Mark

A Study Guide for Following Jesus with Urgency, Faith, and Surrender

Written by John Mark, a companion of Peter. Many believe this Gospel reflects Peter’s firsthand account.
Mark emphasizes Jesus’ actions more than lengthy teachings.
The word “immediately” appears over 40 times—showing the urgency of Jesus’ mission.
Likely written for Roman readers—fast-paced, direct, and focused on authority and sacrifice.

Reflection: Mark’s Gospel shows that Jesus didn’t just come to teach truth—He came to live it, serve with it, and die for it.

Jesus is baptized and immediately begins His public ministry.
He teaches with authority, heals the sick, casts out demons, and calls disciples.
He forgives sins—prompting resistance from religious leaders.

Takeaway: Jesus didn’t ease into His mission—He hit the ground running with power and purpose.

Crowds flock to Jesus, but He withdraws to pray.
Religious leaders begin plotting to destroy Him.
Jesus teaches in parables, including the parable of the sower, and calms a storm with His word.

Lesson: Jesus isn’t interested in shallow faith. He calls us to listen, grow roots, and trust Him in the storm.

Jesus delivers a demon-possessed man, heals a bleeding woman, and raises a dead girl.
Feeds 5,000 and walks on water.
But the disciples still struggle to understand who He is.
Peter finally confesses: “You are the Christ” (8:29).

Truth: Jesus has power over all things—but He’s calling His followers to faith that goes beyond the miracles.

Reminder: Following Jesus means laying down comfort, status, and self—it’s the way of the cross.

Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey—hailed as King, but knowing the cross awaits.
He clears the temple and debates with religious leaders.
He prophesies the destruction of the temple and the end times.

Challenge: Jesus isn’t interested in religious show—He wants authentic worship and eternal focus.

Jesus is anointed, celebrates the Last Supper, and prays in Gethsemane.
He’s betrayed by Judas, abandoned by His disciples, falsely accused, beaten, and crucified.
On the cross, He cries, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
The centurion declares: “Truly this man was the Son of God” (15:39).

Gospel Focus: Jesus didn’t just suffer—He chose the cross for our redemption. The servant became the sacrifice.

The women find the tomb empty—Jesus has risen.
He appears to His followers and commissions them: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel.”

Victory: The tomb is empty, the King is alive, and the mission is ours.

Mark 1:15 – “The time is fulfilled… repent and believe in the gospel.”
Mark 2:17 – “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Mark 8:34 – “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Mark 10:45 – “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 15:39 – “Truly this man was the Son of God.”

Why do you think Mark moves so quickly through Jesus’ ministry?
How do Jesus’ miracles affirm His identity and mission?
What does Mark’s portrayal of the disciples’ confusion teach us about faith?
What does it truly mean to “take up your cross” today?
How does Mark emphasize Jesus’ role as both Servant and Son of God?
What part of Mark’s Gospel most convicts or encourages you to follow Jesus more fully?