MARK

MARK 1

THE BAPTISM OF JESUS + START OF HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY

Mark begins his account of Jesus with a clear statement, declaring that his purpose for writing is to the Good News of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.

Mark references the prophets Isaiah and Malachi, saying that a messenger will be sent to prepare the way of God and make His paths straight (Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1). This messenger is John, frequently referred to as John the Baptist. When John preaches by the Jordan River, many people from Jerusalem and Judea were present, listening to John, confessing their sins, and being baptized.

John says that the one who is coming after him, Jesus, is far greater and mightier. In comparison, John says he is unworthy to even carry the shoes of Jesus.

John the Baptist is described as wearing garments of camel hair and a leather belt around his waist. He was also known for eating honey and locusts, although it is debated whether the locusts were insects or if he ate from the pods of Carob trees, often called locusts, that contained sweet edible pulp.

Jesus comes from Galilee to be baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. When Jesus comes out of the waters, the skies open up, revealing God’s Spirit descending on Jesus like a dove. Along with the Holy Spirit is the voice of God, saying “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all present in unison at the baptism of Jesus!

Following His baptism, Jesus is led into the wilderness and tempted by Satan. Matthew 4 contains more details of this encounter, including Jesus’ response to Satan.

The message of John and Jesus, that Jesus was the Son of God, was a radical message that upset religious and political leaders, leading to John’s arrest. Jesus begins His public ministry, proclaiming the kingdom of God is at hand.

Along the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calls His first two disciples, Andrew and Simon. These two men are fishing, casting their nets outside their boats. Jesus tells them that they will no longer be fishermen, but fishers of men, foreshadowing their spreading of the Gospel message. Similarly, James and John become disciples of Jesus.

Jesus is able to perform miracles, including casting out demonic spirits and healing the sick. Because of Jesus’ astounding abilities, the news of Him travels fast, and many people hear of His great works. Before going to preach in Galilee, Jesus spends time alone in prayer. Throughout the Gospels, there are multiple occasions where Jesus retreats by Himself to spend time in solitude and prayer.

Jesus performs the miraculous act of healing a man with leprosy. Wanting to remain discreet, Jesus asks the man to not say anything about how he was healed. Instead of remaining silent, the man talks freely, and word of Jesus’ abilities spread. Jesus could no longer openly enter a town because people from all over were seeking Him for healing.

MARK 2

JESUS HEALS A PARALYZED MAN + CHALLENGES THE PHARISEES

One day, when Jesus is speaking to a large crowd, a few men carry their paralyzed friend to see Him for healing. Because the crowd is so large, they are not able to get to Jesus, so they remove part of the roof and lower their friend through the ceiling! The men firmly believe in the healing power of Jesus and are desperate to get near Him.

When Jesus sees the man being lowered, Jesus tells him that his sins are forgiven. The Pharisees and religious leaders present question Jesus’ authority to forgive sins, an act that can only be done by God. Jesus knows the resistance He will face from the Pharisees and asks them if it would be easier for Him to forgive sins or to heal the paralyzed man, making him able to walk. After puzzling the Pharisees with this question, Jesus tells the paralyzed man to stand up and walk home. Suddenly, the man is able to stand and praises God for his miraculous healing.

Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to become a disciple. Levi agrees to leave everything behind to follow Jesus. Levi throws a grand feast in his house, inviting Jesus and other tax collectors. Culturally, being a tax collector was not a desirable career and often seen as dishonorable. Levi is most likely disciple and Gospel writer Matthew, called by a different name.

The Pharisees question Jesus, asking why He would eat and socialize with sinners and tax collectors. Jesus responds by saying that those who are not sick do not need a physician, meaning that He came to call the sinners, not the righteous, to repentance.

The Pharisees ask Jesus why His followers do not fast like the other religious people, instead they feast and drink. Using the analogy of a bride at her wedding, Jesus explains that His presence with His disciples is a time of celebration, not fasting. Jesus also expresses a sense of newness, explaining that you would not rip up a new garment to repair an old garment or waste new wine by putting it in an old wineskin. Jesus is emphasizing the newness and joy that He will bring to His people!

Jesus and His disciples collect wheat on the Sabbath, and the Pharisees question the lawfulness of this practice, condemning them for not obeying the law to rest on the Sabbath day. Jesus responds that the Sabbath was made for man, not man made for the Sabbath. This response challenges the rigid religiosity of the Pharisees, highlighting the idea that the day of rest was a gift from God, not a legalistic practice.

MARK 3

JESUS HEALS MANY + APPOINTS HIS TWELVE DISCIPLES 

Jesus encounters a man with a withered hand at the synagogue. The Pharisees watch Jesus, wanting to accuse Him for healing on the Sabbath. Jesus is angered and grieved over the compassionless Pharisees and restores the man’s withered hand. Instead of having awe for Jesus, the Pharisees plot to destroy him.

Because of His healing abilities, news of Jesus travels quickly and he attracts large crowds wherever He goes. Jesus asks His disciples to prepare a boat so that He is able to withdraw from the crowds when necessary. Jesus wants to protect God’s timing for His eventual death and arrest, so Jesus orders the people He heals not to make Him known.

Jesus chooses twelve apostles, men who are His disciples and devout followers. These men are Peter (Simon), James (Brother of John), John, Andrew, Phillip, Nathanael (Bartholomew), Matthew (Levi), Thomas, James, Thaddeus (Judas), Simon, and Judas Iscariot. Jesus gives these men the authority to preach and cast out demons.

Jesus warns against an unforgivable sin, referred to as blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Some of the Pharisees contribute the work of Jesus to Satan, saying that He is a force for evil. Although it is highly debated among theologians, it is likely that blasphemy of the Holy Spirit only refers to those who saw Jesus in the flesh and accused him of being evil or demonic, meaning it cannot be committed by anyone alive today or anyone who trusts in Jesus as the Savior.

When Jesus is asked about His family, He calls all of God’s people His brothers and sisters. This does not diminish the role of His earthly family, but instead invites all believers into God’s chosen family.

MARK 4

JESUS TEACHES IN PARABLES

Jesus continues teaching and shares a parable about a sower distributing seeds across four different terrains, each representing a response to the message of Jesus.

First, Jesus describes seeds that fall along a path and are quickly eaten by birds. These seeds represent those who hear God's word, but do not understand. The enemy attempts to distort or snatch away the good news, leaving people without comprehension of God’s word.

Jesus describes the second group of seeds, which fall into rocky ground with little soil. Immediately, these seeds sprout up, but are unable to establish deep roots and become scorched in the heat. These seeds are representative of those who hear God’s word, respond quickly and intensely, but do not engage deeply and fall away once trials arrive.

The third group of seeds are scattered among thorns. Although these seeds grow, they are eventually suffocated by the thorns. These seeds are representative of those who hear God’s word, but become distracted by other pursuits.

Finally, Jesus describes the seeds that fall on good soil and produce grain. These seeds produced fruit one hundredfold, representative of those who hear and understand the word of God.

Jesus explains that the parables are a fulfillment of the prophet Isaiah 6, saying that many would see Him, but would not perceive. Jesus says that the disciples are blessed to have heard, seen, and understood. When speaking to the crowds, Jesus quotes Psalm 78:2, saying that He will speak in parables and utter the words that have been hidden to the world.

Jesus calls His followers to be like a light on a lampstand, giving glory to God for all to see. He also warns that everything will eventually be brought to light, nothing will remain hidden or secret from God. Those who listen to God’s word and follow God’s wisdom will find abundance.

Using a parable of a seed growing, Jesus expresses His role of teacher. Jesus scatters the seeds of wisdom, but does not force anyone to listen and follow any more than a farmer forces crops to grow. God cultivates growth and wisdom in the hearts of those who engage with His word.

Jesus teaches that a small amount of faith can have a great impact, using the example of the mustard seed growing into a tree. Despite being the smallest of the seeds, it grows into the largest of the trees. Jesus speaks in parables to the crowds, but explains everything to the disciples. Those who are closest to Him are given more clarity and confidence in His word.

When the disciples are on a boat with Jesus, a great storm comes, but Jesus is asleep. The disciples wake Him, begging Him to save them from crashing or drowning. Jesus questions them, asking why they have little faith and why they are afraid. He then rebukes the wind and the waves, and the sea become calm. The men marvel at Him, realizing even the weather follows the commands of Jesus!

MARK 5

JESUS CASTS OUT DEMONS + HEALS THE SICK

Jesus heals a man named Legion, who is possessed with demonic spirits. Legion is tormented by the spirits and has been chained up in an attempt to restrain them. Jesus cast the spirits into a group of pigs, causing them to run into the sea and drown. Legion goes to his friends and proclaims that Jesus saved him. Some men within the city go to see Jesus, asking Him to leave their city.

Jesus encounters a woman who has been suffering for twelve years from hemorrhaging blood. The woman believes Jesus is so powerful, she will be healed if she could only touch the fringe of His clothing. This fringe was a symbol of God’s law that many Israelites wore on their clothing (Numbers 15, Deuteronomy 22). Jesus realizes that she was healed and acknowledges her incredible faith.

Jairus, a leader of the synagogue, approaches Jesus, asking him to heal his dying daughter. Jesus claims that the girl is not dead, but instead is sleeping. Upon saying this, the crowd laughs in disbelief. Jesus enters the home, takes the girl by the hand, and she arises!

MARK 6

JESUS FEEDS FIVE THOUSAND + WALKS ON WATER

After Jesus teaches at the synagogue in Nazareth, some are astonished with His great wisdom, but others are offended. Instead of being honored, Jesus is rejected in his hometown. Because of their unbelief, Jesus does not perform miraculous works in Nazareth, other than healing a few sick people.

Jesus chooses twelve apostles, men who are His disciples and devout followers. These men are given authority by Jesus to call for repentance, cast out demons, and heal the sick. Jesus wants the disciples to rely on God for provision during their travels, instructing them to stay with those who receive and welcome them. If they are turned away, they are instructed to shake off the dust and continue their mission.

Herodias, the wife of King Herod, wants John the Baptist killed. Herodias was previously married to Herod’s half-brother, and John the Baptist called Herod’s marriage to Herodias unlawful. During Herod’s birthday celebration, Herod promises Herodias’s daughter that he will provide her with anything she asks. Influenced by her mother Herodias, she asks for John the Baptist’s head on a platter. Keeping his promise, Herod beheads John the Baptist and his head is given to Herodias’s daughter. The disciples buried John’s body and tell Jesus the tragic news.

When Jesus hears of John’s death, He withdraws on a boat with the disciples. Jesus is seen on the boat and great crowds of people follow Him to the shore. Jesus has compassion on the people, seeing them as sheep without a shepherd. Later that evening, the disciples ask Jesus to send away the crowds, instructing them to find something to eat. Instead of dismissing the people, Jesus miraculously feeds them. Using only five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus blesses the food, creating an abundant amount and feeding over five thousand! Not only was there enough food to feed everyone, there were twelve baskets leftover, to sustain the disciples on their journey.

After feeding the many, Jesus sends His disciples into their boat to continue with their travels. Instead of joining them on the boat, Jesus spends some time alone in prayer. Having authority over creation, He walks upon the water, making His way towards the disciples. When they see Him, they are afraid, thinking He is a ghost. Jesus speaks to them, telling them not to be afraid. Although they had just witnessed Him perform a miracle with the bread, their hearts had not recognized the fullness of the power of Jesus, and they are alarmed.

When they cross the sea and arrived at Gennesaret, Jesus is recognized by many and He heals all who are sick. Similar to the hemorrhaging woman in Mark 5, the people of Gennesaret believe that a simple touch of the fringe of Jesus’ garment is enough to make them well.

MARK 7

JESUS REBUKED THE PHARISEES + HEALS THOSE IN NEED

The Pharisees accuse Jesus of breaking a commandment concerning ritual cleanliness before meals. Jesus rebukes the religious leaders, frustrated with their focus on tradition and man-made laws. Jesus recites Isaiah 29:13, which says that people will draw near to God and honor Him with their words, but their hearts will be far from Him. Their worship of God is based on merely human rules they have been taught and not from genuine relationship or communion with God.

Continuing His response to the Pharisees, Jesus explains that it is not what goes into a person that defiles, but what comes out of them. The Pharisees diligently follow the laws for clean and unclean food, found in Leviticus 12, but Jesus is more concerned with the purity of the heart. Jesus lists the multitude of sins that originate in the heart, including immorality and evil thoughts.

Jesus continues traveling, healing those He encounters along the way. Jesus heals the daughter of a Canaanite woman, a known enemy of the Israelites. The woman humbles herself before Jesus and compares herself to a dog receiving scraps of food. He responds to her incredible faith and the oppressed daughter is immediately healed.

While Jesus is in Galilee, He heals a deaf man and restores his ability to hear. Jesus uses His spit, something typically considered unclean or disrespectful, to touch the man and heal him. He could have healed this man with words but instead uses a visual representation for the deaf man to experience His power.

MARK 8

JESUS CONTINUES TO TEACH, HEAL, + REVEAL THE WILL OF GOD

Similar to His previous miracle of feeding five thousand people, Jesus feeds another large crowd of over four thousand people. Using only seven loaves of bread and a few small fish, Jesus blesses the food and creates an abundant amount!

The Pharisees ask Jesus to provide a sign for them, proving that He is the Savior. Jesus sighs deeply, frustrated by this request. He has provided many signs but has continually been rejected.

The disciples, realizing that they have no bread, are concerned. Jesus questions their concerns and wonders why they would be worried after seeing Him provide for the thousands. Using the imagery of leaven influencing the entire batch of bread, Jesus warns the disciples against being influenced by the false teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees. He questions how the disciples have yet to understand His power and abundance.

When Jesus is in Bethsaida, some people bring a blind man to Him for healing. Similar to His healing of the deaf man, Jesus spits on the eyes of the blind man and lays His hands on him. He asks the man what he is able to see. The man responds, saying he is able to see people, but they look like walking trees. Jesus responds to the honesty of the man and lays His hands over him for the second time, restoring his vision completely.

The crowds are unsure of Jesus’ identity and wonder if He is the reincarnation of John the Baptist or the prophet Elijah. Jesus asks Peter, “Who do you say I am?” and Peter responds, telling Jesus that he believes He is the Savior and Son of God.

Jesus reveals to His disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, where He will suffer and die. And after His death, He will be raised again on the third day. Alarmed by this news, Peter interjects, telling Jesus that surely this will never happen to Him. Jesus responds harshly, by saying “Get behind me, Satan!” It is possible Jesus is referring to Peter as Satan or rebuking Satan for attempting to hinder God’s will and His plans for the cross through Peter. Because Jesus will ultimately prevail over death and sin, Satan is more afraid of the cross than Jesus!

Jesus challenges His disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. Through this expression, Jesus reveals the means of His death upon the cross. He says that those who give their life to following God will gain their life and questions why someone would want to gain the things of the world, but not care for their soul. Through this statement, Jesus highlights the importance of the eternal over the temporary.

MARK 9

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS + HIS TEACHING ON TEMPTATION

Peter, James, and John are with Jesus as He is praying on the mountain. As He is praying, the appearance of Jesus and His clothes change and become dazzling white! He is no longer alone but in the glorious presence of Moses and Elijah. Jesus, Moses, and Elijah speak of the departure of Jesus, which soon will be fulfilled in Jerusalem. Moses is known for delivering God’s law to the Israelites, and Elijah was a great prophet who told of the coming of Jesus. These two men exemplify the main messages of the Old Testament, the law and the prophets, and their connection to Jesus shows His plan to fulfill their message. During this divine interaction, God says, “This is my Son,” instructing the disciples to listen to Jesus. This miraculous encounter is known as the transfiguration of Christ.

When Jesus is around a great crowd, a man approaches Him hoping that He would heal his son. The son was possessed by an unclean spirit, causing him to seize and foam at the mouth. This affliction had been with the son since childhood and caused him great harm. Jesus tells the man that all things are possible for those who believe. Responding with humility and honesty, the man expresses both his faith and concern, saying “I believe, but help my unbelief.” Jesus responds to the man and although the son appears dead, Jesus heals him and he rises to life. The disciples question why they are unable to drive out the spirit, and Jesus tells them that this healing requires prayer.

Jesus tells the disciples of His upcoming death, saying that He will suffer and be killed, but will rise from the dead on the third day. He later tells the disciples that the Son of man will be given over to the hands of men, but the disciples do not understand and are afraid to ask.

Debating amongst themselves, the disciples ask Jesus who will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Instead of giving them a direct answer, He expresses the value of humility. Those who have child-like humility, faith, and wonder will be the ones to inherit God’s kingdom. Jesus confirms that whoever receives Him, receives God who sent Him.

The disciples witness someone, a man who is not with the disciples, cast out demons in the name of Jesus. They ask Him if they should stop this man, but Jesus allowed him to continue, saying that those who were not against them, were for them.

Jesus says that those who cause the faithful to sin are better off drowning in the sea. Because He loves His followers, Jesus hates the sin that causes them to stumble. He also warns against temptation. Using the example of hands, feet, eyes, and ears, He encourages removing temptations and causes to sin. Although Jesus is not literal in this message or advocating for self-harm, He is encouraging self-denial in areas that are common temptations for sin.

MARK 10

JESUS TEACHES THE DISCIPLES, FORETELLS HIS DEATH, + HEALS THE BLIND

After teaching in Galilee, Jesus goes to Judea. A Pharisee asks Him if it is lawful to divorce. Referencing Genesis 2:24, Jesus says that man and wife are united as one flesh, and encourages them not to separate what God has joined together.

Jesus answers the question by speaking against divorce, except for cases of sexual immorality. Similarly, He refers to remarriage after divorce as adultery. If this sounds harsh or unfair, read John 8:1-11, where Jesus shows compassion for a woman caught in adultery. He has high standards for righteousness, but also abundant forgiveness and compassion. His teachings and actions reflect the dual aspects of His character: full of truth and full of grace.

The Pharisees rebuke people for bringing their children before Jesus. In response, Jesus calls out to the people, letting the children come to Him. He is not bothered or burdened by the children but appreciates their child-like faith. He wants God’s people to receive the kingdom of heaven like a small child, with curiosity and awe.

Jesus is questioned by a rich ruler about how to gain eternal life. Because eternal life is not often referenced in the Old Testament, the man addresses Jesus directly. First, Jesus asks the man to keep the law and the man agrees. Next, He asks him to sell all that he has and give it to the poor. When hearing this request, the man becomes sad and withdrawn. He wants to follow Jesus but does not want to give up his possessions.

Jesus, seeing the sadness of the man, points out that wealth can be a barrier to following God and trusting in His provision. He says that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a wealthy person to enter God’s kingdom, but what is impossible for man is possible for God.

With the twelve disciples, Jesus explains that He will soon be arrested, mocked, spit upon, flogged, and killed. All of these events will fulfill the teachings of the prophets, but the disciples did not understand what He was explaining.

James and John, two of the disciples closest to Jesus, ask Him to grant their request. He asks what they desire and they ask to sit at His right and left hand in eternity. Jesus explains that those roles are not His to give, but they belong to God the Father. He then expresses His value for humility and reminds the disciples that even the Son of Man, Jesus Himself, came to serve rather than be served.

As they travel near Jericho, Jesus encounters a man named Bartimaeus, who is a blind beggar on the side of the road. Upon hearing that Jesus was nearby, the man cries out for help. Despite being rebuked by the people, the man continues to call for Jesus. He asked the man what he desired and restored to him his sight.

Mark 10:45 – For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

MARK 11

JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM + CONTINUES TO TEACH

After His teaching and healing, Jesus continues towards Jerusalem. While He is in Bethany near the Mount of Olives, He sends two of the disciples to bring Him a colt or young donkey. The disciples place their cloaks on the donkey and set Jesus on it. As He rides the donkey down the Mount of Olives, He fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah, who claimed that the Savior would enter Jerusalem with humility, mounted on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9).

The crowd places branches and cloaks along the road, paving the way for His entrance. As Jesus draws near, the people rejoice and praise Him, saying “Hosanna,” a plea for salvation meaning “Save us.” After this, Jesus continues toward the temple in Jerusalem.

While Jesus is traveling with the disciples, they come across a fig tree that provides no fruit for them to eat. He curses the tree, saying that the fig tree will never grow fruit again.

After entering the temple, Jesus drives out the people who are selling items for sacrifice. He is protective over this holy place, desiring for it to be a place of prayer and teaching. In righteous anger, Jesus flips over the tables of those who are selling animals inside the temple and condemns them, saying that the house of prayer has been turned into a den of robbers.

After Jesus and the disciples leave the temple, they see the fig tree that Jesus cursed. Peter notices that the tree has withered completely. Jesus encourages the disciples to have faith, so they do not wither like the fig tree. He tells the disciples that faith will provide them whatever they ask for in prayer and challenges them to forgive others like God has forgiven them.

When Jesus is in Jerusalem, He is challenged by the chief priests and the scribes. They ask Him who gave Him the authority to do the miraculous things He has done. Instead of answering directly, He responds with a question, asking if John the Baptist was sent by heaven or sent by man. Causing a dilemma for the religious leaders, they do not know how to answer. If they say John the Baptist was from heaven, they would be confronted for not believing him. But if they said John was sent by man alone, they would anger a large group of his followers. Because they did not answer, Jesus did not reveal the source of His authority. God sent both John the Baptist and Jesus, but many did not believe that God was their authority.

MARK 12

JESUS CONTINUES TO TEACH + REBUKE RELIGIOUS LEADERS

Jesus continues teaching and shares a parable set in a vineyard. In this parable, the men tending to the vineyard kill many of the vineyard owner’s servants. Confident they will not kill his son, the owner sends him to the people tending the vineyard. These violent men want the son’s inheritance and end up killing him as they had the others.

Jesus uses this story to show how He will become the rejected cornerstone of the faith, quoting Psalm 118. In this story, Jesus is the son who is killed to provide an inheritance. After Jesus says this, the Pharisees want to arrest Him but are afraid of how the crowds will respond.

Jesus is approached by a group of religious leaders who want to trap Him with a difficult question. They ask Him if it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, the leader of the Roman empire that is oppressing the Jewish people. Jesus asks to see a coin and asks them whose name is inscribed on the coin. They respond that Caesar is the one who is named on the coin. He teaches them to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God the things that are God’s. Jesus teaches that submission to laws does not endorse the morality of the nation’s leadership.

The Sadducees, some of the religious leaders of the time, ask Jesus about a law related to marriage and life after death. If someone is married more than once, they want to know which of the spouses they would remain married to in the afterlife. Jesus corrects them, telling them they do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God. When people enter eternity, they are not married, but are like angels in heaven. Questioning their knowledge of Scripture, Jesus tells them that God is the God of the living, not the God of the dead, pointing to the eternal nature of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that God expressed to Moses (Exodus 3:6).

Jesus shares the most important commandment: loving the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. He explains that the second most important command is loving your neighbor as yourself. Referencing Psalm 110:1, Jesus clears up the confusion regarding His relation to David. Jesus is a direct descendant of David, who David himself called Lord.

Jesus warns against the pompous religiosity of the scribes. More than they desire to share truth, they desire appearing important and prestigious.​​ The religious may look righteous, but it is what happens behind closed doors that matters to God.

Jesus watches as people give to the temple collection box. Rich people put in large amounts of money, but a poor widow is only able to contribute two small coins, worth about a penny. He tells His disciples that her gift is the greatest, because she continues to give in poverty and her donation requires a greater sacrifice.

MARK 13

JESUS DESCRIBES FUTURE DESTRUCTION AS A WARNING TO THE DISCIPLES

As the disciples admire the beauty of the temple, Jesus warns of a future time when the temple will be destroyed. The disciples ask when this will occur, and Jesus shares that there will be war and unrest before the time of destruction. He warns the disciples that many will come after Him, claiming to be the Savior, but only Jesus is the Son of God.

Jesus continues to warn the disciples, telling of a time of wars and persecution. Famine, illness, and earthquakes will be throughout the land as signs from heaven. The disciples will face opposition, and many will be imprisoned. Jesus encourages them to use this obstacle as an opportunity to be witnesses and share hope of God. He promises that the disciples will receive divine wisdom, allowing them to overcome their adversaries. Although the disciples will be persecuted for their faith, Jesus encourages them to endure. Despite the alarming nature of His message, He tells the disciples that they do not need to fear or be anxious.

Jesus warns of times of great tribulation when the people of Jerusalem will flee. While the specifics of this revelation are highly debated and widely interpreted, Jesus' focus remains on God’s sovereignty and authority over Earth.

Jesus foretells the coming destruction of Jerusalem. Warning the disciples, Jesus tells them that the time of desolation will be near once the city of Jerusalem is surrounded by armies. He mourns for the city and tells of Jerusalem's impending defeat. Jesus warns the people to watch themselves, guarding themselves and being mindful of what He has taught them.

Jesus reports the signs of His return, describing the seas roaring with waves, heaven being shaken, and miraculous movement in the sun, moon, and stars. When these signs occur, the redemption of those who believe in Jesus will occur. Just as the fig trees bear fruit in a certain season, the timing of the return will be revealed through signs. Although the earth will eventually fade away, the words of Jesus remain true forever. He instructs the disciples to remain awake and alert because the time of His return and the end of the age is unknown. Only God knows when this time will come.

MARK 14

THE LAST SUPPER + BETRAYAL OF JESUS

As Passover is approaching, the chief priests and elders gather with Caiaphas, the high priest, and plot together to arrest and kill Jesus.

Jesus visits the home of a leper in Bethany, the town where Lazarus, Mary, and Martha live. Lazarus, Mary and Martha were siblings who were very close friends with Jesus. Jesus was a welcomed guest in their home on many occasions ( John 11, Luke 10:38-42, and John 12:3.)

While visiting, a woman takes an expensive balm and anoints the feet of Jesus, wiping them with her hair. Showing humility and sacrifice, the woman honors Him with this intimate and meaningful act. The disciples question why the woman did this, calling it a waste. Jesus says the woman’s actions were beautiful and knew the ointment was for the preparation for His burial, which Jesus knew was quickly approaching.

Judas, one of Jesus’s disciples, goes to the chief priest to ask how much they would pay for Jesus’ capture. Betraying Jesus, Judas turns over His location for the promise of money.

In a large upper room, Jesus gathers the disciples to celebrate Passover. During the meal, Jesus tells the disciples that one of them will betray Him. Troubled by this, each disciple questions who would be the one to betray Him. As Judas was dipping his bread into a dish, Jesus confirms that Judas will be the one to betray Him (Psalm 41:9).

Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, more commonly known as communion. Jesus breaks the bread and pours the wine, describing it as His body broken and His blood poured out for the forgiveness of sins.

After the Passover meal, Jesus foretells that Peter, His disciple, will deny knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows. Peter assures Jesus that he will not deny Him, even if it costs him his life.

Jesus enters the garden of Gethsemane to pray. Distressed and sorrowful, He asks God to remove the dreadful fate awaiting Him. Submitting to God’s will, Jesus understands that His death is necessary. Peter, James, and John, the disciples closest to Jesus, notice He is troubled. Knowing He has been betrayed, Jesus tells them that the hour has come for His arrest.

While they are in the garden, Judas arrives with a great crowd of priests and religious leaders seeking to arrest Jesus. Judas identifies Jesus, kissing His face as a sign to the priests. The crowd seizes Him, taking Him captive. Jesus states that He is following God’s will and fulfilling the teachings of the prophets.

One of the young men with Jesus attempts to follow after Him, but is seized. In this process, he lost his clothes and ran away naked.

Jesus is taken before Caiaphas and his council, put on trial for blasphemy. When questioned about His claims, He remains silent (Isaiah 53:7). The priests mock Jesus, tearing His robes and spitting in His face. When asked directly, Jesus confirms that He is the Son of God, and they want to kill Him for this profession.

Just as Jesus said, Peter is approached three times, questioned about his relationship to Jesus. Three times, Peter denies knowing Him. Remembering what Jesus said, Peter weeps over his denial of Christ.

MARK 15

JESUS BEATEN, MOCKED, + CRUCIFIED

Jesus is handed over to the Roman Governor, Pilate, who questions His identity. Jesus confirms that He is the Son of God, the Jewish Messiah. When the priests and religious leaders make further accusations, Jesus remains silent.

Attempting to spare Jesus, Pilate recalls that during Passover, one prisoner was allowed to be freed. Instead of freeing the innocent Messiah, the crowd cheers to free Barabbas, a criminal guilty of acts of heinous violence and corruption. When Pilate asks what to do with Jesus, the crowd shouts “Crucify him!”

In Leviticus 16:6-10, the high priest Aaron observes the annual ritual of the Day of Atonement—an offering that covers the sins of the Israelites. He brings two male goats, one as a sacrifice to God and the other as the scapegoat, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people. This ancient practice serves as a foreshadowing of Jesus' sacrifice and Barabbas as the symbolic scapegoat who was set free.

Pilate’s soldiers take Jesus and clothe him in purple robes and a crown of thorns, mocking His alleged identity as King of the Jews. They mockingly kneel and spit on Him, showing their hatred and disrespect.

The soldiers walk with Jesus towards the outskirts of the city, where He is to be crucified. Jesus is so weak from being beaten that a man named Simon has to assist Him in carrying the cross where He would soon meet His death.

The site of Jesus' crucifixion is the same site where Abraham offers Isaac (Genesis 22), holding a powerful connection. In both instances, God provides a substitute sacrifice. Just as a ram replaced Isaac in the Old Testament, Jesus becomes the sacrificial lamb for humanity, fulfilling God's plan for redemption.

By His hands and His feet, Jesus is nailed to the cross and lifted up. The soldiers throw dice to divide His clothing between them (Psalm 22:18). The people mock and berate Jesus, asking why He could save others, but not Himself. Even the criminals on the crosses beside Him question His abilities and insult Him as He hangs on the cross.

During the crucifixion, the sky fills with darkness, showing the physical and spiritual significance of His sacrifice. In His final moments, Jesus cries out to God, asking why He has been forsaken (Psalm 22:1). Trusting the Father’s will, Jesus yields His spirit to God, allowing His death on the cross. Seeing Jesus’ dead body on the cross, one of the Roman soldiers recognizes Him as the Savior, saying “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Upon Jesus' death, the temple curtain tore in two, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, allowing access to God’s presence for all believers.

Joseph, one of Jesus’ followers asks Pilate for Jesus’body, wanting to properly bury Him. Joseph takes the body, wraps it in linen clothing, and puts Him in a tomb protected by a large stone.

MARK 16

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS + THE GREAT COMMISSION

After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, visit the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with spices. Mary Magdalene was a disciple of Jesus and one of His ministry’s financial supporters. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus healed her of seven demons (Luke 8:1-3). She witnessed the crucifixion and burial of Jesus and was the first person to see Him after the resurrection. Mary, mentioned in Matthew as the other Mary, is most likely the mother of Jesus.

Wondering how they would open the tomb, the women realize that the stone has already been rolled away. As they enter the tomb, an angel encourages the women, telling them not to be afraid. Sharing the good news of Jesus’ resurrection, the angel tells them, “He has risen, He is not here.” The women leave the tomb, afraid and astonished.

After Jesus rose from the tomb, He first appears to Mary Magdalene. Mary goes to tell Jesus’ disciples, who are mourning and weeping over His death. When they hear that He is alive and that she has seen Him, they could not believe the news.

After appearing to Mary Magdalene, Jesus appears to two of the disciples as they are walking. The two who saw Jesus went back to tell the others, but they still did not believe.

Jesus appears to the eleven disciples, the original twelve minus Judas, as they are sharing a meal together. He rebukes them for their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen Him after the resurrection. Jesus shares with them the Great Commission, to share the gospel with all people and baptize them as followers of Jesus.

After sharing this message with the disciples, Jesus returns to heaven, seated at the right hand of God. The disciples go out to share the gospel message, and God is with them.