The Gospel of Mark

Mark was likely the first of Christ’s followers to write an account of His life and work on the earth. Each Gospel account has its own perspective. Mark’s is that of a Man of action and unlike the other two synoptic Gospels of Matthew and Luke, starts where the action begins.

Vss. 1-8

1. John was the prophesied messenger to make way for the Lord and preached a baptism of repentance.

Vss. 9-13

2. As John baptized Jesus, God the Father identified Him and then proceeded to prove Him.

Vss. 14-20

3. John’s ministry was complete. Jesus began to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom and called followers.

Vss. 21-28

4. The demons identified Jesus as He preached in the synagogue on the Sabbath. He then demonstrated His authority over them.

Vss. 29-39

5. Out of a demanding schedule He took time to pray.

Vss. 40-45

6. He told the healed leper to go obey Moses’ law for his cleansing, for He had come to fulfill it. Matt 5:16-17

So then, true, Biblical Christianity must identify Who Jesus is,

His place in our lives and the command to obey Him.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.”

Matthew 5:16-17

Mark is showing Jesus of Nazareth to be a man of action and not one to shy away from resisting misdirected religiosity .

Vss. 1-12

1. While preaching to a pack-out crowd, Jesus demonstrated His authority over sin with His power over disease to the chagrin of the religious leaders.

Vss. 13-14

2. His command was so compelling that Matthew left his lucrative job.

Vss. 15-17

3. Jesus’s desire to reach the lost drew criticism from the religious.

Vss. 18-22

4. He answered their criticism with a parable that His mission was not to repair sinners but to make them new but they didn’t get it.

Vss. 23-28

5. Jesus repelled their Sabbath controversy by explaining that they defied its purpose by worshiping it instead of the One who ruled it.

So then, the Lord Jesus was teaching us against religion for the sake of ritual instead of reaching other sinners.

Jesus…said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mk 2:17

Jesus continues to demonstrate that religion for the sake of religion can not only blind us but can cause us to sin against God.

Vss. 1-6

The Pharisees watched for something to accuse Jesus of but the man had to obey for healing to come.

Vss.7-12

The demons always knew Him and He had to quiet them.

Vss. 13-19

Jesus included the one He knew would betray Him because of why He had come.

Vss. 20-30

The Pharisees’ religiosity blinded them to the truth and into blasphemy.

Vss. 31-35

The Lord cherishes those who do His will.

So then, the Lord Jesus teaches us to be careful to serve Him and not our religion.

“For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”

Mark 3:35

The disciples listened intently to Jesus as He taught and tried desperately to understand. The problem was that they merely sought to understand His words instead of understanding Him.

Vss. 1-9

The Lord Jesus warned us to foster the seed God places in our soul.

Vss. 10-12

He quoted Isaiah to explain why He used parables to those who have ears.

Vss.13-20

Our enemies: the devil takes the seed away, the world is stony ground on which we can stumble, the flesh chokes us with other enticements.

Good ground brings fruit!

Vss. 21-25

Take heed, God’s light will expose everything.

Vss. 26-34

God is growing His kingdom one little seed at a time, and at the proper time, will bring out its fruit. Only His children can understand.

Vss. 35-41

The disciples awakened Jesus to die with them because they really didn’t know who He is.

2 Kings 6:8-17 (next page)

So then,

We must understand Who Jesus is to understand His words.

Only His children can see Him working.

”But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it,and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred…. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Mark 4:20,23

2 Kings 6:8-17

8.”Now the king of Syria was making war against Israel; and he consulted with his servants, saying, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” 9 And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are coming down there.” 10 Then the king of Israel sent someone to the place of which the man of God had told him. Thus he warned him, and he was watchful there, not just once or twice.

11 Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you not show me which of us is for the king of Israel?”

12 And one of his servants said, “None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.”

13 So he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and get him.”

And it was told him, saying, “Surely he is in Dothan.”

14 Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city.

15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.

16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Jesus went about meeting needs but avoiding sensationalism.

These three situations are about to demonstrate the Lord Jesus’ authority over the supernatural.

Vss. 1-10

Demonic behavior is self destructive and robs their victims of their identity.

Vss. 11-17

Jewish culture there had succumbed to Gentile influence and commercial activity. Jesus showed His disdain for it.

Vss. 18-20

The healed man wanted to go along but the Lord told him to be a witness where he was.

Vss. 21-29

While on His way to heal Jairus’ daughter, a woman who was very sick, broke from doctor bills, and desperate to try anything, touched His cloak and was healed.

Vss. 30-34

When Jesus asked who touched Him, she felt guilty and confessed but He said her faith was what healed her.

Vss. 35-43

Meanwhile, Jairus’ daughter died. They laughed when Jesus said she only slept. He raised her and told them to feed her.

So then, as our Lord shows us His authority over the supernatural, we are advised to live in faith in His power over our circumstances.

“Go to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”

Mark 5:19

The Lord Jesus had work for His disciples to do. They really didn’t understand Him but He gave them what they needed.

Vss. 1-6

The people Jesus grew up with thought they knew him and wouldn’t believe Him. They lost blessings.

Vss. 7-13

He sent the disciples out with no food or extra clothing. All they needed was His authority.

Vss. 14-29

Flashback: The baptizer was killed for standing up for marriage.

Vss. 30-44

They came back to report but then argued with Him about feeding the crowd. They still didn’t get it….

Vss. 45-56

…even when they saw Him walk on the water and stop the wind.

Vss. 53-56

He turned no one away.

So then, our Lord has work for us to do.

He won’t give us everything we want but what we need to do His work.

His grace is available to all.

“…Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven… now go and make disciples”

Luke 10:20; Matt 28:19

The Word of God teaches that there are many enemies of the Kingdom of God. The Lord Jesus warned us about the one that gives us the most trouble.

Vss. 1-5

The Scribes and Pharisees criticized Jesus for letting His disciples ignore their traditions.

Vss. 6-8

He quoted Isaiah to tell them their worship was empty …

Vss.9-13

…because they had replaced God’s Word with those traditions.

Vss. 14-16

He taught the crowd that it’s not what goes in but what comes out that defiles us.

Vss. 17-23

He had to explain to His disciples that a man is not defiled by his food but by his words and deeds, because all of our sins originate in our hearts and minds.

Vss. 24-30

Jesus healed the Gentile woman’s daughter because she knew her place.

So then, of the world, the flesh and the devil, the enemy that attacks us from within is our sin nature in our flesh.

We must walk in the Spirit.

“For I know that in me that is, in my flesh, nothing good dwells… Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Romans 7:18, 24-25

"If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. . . . And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof" (1 John 2:15, 17).

"for the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: " (Galatians 5:17 "for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8).

Jesus kept warning His followers about sensationalism for it clouded the real reason that He came.

Now He makes it plain.

Mark 7:31-37

Despite what He told them, they all thought it was about the miracles.

8:1-9

The disciples argued with Him again, about not having enough.

Vss. 10-13

Even the religious leaders looked for signs.

Vss. 14-21

When He warned about the yeast of the Pharisees, the disciples were still fixated on how little they had.

Vss. 22-30

After healing another blind man, He asked the disciples who He is. Peter boldly said, the Messiah.

Vss. 31-33

From that time on, He began to teach them that He came to die and rise again. They didn’t get it.

Vss. 34-38

Conclusion:

The Lord Jesus explained why He came and what it means to be His disciple:

The test is faithfulness and the cost is everything.

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me … will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Mark 8:34-35

The Lord Jesus warns His followers about our attitudes about our status, as displayed by how we treat others.

Vs. 1

The Lord Jesus told the disciples that some of them would see the power of God’s coming Kingdom.

Vss. 2-8

When Peter saw Jesus talking to Moses and Elijah, he assumed they were equal. God corrected him saying, He’s my Son!

Vss. 9-13

They didn’t understand what He meant by ”rise from the dead” and changed the subject to Elijah.

Vss.14-29

When His disciples asked why they couldn’t heal the deaf mute, He said it depends on their prayer life. They were obviously not ready.

Vss. 30-37

They still didn’t understand about His death but were concerned about their status in the kingdom. He said that is not obtained by seeking it but by how they treat little people.

Vss. 38-50

He warned against tearing down other believer groups and causing others to stumble. We must live a seasoned life. 1 Cor 12:3

So then,

rather than wanting to be important in God’s Kingdom, we must genuinely want to be His servant by serving others.

“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

Mark 9:35

The Lord Jesus was still trying to tell the disciples why He came but they were still hung up about status. It’s all about attitude.

Vss. 1-12

Marriage is one man with one woman for life. God hates divorce but allows for victims of it. Malachi 2:16; 1 Corinthians 7:15

Vss. 13-16

Our faith must be that of a child. They have a special place in His heart.

Vss. 17-22

He told the rich ruler that we can’t serve Him if we have other gods.

Vss. 23-31

The disciples were confused about who could be saved. Jesus explained we must abandon everything else to be His servant.

Vss. 32-34

He again made clear that He would be killed and rise again.

Vss. 35-45

But the disciples were still hung up about status. Jesus said we can’t be important in His kingdom by seeking it. We must have a servant attitude like His.

John 13:16; 15:20

Vss. 46-52

He told Bartimaeus that his faith had healed his sight.

So then, we can’t be a follower of Christ without taking on His servant attitude by considering our suffering in light of His.

“But whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45

In this very familiar story, mentioned in all four Gospels, Mark helps us understand things that we might not grasp without his help.

Vs. 1

From Beth-pha-ge (house of unripe figs) & Beth-any (dates)…

Vss. 2-8

… Jesus road an unridden animal (fulfilling the law) over a symbol of life and a symbol of their uncleanness. Zechariah 9:9

Vss. 9-11

The people shouted “hoshiah-nah!” (Hebrew: save us we pray) as a heavenly praise and declaring He represented David’s coming kingdom.

Vss. 12-14; 20-26

Jesus taught His disciples that effective prayer is inextricably linked to unwavering faith and unrestrained mercy. Micah 6:8

Vss. 15-19

He infuriated the religious rulers who had allowed the Temple to be used for unlawful profiteering. Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11

Vss. 27-33

The scribes and priests really did not understand Who they were trying to outwit. Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; John 14:9

So then, to become effective disciples we must:

>surrender all our uncleanness,

>live by faith,

>extend mercy, and

>know Who we’re really dealing with.

“And as it is appointed for men once to die but after that the Judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him, He will appear a second time…” Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.! Hebrews 9:27-28; Revelation 1:3

Vs 9

hósanna: hoshia-na: save, we pray

ὡσαννά (Gr) of Hebrew Form (ho-san-nah') Of Hebrew origin (yasha' and na'); oh save!; hosanna (i.e. Hoshia-na), an exclamation of adoration -- hosanna.

(Aramaic and Hebrew, originally a cry for help), hosanna!, a cry of happiness.

Blessed εὐλογέω (yoo-log-eh'-o) : to speak well of, praise, bless

The Lord was continually bombarded with questions about earning the favor of God. How much do we have to give?

Vss. 1-12

The Lord Jesus told a parable that foretold His death. Instead of feeling convicted by it, the Pharisees were insulted, showing their true heart.

Vss. 13-17

The Pharisees and Herodians tried to trick Him together by asking about taxes. His answer taught about our personal responsibility.

Vss. 18-27

When the Sadducees tried to trick Him regarding resurrection, He told them they were not only wrong about resurrection but also about marriage in Heaven.

Vss. 28-34

Finally, a scribe asked Him an honest question about the greatest commandment. The Lord Jesus told him the whole law was built on loving God and others.

Vss.35-40

When the scribes couldn’t answer His question about David calling his descendent Lord, He warned the people about the scribes’ motives.

Vss. 41-44

The Lord Jesus taught that the poor widow gave more than the rich Pharisees because she gave everything.

So how much do we have to give if we truly love God?

All of it!

“…She out of her poverty gave all that she had….

…Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Mark 12:44, 17

The Lord Jesus warned us about the last days and what to look for to know His return is almost here. He just didn’t tell us exactly when it would happen so we must be on the watch!

Vss. 1-4

The disciples were impressed by the Temple but the Lord Jesus told them it would all be destroyed. Of course, they asked when.

Vss. 5-8

He said deceivers, wars and widespread disasters would come but that’s only the beginning.

Vss. 9-13

You will be hated, persecuted and many killed because of your faith but hold on.

Vss. 14-25

When you see the deceiver claim to be God, a time of tribulation unlike any other in history will begin and many will claim to be Christ.

Don’t believe it.

Vss. 26-27

Then Christ will return and His angels will gather us.

Vss. 28-31

Be assured that humanity will not be destroyed before He Comes. We’ll know when it’s getting close…..

Vss. 32-37

…but we won’t know the day or the hour until it happens.

So watch!

So then,

we see the deception, the wars, the disasters, the hatred, and the persecution. The time is at hand. Don’t be surprised like the others. Watch!

“…When you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors!

Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master is coming… Lest he find you sleeping….Watch!” Mark 13:29,36,37

Throughout the Lord’s ministry the most confused people were usually His own disciples. But now things were about to get really tense!

Vss. 1-2, 10-11

The Pharisees plotted to kill Him and wanted to wait until after Passover but Judas made it easy and came to them.

Vss. 3-9

A woman anointed Him for burial with expensive perfume but was criticized by the disciples.

Vss. 12-21

While eating Passover, the disciples were distraught when the Lord announced that one of them would betray Him.

Vss. 22-31

He taught them that the Passover was about His death and that they would all bail on Him and Pete would unfriend Him.

They all denied it.

Vss. 32-42

The Lord Jesus prepared for the purpose of His advent by praying and submitting to God’s will but He found the disciples sleeping when the time came.

Vss. 43-52

Judas betrayed Him with a kiss and they all ran away.

Vss. 53-72

The court was stacked with conflicting testimonies but they condemned Him anyway. Meanwhile right outside, Peter couldn’t take the pressure and denied he even knew Him.

So when our hour of trial comes will we flee?

Will we deny? Will we be caught sleeping?

or be one who “endures to the end”?

“When [Jesus] comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

Luke 18:8

Many refer to Jesus’ fate as a tragedy.

God referred to it as His purpose.

Vss.1-5

The Lord Jesus was silent to all the accusations, just as Isaiah had said. The only question He answered was about His identity.

Vss. 6-15

Pilate thought he had a way out by offering Barabbas but he yielded to political correctness.

Vss. 16-21

The Roman scourging was intensely vicious and so weakened the Lord Jesus that He needed help with the cross.

Vss. 22-26

They gambled for his clothes as David prophesied and crucified Him at 9am for the crime of being King of the Jews.

Vss. 27-32

He was killed with criminals and mocked as prophesied.

Vss. 33-41

It was dark at midday for three hours. When God turned His back, Jesus cried out and died, and the Temple Veil was torn from the top.

Vss. 42-47

He was buried with the rich as prophesied.

Everything that happened to our Lord at His death was prophesied and He willingly submitted to God’s will.

Do we see our circumstances as tragedy or purpose?

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings…. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. ”

Hebrews 10:22-23

“Until we can come face to face with the deepest, darkest fact of life without damaging our view of God’s character, we do not yet know Him.”

Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest, 7/29

Mark finished his account by explaining how God changed their fear, doubt and defeat into unquenchable joy and power with the core of our Christian faith – Christ is risen!

Vss. 1-6

1. At first the women were worried about the stone but then were frightened by what they found.

Vss.7-8

2. They were told to go tell the disciples what they saw but were too scared to do that.

Vss. 9-13

3. Mary M. believed when she saw Him but the disciples didn’t believe her or the two on the road. Luke 24:13-32

Vs. 14

4. When they finally believed, He rebuked them for not believing without seeing. John 20:29; 1 Corinthians 15:5-6

Vss. 15-18

5. Then they were able to receive their commission.

Vss. 19-20

6. Then He ascended and they proceeded to change the world.

So then, we need not be fearful, doubtful or defeated because we serve a risen Savior!

“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Romans 10:9