Lesson text: Mark 1:1-15
We begin our study of Mark’s gospel with an examination of John the Baptist, his mission and his ministry. We then turn to Jesus’ baptism, His time in the wilderness with Satan, and the beginning of His ministry in Galilee. The lesson worksheet will help guide you through each lesson, and you are free to print, copy, and share with others.
Lesson text: Mark 1:16-31
As Jesus begins his public ministry, He calls the first four of his primary disciples. Setting up Capernaum as His base of operations, He goes into the synagogue on the Sabbath. There Jesus astonishes the people with both His teaching and His power over a demon. The section concludes with Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law.
Lesson text: Mark 1:32-45
As Jesus’ fame begins to spread across Galilee, the demands for His miracles grow. The disciples, new to all this excitement, are initally swept up in the commotion. Jesus brings them back to the purpose of His mission, and they set out to preach in the region. As this point a leper asks Jesus for healing. Jesus heals the man but tells him to not spread the news of what Jesus has done. The man disregards this command, creating issues for Jesus.
Lesson text: Mark 2:1-12
Most people have heard the account that begins Mark chapter 2. Four men drop their paralytic friend through the roof so that Jesus can heal him. Jesus’ first response is to tell the men that because of their faith the paralytic man’s sins are forgiven. This is the point where this encounter becomes much more than just a “story” told in children’s church.
Lesson text: Mark 2:13-28
This lesson covers the three central passages in Mark’s early section on the growing animosity toward Jesus on the part of the Jewish leaders. Jesus calls Matthew to be a disciple, after which they dine with tax collectors and “sinners.” The Pharisees then ask Jesus why He and his disciples do not practice fasting. Finally, the question of the Sabbath comes to the forefront, and Jesus makes its purpose clear.
Lesson text: Mark 3:1-19
The first part of chapter three completes the conflict section begun in lesson 4. Jesus is watched closely by the Pharisees as He heals a man on the Sabbath. In the aftermath of this, the plot to kill Jesus begins to take shape. Knowing this, Jesus and His followers go down to the Sea of Galilee. There He heals many and drives out demons. People come from many miles away, far outside of Galilee, to be healed by Jesus. This lesson concludes with Jesus appointing the twelve apostles from among His disciples.
Lesson text: Mark 3:20-35
The second half of chapter three brings Jesus’ earthly family into focus. They are concerned for His well-being as He ministers to the throngs who seek His help. While these well-meaning relatives and friends believe Jesus has lost His mind, the Jewish scribes on hand posit a much darker occurrence. They accuse Jesus of being not only possessed of a demon, but actually working in league with Satan. In turn, Jesus responds to both the scribes and His family.
Lesson text: Mark 4:1-20
The parable of the sower is one of the best known in the gospels. It points to the imperative of spreading the message of Jesus far and wide. But what about the four soils Jesus talks about in the parable? Much has been written about them over the last two thousand years.
Lesson text: Mark 4:21-41
Most of the remainder of chapter four recounts Jesus teaching in parables. Jesus explains that an individual will receive in proportion to what they commit. Those who demonstrate faith and a willingness to learn will be rewarded with more. Those who reject the message will lose what little they have received. Jesus then teaches about the growth of the church with two more agricultural parables. The chapter ends with Jesus calming the sea during an unexpected storm.
Lesson text: Mark 5:1-20
Jesus encounters a demon-possessed man on the east side of the Sea of Galilee. In fact, the man is possessed with many demons. He introduces himself as Legion and pleads with Jesus to not drive the demons from the area. Instead, he asks Jesus to allow the demons to enter a herd of pigs. Jesus gives His permission and the demons transfer from the man to the herd. Startled, the pigs rush into the sea and are drowned. This turn of events, along with the marked change in the man, terrifies the people of the area.
Lesson text: Mark 5:21-43
This section of Mark contains a miracle account within a miracle account. Jesus is approached by synagogue leader Jairus, whose daughter is gravely ill. Jesus agrees to heal the girl and they head to Jairus’ home, along with a huge crowd. But en route, a desperately ill woman touches Jesus, hoping for healing. This bold act on her part gets Jesus’ attention, leading to an enlightening conversation.
Lesson text: Mark 6:1-13
An eventful chapter begins with Jesus and His disciples going to Nazareth. Though a native son, Jesus is met with derision and animosity when He teaches in the synagogue. Seeing no real faith among the people of His hometown, Jesus and His group move on. Next, He sends out the Twelve to evangelize in the surrounding towns. His instructions to them as they depart point to total dependence in God’s provision.
Lesson text: Mark 6:14-29
John the Baptist has been very vocal about Herod Antipas’ marriage. Herod had divorced his wife in order to marry his brother’s wife. This is illegal according to Jewish law. But John sees it as an affront to God’s righteousness as well. Unfortunately for John, his complaints to Herod anger Herodias, Herod’s wife. It also ensnares John in a substantial amount of political intrigue. Then one dance seals John’s fate.
Lesson text: Mark 6:30-44
Jesus’ feeding of the 5000 is the only miracle He performed which is in all four gospels. The disciples had just gotten back from their first evangelistic mission without Jesus. John the Baptist had recently been murdered by Herod Antipas. It was time for rest and refueling. But the crowd still pressed in. Yet Jesus was not angered or resistant to them. Instead He showed them great compassion.
Lesson text: Mark 6:45-56
An action-packed chapter comes to a close with Jesus performing yet another new type of miracle. After feeding the 5,000 He sends the disciples away to cross over the sea to Bethsaida. Strong winds hinder their progress. Late in the evening Jesus approaches them, walking on the water. The disciples are afraid, thinking this to be a ghost. Jesus again challenges their concept of who He really is and why they are with Him.
Lesson text: Mark 7:1-23
The matter of ceremonial defilement is front and center as chapter 7 begins. Jesus is challenged by Pharisees from Jerusalem. They take issue with the fact that Jesus’ disciples do not follow the regulations for ritual hand washing before eating. Jesus first responds to these men, pointing out that they elevate man’s tradition over God’s law. He uses their legal loopholes in denying financial assistance to their parents as a glaring example. He then explains to the gathered crowd that defilement comes from the heart, not from outside sources.
Lesson text: Mark 7:24-37
Jesus and His disciples make their way to Phoenicia. There Jesus encounters a Gentile woman whose daughter is demon-possessed. What follows is a fun and instructive conversation between the Lord and this desperate mother. The group then travels to the Decapolis, where the crowd brings Jesus a deaf man who also has a speech impediment. Jesus’ encounter with this man is unique and personal.
Lesson text: Mark 8:1-21
Mark records Jesus feeding the 4000 in the area of the Decapolis to start chapter 8. On the heels of this miracle the Pharisees appear on the scene again. They request that Jesus give them a sign, which He promptly refuses to do. Getting into a boat with His disciples, the group heads out into the Sea of Galilee. Jesus warns them about the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod, which they completely misunderstand.
Lesson text: Mark 8:22-36
The second half of the eighth chapter of Mark’s gospel is momentous. This is a pivot point in the narrative of Jesus’ earthly mission. For the first time, Jesus plainly explains to His disciples why He has come. While they are expecting that Jesus will set up his earthly reign, He explains that He is destined to die on a cross. Peter is not having any of it, and he lets Jesus know. Jesus in turn rebukes Peter for not being in tune with God’s greater purpose.
Lesson text: Mark 9:1-13
Jesus’ Transfiguration is a turning point in Mark’s gospel. Peter, James, and John accompany Jesus to the top of a mountain. There they are joined by Moses and Elijah and Jesus is transformed. Peter would mention this in his second epistle. John may have been alluding to this at the beginning of his gospel. The event definitely made an impact on these men. And yet Jesus told them to keep what they saw to themselves until after His resurrection.
Lesson text: Mark 9:14-29
Jesus and his “inner circle” of Peter, James, and John come down from the mountain to a major uproar. The other disciples are in an argument with some Jewish scribes. The dispute seems to be centered around a demon-possessed boy. The nine who didn’t go up the mountain cannot exorcise the demon. The boy’s father is beside himself. In the midst of this turmoil stands Jesus. What he does and says next are lessons on the power of faith and prayer.
Lesson text: Mark 9:30-50
Jesus predicts His impending death on the cross to the disciples for a second time. On this occasion, He adds that He will be betrayed, or given over, into the hands of men. In the aftermath of this prophecy, Jesus takes the disciples aside for an extending teaching time. This begins with His response to their debate over who is the greatest. He then explains that any who serve in His name are part of His kingdom.
Lesson text: Mark 10:1-16
As Jesus and his disciples head for Jerusalem, He is challenged by the Pharisees. This time, they confront Him regarding His position on divorce. Jesus presents God’s ideal for marriage, which precludes divorce. Later the disciples ask Jesus to explain this further. He tells them that divorcing a spouse and remarrying is an act of adultery. At this point people begin to bring their children to Jesus for His blessing. The disciples attempt to turn the children away. This displeases Jesus. He then uses the children as an object lesson on who will be accepted into the kingdom of God.
Lesson text: Mark 10:17-34
The man who has come to be known as the rich young ruler comes to Jesus. He wants to know what he must do to ensure himself eternal life. After a short conversation about keeping the law, Jesus tells him he needs to give away his wealth and follow Him. The young man leaves dejected. This leads to a conversation between Jesus and the disciples on who can make it into God’s heaven. The reality is that no one can do it on their own. Jesus then tells them about His crucifixion and resurrection for a third time.
Lesson text: Mark 10:35-52
James and John ask Jesus to allow them to sit at His right and left hand in glory. While this angers the other disciples, Jesus sees a teaching opportunity. He explains that greatness in God’s kingdom is based on service, not authority. Jesus Himself had come to earth to serve, not to be served by others. The pinnacle of His service would be His death on the cross. Soon after this, the group passes through Jericho before beginning the ascent to Jerusalem. A blind man named Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus, using the title “Son of David.” Other tell him to leave Jesus alone, but Jesus calls Bartimaeus over. Ultimately Jesus heals Bartimaeus, who then proceeds to follow Jesus toward Jerusalem.
Lesson text: Mark 11:1-14
Chapter 11 begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on what has become known as Palm Sunday. Jesus deliberately rides into the city on the colt of a donkey. This action fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. Yet the disciples and most of the people watching Him miss the significance of Jesus’ actions. Once in the city, Jesus peruses the temple complex before heading out to Bethany. The next day He curses a fig tree when He finds that it has no edible fruit.
Lesson text: Mark 11:15-33
On the day after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus enters the temple complex. He is appalled to see the Court of the Gentiles being used for the selling of animals and for currency exchange. He drives out the vendors because of their misuse of this area intended for worship. This event angers the scribes and chief priests, who now want Jesus dead. The next day, Peter notices that the fig tree cursed by Jesus is utterly dead. This “destruction miracle” gives Jesus another opportunity to teach His disciples about the power of faith. Later, as the group arrives back in Jerusalem, Jesus is confronted by the Jewish leaders. They want to know by what authority He cleansed the temple and teaches the people. Jesus answers them with a question that stops them cold in their tracks.
Lesson text: Mark 12:1-17
Continuing His exchange with the Jewish leaders from chapter 11, Jesus recounts a parable about a vineyard. The owner has entrusted the vineyard to tenants who abuse, injure, and even kill the owner’s servants who are sent to collect the rent. When he sends his son, they decide to kill him so they can take possession of the vineyard. Jesus has harsh words for these tenants, which angers the Jewish leaders. The next day they attempt to trap Him in his words by asking about whether they should pay taxes to Caesar.
Lesson text: Mark 12:18-34
Jesus’ crucifixion week encounters continue with the Sadducees approaching Him. These Jewish leaders did not believe in the resurrection or angels, and were skeptical about anything supernatural. The Sadducees, wanting to embarrass Jesus, ask Him about how death and remarriage work in the resurrection. Jesus responds by telling them they are sorely mistaken about Scripture. A scribe, impressed by Jesus’ response to the Sadducees, poses a sincere question to Jesus about the greatest commandment. Jesus takes the man back to not one but two passages from the Torah.
Lesson text: Mark 12:35-44; Mark 13:1-2
As Jesus completes His public ministry, a few matters remain. Sitting in the temple, He asks how the Messiah can be David’s Son and his Lord? This is another challenge to the Jewish leaders’ understanding of Scripture. He then warns the people of the hypocrisy and self-serving nature of the scribes. Just before leaving the temple, Jesus notices a widow giving all she has as an offering. Her generosity is a stark contrast to the greed of the scribes and Pharisees. As Jesus and his disciples head for the Mount of Olives, one of His followers notes the grandeur of the temple. Jesus responds by telling him that the temple will be utterly destroyed. This prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD.
Lesson text: Mark 12:3-23
Leaving the temple complex, Jesus leads His disciples up to the Mount of Olives. There He presents what has come to be known as the Olivet Discourse. Jesus alternates between prophecies about the destruction of the temple and the Day of the Lord. Underlying this, He encourages their (and our) faithfulness and obedience.
Lesson text: Mark 13:24-37
We complete our investigation of the “Olivet Discourse.” Jesus gives instructions regarding the fall of Jerusalem, telling his hearers to escape with haste. There will be false teachers who discourage their departure, but they must not listen to these men. Jesus then describes the day of the Lord, when He will come in the clouds with great power and glory. But because no one knows when that day is coming, He tells His followers that they must stay ever vigilant.
Lesson text: Mark 14:1-26
As Jesus’ crucifixion draws nearer, the tension and intrigue build. In Bethany, Mary anoints Jesus with a flask of costly perfume. Judas complains about what he sees as a waste of resources, but Jesus challenges his perspective. Jesus then has two of His disciples go to Jerusalem to prepare a place for them to celebrate the Passover meal. While there, Jesus institutes the Lord’s supper. All the while, Judas is plotting how he can betray Jesus.
Lesson text: Mark 14:27-42
Jesus and His disciples have left the upper room and are headed to the Mount of Olives. Along the way, Jesus tells them that they will be scattered before very long. Peter protests, which leads Jesus to tell him he will actually deny his rabbi before the cock crows twice. They arrive at the Garden of Gethsemane, and Jesus invites Peter, James, and John to join Him in prayer. Jesus is greatly troubled, knowing what lies before Him.
Lesson text: Mark 14:43-65
Judas agrees to betray Jesus to the Jewish leaders, choosing the garden of Gethsemane as the place of his betrayal. Once in custody, Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin. They are looking for some charge that ill allow them to sentence Him to death. Ultimately they declare that Jesus is guilty of blasphemy.
Lesson text: Mark 14:66-15:15
Jesus has been arrested and is now standing trial before the Sanhedrin. Outside, Peter is sticking close. But a servant girl recognizes him and says he was with Jesus. Peter denies this. In short order, he denies Jesus twice more. At this, he hears the cock crow, reminding him that Jesus said Peter would deny Him. As night turns to morning, the Sanhedrin bring Jesus to Pontius Pilate. They need Pilate to endorse their death sentence. This will prove to be a more difficult task than they had hoped.
Lesson text: Mark 15:16-32
Having yielded to the pressure of the crowd, Pilate turns Jesus over to his soldiers for crucifixion. The soldiers proceed to mock Jesus, placing a purple robe on Him and “honoring” Him with a crown of thorns. Jesus is then led out toward the place of execution, a hill called Golgotha. He falls beneath the weight of the crossbeam He is forced to carry, so the soldiers draft a man named Simon to carry it for Him. Once at Golgotha, Jesus is nailed to the cross and placed between two criminals. Meanwhile, the soldiers cast lots for His clothing as the onlookers ridicule Jesus.
Lesson text: Mark 15:33-47
After three hours of darkness in the middle of the day, Jesus dies on the cross. At the end He is still much stronger than the usual crucifixion victim. Watching all this transpire, the centurion in charge is moved by Jesus’ manner of death. Joseph of Arimathea asks for Jesus’ body so that He may be buried. Pilate is surprised by how quickly Jesus has died, but he approves the release. The women from Galilee who have followed and supported Jesus throughout His ministry have witnessed His death and burial.
Lesson text: Mark 16:1-8
The chapter begins with the women going to Jesus’ tomb to anoint His body. But they’re met by an angel who tells them that Jesus has risen from the dead! He instructs the women to tell the disciples, including Peter, that Jesus will meet them in Galilee. They see that the tomb is empty, but they’re fearful to tell anyone what they’ve been told. A majority of modern scholars believe that this is where Mark’s gospel ends. No post-resurrection appearance of Jesus. No Great Commission passage like the other gospels. Instead, Mark ends in the same abrupt manner with which his account of Jesus’ life and ministry began.