual word count.
• Special Insight: Mark never calls Jesus “God” or claims that
He existed before creation or prior to His earthly life. Mark does
not contain a genealogy or a birth story. Mark contains less of
Jesus’ words and more of His actions. We learn who Jesus is not
so much by what He says but by what He does. It is the shortest
most straightforward, fast paced, and power packed of the four
gospels. Mark uses the word immediately 42 times to describe
how events happened. Because it is written to Gentiles, Jewish
traditions and Aramaic terms are explained.
A C C O R D I N G T O M A R K | PA G E 1 1
LUKE
• Author: Gentile, companion of Paul, physician, also the author

of Acts.
• Audience: Specifically written to Theophilus, a Roman
dignitary, who is perhaps a new believer. It is written in the form
of a letter. More broadly, it is addressing Gentiles.
• Date written: 65-70 AD
• Written in: Educated Greek
• Purpose: Luke 1:1-4 states that after investigating everything
very carefully, Luke intends to lay out systematically all the events
that have happened and all the things that Theophilus has been
taught so that his dear friend will be certain to know everything
he needs to know. While Matthew’s genealogy goes back to
Abraham, Luke’s genealogy goes farther back to Adam proving
that Jesus is not just a Hebrew for the Hebrew people but part of
mankind for all of mankind.
• Unique to the book: The story of the rich man and Lazarus,
salvation of the thief on the cross, the Good Samaritan and the
Prodigal Son. Luke contains the only record of Jesus’ boyhood.
• Special Insight: There is a special emphasis on women as major
roles in the story of faith. Luke was a historian so he included
many facts, details, and descriptions. It is the longest of the four
gospels. There is no reference to Christ’s pre-existence. There is
little reference to the atonement. It has more information on the
Holy Spirit than the other three gospels. When Jews and Gentiles
are mentioned, Gentiles are cast in a more favorable light. 35%
of Luke’s material is unique to Luke.
JOHN
• Author: A disciple from within Jesus’ inner circle (Peter,

James and John) who also wrote 1 John, 2 John and 3 John and
Revelation.
• Audience: Unbelievers and believers alike from all areas
• Date written: 80-90 AD while in exile
• Written in: Greek
• Purpose: John 20:30-31 states the the book is written so that
unbelievers may find eternal life and believers may find assurance
of salvation.
• Unique to the book: Jesus changing water into wine and raising
Lazarus from the dead, the I AM statements, doubting Thomas,
Peter’s restoration, and three Passovers showing three years of
Jesus’ ministry. The opening verses declare that Jesus is God and
that He created all things. There is no mention of Jesus’ baptism
or of the Lord’s supper. There is distinct sheep and shepherd
language, a longer Upper Room discourse and a literary style
that differs from the synoptic gospels in that it makes use of dual
symbolism (light/dark, life/death, freedom/slavery).
• Special insight: John replaces his name with the phrase “the
disciple whom Jesus loved”. John witnessed the transfiguration
and was the first to arrive at the empty tomb. By the time John is
writing, the community of Christians seems to define themselves
as distinct from Judaism. This gospel is more consistently hostile
towards Jews. There is less atonement language and more
glorified and exalted language. There is more of an emphasis
on the individual and less on the group. It has the most theology
of all of the gospels. It is not as historical as the synoptic gospels
possibly because they had already had that covered for 30
years. It is not chronological and is instead organized topically.
There are no parables but instead there are allegories. John sites
incidents not mentioned in the synoptic gospels. 92% of John’s
material is unique to John!
Go back through the lists above. Now that you’ve seen that
certain information, stories, and details are unique to certain
gospels, do you feel like all four accounts are necessary? Why or
why not? If you had to make a case for which gospel to keep with
you on a deserted island, which one would it be? Why?
INTRODUCTION
RECONCILING THE DIFFERENCES IN

T H E G O S P E L A C C O U N T S - PA R T 1
Continue reading through Mark. Ask God to give you faith as

you look into differences (what could be considered discrepancies)
between the gospels (Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 18:30).
DIG DEEPER:
Something that you might consider doing in the future is reading through the
gospels with a Harmony of the Gospels, a synopsis or parallel Bible.
Were you to compare all of the accounts closely, you would

discover that there are some differences in certain details. What
can this mean? Give reasons for your answer.
Possible explanations for the differences in the gospels when

direct quotes are involved:
1. Jesus most likely spoke three languages - Greek, Hebrew,

Aramaic. Others around Him would have also spoken Latin.
What one person hears Jesus say in Aramaic he then retells in
Greek, while another person in the audience might retell it in
Hebrew. Eventually all of these retellings then get translated into
Greek in order to make it into their final form in the Scriptures.
We can trust that God has preserved the essential meaning of
Jesus’ words even though we cannot be sure of the exact words
He used. Compare the following verses:
Luke 6:20 // Matthew 5:3
2. Authors might choose to quote verbatim in an effort to get a

word for word account, but they are also free to summarize what
was said in an effort to get more precisely at the meaning. Look
up the following verses and note their differences:
Matthew 27:54 // Mark 15:39 // Luke 23:47
These translations make sense in light of each author’s focus.

Both Matthew and Mark are focused on emphasizing Jesus’
position as the Son of God, but Christ’s innocence and

righteousness is a recurring theme in Luke’s gospel. The two
versions of the centurion’s comment don’t contradict each other,
they simply focus on different theological implications.
3. It is possible that more than once and in more than one

setting, Jesus taught on the same topic. Was the Sermon on
the Mount actually one sermon or did Matthew pull various
teachings together into one place? Could it have been one long
sermon and Matthew also added a few sayings from other
sermons - all true of course - that fit with the point he was
making and supported the essential meaning of the Sermon
on the Mount? The purpose of one gospel might be historical
accuracy and exact chronological representation while another
gospel might be more thematic and theological. For the purpose
of clearly presenting a theological truth different teachings of
Jesus might be positioned alongside each other, building on each
other.
4. In our literate, law based society we expect a standard of

accuracy that did not exist in oral communities. Even in our
day and time, it would be ridiculous to expect an audience to
remember a speech word for word without the use of a recording
device. Compare the following verses:
Matthew 13:32 // Mark 4:32
Matthew 24:5 // Mark 13:6 // Luke 21:8
Matthew 13:13 // Mark 4:12
Mark 4:25 // Luke 8:18b
Which of the views above on the differences found in the gospels

is the most helpful to you and why?
INTRODUCTION
RECONCILING THE DIFFERENCES IN

T H E G O S P E L A C C O U N T S - PA R T 2
Continue reading through Mark. Ask God to give you an

appreciation for His kindness and care in giving us the four
gospel accounts. Praise the Lord that His Word does not return
void (Isaiah 55:11), that it is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12) and
that all of it is useful for teaching and training in righteousness
(2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Yesterday we began to explore differences between the gospel

accounts by looking at words and how they were quoted. Today
we will be looking at events.
1. From the start of Jesus’ ministry to the time that Mark wrote Think about
how much had
his gospel twenty years had passed. You can imagine that all happened in the
three synoptic writers drew on various oral traditions that world and to the
people of Israel
accumulated rapidly around Jerusalem through concentrated
BEFORE Moses
preachings of the first Christians. Go back and look at your chart finally penned
on page 8. Notice when each gospel was written. Genesis!
2. Not every event that ever happened is recorded. Because

of this, Matthew might choose to capture one event and Mark
might record another (John 20:30). The omission of events does
not make the gospels contradictory. It just shows that certain
authors recorded certain events for a certain purpose.
A good question to ask as you are reading through the gospels

is - what purpose might the author have had in including
certain stories, details or information? We will see this more in
the coming weeks.
3. In the same way that the gospel author had the freedom to
group Jesus’ teachings by topic rather than listing them in the
order that Jesus delivered them in, events can either be grouped
topically or listed chronologically. It is important to remember

that the gospel writers’ purpose is not to merely document
history. Compare the following verses:
Mark 11:12-14, 20-25 // Matthew 21:18-22.
How are these verses different? Why do you think this may be?
Having sat under Peter’s teachings, Mark penned his gospel at

the end of Peter’s life. This was done through the prompting
and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. He had not experienced
Jesus’ teachings and miracles first hand. He had sat under
Peter’s teachings of the Christ and Peter had taught as necessity
demanded. What might be Mark’s purpose for including the
stories he did in the order that he did? This is something to keep
in mind as you continue reading through Mark.
Each gospel writer, having a different purpose in mind,

functioned in different roles. Is Mark himself primarily a
historian, an editor, or a theologian? It might help you to think
of Matthew as more of a historian with a very structured
chronological presentation of the life of Christ, Mark as more
of an editor compiling important teachings he had received
from Peter, Luke as more of an investigative reporter compiling
information, and John as more of a theologian.
Someone might decide that the gospels should all say the exact
same thing and the fact that they don’t is a problem. What do
you think about this viewpoint?
In your opinion, what are the benefits of having four gospel

accounts?
It is okay to be uncomfortable with or to not understand some

things about God and the Bible. This is a natural response to
a God whose ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).
We see this even with Peter in regards to Paul’s teachings (2 Peter
3:15-16)! God can handle your doubts and your confusion. As
you have been reading the book of Mark you have surely seen
Jesus’ patience with His disciples as they struggle to understand
His teaching and His displays of divine power. It is important to

have a posture of humility and dependency while you wait on
the Spirit to guide you into all truth (John 16:13; James 1:5). If
what we’ve looked at together over the past two days has raised
questions or doubts in your mind about the inerrancy of the
Word, you can say to God, like the boy’s father in Mark 9:24, I
do believe! Help my unbelief !
End this day by asking God to help you think rightly about His
Word, to think critically, to lean into the difficult questions and
appreciate that God’s ways are higher than our ways. Oh, the
depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of
God (Romans 11:33)!
Our prayer is that you will come to see the four gospel accounts
as given by God in his kindness. How gracious of Him to reveal
so much about Himself through His Son Jesus Christ (John 14:9)
and for those stories to be recorded and preserved for us!
INTRODUCTION
JESUS IN THE BOOK OF MARK
Finish reading through Mark. Praise God for giving us His Word
and ask Him to teach it to you through the help of the Holy
Spirit (Psalm 119:123; 1 Corinthians 2:9-12).
According to one of the definitions that we looked at on Day 1,

the gospels contain the story of Christ’s life and teaching. It is
commonplace to say that the gospels are about the life of Christ.
While this is true, it is helpful to think of Mark’s gospel as being
more about the death of Jesus. Mark tells his story through the
lens of the impending death of Christ that must and will occur.
He allows all of the events that lead up to that death to move
towards it in such a way that the story reaches its climax and
conclusion only at the cross. None of the stories have any real
meaning or true understanding apart from the story of the

cross. Jesus the Messiah is the Messiah that must die. While He
is truly the complete Messiah throughout the entire book of
Mark - performing miracles and teaching with authority - His
real purpose and true identity as the Messiah are not to be fully
realized apart from His death on the cross. It is not until the
very end of the book of Mark that the disciples, the religious
leaders, and those that had been miraculously healed, as well as
the readers - including you and I - can comprehend fully what it
means for Jesus to be God’s true Messiah.
Until arriving at the cross, where Jesus’ true identity and purpose
is known, Mark’s Jesus is mysterious. He intentionally keeps
people from understanding who He really is. At times, He
silences the demons who try to reveal His true identity. After
performing miracles, He tells people not to tell about what He
has done. He takes His disciples away and teaches them privately.
But even then they cannot understand. He is often on the move
trying to evade the crowds while doing things and saying things
that keep attracting them.
While Mark’s purpose is to reveal who Jesus is, he withholds that

revelation until the very end of the book. Until then there is a
tension. The reader wants to know the Messiah fully but can’t
yet know. The disciples are trying hard but just aren’t able. The
religious leaders think they know but their ideas of what the
Messiah will be and what He will do are frustrated.
There is something about the previous expectations and

understandings of Jesus, even within the Christian community,
that Mark intends to correct. Readers of Mark’s gospel will find
it necessary to drop their preconceived ideas of what God and
God’s Messiah are like in order to experience a “new teaching
with authority” (Mark 1:27) and to learn that “new wine requires
new wineskins” (Mark 2:22). The reader must be willing to
rethink how Jesus works and with whom He chooses to reveal
Himself before he can be ready to fully know God’s Messiah.
In Mark, Jesus starts out as a miracle worker. Some are

impressed. Some believe. Some get upset. And while we would

expect the Son of God to be able to perform miracles, we
also know from the Bible and from antiquity that others have
performed miracles as well. So performing miracles is not
enough to be considered the Messiah.
Read Mark 8:27-30. On the road to Caesarea Philippi when

Jesus asked His disciples who they thought He was, how did Peter
respond?
Immediately after Peter’s confident confession Jesus tells his

disciples that He must be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and
scribes, suffer many things and die. Peter responds by arguing
with Him! He has no understanding that this needs to happen!
Why would Peter have responded this way? For Peter (and the
other disciples as well), the title “Messiah” was about royal,
political, religious and earthly power and not the apparent
weakness, defeat and death of which Jesus had spoken. They
were not able to understand that the Messiah must die or even
why He would need to die. They did not have a framework
for this. It did not fit their concept of what the Messiah was to
be. Now in retrospect, we might search the OT and conclude
that the framework was there. That they should have known.
That they were choosing to allow a few Scriptures to form their
expectations and were ignoring others.
This misunderstanding is a motif used throughout

the book of Mark and it adds to the mystery. It is often those
closest to Jesus that seem the most confused and those on
the fringe that seem privy to a faith filled understanding. It’s
the women, the marginal characters, the demons, those on
the periphery of the story who often have the most accurate
realizations of Jesus’ true identity.
What do these stories of faith from those in the margins tell

us about Jesus?
As Mark tells the story of the death of Jesus, we see Jesus as a

lonely figure going to the cross forsaken by His followers and

even His God. He too is marginalized. Jesus from the cross says,
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The Jesus of
Mark’s gospel is a suffering figure waiting for the vindication
of God. The humanity of Jesus including His sorrow 14:34,
disappointment 8:12, displeasure 10:14, anger 11:15-17,
amazement 6:6, fatigue 4:38, and even ignorance 13:32 are
shown throughout the Gospel of Mark.
Was this what was to be expected of the Messiah? Are there

any human characters in the book of Mark that are able to see
Jesus for the Messiah He really is? A voice from the heavenlies
declared that Jesus was the son of God (Mark 1:11). The demons
declared that He was the “Holy One of God” (Mark 1:24). But
is there any hope for man to see Jesus as the Messiah in the book
of Mark? The religious leaders rejected Him. Peter, James and
John - the inner circle - failed to understand. The disciples were
more concerned with earthly power. One betrayed Him and
one denied Him. The crowds that had once followed in awe
turned on Him yelling, “Crucify!” The reader has reason to be
concerned!
Finally in Mark 15:39, there is a glimpse of hope. At the cross,

the centurion observes Jesus as He takes His last breath and
states, “Truly this man was the son of God!” And isn’t that how
Mark began his gospel? Mark 1:1 and Mark 15:39 both proclaim
Jesus as the Son of God…bookends of hope! The surprising turn
of events and the key to understanding the Son of God is in His
suffering. Ironically, His death on the cross is the place where
both His purpose and His identity as Son of God converge.
The cross is the first place where humanity can even begin to
recognize Him as God’s true Messiah. Mark writes his gospel in
such a way that no one in the story and no one reading the story
can truly encounter the Messiah until the very end. It is in the
death of Christ that we recognize the Messiah. But surely
it is not only in His death, for in Romans 1:3-4, Paul refers to
the message he preaches as “…the gospel concerning his Son,
who was descended from David according to the flesh and was
declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of
holiness by resurrection from the dead…” Thus, Paul asserts that it

was Jesus’ resurrection that declared to the world who Jesus really
was (1 Corinthians 15:14-20).
But what about the others in the story? Are there some that
believe in Him as the true Messiah after the resurrection? Yes!
There are. Specifically Mary Magdalene - a previously demon
possessed woman! His disciples. And we know from other books
in the Bible that Peter finally and fully believed as well!
Possibly Peter’s advice to us today as we read Mark would be -

What I should have said on the road to Caesarea Philippi (Mark
8:29) is this: Lord, lots of people say lots of things about who
You might be. Personally, I think You might be the Messiah.
But I suspect that I don’t even really know what that means so I
desperately need You to show me. I’m not sure it even matters
a whole lot who I say You are. What matters most is who and
what You say You are. I will be honest, Lord. What You might
say scares me a bit. It might not fit my expectations. Please give
me strength to accept whatever it is You might show me about
Yourself.
14
NOW AFTER JOHN
WAS ARRESTED, JESUS
CAME INTO GALILEE,
PROCLAIMING THE
GOSPEL OF GOD,
15
AND SAYING, "THE
TIME IS FULFILLED,
AND THE KINGDOM
OF GOD IS AT HAND;
REPENT AND BELIEVE
IN THE GOSPEL."
MARK 1:14-15
PERSONAL WEEK 1
This week we are going to focus on the first chapter of Mark.
As you read Mark each day be asking what the passage teaches
you about God and what it teaches about man. Also, make
a list of any questions you might have about the text in your
journal and note things that interest you.
Be continually reading through Mark on your own. It takes

about an hour and a half to do so. Try to read the entire book
several times throughout the course of this study. Becoming
familiar with the book as a whole can aid in your understand-
ing and bring new details to light. You can also listen to Mark
at biblegateway.com. Ask God to give you understanding and
delight as you read/listen to His Word (Psalm 119:18, 97, 103).
WEEK ONE
Read Mark 1.
What seems surprising or unclear to you?

What seems familiar to you?
Mark begins his gospel with a quote from the OT. Who fulfills
this OT prophecy?
John the Baptist enters the scene rather abruptly in Mark 1:4.
Can you find more information about him in the other gospels?
Hint: Look in the first few chapters of each gospel.
DIG DEEPER:
In Mark 1:4-8, three baptisms are mentioned. What is the baptism of
repentance for the forgiveness of sins? the baptism of water? the baptism of
the Holy Spirit? How are they different?
Why did Jesus need to be baptized? What purpose could it have

served?
What has Jesus done up to this point that makes God pleased
with Him (Mark 1:11)?
BIBLE STUDY TOOL: It is okay if you find this question difficult to

answer at this point. Sometimes questions can be left hanging in our mind
while we continue studying. What we do not answer today, we might be able
to answer tomorrow or in the weeks to come.
WEEK ONE
Immediately after Jesus is baptized, He is driven into the

wilderness to be tempted. Why would the Holy Spirit send Jesus
out into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan? Is this something

that you expected the Spirit would do (Mark 1:12-13)?
How long was Jesus in the wilderness?
DIGGING DEEPER:
40 days and 40 nights. The number 40 often signifies testing. Where
else do you see this in the Bible?
(Exodus 24:18; Numbers 13:25 and Acts 1:3).
Read Hebrews 4:15-16. Is it important to you that Jesus was

tempted and has lived life in a human body here on earth just as
you have? If so, can you articulate why it is important in a prayer
of thanksgiving to God?
Jesus was tempted, yet without sin. He lived a perfect sinless life.
What does it mean that Jesus was perfect but that His perfection
was proven through His obedience and suffering?
Look at these verses for help:

Hebrews 2:10 // Hebrews 5:8-9 // Hebrews 7:28
WEEK ONE
Fun Fact:
Mark has packed in a lot of information in 13 verses! Jesus is now Jesus will
about to begin His ministry. minister for
about three
years. He is
Find Galilee on the map on page 90. As locations are mentioned now about 30
throughout Mark, draw lines notating Jesus’ movements prior to years old.
heading to Jerusalem.
What do the terms “gospel” and “Kingdom of God” mean at

this point in church history (Mark 1:14-15)? What time has been
fulfilled (Mark 1:15)? Be looking throughout Mark for the
Kingdom of God to be “at hand”, “near” and “coming”.
DIG DEEPER:
Look again at Mark 1:21-28. Where does Jesus teach? Why is a demon
possessed person there? Do the demons rightly declare who Jesus is?
Why would they do this? Does this bother you?
Be looking throughout Mark for the different names of Jesus. Note

who it is that uses which name.
When Jesus entered a new town, He often went first to the

synagogues. He preached to the Jews first. You would expect
this. He is afterall the Jewish Messiah. He comes to fulfill the
promises and the prophecies given to the Jews. They are the
insiders. They are the ones that should have a vantage point
when it comes to believing in the Messiah. The Gentiles are the
outsiders. What is His relationship with Gentiles at this time?
Have there also been promises made to them?
Be looking throughout Mark for the “insiders” - Jesus’ family, his

hometown, Jews, religious experts, the disciples, the inner circle
(Peter, James, and John) - to miss it and the “outsiders” - those
with no vantage point at all - to get it.
What do you know about Jesus that makes it reasonable to expect

that He would teach with authority? See John 1:1, 14, 17.
Be looking throughout Mark for power encounters. These are times

when Jesus is shown to be more powerful than things like the
spirits, sickness, nature and death. Keep a list of everything He is
more powerful than. The purpose of the power encounters,
or miracles, was to validate the message of Christ.
While Mark has not and will not make a statement outright
about Christ’s deity, it will be demonstrated in the stories that he
tells. Jesus’ teaching and His exorcisms derive from His divine
authority, thus it is implied though not plainly expressed.
What happens as a result of His teaching and His display of

power (Mark 1:28)?
WEEK ONE
Yesterday we looked in depth as Jesus began His ministry. We

saw that Jesus taught with authority as the son of God, and
as God. We saw that He could heal and that His fame spread
immediately.
Mark 1:34 tells us that Jesus would not permit the demons to
speak because they knew Him. Why would Jesus silence their
testimony about who He is? See John 2:4; 7:6 and 12:23 for help.
Read Mark 1:32-35.

At what time of day were people bringing Jesus all who were sick?
At what time of day did Jesus depart and where did He go?
Why do you think Jesus would go to a quiet place alone to pray
after a busy evening of healing people?
Be looking throughout Mark for displays of both Jesus’ humanity

and deity.
What is happening now as a result of Jesus casting out demons

and healing the sick (Mark 1:37)?
WEEK ONE
Look at Mark 1:40-45. In this passage, we see Jesus heal the leper.
How does the leper ask for help? How does Jesus respond to him
emotionally and in action?
Leprosy is a skin disease. The Law of Moses included regulations

for cleanliness regarding leprosy. Look at Leviticus 13:45.
Here we see an outsider ... imploring and kneeling and full of

faith. The leprous man says, “If you will, you can make me
clean” (Mark 1:40). Ostracized and outside of society this man
was desperate for healing. Jesus was moved with pity. In a book
that is not as long as the other gospels, Mark uses valuable
words to convey the desperation of the leprous man and the
compassion of the Saviour. Thank you Jesus!
Leprosy was contagious and the outcast man would have

certainly had to yell ‘Unclean’ to warn people wherever he went.
How awful! Imagine the compassion of a Saviour who, without
pause, reaches out and touches the leprous man. What a kind
Saviour!
Be looking throughout Mark for Jesus to touch others and for others
to touch Him.
Three times in chapter one of Mark we see Jesus Himself driven

to lonely places. Have you ever felt like you were doing the right
thing yet you were in a lonely place?
Describe that season of your life in your journal.
How does seeing Jesus in lonely places help you trust Him more?
Have you ever fallen into the trap of believing that your
struggles, temptation, suffering, and loneliness are because God
doesn’t care?
Do you find comfort in knowing that Jesus was most definitely

doing the right thing yet He was tempted? He was “in the will of
God”, yet He was in lonely, desolate places. If you are tempted to
despair, lonely or feel forsaken, find comfort in a compassionate
Saviour who understands.
A lot has happened in chapter one. Things are escalating quickly!

For those of you reading from the ESV, you might even say -
immediately!
Summarize in your own words what Jesus’ ministry has looked

like so far.
PERSONAL WEEK 2
Last week we looked at the beginning of Mark and saw him
jump quickly to the ministry of Jesus. This week we are going
to look at chapters two and three of Mark as Jesus’ ministry
continues. As you read each day be asking what you need to
memorize, pray or obey from the passage. Write any verses you
wish to memorize down in your journal to study and review
throughout the week.
Meanwhile, continue reading through Mark as a whole on your

own as well. We pray that as the weeks continue you will come
to really enjoy the book of Mark. Look at Job 23:12.
WEEK TWO
Read Mark 2-3.
Remember to mark the map on page 90 with Jesus’ comings and

goings.
What is meant by “the word” at this point in church history in

Mark 2:2?
Look at Mark 2:5. This is the first time in Mark that Jesus has
said that someone’s sins are forgiven. The scribes are not happy
about it. Be looking throughout Mark for any “firsts”.
Why are the scribes correct to say that God alone can forgive
sins?
Mark 2:8 says that Jesus perceived in His spirit what was in the
scribes’ hearts. Is this the deity of Jesus at work? Do you think
the scribes were surprised to find that Jesus knew their thoughts?
WEEK TWO
Read Mark 2:10-11 again. What is the purpose of Jesus

performing miracles? Is witnessing miracles enough to cause
someone to believe? Use examples from Scripture to support
your answer. Hint: The Israelites, having witnessed the 10
plagues, still made the golden calf. Look through chapters two
and three to see the progression of the Pharisees’ disdain
towards Jesus.
Compare the titles Son of Man in 2:10 and Son of God in

3:11. Write in your own words how you understand these two
terms to be different. There may not be enough information
here in Mark. You might need to look at other Scriptures. This
is another question that you could just keep in your mind as you
continue working through Mark. Maybe it will become clearer as
we go through the series.
WEEK TWO
In Mark 2:13-28, we get three stories that show how Jesus takes
commonly held beliefs and turns them on their heads. We will
see this upside-down teaching throughout Mark.
Summarize the point Jesus is making in each of the stories in

Mark 2:13-28.
1.
2.
3.
Be looking throughout Mark to see this upside-down theme.
The controversy over the disciples picking grain on the Sabbath

is recorded in all three synoptic gospels. Altogether Jesus gives
five rebuttals to the accusations made by the Pharisees. Only
three are recorded in Mark. Two additional ones are recorded
in Matthew. Here is an example of a time where looking at a
Harmony of the Gospels would give you a more complete story
with more details.
In Mark 2:20, Jesus mentions for the first time in this gospel that
He will go away. Try to think like the disciples, the crowds, and
the Pharisees that are seeing and hearing Jesus for the first time.
Try to imagine how they would have understood His actions and
His words. Were His actions and words in keeping with what they
were expecting from OT Scripture? What Scriptures did they
have to draw from? You will probably have mixed reactions to
their reasoning and their responses. Jesus did. You will see that
He is sometimes very patient with them and at other
times frustrated.
WEEK TWO
In Mark 3:1-6, what two groups of people are joining forces to Fun Fact: At this
point Jesus is a
destroy Jesus? year and a half
into His three
year ministry.
Throughout Mark you will be introduced to Pharisees, scribes,
chief priest, elders, Herodians, the Sanhedrin, Sadducees, and
some Roman government officials. Reference the definitions on
page 92 of your book for help sorting out all of these people on
the People & Positions page.
Read Mark 3:11-12. Here again we see the unclean spirits

declaring that Jesus is the Son of God. Here again He silences
them. In week one, day four, we considered why Jesus might
not want the demons to proclaim who He is. Do you have more
insight on that now? If not, hang on. As the weeks go on, you
might have a better idea as to how to answer this question.
List the 12 disciples here (Mark 3:13-19):
1 . 2. 3 . 4.
5 . 6 . 7 . 8.
9 . 1 0 . 1 1 . 12.
Compare Mark 3:13 and Mark 3:19. When Jesus called Judas
to follow Him, was He aware that Judas would betray Him?
Consider the humanity and deity of Jesus. How difficult must
it have been to walk with His betrayer for three years?
What were the apostles tasked to do?
What is the difference between an apostle and a disciple?

WEEK TWO
In Mark 3:21, what is the response of Jesus’ immediate family?

Do you find this strange? How much do you know about Joseph,
Mary and her faith, and Jesus’ siblings?
In Mark 3:22, what is the response of the scribes?
DIG DEEPER:
There are several stories recorded in Matthew and Luke that are not recorded
in Mark. Look at these stories to see what had elicited such responses.
(See Luke 6:17-26; Matthew 5:13-43; Luke 6:27-36; Matthew 6:1-34;
Luke 6:37-42; Matthew 7:6-29; Luke 7:1-28; Matthew 11:12-15; Luke
7:29-35; Matthew 11:20-30; Luke 7:36-50 and Luke 8:1-3).
Look at Mark 3:29. Bear in mind Jesus’ audience did not

have the NT Scriptures that we have. What understanding
would they have had about the Holy Spirit from the OT
Scriptures? Thinking about what the audience would have
understood about the Holy Spirit requires one to draw from a
large span of OT verses that mention the Holy Spirit. This is a
difficult task! This might be something to consider studying in the
future. The Spirit was at creation (Genesis 1:2). The Spirit came
upon judges, warriors, prophets, priests and kings (1 Samuel 10:9-
10). The Spirit departed from people as well (1 Samuel 16:14).
The Spirit inspired the OT writers and within those written
texts are promises of a future indwelling of the Holy Spirit for
everyone who is born again (Ezekiel 11:19-20).
What understanding do you have of the phrase “blasphemes

against the Holy Spirit”? Look up the word blasphemes if you
need to. Was the “message” from the Holy Spirit in Mark 1:10-
11 what the scribes were blaspheming? Or was it the displays of
power they had witnessed?
PERSONAL WEEK 3
This week we are going to continue our walk through Mark.
We will look at Jesus’ parables and continued ministry and
healings through chapters four and five. As you read Mark each
day be asking what about the passage do you like, not like, or
not understand.
Also, be reading through Mark at your own pace. Several read

throughs of this book over the course of the next few weeks will
undoubtedly bear much fruit. See Romans 10:17.
WEEK THREE
Read Mark 4-5.
After several power encounters recorded in the first three

chapters of Mark, we are now introduced to several parables.
Look at the definition of parable below.
PA R A B L E :
a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus
in the Gospels.
What was the purpose of speaking in parables

(Isaiah 6:9-10, Deuteronomy 29:29)?
Read Mark 4:1-9 and see what you can glean from this parable
before looking at the explanation found in Mark 4:14-20. Jot
down your ideas in your journal and then check yourself to see
how good your interpretation is.
WEEK THREE
Take a look at Mark 4:21-25. What do you understand this

parable to mean?
Take a look at Mark 4:26-29. What does this parable teach about
evangelism?
Take a look at Mark 4:30-34. What does this parable teach about
the Kingdom of God?
WEEK THREE
So far in Mark, we have read that Jesus is more powerful than

demons, sickness, the wind, and the sea. In Mark 4:40, Jesus
questions the disciples’ fear and lack of belief. How are fear and
belief related?
From the OT story of the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-23)
and the turbulent wind that split the mountain in Elijah’s day
(1 Kings 19:11-12), surely the Jews should have known about
God’s power over nature. Traditionally these two stories are told
every year to commemorate the Passover!
Had there been displays of God’s power over sickness and

demons in the OT as well?
DIG DEEPER:
Why would there be more stories about demons in the NT than in the OT?
This is a difficult question to answer. Since the time that Satan was cast out
of heaven, he has been the “ruler of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Did
Satan know he would eventually be defeated? Was there nothing threatening
his kingdom in the OT? One possible answer might be that since Jesus came
to defeat Satan, sin and death, Satan’s kingdom is now in jeopardy. Either he
is fighting back, or God is allowing him to act (as we see in Job) so that the
message of Jesus can be validated with miracles. By casting out demons, by
ordering them to come and go, and by the demons themselves rightly declaring
who Jesus is, Jesus’ power is being demonstrated as mightier than Satan’s.
WEEK THREE
Compare Mark 1:23-26 with Mark 5:1-13. Jot down what these
passages teach about demons, demon possession, and Jesus’
authority. Is it a single unclean spirit or multiple spirits? How
many spirits exactly?
What stands out to you about the demon possessed man? How
does he address God? How many times do the demons plead
with Jesus?
Look again at Mark 5:13. Did Jesus cast the demons out? If not,
by what means did they leave the man?
What does this story teach us about Jesus’ power?
In Mark 5:19, Jesus gives the formerly demon possessed man

permission to go and tell his friends what has happened. This is
a first! Why the change?
Look back at Mark 2:17. If ever there was someone that needed
to be made well it was this man. Full of 2,000 demons, night and
day he was always crying out. Praise God that Jesus came to heal
the sick and save sinners!
WEEK THREE
In Mark 5:42, Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter from the dead. Jesus
is more powerful than death! Can you think of any examples of
someone being raised from the dead in the OT? Who was the
first person to consider that God could possibly raise someone
from the dead (Genesis 22:5; Hebrews 11:17-19)?
Let’s look more closely at Mark 5:21-43.

Who is asking Jesus to come heal his daughter?
What does Jairus ask Jesus to do?
Who is healed on the way to Jairus’ house?
How long had she been suffering?
How is she healed?
What happens while Jesus is still speaking with the woman?
How does Jesus heal Jairus’ daughter?
How old was Jairus’ daughter?
What are the similarities in these two stories? What are the
differences? Fill out the Venn Diagram to help see how these
stories relate.
Be looking throughout Mark for this ABA literary style. Mark

starts a story, then interrupts it with another story, and finally
returns to conclude the first story. Mark uses this sandwich
technique several times.
What might be the purpose in pairing these two stories?
Does it give you hope to know that Jesus is powerful? Recall

ways that God has shown Himself powerful in the OT. Recall
ways God has shown Himself powerful in your own life. Tell
God thank you for specific ways you know Him to be powerful.
If you know a song about God’s power, sing it as a response of
thanksgiving.
THE HEALING OF
JARIUS’ DAUGHTER
ILARITIES
SIM
JESUS HEALS
A WOMAN
PERSONAL GUIDE WEEK 4

This week we are going to study chapters six and seven of Mark. As
you read Mark each day pay special attention to what Jesus says and
does. In these chapters you will see that He gets different reactions
from different people. You will notice that for some people precon-
ceptions (albeit derived from a few select OT Scriptures) and miscon-
ceptions get in the way of belief. Ask God to open your eyes and
your heart to see Jesus for who He really is as revealed in the
Scriptures.
Be continually reading through Mark on your own. Aim to read

through the entire book several times. You can also listen to Mark at
biblegateway.com. Consider reading it through in a different version.
We suggest ESV, NIV, CSB, or NASB. Choose a favorite verse so far
from Mark to write out in your journal in several different versions.
This can help you have a better understanding of the verse.
WEEK FOUR
Read Mark 6-7.
Where have we read something similar to Mark 6:2 before?
B I B L E S T U D Y T O O L : Notice when you read a verse that

sounds similar to something that you’ve read before. You can
even draw an ear symbol for “sounds like”. For example: Next
to Mark 1:22 you could write “ Mark 6:2”.
Do you remember from Week One that those on the inside were
often the ones that did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah?
Here we see Jesus in His hometown, among His relatives and
he “could do no mighty work” (Mark 6:5). Is the power of Jesus
limited by their lack of faith? It might be helpful to remember
that the purpose of power encounters was to validate
Jesus’ message. Think back to the miracles we’ve read about
so far. Did Jesus heal those that were demonstrating faith first
or did faith come after the healing?
In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus gives His disciples instructions for how to

do missions. Why do you think He sent them out in the way He
did?
What story is told in between Jesus sending out the 12 apostles

and them coming back in to give a report of all they had done
and taught (Mark 6:14-29)?
This is another example of Mark’s ABA sandwich technique.

What might be the relationship between these two stories? Fill
out the Venn Diagram to help you see how they are different
and how they are similar.
JESUS SENDING T H E D E AT H O F
O U T T H E T W E LV E JOHN THE BAPTIST
Is it possible that Mark purposefully placed the narrative of

John the Baptist’s death in the middle of the apostles being sent
out and returning in order to make a connection between:
MISSION MARTYRDOM D I S C I P L E S H I P D E AT H ?
WEEK FOUR
What do you learn about Jesus’ compassion and power from

Him feeding the five thousand?
Remember to be marking your map on page 90 with Jesus’

travels.
You might notice that there is a major shift in the book at

Mark 6:31. Prior, the focus is on miracles done in Galilee while
addressing the crowds. Afterwards, the focus is less on miracles
done and more on teaching. Jesus has pulled away to Gentile
areas where He can have some privacy and space to teach His
small group of 12 disciples.
How did the disciples respond to Jesus miraculously feeding

the crowd? How did they respond to Jesus walking on water
(Mark 6:49-52)?
Do you find it hard to believe that the disciples would not have
had a framework from which to understand the miracle of the
multiplying bread? Surely they would have been familiar with the
manna God had provided their forefathers in the wilderness!
How many people had eaten manna? A lot! For how many years
(Exodus 16)? Forty years! This had been part of the Jews’ cultural
identity. They had even kept a small amount of manna in a jar as
a reminder.
Why was it unfathomable to them that Jesus was capable of

providing enough bread for everyone? By this point He has cast
out demons, healed many, touched and cleansed a leper, calmed
a storm, and raised someone from the dead! Maybe they should
have been keeping a list like we are!
What explanation is given as to why they do not believe? What

other Scriptures are you familiar with that speak about a heart
being hardened (Exodus 14:8; Deuteronomy 2:30)? Who or what
causes a heart to be hardened?
Why had they been sent out to preach, cast out demons and heal
while still lacking a sure understanding of who Jesus was?
Does Mark 6:51 (sounds like) Mark 4:39? Remember to pay

attention to verses with similar wording.
WEEK FOUR
Mark 7:1-13 addresses the Pharisees and their “traditions
of men”. These “traditions” were a system of rules and
interpretations that were intended to keep people from
accidentally breaking a Mosaic Law. For example, if the Law
said not to work on the Sabbath, the Pharisees would make up
volumes of rules that indicated exactly what actions constituted
“work”. By building a “hedge about the law” or fence around the

law, the Jewish leaders were ensuring righteousness among their
people. However, it also made following God a burden that Jesus
Himself said was too heavy to carry and it allowed the leaders to
appear to be righteous, to approve and disapprove of people, and
to control all of the religious affairs within Judaism.
What had been their motivation in adding traditions to the

Law of Moses?
Can you imagine? As the Pharisees are accusing Jesus and His
disciples of not being holy because they do not uphold the Law,
Jesus uses Isaiah to show them that they have no real relationship
with God and that 1,000 years of Jewish tradition has not
helped them but hindered them!
E S TA B L I S H E D F E N C E HELD PEOPLE E L E V AT E D F E N C E
LAWS TO ENSURE THEY A C C O U N TA B L E T O LAWS TO BE EQUAL
W O U L D N O T A C C I D E N T LY KEEP THE FENCE LAWS WITH THE LAW ITSELF
BREAK A LAW
E V E N T U A L LY E L E V AT E D F I N A L LY R E J E C T I N G T H E
FENCE LAWS ABOVE H E A R T, M E S S A G E , A N D
C E R TA I N L A W S MESSIAH OF THE LAW
Can you sympathize with the Pharisees? Can you see how
they ended up where they did (Jeremiah 17:9)? How do we do
pharisaical things like setting up fence laws that in the end breed
self-righteousness?
In Matthew 5:20, Jesus says that unless your righteousness

exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter
the kingdom of heaven. The scribes and Pharisees were proud
of their righteousness. It was a self-righteousness. A believer’s
righteousness must be Christ’s imputed righteousness - His
righteousness credited to us. In this way, our righteousness
exceeds that of the Pharisees.
WEEK FOUR
What is the message of Mark 7:14-23? Fun Fact: Mark 7:16,
9:44, 9:46, 11:26,
15:28, and 16:9-20
Make a list of all the verses you can think of that have to do with have been omitted
from our
the heart. If you can’t remember the addresses or if you can
Bibles! Do you
only remember portions of the verses, use google to look them have a footnote
up. Choose one of the verses that you almost knew but did not in your Bible that
explains why? If not,
fully know and commit to memorizing it this week. do some research to
find out.
To get more of an idea of what the Pharisees should have known
about the heart look at these verses from the Law of Moses:
Deuteronomy 4:29, 39; 6:5-6; 8:2, 14, 17; 10:16; 11:13, 16, 18;
29:4; 30:6, 14, and 17.
WEEK FOUR
Look again at Mark 7:24-30. Based on the text alone, would you
gather that the Syrophoenician woman is a Jew or a Gentile?
Setting aside the language used - “children” and “dogs” - let’s

first consider the principle of the matter. Is it true to say that it
would not be right to offer salvation to the Gentiles first? Was
it first and foremost promised to the Jews? Use Scripture to
support your answer.
Could you likewise make a case that while it was first and
foremost to the Jews, it was also always intended for Gentiles as
well? Look back in Scripture and forward in Scripture to
support your answer. See Genesis 12:2-3 and Revelation 7:9.
What is the meaning of the woman’s answer in Mark 7:28?
Even the Gentiles indirectly receive a blessing when Israel is

blessed (Genesis 12:3, 22:18, 28:14, Isaiah 19:24).
Did Jesus go to the woman’s house, touch her daughter, or speak

to the demon? What do we learn about Jesus’ power from this
story?
Does the language of “children” versus “dogs” feel offensive to

you? Why might Jesus have chosen these words?
Read Mark 7:31-37. What do you think Mark wants us to learn

from this story that we haven’t already seen in previous stories?
Oh the compassion and kindness of our Saviour! Offer to

God a prayer of thanksgiving for Christ’s tender care. Praise the
Lord that He came and lived a life on earth and that by God’s
grace we have a record of how He cared for people. Thank the
Lord that in Christ we see the character of God on display (John
1:18). Ask God to help you believe His goodness and kindness
and to help you feel His nearness (Psalm 73:28).
DIG DEEPER:
It might seem like there is no rhyme or reason for when someone who has
been healed is or is not allowed to go and tell others what Jesus had done.
Consider: Are the demons ever allowed to proclaim His name? Early on
in Jesus’ ministry are people allowed to proclaim His name? Later in His
ministry? Are people allowed to proclaim His name when a miracle happens
in Jewish areas? What about when it happens in Gentile areas? What
have you discovered? What might be the reasons He sometimes allows
proclamation and sometimes forbids it?
PERSONAL WEEK 5
This week we will study Mark eight and nine. Pay attention
to what Jesus says about Himself in this section of Mark.
Record it in your journal.We never want to miss those gems!
Even when the disciples miss it, don’t you miss it!
Also, try to read through Mark from beginning to end at

your leisure throughout the week. Pay attention to any words
you see repeated throughout the book. You can also listen to
Mark at biblegateway.com. See Hebrews 4:12.
WEEK FIVE
Read Mark 8-9.
What might be Mark’s purpose for recording this second

feeding miracle (Mark 8:1-10)?
Compare the numbers of loaves, people, and leftovers in the

two stories.
Beginning in Mark 6:30 to Mark 8:21 notice how many of the

stories have to do with food - feeding the multitudes, eating
laws, breadcrumbs, and leaven. Make a list of the stories in
your journal. Jot down the main idea of each one. Do you see a
connection between all of the stories?
WEEK FIVE
Why do the Pharisees ask for a sign in Mark 8:11-13?
DIG DEEPER:
God had given signs before. See Exodus 4; Joshua 10:12-14; 1 Samuel
12:16-18; 1 Kings 18:30-38 and 2 Kings 20:8-11. Why was Jesus not
willing to give the Pharisees a sign (Mark 8:15)?
The story of the blind man at Bethsaida in Mark 8:22-26 is not

recorded in any of the other gospels. How is this healing story
different than previous ones? What might be Mark’s purpose in
including it?
It is possible that this two step healing serves as a metaphor

about the disciples’ faith. They see Jesus but they don’t really
understand who He is. Two times they had seen Jesus feed the
crowds, yet they are concerned when they don’t have enough
bread on the boat for themselves to eat. “Having eyes they do
not see”(Mark 8:18). Believing, they don’t fully believe. Tomorrow
we will see Peter confess Jesus is the Christ, yet he does not
understand that He should die. How gracious it is of Jesus to

be patient with His disciples. How thankful we are that He who
began a good work in us will bring it to completion!
In Mark 7:33 and Mark 8:23, we see Jesus getting away from the
crowds to perform miracles privately. At this point in His ministry
growing publicity would have impeded His special training of the
twelve and would have escalated opposition from religious leaders
and government officials. While it is true that Jesus performed
miracles to validate His message, here we see Him, leading by
the hand, those in need, away from the crowds, healing for the
sole purpose of caring for the person in need.
WEEK FIVE
Read Mark 8:27-30. This is the first time in the book of Mark
that Jesus is called Christ. Based on what you have read so far,
what do you make of Peter’s confession?
Now read Mark 8:31-33. What about Peter’s confession becomes

clear?
Is there any way the disciples could have understood that the Son
of Man should die and three days later rise again?
Compare Mark 8:11-13 with Matthew 16:1-4. Matthew includes

the phrase “except the sign of Jonah”. How long was Jonah in
the belly of the great fish (Jonah 1:17; Matthew 12:38)? In your
opinion, should this reference have been enough to help the
disciples understand that Christ would be in the tomb for three
days but that afterwards He would rise again?
DIG DEEPER:
Why were some people saying that Jesus was John the Baptist? Elijah?
One of the prophets? Find which OT Scriptures might have lead them to
think this.
Mark 8:34 is often quoted. “If anyone would come after me, let
him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” What
would the crowd and the disciples have understood the phrase
“take up his cross” to mean?
Summarize in your own words the upside-down teaching of

Mark 8:34-38.
Peter confesses Jesus is the Christ.

Jesus says he must die and be resurrected.
Peter rebukes Jesus.
Jesus rebukes Peter.
Jesus teaches the crowds and the disciples that losing your life is
how you find it.
Then six days pass. (None of the gospels record the events
during those six days.) Don’t you wonder what the disciples were
thinking? Were they walking around on eggshells? Previously
Jesus had been so patient with their lack of faith. Was He now
frustrated with them? These were the guys that had been given
authority over unclean spirits. They had been sent out to preach.
They had cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many
who were sick.
WEEK FIVE
After six days, Jesus takes the inner circle up to a high mountain.
Remember: the inner circle consists of Peter, James and John.
They saw more, heard more, and had more explained to them
than the other disciples did. What happens up on the mountain
(Mark 9:2-4)? How does Peter respond (Mark 9:5-6)?
What is the significance of Moses and Elijah being there with

Jesus? Based on Matthew 5:17 what does Moses represent? What
does Elijah represent?
Read Mark 9:7-13. Who is the Elijah that has already come?
Read Mark 9:14-29. What does the father say is wrong with his
boy? In Mark 9:22, does the father have faith that Jesus can
heal his son? How would you describe his faith in Mark 9:24?
Have you ever come to God with a believing heart knowing

there was some amount of doubt as well? How do you think
God responds to this? Is it acceptable to say, “I believe; help my
unbelief ”?
Is there something that you need to pray about right now? Is

there something that you do trust God with (mostly) but at the
same time struggle to trust Him with (completely)? Throughout
the Psalms you can see David submitting to God and then not
trusting; waiting on God and then striving; resting in God and
then worrying. Praise the Lord that He is patient with us! He
is faithful to us even when our faith waivers. Praise God
that His mercies are new every morning and that He who began
a good work in you will bring it to completion. He is not done
with us! Praise the Lord that one of the fruits of the Spirit is
faithfulness. He is growing faith in us!
BIBLE STUDY TOOL:

Anytime you read a verse that you think sounds like the opposite of a verse you
have previously read, you can use the ≠ symbol. For example: Next to Mark
9:18b you might write “≠ Mark 6:7”. After you have used the ≠ sign to
mark two verses that seem to contradict each other, the next step is to look into
how to reconcile those two verses. There is always a way. No two Scriptures
can truly contradict!
WEEK FIVE
Jesus foretells his death and resurrection again in Mark 9:30-32.

Go back and note how much information Jesus has revealed
about His death and resurrection to His disciples. What
information do they have? How much are they understanding?
The disciples arguing about who was the greatest in Mark

9:33-37 seems almost inexplicable in light of all that has gone

on. Look back over chapters 6-9. A lot of weighty things have
happened!
Mark 9:42-50 is metaphoric hyperbole meant to communicate

that faith in Christ is to be valued above all else. We know that it
cannot be taken literally because self mutilation and masochism
are forbidden in the OT. See Deuteronomy 14:1, 23:1; 1
Kings 18:28; and Zechariah 13:6. Following God should take
precedence even over our most valued possessions like hands,
eyes, and feet.
Mark 9:49-50 are difficult verses to understand. Here are some

common interpretations:
• Fire and salt both test and prove substances, and because of this
they are helpful metaphors of discipleship.
• The believer suffers through the trials of fire in the same way
that their Lord suffered (1 Peter 1:7, 4:12).
• Together salt and fire played indispensable roles in temple
sacrifice (Leviticus 2:13) .
• Salt preserves food and similarly Christians preserve society.
• At the altar, fire consumed the offering completely. The
Christian offers their body as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).
Having looked these over, what do you feel is the most promising
interpretation of Mark 4:49-50?
PERSONAL WEEK 6
This week we will be studying Mark 10. After six chapters
of traveling all around, criss-crossing over the Sea of
Galilee and back again, making a long circuitous journey
into the northern regions of Galilee and then into the
eastern regions, with no apparent destination to His
movements, Jesus will now turn decisively towards
Jerusalem. After three chapters of time away teaching
His disciples, He will once again address the religious
leaders and the crowds. He will foretell of His death a third
and fourth time and perform one last healing miracle
before entering the city on Palm Sunday.
Continue reading through Mark as a whole at your own

pace. A little reading each day goes a long way! You can
also listen to Mark at biblegateway.com. Take a look at
2 Timothy 3:16-17.
WEEK SIX
Martin Kähler famously described Mark’s Gospel as a “passion Fun Fact: “Passion
narrative with an extended introduction”. A disproportionate Week” or “Holy
Week” is the week
amount of space has been given to Jesus’ final week rather than between Palm Sun-
his entire ministry or the thirty-some years that Jesus had lived day and Resurrection
Sunday. Passion
beforehand. Jesus’s death is already foreshadowed in Mark 2:19.
Week is so named
It is during the Passion Week that we will see Jesus, the suffering because of the
Son of God, fulfilling His mission and revealing Himself as passion with which
Jesus willingly went
God’s Messiah, the Saviour of the world. to the cross in order
to pay for the sins of
His people.
In the same way that you have been noticing any “firsts”
throughout Mark, be sure to now notice any “lasts”. Make a list
of these in your journal. What are Jesus’ last words? His last
actions? What are people’s responses here at the very end?
Read Mark 10.
WEEK SIX
In Mark 10:1-12, the Pharisees try to catch Jesus mishandling the
OT. This is a power struggle. They are not genuinely concerned
about marriage or divorce. Do you have cross references in the
margins of your Bible? If so, look and see what OT passage is
being referenced.
The OT passage Deuteronomy 24:1-4 is a little difficult to

understand. It is possible that the law was given to protect
women and to forbid men from taking a wife and her dowry,
divorcing her, and then taking her (and potentially her dowry)
again. This may have been a common money making practice
among Israelite men at this time. What we do know for sure is
that in Mark 10:5, Jesus says that Moses gave this law because of
the Israelites’ hard hearts. Not that it was the ideal. The higher
and holier and original standard quoted in Mark 10:6-9 had
been laid out very early on in the OT. Where are these two verses
found?
WEEK SIX
Remember that most Jews were expecting the Messiah to come
in power. Political, religious and earthly power.
Read the remaining five stories in Mark 10. How might they all
tie together around the theme of power?
Mark 10:13-16
Mark 10:17-31
Mark 10:32-34
Mark 10:35-45
Mark 10:46-52
WEEK SIX
Notice in Mark 10:47 Jesus is first called Son of David. What

does this title mean? See 2 Samuel 7:11-16 and Revelation 22:16
for help.
Compare the three titles Son of Man (Mark 2:10), Son of God
(Mark 3:11) and Son of David (Mark 10:47). What significance
does each have?
Read Mark 10:17-22. Let’s look again at Jesus’ response to the

rich young man.
How does Jesus respond when the rich young man says that he
has kept every commandment from his youth?
Why do you think Jesus feels this way toward this young man?
What two things must the young man do to gain eternal life?
That day the rich young man left grieving having made a choice,
we can assume, to keep his possessions and lose eternal life.
In one word, what would you call the young man’s problem of
wanting to keep his possessions at all cost?
In his book “Counterfeit Gods” Timothy Keller says that, “Jesus

warns people far more often about greed than about sex, yet
almost no one thinks they are guilty of it. Therefore we should
all begin with a working hypothesis that ‘this could easily be a
problem for me.’”
Does this mean we can’t have worldly possessions? What should

our attitude be toward them?
From this story- where should we lay up our treasure?
What do we know about where our treasure is (Matthew 6:21)?

What about where moth and rust will not destroy (Matthew 6:19-
20)?
What does Jesus require of the rich young man and what does he
offer him?
Think back to Mark 8:34. Jesus told the crowd and His disciples
that “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself
and take up his cross and follow me.” Read Mark 8:35-38 and
consider how it relates to the rich young man.
Is the message of Jesus demanding and challenging?
Do you expect Christianity to be comfortable and easy or

challenging and difficult?
WEEK SIX
DIGGING DEEPER:
Jesus only says “Follow me” four times in the book of Mark up to chapter 10.
Three of those times are to the disciples and their reaction is to follow Him
immediately (Mark 1:16, 19, 2:14). The fourth time is in Mark 10:21 to
the rich young man. Every other person who came to Jesus for healing was sent
away. The rich young man received an invitation to follow Jesus. This is the
only time Jesus’ invitation to follow wasn’t followed with obedience. What are
we to learn from this?
Many people wanting to be healed would touch the fringe of

Jesus’ garment (Mark 6:56). The implication in this is that they
only wanted the healing. They didn’t want anything more from
Jesus. They didn’t want to know Him or be known by Him.
The rich young man asks for one thing: eternal life, which from
the outset sounds impressive. But does he want to know Jesus and
be known by Him or does he only want the promise that he will
live forever?
Are you wanting the promise of eternal life, health and riches or
do you want to know Jesus and be known by Him? Do you want
His gifts or do you want the giver Himself ?
Read back over the parable of the soils in Mark 4:1-20. Which
kind of soil would the rich young man be classified as? What
brings you to your answer? What kind of “soil” do you think your
faith has been planted in and why?
PERSONAL WEEK 7
This week we will look at Mark 11. With less than a week
remaining in Jesus’ life, pay close attention to what He does
and what He says in these last few days. Do the disciples
understand what is about to happen? Do the events seem
unbelievable to you or out of control? Be sure to journal any
feelings, questions or concerns you have about the events in
the last few days of Jesus’ life.
Meanwhile, continue reading through the whole book of

Mark. We hope that you have enjoyed the benefits of being in
one book for a concentrated amount of time.
Read Joshua 1:8.

WEEK SEVEN
Read Mark 11.
In Mark 11:1-7, Jesus took great pains to demonstrate His

kingship and His fulfillment of an OT prophecy. But which
OT prophecy? How do we find out? Begin by looking at Matthew
21:4-5 and John 12:14-15 which both quote the OT prophecy
word for word when retelling this story. Here we see the benefit
of having four gospel accounts! Check and see if your Bible has
a note in the side margin that leads you to Matthew 21:4-5, John
12:14-15 or Zechariah 9:9.
BIBLE STUDY TOOL:

There is great benefit in connecting OT verses to NT verses. You might be
surprised to find out how often the NT quotes the OT and in what ways. It
would be helpful to own a Bible that has cross references to aid you with this.
As we study the Bible we want to make it our habit to let Scripture interpret
Scripture. We want Scripture to shape our understanding of Scripture first and
foremost. Not commentaries. Not blogs. Not footnotes. Cross references come in
handy as they make it easy to go to other Scriptures for help first.
What does John 12:16 say about the disciples’ understanding of

this royal, prophecy fulfilling event?
WEEK SEVEN
Continue reading Mark 11:8-11.
We have seen Jesus riding in on a colt, His disciples not really

understanding what is going on, and now the crowds shouting
“Hosanna”.
Where did the crowds of people shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed

is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” come from?
See John 12:12, 17-18 for help. Do you find it strange that He
suddenly has such a large throng of enthusiastic followers? What Fun Fact: “Hosanna”
originally meant “Help
happens next after the “triumphal entry” might seem rather me!” in the Hebrew
abrupt. But then again, Mark has been rather abrupt throughout language. It was a
desperate plea, a cry.
his book, hasn’t he?
It is found only one
time in the OT! See
Remember that Mark only records three years of Jesus’ life - the Psalm 118:25-26. Over
the centuries, among
three years of active ministry. He does not include His 30 years the Jewish people, the
of life prior to beginning His ministry and he gives very little phrase stopped being
a cry for help and came
information on the events that happen after the resurrection. Only
to be a shout of hope.
12 verses! It went from “Save
me!” to “Hooray!
Salvation has come!”
Before we get knee deep in the Passion Week, let’s review
Jesus’ ministry up to this point. What adjectives would you use
to describe this three year period? Write a short summary of His
ministry using those adjectives.
WEEK SEVEN
As you work through the Passion Week texts, reference the Fun Fact: While a
day on the Gregorian
timeline on page 91. calendar begins and
ends at midnight, a day
on the Jewish calendar
Now let’s continue by reading Mark 11:12-14.
starts and ends at
On first reading, what stands out to you from this passage? nightfall. This is a little
complicated since the
exact moment when
Remember the deity and humanity of Jesus. He is fully God night, and the next
and fully man. This is a hard concept to grasp! Yet here we see calendar date, begins is
not clear. The twilight
His humanity. He was hungry. We can definitely identify with that.
period, from sunset
(“shekiah”) until three
Should the fig tree be producing at this time? stars are visible in the
sky (“tzeit hakochavim”),
Though the fig tree was covered in beautiful green leaves, giving is an “iffy” period of
the appearance of fruitfulness, it had no fruit on it whatsoever. time, known as “bein
hashmashot.” All Jewish
Jesus cursed the fig tree saying that no one would ever eat fruit
holidays begin at sunset,
from it again. the earliest possible
definition of nightfall,
and end when three stars
Do you think Jesus cursed the fig tree for the sake of the fig tree or appear in the sky the
for the sake of those watching? next evening, the latest
definition of nightfall.
What lesson might there be in Jesus cursing something that is not

bearing fruit?
What other Scripture does this bring to mind about fruitfulness?

List them below.
Often in Scripture the fig symbolizes Israel. See Hosea 9:10;

Jeremiah 24:3-10, 29:16-17. With this in mind, read through
Mark 11:12-14 again. How might the fruitlessness of the fig tree
be meaningful in a symbolic way?
Is it possible that Jesus came seeking fruit from the

Jewish nation and found none? Was He making the fig tree an
example to the men of that generation?
WEEK SEVEN
Before we look at Mark 11:15-19, let’s look at the second fig tree
story. This is another example of Mark’s sandwich technique.
Read Mark 11:20-26.
What was Peter’s response to the fig tree being withered? Were
you expecting it to be withered?
Jesus responds to Peter with a valuable lesson. Let’s look at it.

According to Mark 11:22-23, what is required when we pray or
try to accomplish something?
Jesus says that whoever truly believes that it can be done, can
speak to the mountain and the mountain will be taken up and
thrown into the sea. So unbelief becomes a bigger obstacle than
the mountain itself. Unbelief makes it impossible. Belief
makes it possible.
Mark 11:24 says that whatever you ask for in prayer, believing you
have received it, will come to pass.
Some people teach that if we ask for something - anything - God

will give it to us as long as we are without sin. If we are prospering
we must be pleasing God. This is called the prosperity gospel.
Have you heard of it?
Have you been tempted to believe it? What is wrong with

believing that God only wants our happiness and for us to be rich
and prosper? Remember, our Saviour has been disliked, accused
of being crazy by His own family, misunderstood by His closest
circle of friends, and He just rode into Jerusalem on a borrowed
donkey. Spoiler alert - it gets worse!
Did this formula work for Jesus?

God loves me + prayer with faith and without sin = a life of prosperity
Is the “whatever” in Mark 11:24 absolute and all inclusive? Or

is it limited by belief? Do you have to believe without a doubt
in your heart that what you are asking for is in God’s will, is in
keeping with His character, is for your good and His glory? See 1
John 5:14-15.
Lastly, when you are praying, what must you do according to

Mark 11:25?
How important is forgiving others?
WEEK SEVEN
Read the story of Jesus cleansing the temple in Mark 11:15-19.
What OT verse is quoted in this section? What kind of trade is
happening here that is upsetting to Jesus? The temple was to be
the dwelling place of God since God in His holiness could not
dwell with sinful man. The temple was to be a witness to all the
nations, a place of atonement, a place for remembering the Law
of the Lord, for prayer and praise, for consecration, for unity and
revelation.
In the Court of the Gentiles, where all foreigners should have

been able to come and worship, vendors were taking advantage
of the those that had traveled a long distance to come and
celebrate Passover. They were not only in the way, crowding the
area but they were also robbing people with their exorbitant rates
The people of God were perverting the purpose of
the temple.
How might the fig tree not producing fruit, the Jews not having
pure worship in the temple and Jesus calling His disciples to have
faith in God all tie together?
You will see at the end of Mark that there are many things Jesus’
disciples heard Him say but did not understand until after the
resurrection. Jesus graciously continues to teach them knowing
their unbelief, hardness of heart, and doubt.
The majority of the Jewish people, the Jewish religious leaders and
their religious system did not receive the Messiah. He came and
He went and they missed Him (Luke 21:29-33). Even worse, they
persecuted Him and His followers after Him (Acts 2:22-23, 9:1-2).
Is it possible that Jesus, knowing His disciples’ faith would

continue to grow after the resurrection, also knows that disbelief
and persecution from among the Jews and Jewish religious leaders
would continue to grow as well?
Can you imagine why it would be hard for the disciples to accept
persecution from their fellow countrymen? Can you imagine how
hard it would be to forgive their fellow Jews, including Saul, for
the grief they would suffer from their hands?
Read Mark 11:27-33. After teaching with authority and after

having authority over demons, sickness, nature, and death; after
a royal entry into the city which fulfilled an OT prophecy; the
religious leaders still question Jesus’ authority! How does Jesus
respond to their questions
PERSONAL WEEK 8
This week we will be working through Mark 12 and 13. All of
the events take place on the Tuesday before Jesus is crucified.
Ask the Lord to show you the significance of the events that
are recorded. Ask God to help you feel rightly about the events
that take place. Be sure to pause and consider the details even
though you have likely heard these stories multiple times.
Note in your journal any details that you are noticing for the
first time.
There are just two weeks left in our study of Mark. This week
as you continue to read through the whole book, notice any
verses that have repeatedly jumped out at you. Choose one of
those to commit to memory.
WEEK EIGHT
Read Mark 12-13.
In Mark 12:1-12, what is represented by:
the man who planted a vineyard

the tenants
the servants
the beloved son
the vineyard itself
the others (that the vineyard will be given to)
In Mark 12:10, Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22-23. It is the second

most quoted Psalm in the NT. It is found in Matthew 21:42;
Mark 12:10-11; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; Romans 9:33; and 1 Peter
2:4-8. Read all of Psalm 118.
What did this Psalm mean to the Psalmist and the

immediate audience? Do you suspect that the chief priests,
scribes and elders would have been familiar with this Scripture?
Jesus seems to expect that they should have been. Do you
remember that the phrase Hosanna comes from Psalm 118:25-26?
That is what the crowds had shouted as Jesus rode into Jerusalem
just two days ago! The crowds were at least somewhat familiar
with the passage. Were the chief priests, scribes, and elders? Either
way, Mark 12:12 indicates that they at least understood Jesus to be
speaking the parable against them.
Consider the parable with the representations in mind:

A man (God) planted a vineyard (Kingdom of God)... He leased
it to tenants (Jewish religious leaders and all in Israel who reject
Him)... When the season came He sent a servant (prophet) to
get from them some of the fruit. And they beat him... He sent
them another servant (prophet) and they struck him... And He
sent another and they killed him. He had still a beloved son (Jesus
Christ). But the tenants (Jewish religious leaders) took and killed
Him. What will the owner (God) do? He will come and destroy the
tenants (Jewish religious leaders and all in Israel who reject Him)
and give the vineyard (Kingdom of God) and give it to others (the
Gentiles).
DIG DEEPER:
Read Romans 11 and consider how it ties to the parable of the tenants.
WEEK EIGHT
Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Are you familiar with this verse?
Maybe you’ve heard it before in the form of a kid’s song. Did you
know it sits right between the two verses from Psalm 118 that we
have seen quoted in Mark 10 & 11? Having read Psalm 118:22-25
and having seen how these Scriptures have been used by both the
crowds and Jesus, what day is it “that the Lord has made”?
In Mark 12:13-17, 18-27, and 28-34 we have three narratives.

In each one someone comes to ask Jesus a question. Were they
sincerely asking? Answer each of the questions below for each
story.
Who is asking? What is the question? What is Jesus’ answer?
Read Mark 12:35-37. Jesus teaches in the temple. What Psalm

does he quote? How does the crowd respond?
What does Jesus do after teaching about Psalm 110 in Mark Fun Fact: Psalm 110
is the most quoted
12:38-40? Psalm in the NT.
WEEK EIGHT
What is the principle being taught in Mark 12:41-44? How does

this woman’s self- sacrifice and true worship contrast with the
actions of the religious leaders?
Read Mark 13:1-2. This is an interesting exchange between Jesus

and one of His disciples. Go back through Mark and notice the
disciples’ varied responses to Jesus’ teaching and miracles. At one
time Peter rebukes Jesus. At the transfiguration Peter doesn’t know
what to say so he suggests he build a tent. Peter claims that even
if everyone else falls away he will not. James and John discuss
who is the greatest and where they will get to sit. John tries to stop
someone from casting out demons because that person is not a
part of their group.
BIBLE STUDY TOOL:

As you read your Bible, be sure to note repeated imagery. Jesus, the chief
cornerstone that the builders rejected, is standing near Peter - the rock on
which Jesus will build the church. Looking at the temple (which was certainly
an impressive building), Peter comments on the wonderful stones.
When we consider how the disciples interacted with Jesus we must

remember that it is different for us. We have the full counsel of
the Word of God and we have the Holy Spirit. How are these
things truly game changers for us?
Do you remember that Peter was Mark’s mentor? What does

it say to you that Mark learned so much from Peter yet in his
early days Peter clearly had much to learn himself ? What do you
know about Peter later on in life? What did Jesus say regarding
Peter and the church? What books of the Bible did Peter write?
Tradition says he died a martyr.
What do you know about the other disciples? Did their faith
continue to grow as well?
There is hope for me! And hope for you! Grace for me! And
grace for you!
WEEK EIGHT
In Mark 13:3-13, what do Peter, James, John and Andrew ask
Jesus? Look also at Matthew 24:3 and Luke 21:7 to get a more
robust picture of what the disciples were asking.
The disciples are asking three questions:
When will the destruction of the temple take place?

When will Jesus return and bring the consummation of the age?
What will be a sign that these things are about to happen?
What are the signs that Jesus gives in answer to the disciples’ third
question? Continuing reading in Mark 13:14-27 to find more
answers to this question.
Read Mark 13:28-31. What is the meaning of verse 30? Were

there some events that would take place before those listening
would pass away?
Look at the list of three questions above. What events have come
to pass? What events are yet to be fulfilled?
Mark 13:32-37 says regarding the time of Christ’s second coming

that no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but
only the Father. Considering Christ’s deity and humanity, this is a
difficult concept to understand and that is okay.
What is the warning from this section of Scripture? How many

times does it say to stay awake? What does it mean to “stay awake”?
WEEK EIGHT
Sometimes passages about the end times and Jesus’ second coming
can make people anxious. Scriptures like Matthew 24:22 that
warn, “And if those days had not been cut short, no human being
would be saved” sound really terrifying. While there are definite
warnings in the Scriptures to take care to persevere until the
end and to continue to work out your salvation with fear and
trembling, there are also promises that no one can snatch you
out of God’s hand. You see both of these ideas in Jude verses
20-21, 24. Jude 21 says to keep yourself in the love of God while
Jude 24 says it is God who is able to keep you from stumbling and
present you blameless in the day of Christ.
DIG DEEPER:
Consider doing a personal study about the warning passages in Scripture along
with the promises that assure salvation. As you do, ask the Lord to help you
have a healthy balance of fear and peace.
Can the compassion given to those in need (the sick, the demon
possessed, the blind, the mute the deaf) at Jesus’ first coming along
with the patience granted to the disciples, comfort us as we think
about Jesus’ second coming? Do you have hope that He will be
gentle and kind even while displaying His power and glory?
PERSONAL WEEK 9
This week we will be working through Mark 14. Most of the
events take place on the Thursday before Jesus is crucified.
Jerusalem was overflowing with pilgrims from across the
Roman world as the Passover feast drew near. This was the
biggest holiday of the year for the Jewish people. God had
commanded that this meal be celebrated year after year to
commemorate the Exodus. As a way of remembrance for His
people. He had delivered them from their bondage of slavery!
We hope at this point that you have gotten into a rhythm

of reading through Mark as a whole for personal study and
journaling as you go. Look at Isaiah 55:11 and be encouraged!
WEEK NINE
Read Mark 14.
Mark 14:1-9 records the story of a woman anointing Jesus’ by

pouring costly oil over His head. We know from the account in
John that this was Mary, whose brother was Lazarus whom Jesus
had raised from the dead (John 11:1-45, 12:1-3).
How do some of the people watching respond?
Mark says that some people were indignant. Matthew says that
the disciples were (Matthew 26:8). John says that Judas Iscariot was
(John 12:4).
How does Jesus respond?
Do you suspect that those who heard Jesus say He would not
always be with them in Mark 14:7-8 understood it this time?
Mary had extraordinary faith. She seemed to understand that

Jesus’ death was imminent. She was even willing to spend her
costly oil to anoint Him beforehand for His burial.
Read Mark 14:10-11. Who initiated the plan to capture Jesus?

Was it the chief priest or Judas? Look also at Luke 22:3.
The Passover meal takes place in the Upper Room with the twelve
disciples. Read Mark 14:12-17. Where is this upper room? How
did Jesus and the disciples acquire it?
Look at Mark 14:22-25. This is the account of Jesus instituting

the Lord’s Supper. This is the very first one. While you may
be very familiar with the practice of tearing off a piece of bread
and dipping into a cup, the disciples are hearing Him say for the
first time in Mark, “This is my body...this is my blood of the
covenant, which is poured out for many.” Would it have been
normal for them to associate bread with body and wine with
blood? This was a new concept for them and because there is no
earthly equivalent can still be difficult to grasp. What context did

they have for understanding the term covenant?
We know from reading Mark 14:10-11 that Judas has already

made plans to betray Jesus. Here he is attending the meal. The
gospel of John informs us that prior to the meal Jesus washed His
disciples’ feet - including Judas’ feet.
They are all reclining at the table together when Jesus announces
that one of them will betray Him. John tells us that after this
announcement, Judas eats the morsel of bread, Satan enters into
him ( John 13:37), and Jesus says, “What you do, do quickly.”
WEEK NINE
At this point in Mark, Jesus and the disciples (minus Judas) leave
the Upper Room and head to the Mount of Olives. However,
were you to flip over to the gospel of John again, you would
find that he records three chapters of additional teaching, often
called the Upper Room Discourse, and one chapter of prayer.
This prayer is the longest prayer of Jesus’ recorded in the Bible.
He prays for Himself, for the disciples, for Christians and for
those who do not yet believe in Him. Together the Upper Room
Discourse and the prayer are called the Farewell Discourse.
DIG DEEPER:
Take some time to read John 14-17. You may be familiar with John 15 - The
Vine and the Branches. Why might Mark have not included these beautiful
teachings? Remember he has been moving us immediately from one event to
another throughout his book! He has a purpose in how he writes. But still,
there are so many encouraging gems in these chapters in John! Praise the Lord
for all four gospel accounts!
In Mark 14:26-31, all of the disciples pledge unwavering

allegiance to Jesus.
In Mark 14:32-46, we see the disciples sleeping in the Garden of

Gethsemane.
How would you explain the discrepancy between their confidence

and determination on the Mount of Olives (Mark 14:31) and their
weakness in the garden (Mark 14:40)?
WEEK NINE
In Mark 14:35-36, we see the incredible tension between the
humanity of Jesus and the deity of Jesus. Jesus has submitted
to the Father’s plan, humbly coming down to earth in the flesh
(Philippians 2:6-8). He has obeyed the Father perfectly, doing only
the Father’s will (John 8:28). He came to glorify the
Father (John 12:27-28) but…
As the hour gets closer, He is painfully aware of the physical

affliction that awaits Him. Not only on the cross - but for hours
leading up to the cross. Twelve hours of excruciating pain. In His
flesh He dreads what this will feel like.
He knows He will also be betrayed and deserted. He knows He

will be accused unjustly. He will be punished for our sins.
In Mark 14:36, He says rightly, “Abba Father, all things are

possible for you,” but also states, “Remove this cup from me.”
What does He say next in Mark 14:36? Fun Fact: John 18:10
tells us that the
How many times does Jesus pray? How many times does He find
person who cut off
the disciples sleeping? Look back at Mark 13:32-33. How many the servant’s ear was
times did Jesus warn His disciples to stay awake? Peter! Oh Peter!
Odd Fact: In Mark

Read Mark 14:43-50. How does Judas address Jesus? How does he 14:51-52, there is a
naked young man
signal to the guard who Jesus is?
running around.
Look again at Mark 14:50. How many left Jesus? How many fled?
How many had pledged to drink the cup (Mark 14:23)? How many
had pledged to die (Mark 14:31)?
WEEK NINE
It’s possible the man running away represents the chaos and
mayhem of the evening. All are fleeing. So quickly in fact that they
have left their clothes behind. The nakedness, representing shame,
reminds us of the Garden of Eden. The unnamed man leads us to
consider if this man represents all of mankind. All have left Him.
All have fled.
Read Mark 14:53-65.
It is striking that when Jesus was out with the masses they loved
and pursued Him and later welcomed Him into Jerusalem. Yet in
Mark 14:53 He is surrounded by the chief priests, elders and the
scribes (the Jewish religious leaders) who of all people should have
been most ready to see and recognize the Messiah; Yet they did
not give Him a fair trial. They threw false accusations at Him and
spit on Him and struck Him.
What do you notice about the trial of Jesus in Mark 14:56-59?
According to Exodus 20:16 and Deuteronomy 19:15, 18-19, what

does Jewish law say about eyewitness accounts?
The high priest asked Jesus if He was the Christ, the Son of the
Blessed. How does Jesus respond in Mark 14:62?
Based on Jesus’ response, the religious leaders no longer need two

testimonies against Him because according to them Jesus is guilty
of blasphemy.
Think back to the beginning of Mark 1:9 and the baptism of

Jesus. God said, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well
pleased.” Then look again at Mark 14:61 when the priest asks,
“Are you the Son of the Blessed?” Jesus broke His silence and said,
“I am, and you will see the Son of Man.” The high priest then
declared blasphemy! Here we see the fulfillment of Psalm 118:22-
23 as the stone is being rejected. It is heartbreaking, but necessary
for the stone to be rejected before it becomes the cornerstone.

Though tragic it is followed with Psalm 118:24 “This is the day
that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
He is rejected, yet we rejoice because He is now the cornerstone.

His rejection was not the final say!
Like Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. It is triumphant in that He is
accepted by many, prophecy is being fulfilled, and all that must
happen is coming to pass. It is tragic in that He is coming into the
city where He knows He will be handed over to die - rejected by
the ones He came to save.
The scandalous trial of Jesus, full of corruption and lies was

foundational in bringing forth the scandalous grace that allowed
sinners to receive His righteousness.
WEEK NINE
Look now at Mark 14:66-72. The very moment Peter
“...remembered how Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the rooster
crows twice, you will deny me three times’” - he surely must have
had a terrible gut wrenching knot in his stomach. Oh the shame
and regret! He had not only denied knowing his friend, but his
master, his Rabbi and his Messiah! The Lord. God.
But oh the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward

us (Ephesians 2:7)! What a miracle it is that “the blood of Jesus
cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Praise the Lord that “as far as
the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions
from us” (Psalm 103:12).
Again we learn from Peter, the rock upon which the church was
built (Matthew 16:18), that there is grace for me and grace for
you! Grace to cover all our sins!
PERSONAL WEEK 10
This is the final week in our study. We are going to be finishing
up the book of Mark by looking at chapters 15 & 16. These
chapters are extremely important. Without the death,
burial and resurrection of Jesus there is no hope for
those that adhere to the Christian faith. Without the death of
Jesus there is no propitiation (atonement) for sins. Without the
burial and three days in the tomb, there is no evidence that He
was certainly dead. Without the resurrection of Jesus there is
no confirmation of victory over sin and death. Ask the Lord to
help you feel appropriately the weight of Jesus’ death and to
rejoice and live in light of His resurrection.
This week, give Mark one final read through.

WEEK TEN
Read Mark 15-16.
Mark 15:1-15 introduces the reader to Pilate. Refer to the list of

“People & Positions” on page 92.
What did Pilate do every year for the Jews? Who do the Jews want
released this year? How does Pilate feel about this?
In Mark 15:16-20, Jesus is sent to the governor’s headquarters.

There is a large body of troops there. In your journal, summarize
in your own words what happens at the headquarters.
WEEK TEN
Mark 15:21-32 records the crucifixion. What stands out to you in
this section of Scripture?
In verses 29-30, the crowds passing by taunt Jesus. They reason

that since He claimed He could tear down the temple and rebuild
it in three days He should be able to get Himself down and save
Himself. They didn’t realize He was in the process of tearing
down the temple (His body)!
In verse 32, the chief priests and scribes join in the mocking. They
also tempt Him to come down from the cross claiming that since
He had saved others, He should be able to save Himself. And He
was able!
Do these mockeries sound like Satan’s words in the other gospels’

temptation accounts? Look at Matthew 4:6 and Luke 4:9.
When Peter rebuked Jesus for mentioning His future death and
resurrection what did Jesus say in return (Mark 8:32-33)? Look
at Matthew 4:10. Why do you think Jesus called Peter “Satan”?
Notice how Jesus responds when someone tries to dissuade Him

away from the Father’s plan.
WEEK TEN
Mark 15:33-41 records the death of Jesus. Verse 34 contains an
Aramaic saying transliterated into Greek. In our Bibles, we also
have the translation into English. In the Aramaic, it evidently
sounded enough like “Elijah” to confuse some bystanders such
that they missed the fact that it sounds similar to Psalm 22:1 as
well. Read Psalm 22:1.
On the cross, Jesus took on our sins and made the final sacrifice
(atonement). No more trekking to the temple to sacrifice animals
to appease God. No more working and obeying laws to try to
gain approval. Thank you Jesus! Jesus’ death on the cross bridged
the chasm sin had made between man and God so long ago in
the garden of Eden. Jesus took our place on the cross, taking the
punishment of all mankind. At this moment, taking the weight
of all our sins, Jesus cries out asking God why He has forsaken
Him. What do you know about God’s holiness and how He views
sin? See Isaiah 6:3 for help. In what ways do you think God had
forsaken Jesus?
As we read the story of Jesus’ death we should try to consider

what He was feeling as He was sacrificially obeying. We want to
feel the weight of His pain and death. Because we are a busy
people, a forgetful people, and because we become so used to the
story, it is good for us to pause and really think on these things.
As you consider how Jesus was feeling, it is good to weigh your

thoughts against other Scriptures to avoid mere speculation. These
other Scriptures serve as boundaries for interpretation. Remember
that even in His humanity, Jesus was without sin.
Look again at Mark 15:37.

Compare this to Matthew 27:50 // Luke 23:46 // John 19:30.
Mark’s despairing death of Jesus was portrayed as more victorious

in subsequent gospels. Mark’s Christ dies with the cry, “My God,
my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew, the next gospel to
be written, repeats this word for word but manages to make clear
that Jesus “yielded up His spirit”. Luke has a still more positive
picture, replacing Mark’s (and Matthew’s) cry of despair with one
of submission to God’s will (“Father, into your hands I commend
my spirit”). While John, the last gospel, has Jesus dying without
mentioning suffering at all, declaring that the divine plan has been
fulfilled with a triumphant, “It is finished”!
Look back at Mark 15:37-38 and note the order of the two events
of the temple curtain tearing and Jesus dying.
This is significant! The temple curtain separated the area

that was most holy (the Holy of Holies) from the rest of the
tabernacle/temple. A priest went into the Holy of Holies once
a year to offer sacrifices for the people of God. Through the
sacrifice of Jesus, we have gained access to the throne of God!
Jesus, the mediator between God and man, made a way for man
to approach God directly. What an honour and gift!
WEEK TEN
Read Mark 15:42-47.
Joseph of Arimathea “took courage” and asked for the body

of Jesus (Mark 15:43). Be sure not to miss this! This is a very
short simple statement. But can you imagine how much courage
it would have taken? His courage and His conviction stand in
stark contrast to Pilate’s. Pilate seemed to believe that Jesus was
innocent. But, “wishing to satisfy the crowd” he is more concerned
with pleasing man than pleasing God (Mark 15:15). Look at
Galatians 1:10 and Mark 8:35-36.
Are you sometimes tempted to please man rather than God? Do

you find it hard to say with Paul in Philippians 3:7-11, “I count
everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing
Christ Jesus my Lord”?
Read Mark 16 again.
Who is going to the tomb with spices to anoint Jesus?
What do they see when they arrive?
What do you make of the mention of the many women that

were looking on from a distance and who had followed Jesus and
ministered to Him (Mark 15:41)?
Who is the young man in the white robe? See Matthew 28:5 for
help on this. Have you thanked God enough for His gracious gift
of four gospel accounts?
In Mark 16:7, the angel tells the women to go and tell the disciples
that Jesus has risen and has gone ahead to Galilee. He says that
they will see Him, just as He told them.
Why do the women flee from the tomb, trembling and astonished
(Mark 16:8)?
WEEK TEN
You might have noticed a note in your Bible stating that some of
the earliest manuscripts do not include Mark 16:9-20. Although
the vast majority of later Greek manuscripts contain Mark
16:9-20, the Gospel of Mark ends at verse 8 in two of the oldest
and most respected manuscripts. As the oldest manuscripts are
known to be the most accurate because they are much closer in
time to the originals, and the oldest manuscripts do not contain
verses 9-20, we can conclude that these verses were added later by
scribes.
There is internal evidence within the book of Mark as well to

suggest that these verses were added. There is an abrupt transition
from Mark 16:8 to Mark 16:9. The vocabulary in these last
verses is not consistent with the rest of Mark’s Gospel. There are
eighteen words here that are never used anywhere by else in the
book of Mark. The added ending offers no new information.
Neither does it contradict any previous Scriptures.
So why was it added? Were Mark to end at 16:8, it would end Fun Fact:
Deuteronomy and
rather abruptly. Immediately, you might say. That would actually Joshua both have
be keeping with Mark’s style. It would end with astonishment; endings that were
added by someone
and astonishment and amazement have been a theme throughout else after the original
Mark (Mark 1:22, 1:27, 2:12, 4:41, 5:42, 9:6, 9:15, 11:18, 12:17). authors’ deaths.
Perhaps a scribe didn’t recognize Mark’s writing style as being
purposeful and felt the need to add a more conventional ending.
Now let’s look at this addition. Read Mark 16:9-20. Look at the
table below to see where the ideas presented in these additional
verses appear elsewhere in Scripture. All of the additional verses
have an equivalent parallel except for Mark 16:16-18.
V. 9 - 1 1 John 20:11-18
V. 2 - 1 3 Luke 24:13-32
V. 1 4 Luke 24:36-43
V. 1 5 Matthew 28:19-20
V. 1 6 - 1 7 See note 1
V. 1 8 See note 2
V. 1 9 Luke 24:51
V. 2 0 Hebrews 2:4, Acts 5:12
1
Mark 16:16-17 do not have an equivalent parallel in any of the
other gospels. However, I think most would agree that they sound
similar to other Scriptures such as John 3:18 and 1 Corinthians
12:7-10.
2
Mark 16:18 might appear to be problematic in that 1) it does
not have an exact equivalent in the other gospels nor 2) does it
sound similar to other Scriptures. This makes it a difficult passage
to understand and explain. See Acts 28:3-6; Luke 10:19; Psalm
91:13. While these verses do mention snakes, there is no verse in
the Bible that mentions drinking poison and surviving.
Here is one common take on the back half of verse 18. In the
late first century there existed a cult, having some influence among
Jewish-Christian circles, which practiced drinking poisonous
potions. The reference to drinking deadly poison without harm
signals to Mark’s readers (who would have been familiar with the
cult’s practices) that those who believe the gospel are protected
from falling prey to such herecies.
Looking ahead to Mark 16:20, we see the purpose of the signs

and wonders. Just as the power encounters and healings
confirmed the message of Jesus, so do signs and miracles
accompany and confirm the message of the one who is sent.
The message of the early church was accompanied by signs
and wonders. Read Acts. The same is true in many parts of the
world today. As the missionary carries the gospel into areas where
the gospel is not known, signs and miracles serve to convince
unbelievers that the Christian God is more real and powerful than
local gods and local belief systems.
Read Mark 16:19-20. Jesus is taken up into heaven. Where does

He sit down? Throughout the Bible, being positioned at the right
hand was a position of honour. Read these verses that talk about
the right hand: Psalm 63:8; Romans 8:34; Acts 7:55-56.
Mark 16:20 says that they went out and preached everywhere.
Who were they? Read back through Mark 16:14-15 to help you
answer.
The eleven apostles go out preaching everywhere. According to

Mark 16:20, were they working on their own?
How does the fact that Jesus is working with them to confirm the
message comfort or encourage you?
What a hopeful, encouraging end to our study of Mark! Jesus

sits at the right hand of God while working with us to confirm
the message that we preach. Redeemer - preach the message of
good news and hope for eternal life to your friends, family, and
coworkers! Preach the message here in Lubbock and to the ends
of the earth!
21
AND HE SAID TO THEM,
“IS A LAMP BROUGHT
IN TO BE PUT UNDER
A BASKET, OR UNDER
A BED, AND NOT ON A
STAND? 22
FOR NOTHING
IS HIDDEN EXCEPT TO BE
MADE MANIFEST; NOR IS
ANYTHING SECRET EXCEPT
TO COME TO LIGHT.
MARK 1:14-15
GUALANITIS
Chorazin
Acco Bethsaida
Capernaum
Magdala
GALILEE Gennesaret
Tiberias
Cana
Nazareth
Nain
Pella
Aenon
SAM ARIA
Sebaste
Sychor
Antipatris
Alexandrium
Joppa
Animathaea PERAEA
Lydda Ephraim Philadelphia
Jamnia Emmaus Jericho Bethany
Jerusalem Qumran
Ashdod Bethany
Bethlehem
Ashkelon
Herodium
Hebron Machaerus
Gaza
0 Miles 20 Masada
Beersheba
PA S S I O N W E E K E V E N T S
PEOPLE AND POSITIONS
A N N A S - is believed to have been the high priest prior to Caiaphas from A.D. 6 to 15. The Romans
had removed him from office yet he still wielded considerable power behind the scenes.
CAIAPHAS - Joseph Caiaphas was the Jewish high priest during the time of Jesus’ ministry and a
few years afterwards. He was a strong opponent of Jesus and His message.
CAESAR - a title adopted by Roman Emperors.
CENTURION - a professional officer of the Roman army commanding a group of around 100 men.
CHIEF PRIEST - high-ranking members of the priesthood who served on the Sanhedrin.
COUNCIL - another name for the Sanhedrin.
ELDERS - some of the wealthy and influential lay persons of Jerusalem.
H E R O D - was a Roman client king of Judea. The history of his legacy has polarized opinion, as he
is known for his colossal building projects throughout Judea, including his expansion of the Second Temple
in Jerusalem.
H E R O D A N T I PA S - was a 1st-century ruler of Galilee and Perea, who bore the title of tetrarch
("ruler of a quarter") and is referred to as both "Herod the Tetrarch" and "King Herod" in the New
Testament although he never held the title of king. He is widely known today for accounts in the New
Testament of his role in events that led to the executions of John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth.
HERODIANS - a sect of Hellenistic Jews who were sincerely friendly to Herod the Great, the King
of the Jews, and to his dynasty. They wanted political independence for the Jewish people but unlike the
Pharisees, who sought to restore the kingdom of David, the Herodians wished to restore a member of the
Herodian dynasty to the throne in Judea.
HIGH PRIEST - was the supreme religious leader of the Israelites. The office of the high priest was
hereditary and was traced from Aaron, the brother of Moses, of the Levite tribe. The high priest had to be
“whole” physically (without any physical defects) and holy in his conduct.
PHARISEES - a member of a Jewish sect that gave oral tradition equal authority to the written
Word of God.
was the fifth prefect of the Roman province of Judaea, serving under
P O N T I U S P I L AT E -
Emperor Tiberius from AD 26 to 36. He is best known today for adjudicating on the trial and
crucifixion of Jesus.
SADDUCEES - a Jewish sect that did not believe the dead were resurrected.
SANHEDRIN - the 71-member supreme council and tribunal of post-exilic Israel, with members
from both the Sadducees and the Pharisees, headed by a High Priest and having religious, civil, and
criminal jurisdiction.
SCRIBES - an ancient Jewish record-keeper, a professional theologian.
SYNAGOGUE - the building where a Jewish assembly meets for religious worship and instruction.
TEMPLE - the building which stood on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem between 516 BCE and 70 CE.
34
AND CALLING THE
CROWD TO HIM WITH
HIS DISCIPLES, HE SAID
TO THEM, “IF ANYONE
WOULD COME AFTER
ME, LET HIM DENY
HIMSELF AND TAKE
UP HIS CROSS AND
FOLLOW ME. 35
FOR
WHOEVER WOULD
SAVE HIS LIFE WILL
LOSE IT, BUT WHOEVER
LOSES HIS LIFE FOR
MY SAKE AND THE
GOSPEL’S WILL SAVE
IT. 36
FOR WHAT DOES
IT PROFIT A MAN TO
GAIN THE WHOLE
WORLD AND FORFEIT
HIS SOUL? 37
FOR WHAT
CAN A MAN GIVE IN
RETURN FOR HIS SOUL?
MARK 8:34-37
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6402 elgin avenue, Lubbock, Texas
All rights reserved.

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A STUDY IN THE GOSPEL OF MARK

Passion Week Timeline PA G E 9 1

People and Positions PA G E 9 2

So our encouragement is to use this resource well. Don’t pass over

We are excited about this series in the Gospel of Mark. We hope

It takes about an hour and a half to read through Mark. We

Working through this introduction will take five days. This

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK

Begin reading through Mark. Read as much as you can in

Look over the definitions of the word gospel.

1. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles; the Christian

What does it mean that it is the gospel according to Mark?

Look over the definitions of the phrase synoptic gospel.

1. Pertaining to or constituting a synopsis; affording or taking a

Which gospel is not a synoptic gospel?

M AT T H E W MARK LUKE JOHN

Which gospel are you most familiar with?

• Author: Jewish tax collector, apostle, died a martyr

• Author: Disciple of and translator for Peter. Cousin of

• Author: Gentile, companion of Paul, physician, also the author

• Author: A disciple from within Jesus’ inner circle (Peter,

RECONCILING THE DIFFERENCES IN

Continue reading through Mark. Ask God to give you faith as

Were you to compare all of the accounts closely, you would

Possible explanations for the differences in the gospels when

1. Jesus most likely spoke three languages - Greek, Hebrew,

2. Authors might choose to quote verbatim in an effort to get a

These translations make sense in light of each author’s focus.

position as the Son of God, but Christ’s innocence and

3. It is possible that more than once and in more than one

4. In our literate, law based society we expect a standard of

Which of the views above on the differences found in the gospels

RECONCILING THE DIFFERENCES IN

Continue reading through Mark. Ask God to give you an

Yesterday we began to explore differences between the gospel

2. Not every event that ever happened is recorded. Because

A good question to ask as you are reading through the gospels

topically or listed chronologically. It is important to remember

Having sat under Peter’s teachings, Mark penned his gospel at

Each gospel writer, having a different purpose in mind,

In your opinion, what are the benefits of having four gospel

It is okay to be uncomfortable with or to not understand some

His teaching and His displays of divine power. It is important to

JESUS IN THE BOOK OF MARK

According to one of the definitions that we looked at on Day 1,

meaning or true understanding apart from the story of the

While Mark’s purpose is to reveal who Jesus is, he withholds that

There is something about the previous expectations and

In Mark, Jesus starts out as a miracle worker. Some are

impressed. Some believe. Some get upset. And while we would

Read Mark 8:27-30. On the road to Caesarea Philippi when

Immediately after Peter’s confident confession Jesus tells his

This misunderstanding is a motif used throughout

What do these stories of faith from those in the margins tell

As Mark tells the story of the death of Jesus, we see Jesus as a

lonely figure going to the cross forsaken by His followers and

Was this what was to be expected of the Messiah? Are there

Finally in Mark 15:39, there is a glimpse of hope. At the cross,

holiness by resurrection from the dead…” Thus, Paul asserts that it

Possibly Peter’s advice to us today as we read Mark would be -

Be continually reading through Mark on your own. It takes

What seems surprising or unclear to you?

Why did Jesus need to be baptized? What purpose could it have