A Study of Mark

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Mark 1

By: Jim Crews

 

The Book of Mark was written by John Mark in Rome in 64. This book was written to the Romans in order to show the ministry and life of Jesus to them. John Mark died in 69 in Alexandria, Egypt.

 

Mark 1: 1 - 8

Mark begins at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. He restates the prophecy by Isaiah of a messenger who would prepare the way for the Messiah. He then tells of John the Baptist in his wilderness ministry. John was teaching and proclaiming a baptism for the forgiveness of sins. He dressed in old clothing and ate locusts and wild honey. He preached that the coming Messiah was greater than him, and that while he baptized with water, the Messiah would baptize them with the Holy Spirit.

 

Mark 1: 9 - 11

Jesus came from Nazareth to be baptized by John, When He came up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descending on Him like a dove, proclaiming that He was the beloved Son of God, and God was well pleased with Him.

 

Mark 1: 12 - 13

He was immediately driven to the wilderness by the Spirit for forty days to be tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals and angels ministered to Him.

 

Mark 1: 14 - 15

After John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God. He told them that the time was fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God was at hand. He taught them to repent and believe in the gospel. The time that was fulfilled was the time prophesied by Daniel. This was the end of the Mosaic Age.

 

Mark 1: 16 - 20

While passing along the Sea of Galilee, Jesus Simon and Andrew fishing. He told them to follow Him and become fishers of men. They immediately left their nets and followed. A little farther along, He saw James and John, sons of Zebedee, in their  boats mending nets. He called them and they immediately left Zebedee and followed Jesus.

 

Mark 1: 21 - 28

They got to Capernaum, and on the Sabbath Jesus immediately entered the synagogue and began teaching. They were astonished because Jesus taught as one who had authority, not like the scribes taught.

A demon possessed man came into the synagogue. He knew that Jesus was the Son of God, and asked had He come to destroy them at that time.  Jesus told the demon to be silent and come out of the man. The demon convulsed the man and came out of him. The people were amazed and asked if this was a new teaching with authority, since Jesus was able to command demons, who had to obey Him. His fame spread through the region. This is why miracles were used in the first century. To show that what was being taught was authorized by God. Anyone claiming to have some new teaching from God today, had better be prepared to back it up by performing true miracles.

 

Mark 1: 29 - 31

They left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon, Andrew, James, and John. Simon’s mother-in-law was sick with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. He healed her and she began to serve them.

 

Mark 1: 32 - 34

That evening, the people came with their sick and with those who were demon possessed. Jesus healed the sick. He cast out the demons, refusing to let them speak because they knew who He was.

 

Mark 1: 35 - 39

Jesus rose early and went to a secluded place to pray. Simon found Him and told Him everyone was looking for Him. He told them that they were moving along to the next towns to preach, because this was His mission. He went through all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues, healing the sick, and casting out demons.

 

Mark 1: 40 - 45

A leper came and begged Jesus to heal Him. Jesus was moved with pity and healed the man. Jesus told him not to tell anyone, but to go to the priest to fulfill his duties under the Mosaic Law. The man spread the news freely, so Jesus couldn’t go into any towns without attracting a crowd. He stayed in the wilderness, but people came out to Him anyway.

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Mark 2

By: Jim Crews

 

Mark 2: 1 - 12

Jesus returned to Capernaum, and it was reported that He was there. Many people gathered to hear Him, and there was no more room, not even at the door, for others to get in, to hear Him preaching the Word. Four men had a friend who was paralyzed. They wanted to bring him to Jesus to be healed, but couldn’t get through the crowd. They went to the roof and lowered their friend down to Jesus from there. When Jesus saw their faith, he forgave the paralyzed man’s sins. The crowds, murmuring in their hearts, were convinced Jesus had committed blasphemy because only God can forgive sins. Jesus, who IS God, knew their thoughts and confronted them. He asked was it easier to say your sins are forgiven, or to say rise and walk. So that they would know that He had authority while on Earth to forgive sins, He commanded the paralyzed man to rise and walk. The man was healed and the crowd was amazed. This passage should always be remembered when speaking to faith only people about the thief on the cross.

 

Mark 2: 13 - 14

Jesus went out to the sea again, and the crowds followed Him. He continued His teachings. As He was passing by a certain place, He saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax booth. Levi was a tax collector. We know him better as Matthew. Jesus called him to follow, and Levi did.

 

Mark 2: 15 - 17

As Jesus was reclining at dinner, many tax collectors and sinners were dining with Him. The scribes and Pharisees saw this and asked His disciples why He ate with sinners and tax collectors. Jesus heard it and told them that those who are not sick are not in need of a doctor. He came to call the sinners, not the righteous.

 

Mark 2: 18 - 22

John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. People came to Jesus and asked why His disciples didn’t fast. Jesus illustrated the reason by saying the wedding guests don’t fast while the bridegroom is present. He tells them though, that the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away. Then His disciples will fast. He illustrates the change in Testaments coming by saying you don’t patch up old clothes with new cloth, nor do you put new wine into old wineskins. This is showing that the Gospel will be replacing the Mosaic Law. This is detailed in the book of Hebrews.

 

Mark 2: 23-28

One Sabbath, His disciples were plucking grain as they passed through a grainfield, because they were hungry. The Pharisees asked why He allowed this violation of their Sabbath Law.

 

Jesus confronted them with their hypocrisy by reminding them that they didn’t condemn David for having eaten the bread of the Presence, which was lawful only for priest to eat.  He then tells them that He is Lord of the Sabbath.

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Mark 3

By: Jim Crews

 

Mark 3: 1 - 6

Jesus entered the synagogue, and saw a man with a withered hand. The Jews watched Him to see if He would heal the man on the Sabbath, so that they could accuse Him. He asked rhetorically whether it was lawful on the Sabbath to do good and save a life, or to do evil and kill? There was no answer from the people in the synagogue. Jesus looked around, and was angry at their stubborness. He healed the man. The Pharisees began conspiring with the Herodians as to how they could destroy Jesus.

 

Mark 3: 7 - 12

Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea. Great crowds from Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, even from Tyre and Sidon. He told His disciples to have a boat ready for Him because of the great crowd. He had been healing their sick, so they were crowding around Him. Whenever demons possessing men saw Him, they fell down and cried out that he was the Son of God. He commanded the demons not to make this known.

 

Mark 3: 13 - 19

He went upon a mountain and called those who He wanted to come up with Him. He appointed twelve, who He called apostles, so that they could be with Him, and He could send them out to preach and gave them authority to cast out demons. He appointed Simon, who He called Peter. James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who He named Sons of Thunder. He also chose Andrew, Phillip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who would betray Him.

 

Mark 3: 20 - 21

He went home and the crowd was so huge that they couldn’t even eat. His family heard it and went out to seize Him, because they thought He was out of His mind.

 

Mark 3: 22 - 27

The scribes came down and claimed that Jesus was possessed by Beelzebul, and that He was casting out demons by the power of Satan. He asked them how Satan could cast out Satan? He then stated the universal fact that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, and a house divided against itself will fall. If Satan has risen up against himself, he cannot stand, and is coming to an end. He then tells why He casts out demons.

 

He says when you enter the strongman’s house, you can’t plunder it until you bind the strongman. Satan has had free reign in the affairs of men since Eden, Now that is about to come to an end.

 

Mark 3: 28 - 30

Jesus tells them that all sins and blasphemies will be forgiven except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. This was because they were giving Satan credit for things done by God. That is the only way to blaspheme the Holy Spirit.

 

Mark 3: 31 - 35

Jesus mother and brothers came, and the crowd told Him that they were there. Jesus pointed to the crowd and said they were his family. Whoever does the Will of God is His family.

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Mark 4

By: Jim Crews

 

Mark 4: 1 - 9

Jesus began to teach them beside the sea. There were so many people there, that He got into a boat and taught them from there. He taught them many things in parables. He told them the parable of the sower. A sower sowed his seed. Some fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it. Some fell on rocky ground. There wasn’t much soil, so these sprang up and wilted when the sun grew hot. Some fell among thorns, where it was choked out by them. Some fell on good ground and produced much fruit. Jesus told the one who has ears to hear this parable.

 

Mark 4: 10 - 13

When He was alone with them, those around Him and the twelve asked Him about the parables. Jesus told them that to them, the secrets of the Kingdom were to be made known, but for those outside, it would remain in parables. This was in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah quoted by Jesus. He told them that if they didn’t understand this parable, how were they going to understand the rest.

 

Mark 4: 14 - 20

Jesus then explained the parable of the sower. The sower sows the Word of God. Some people hear it, and it means absolutely nothing to them. These are those on the path. Some people hear it, and joyfully obey, but they don’t take the time to grow. When trials and tribulations arise, they fall away quickly. These are those on the rocky ground. Some people hear it, but are more concerned with the cares and troubles of this world, so it is choked out. These are those among the thorns. Some people hear it, believe it fully, obey it, and study and grow in knowledge of it. These are those on the good ground bearing fruit.

 

Mark 4: 21 - 25

In speaking of the Word, Jesus asks them do they hide a light under a basket? No, then it wouldn’t shine for all to see. This is the secret of the Gospel. Nothing would remain secret, and all would be revealed. They would be the ones to reveal it. Those who obeyed and grew, would receive many things, including eternal life. Those who did not, would lose everything, even their soul.

 

Mark 4: 26 - 29

The Kingdom of God would be like a seed. Men sow the seed, but don’t know how it grows. The Kingdom was going to come quickly, and grow quickly, just like these seeds.

 

Mark 4: 30 - 32

The Kingdom would be like a mustard seed. This seed is very small, but produces a great plant with large branches. The Kingdom would start small but grow immeasurably.

 

Mark 4: 33 - 34

He spoke to them with many parables. He explained everything privately with His disciples.

 

Mark 4: 35 - 41

When evening had come that day, Jesus told them that they were going across the sea. They left the crowd, got into the boat, and departed. A huge windstorm arose, causing giant waves and filling the boat with water. Jesus was asleep in the stern. They woke Him up and asked if He cared that they were about to die? He told the storm to calm, and it obeyed. This demonstrated His power over natural forces. He then asked His disciples if they would ever have faith. They were filled with fear, asking themselves who this was, who could command the weather and the sea.

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Mark 5

By: Jim Crews

 

Mark 5: 1 - 13

When they got to the other side and disembarked, they were met immediately by a demon possessed man. He lived in the tombs, and had become too strong to be bound by any means. He was stronger than all the men in the region. He spent night and day in the tombs crying out and cutting himself. When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran to Him and asked what the Son of God had to do with him. He begged Jesus not to torment him. Jesus asked the demon its name, and He was told that its name is Legion, because it was many. Legion begged Jesus not to send him out of the country, but to allow him to go into the herd of pigs nearby. Jesus allowed this, and the pigs threw themselves into the sea.

 

Mark 5: 14 - 20

The herdsmen ran to tell the people, who came out and saw the once demon possessed man in healthy shape. They were afraid. The people who had witnessed the miracle told it to the rest of the people. They begged Jesus to leave. As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed begged to go with them. Jesus told him to go home to his family and tell how much the Lord had been merciful to him. He did this, and everyone marvelled.

 

Mark 5: 21 - 23

When they got back to the other side, they were met by Jairus, a leader in the synagogue. He told Jesus that his daughter was at the point of death, and asked could He heal her.

 

Mark 5: 24 - 34

Jesus went with him, and a great crowd followed. A woman who had suffered a discharge of blood for 12 years touched his garment and was healed. Jesus knew that someone had touched His garment and her faith had healed her, but He took this opportunity to teach the crowd about her great faith.

 

Mark 5: 35 - 43

While He was still speaking, a messenger came from Jairus house and told them not to bother Jesus, that the girl was dead. Jesus told them not to fear, only to believe. Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him into the girls house. The people there were in mourning, and Jesus told them the girl was only asleep. They laughed at him and He made them leave the house. He took her parents with Him and the 3 apostles into the girls room, where Jesus told her to rise. The girl immediately got up and started walking. Those there were amazed. Jesus told them not to tell anyone, and that they should give her something to eat.  

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Mark 6

By: Jim Crews

 

Mark 6: 1 - 6

Jesus went to His hometown of Nazareth. He preached in the synagogue there, but the people didn’t listen because they remembered Him as the son of the carpenter, and they knew the other children of Mary. They didn’t have faith. In fact, they were offended by His teachings. Jesus said a prophet is without honor only in his hometown and among his family. He marvelled at the lack of faith shown by these people. He didn’t heal but a few in Nazareth. He spent time preaching in the surrounding villages.

 

Mark 6: 7 - 13

Jesus sent the twelve out by twos to preach. He gave them the authority to cast out demons. He told them to take nothing with them except what they were wearing. When they were taken into a house, they were to stay there until they departed that town. They were to shake the dust off their feet from any town that would not receive them. They did this, casting out many demons and healing the sick.

 

Mark 6: 14 - 20

Herod heard all about this, because Jesus was becoming famous in that region. Some people said Jesus was John the Baptist risen from the dead. Others said He was Elijah.

Others said He was a prophet like those of old. When Herod heard it, he figured that Jesus was John the Baptist risen from the dead. He was guilty for having beheaded John. Herod had imprisoned John because John had spoken against his marriage to Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. Herodias wanted John killed, but Herod feared John because he knew John was a righteous man and a prophet of God. He protected John, and talked with John, always leaving their conversations perplexed.

 

Mark 6: 21 - 29

Herodias opportunity came on Herod’s birthday. He gave a banquet for all the nobles, military commanders, and leading men of Galilee. Herodias’ daughter danced for Herod and he promised her that he would give her anything she asked for, up to half his kingdom. She asked Herodias what she should ask Herod for. Herodias told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. She did this. Herod was greatly sorrowed, but didn’t want to lose face in front of his guests. He had John beheaded and brought the head on a platter to the girl, who took it to Herodias. When John’s disciples heard of this, they took his body and buried it.

 

Mark 6: 30 - 44

The twelve returned to Jesus and told Him all that they had done and taught. He took them to a desolate place to rest for a while. A huge crowd followed them. Jesus had compassion on the crowd, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. He began to teach them many things. When it was getting late, the disciples came and advised Jesus to send the crowd away to get food. Jesus told them to feed the crowd. They asked if they should go buy 200 denarii worth of bread. Jesus asked what they had. They said that they had five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus commanded them all to sit in groups on the grass. They sat down in groups of hundreds and groups of fifty. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed the food, and told the disciples to distribute it to the crowd. All the people ate and were satisfied. They took up 12 baskets full of bread crumbs and fish. There were 5000 men in this crowd.

 

Mark 6: 45 - 52

Jesus immediately made the disciples get into the boat and head for the other side of the sea. He went on the mountain to pray. When evening came and the boat was gone, Jesus was alone on the land. He saw they weren’t making much progress because the wind was against them. He walked out to them on the water, demonstrating his power over the physical forces such as gravity.

When they saw Him walking on the water, they were afraid, thinking He was a ghost. He told them not to be afraid because it was only Him. He got into the boat and the wind stopped. They were utterly astounded by this and by the loaves.

 

Mark 6: 53 - 56

When they got to the other side, they disembarked. The people there immediately recognized Him. They ran to the whole region bringing Him their sick. As they travelled through the villages, the people would bring their sick, and many were healed by Him.

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Mark 7

By: Jim Crews

 

Mark 7: 1 - 13

The Pharisees and scribes saw that Jesus’ disciples ate without washing their hands. The Jews would never do such a thing, because it was a tradition passed down by their elders. Mark takes the time to explain this and other Jewish traditions, because he wrote this book for Romans. The Pharisees and scribes asked Jesus why his disciples didn’t follow the tradition. Jesus called them hypocrites and quoted a prophecy from Isaiah about them. Worship is vain if it is not scriptural. The Pharisees chose to follow their traditions and ignore the commandments of God. He then confronts them with one of their hypocrisies. Moses commanded them to honor their parents. They had so perverted this, that they would give a monetary offering to the temple, and this was allowed to cover for whatever they owed their aging parents later in life. Jesus shows how their tradition went against what God had commanded, and thus, they were hypocrites.

 

Mark 7: 14 - 23

Jesus then teaches that there is nothing outside a person that can defile that person by going into them. The things that come out of a person are what defiles that person. Whatever goes into the body from the outside goes through the digestive system and is eliminated.

The things that come from the heart are what defile us. These things are what are sinful. Things such as evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and they are what defile us, not what we eat or drink, or whether our hands or dishes are clean or not.

 

Mark 7: 24 - 29

Jesus left there and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon. He went into a house, and didn’t want anyone to know He was there. However, he couldn’t be hidden, and a woman whose little daughter had a demon came to have it cast out. This woman was a Gentile. She begged Jesus to cast the demon out of her daughter. Jesus told her that He was on earth for the lost children of Israel. He used the allegory about not giving what was meant for the children and throwing it to the dogs. This was not calling anyone a dog, it was an illustration as to how He had been sent to the Jews first. The woman replied that even dogs get some crumbs from the children. Jesus saw her faith and cast the demon out of her daughter without even going to see her.

 

Mark 7: 31 - 37

Jesus returned from that region, passing through Sidon on the way to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to Him, and they asked Him to heal the man. Jesus healed the man and told them not to tell anyone. However, the more he urged them not to tell, the more they talked. The people were astonished because He could make the deaf hear and the mute speak.

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Mark 8

By: Jim Crews

 

Mark 8: 1 - 10

The crowd was huge that was following Jesus and listening to His teaching. He had compassion on them because they had been with Him for 3 days without eating. He didn’t want to send them home without food, because they would faint from hunger on the way. He asked His disciples what they had. They had seven loaves and a few fish. Jesus blessed this, and every one there ate until they were full. There were seven baskets full of left overs. Jesus fed 4000 at this time. Immediately afterwards, He got into the boat with His disciples and went to Dalmanutha.

 

Mark 8: 11 - 13

The Pharisees came and began to argue with Him. They demanded a sign that He was the prophesied Messiah. He told them they would get no sign. He left them and went to the other side in the boat.

 

Mark 8: 14 - 21

Jesus told them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod. They didn’t know what He meant, and thought He was talking about their lack of bread. He told them this was unimportant, and had they already forgotten about feeding the two huge crowds that had been fed? He asked them if they still did not understand?

 

Mark 8: 22 - 26

Jesus healed a blind man at Bethsaida. The man was brought to Him and they asked Him to touch him. Jesus took the man out of the village and spit on his eyes, laying His hands on them. He did this twice and the man was fully healed.

 

Mark 8: 27 - 30

Jesus asked His disciples who people said that He is? They answered John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the old prophets. He asked who they said He was. Peter immediately said that He is the Messiah.

 

Mark 8: 31 - 33

Jesus began to teach them that He would be killed and rise again on the third day. Peter drew Him aside and began to rebuke Him. Jesus told Peter to get behind Him, because he wasn’t setting his mind on the things of God, but of men.

 

Mark 8: 34 - 38

Jesus told the crowd that if anyone would follow Him, they must deny themselves and take up their cross daily. Those who save their earthly lives be denying Him would lose their souls. Those who lost their earthly lives by following Him would gain eternal life. The soul is our most valuable possession. If we gain the whole world but lose our soul, it is of no value to us.

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Mark 9

By: Jim Crews

 

Mark 9: 1

Jesus told the crowd that there were some standing there right then who would not die until they saw the Kingdom of God after it had come with power. This means that either there are some folks walking around over 2000 years old, that Jesus lied, or that the Kingdom has already come. Since Jesus didn’t lie, and since there are no 2000 year olds walking around, the only conclusion we can reach is that the Kingdom of God has already come. We read about it’s coming in Acts 2. The Kingdom of God is the Church.

 

Mark 9: 2 - 8

After six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him onto a high mountain. He was transfigured into His glorious appearance. Elijah and Moses appeared with Him, and they were talking. Peter didn’t know what to say, because they were terrified, so he asked Jesus if they should build 3 tents. A cloud came over and a voice out of the cloud told them that Jesus is God’s beloved Son, and they should listen to Him. They looked around and there was no one with them but Jesus.

 

Mark 8: 9 - 13

As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus told them not to say anything about what they had seen until after He had risen from the dead. They kept it to themselves, though they were wondering what He meant by saying until after He had risen from the dead. They asked Jesus why the scribes said that Elijah must come. Jesus told them Elijah had already come, and the people did to him whatever they pleased. Jesus also told them that He would suffer many things and be treated with contempt. We know from Matthew that the prophesied coming of Elijah before the Kingdom was established was fulfilled by John the Baptist. Those people still looking for the coming of Elijah and the coming of some earthly kingdom will be severely disappointed.

 

Mark 8: 14 - 29

When they came to the rest of the disciples, there was a great crowd gathered. A man had brought his son, who was demon possessed, to be cleansed. The disciples couldn’t cast the demon out. This demon had caused much grief and physical harm to the boy. Jesus took the time to teach about the power of faith, then He cast the demon out of the boy. When asked why they couldn’t do it, Jesus told them this type of demon couldn’t be driven out by anything but prayer.

 

Mark 8: 30 - 32

They left there and passed secretly through Galilee, because Jesus was teaching the disciples that He was going to be delivered into the hands of men and killed. He told them after three days he would rise again. They didn’t understand what He was teaching them, and were too afraid to ask.

 

Mark 8: 33 - 37

When they came to Capernaum and entered the house there, Jesus asked them what they had been discussing along the way. He knew, but wanted them to say it. They kept silent, because they had been arguing over which of them was the greatest. He called the twelve and taught them that if anyone wanted to be first, he must be least of all, and a servant of all. He took an innocent child in His arms and told them that whoever received such a one, received Him, as well as the Father.

 

Mark 8: 38 - 41

John told Jesus they had seen someone casting out demons in His name, but that person was not travelling along with them. John said they had tried to stop him. Jesus told them not to stop him. The one who is not against them is for them.

 

Mark 8: 42 - 50

It would be better for a person who causes a new believer to sin to be cast into the sea with a millstone around his neck. He then teaches us that we should remove all the things that tempt us to sin from our lives. He illustrates for us that it is better for us not to have these things or people around, than to have them, sin, and be cast into hell. Hell is described as a place where the worm doesn’t die and the fire is unquenchable. He tells them to be at peace with one another.

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Mark 10

By: Jim Crews

 

Mark 10: 1 - 12

Jesus went to Judea beyond the Jordan. Crowds gathered and He taught them. The Pharisees were trying to test Him. They asked Him if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife. Like all good teachers, Jesus answered the question with a question. He asked them what did Moses command. They answered that Moses allowed them to divorce. Jesus told them this was because of their stubbornness. However, it was not meant to be this way from Creation. God made male and female. When married, they were to become one. What God has joined together, man must not separate. This clearly shows that God ordained marriage as being between a man and a woman. When they were alone, the disciples asked for clarification. Jesus told them that anyone who divorces and remarries is an adulterer. We see in Matthew’s record of this account that divorce and remarriage is allowed only in the case of sexual immorality.

 

Mark 10: 13 - 16

The people were bringing children to Jesus. The disciples rebuked them for this. Jesus was indignant because of the disciples attitude. He told them that only those who were as innocent and trusting as little children would enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

Mark 10: 17 - 22

As Jesus was setting out once again, a young man came and knelt before Him. The man called Jesus good teacher, and asked Him what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told the man that no one was good except God, the Father. He then went through the commandments with the man. The man told Jesus he had observed all of them from his youth. Jesus told him he was lacking one thing. He told the man to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, then follow Jesus. Doing this would establish him treasure in Heaven. The man went away sad, because he had great possessions. Jesus knew that this man’s heart was more interested in keeping his worldly possessions than it was in seeking out the Kingdom of God.

 

Mark 10: 23 - 31

Jesus then looked around and told them that it would be difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God. They were amazed at His words. He continued by telling them it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom. They were astonished, and asked Jesus who could be saved, then. Jesus told them that all things are possible with God. Peter then boasted that they had left everything to follow Jesus. Jesus assured them that everyone who left all and lost everything following Him would gain much more in eternity.

 

Mark 10: 32 - 34

Taking this opportunity, Jesus for the third time tells the twelve that He will be killed and raised again the third day.

 

Mark 10: 35 - 45

James and John asked Jesus if they could sit on His right and left hand in the Kingdom. They were expecting an earthly kingdom. Jesus told them they had no idea what they were asking for. He asked them could they endure everything He was about to endure. They boasted that they could. Jesus prophesied that they would indeed endure the persecution and torment from the world that He was about to endure, but that the seats at His side were not His to grant. He then took the opportunity to teach them that to be great in the Kingdom of God means being an humble servant while alive on the Earth.

 

Mark 10: 46 - 52

They came to Jericho. As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus coming by, he began to cry out for the Lord to have mercy on him. The crowd rebuked him, but he got even louder. Jesus stopped and called him over, asking him what he would have Him do. Jesus then answered his request by healing his vision.

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Mark 11

By: Jim Crews

 

Mark 11: 1 - 10

When they got to Bethpage and Bethany, Jesus sent two of them to bring a colt. If anyone asked what they were doing, they were to respond that they were taking the colt to the Lord, who would return it as soon as He was done with it. They brought the colt to Jesus and some of them put their cloaks on it for Him to sit on. As He was riding into Jerusalem, many of them put their cloaks on the road. Others put leafy branches on the road. They were all shouting blessings upon Him, because they thought He was coming to establish another earthly kingdom.

 

Mark 11: 11:

He entered Jerusalem. He went to the Temple and looked around, but it was late, so He went to Bethany with the disciples.

 

Mark 11: 12 - 14

The next day as they were returning to Jerusalem from Bethany, Jesus was hungry and saw a fig tree in the distance. When He got to the tree, it was barren. Jesus said to the tree that no one would ever eat from it again. The disciples heard this.

 

Mark 11: 15 - 19

When they got to Jerusalem, they went into the Temple. Jesus began to drive out those who were profiteering. He turned over the tables of the money changers and those who sold pigeons. He was teaching them while doing this. He told them the Temple was supposed to be a house of prayer, but they had made it into a den of robbers. The chief priests and scribes heard it and began seeking a way to destroy Jesus, because they feared the people. They feared them because the crowd was astonished at His teachings. When evening came, He went outside the city.

 

Mark 11: 20 - 26

As they passed by the next morning, they saw the fig tree from the previous day withered. Peter remarked to Jesus that the fig tree He had cursed was now withered. Jesus taught them the value of faith. He told them with just a little faith, they could move mountains. He told them whatever they asked in prayer, they should ask, believing that they had already received it. This level of faith would bring them what they prayed for. They were to forgive whoever they had anything against. If they wouldn’t forgive, God would not forgive them.  

 

Mark 11: 27 - 33

The chief priests, scribes, and elders questioned Jesus. They asked Him by what authority was He doing the things He did. Jesus, like all great teachers, answered their question with another question. He asked them was the baptism of John from Heaven or from men. They discussed it among themselves and refused to answer. If they answered that it was from Heaven, they would be guilty of not obeying God. If they answered it was from man, the crowd was likely to kill them, because the people held that John the Baptist had been a prophet. Since they refused to answer, Jesus did not answer their question.

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Mark 12

By: Jim Crews

 

Mark 12: 1 - 12

Jesus began to speak in parables. He told of a man who planted a vineyard. He leased the vineyard to other tenants. When the proper season came, he sent servants to get fruit from the vineyard. The tenants persecuted and killed the servants. The man decided to send his son, because he thought that the tenants would respect his son. The tenants killed his son, thinking they would become heirs. Jesus asks what the man will do, and then answers his own question by telling that the man will destroy those tenants and lease the vineyard to others. He then quoted Psalm 118: 22 - 23 which referred to the rejection of the Messiah by the Jews. The leaders sought to arrest Him, because they knew He spoke this parable against them. However, they were afraid of the people. This parable is about how God had taken the Israelites as His own. How they had fallen away, and then persecuted and killed every prophet God had sent to them. It prophecies that they will do the same to the Son of God, and then God will remove the Kingdom from them and utterly destroy them. This happened at Pentecost in Acts 2, and in 70 when God allowed the Romans to utterly destroy Jerusalem.

 

Mark 12: 13 - 17

They sent some Pharisees and Herodians to try to entrap Jesus with His words. They began by trying to flatter Him, and then asked Him was it lawful to pay taxes to the Romans. Jesus took a coin and asked whose image was on the coin. They told Him it was Caesar. Jesus told them to give to Caesar the things that are his, and give to God the things that are His. We are to pay our taxes and be good citizens of whatever country we live in while we are here on the Earth. Our focus is on eternity, not here and now.

 

Mark 12: 18 - 27

The Sadducees came with a question about the resurrection. Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection. They brought up a strawman argument, asking Jesus about a woman who had lawfully married seven brothers. They asked in eternity, which would be her husband. Jesus told them they were wrong because they didn’t know the Scriptures or the power of God. In eternity, there is no marriage. He then taught them how God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

 

Mark 12: 28 - 34

One of the scribes, hearing the dispute and hearing the Jesus was answering the questions well, brought his own question. He asked Jesus which of the commandments was the most important. Jesus quoted Scripture, telling the scribe that we should hear God, He is One. We should love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We should love our neighbor as we love ourselves. There is no greater command than these. The scribe agreed, and said that doing this was greater than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices. When Jesus saw the wise answer the scribe gave Him, He told him that he wasn’t far from the Kingdom of Heaven. No one else was brave enough to ask any more questions.

 

Mark 12: 35 - 37

Jesus taught in the Temple. He asked how the Messiah could be called David’s son, when David called the Messiah Lord? He quoted Psalm 110: 1 to verify this. The crowd was gladly hearing His teachings.

 

Mark 12: 38-40

Jesus told them to beware of the hypocritical and self-important scribes. They wear long robes and love being greeted in public. They take the best seats at the feasts and devour widows houses. They make long prayers to be seen by men. These people will receive the greater condemnation.

 

Mark 12: 41-44

Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and watched people make offerings. Many rich people gave large sums. On poor widow gave two small coins that were worth a penny. Jesus told them that she had given more than all the rest. The rich had given out of their prosperity, while this poor woman had given all she had.

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Mark 13

By: Jim Crews

 

Mark 13: 1 - 2

As they were coming out of the Temple, one of the disciples was boasting about the beauty of the buildings. Jesus told them that the Temple would be utterly destroyed.

 

Mark 13: 3 - 8

Peter and James asked Jesus when the Temple would be destroyed, and what signs would lead up to that destruction. Jesus told them not to be led astray, because there would be many false teachers claiming to be teaching in His name. There would be wars and rumors of wars, but that was not the sign of the coming destruction. Nation would rise against nation and there would be earthquakes and famines in various places. This would be the beginning of the end for Jerusalem.

 

Mark 8: 9 - 13

Before Jerusalem was destroyed, the disciples would be tormented and persecuted. They would be brought before kings and governors to bear witness before them. The Gospel would be preached to all nations before the destruction of Jerusalem.

Romans 16: 25 - 26

 

They were told not to worry when they were brought before these people. The Holy Spirit would guide them in what to say. Family members would turn against each other because of the Word. They would all be hated, but those who endured to the end would be saved.

 

Mark 13: 14 - 23

The sign for them to flee was when they saw the abomination of desolation standing where it did not belong. When they saw this, the Roman Legions coming into the province, they were to flee without hesitation. Those days would bring such tribulation as had never before been seen. No one would have survived the carnage if God had not cut the days short. False Messiah’s and false prophets would be all over the place, leading the weak astray. We can read about the fulfillment all of this in Josephus historical record of the destruction of Jerusalem.

 

Mark 13: 24 - 27

Jesus then speaks in the prophetic language of the Old Testament prophets, showing how this destruction is the judgment upon Jerusalem for their persecution of God’s prophets.

 

Mark 13: 28 - 31

From fig trees, they knew the season for fruit by watching the signs of the tree. They would know that the destruction of Jerusalem was coming by watching for the signs Jesus had shown them to be looking for.

 

Mark 13: 32 - 37

Now Jesus speaks about the final judgment at the end of the universe. No one but God the Father knows the time of that judgment. Knowing this, we are warned to always be prepared. This means we should strive to live faithfully and stop sinning. Our sins will be forgiven when we confess to God and ask His forgiveness, but if we are caught in sin when judgment comes, we will be lost.

I Corinthians 15: 34

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Mark 14

By: Jim Crews

 

Mark 14: 1 - 2

Two days before the Passover, the chief priests and scribes were seeking to arrest and kill Jesus without anyone knowing. They decided to wait until after the feast so there wouldn’t be an uproar from the people.

 

Mark 14: 3 - 9

In Bethany, at the house of Simon the Leper, Jesus was reclining at the table when a woman anointed Him with some very costly ointment. Some were angry that she had not sold it and gave the money to the poor, and they scolded her. Jesus told them to leave her alone, because she had done a wonderful thing. The poor will always be with us, and whenever we want we can help them. Jesus would not be with them much longer. She had anointed His body for burial. He also said that wherever the Gospel is proclaimed, her story would be remembered. We remember it here today.

 

Mark 14: 10 - 11

Judas went to the chief priests to betray Jesus. They were glad, and promised him money. Judas began seeking an opportunity to betray Jesus.

 

Mark 14: 12 - 16

On the first day of the Passover, His disciples asked Jesus where they would celebrate the feast. He sent two of the disciples and told them to follow a man carrying water. When he got to his home, they were to ask the master of the house if they could celebrate the Passover in his guest room. Jesus told them the man would show them a large upper room, and they would celebrate the feast there.

 

Mark 14: 17 - 21

That evening, as they were reclining at the table, Jesus told the twelve that one of them would betray Him. They began to be sorrowful and ask themselves if they were the one. Jesus then pronounces a woe upon the betrayer.

 

Mark 14: 22 - 25

As they were eating, Jesus took the unleavened bread. He blessed it and broke it and passed it around, telling them to eat, that this was His body. He then took a cup and gave thanks, and they drank from it. He told them this was His blood of the covenant which is poured out for many. He would not partake of it again until He did so in the Kingdom.

 

Mark 14: 26 - 31

They sung a hymn then went out into the garden. Jesus told them that all of them would desert Him, then He quoted the prophecy from Zechariah 13: 7 which told that when the shepherd was taken the sheep would scatter. Boastful Peter said the rest may desert Him, but he would not. Jesus told Peter that very night that he would deny knowing Him three times. They all said they would die before they denied Him.

 

Mark 14: 32 - 42

They went to Gethsemane. Jesus took Peter, James, and John into the garden with Him to pray. He asked them to wait while He prayed. Jesus asked the Father if this burden could be taken from Him, but then said the Will of the Father would be done. He came and found the three sleeping, asking if they were unable to watch even for one hour. He then told them to watch and pray and not allow temptation to catch them unaware, because the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. He did this two more times, then told them to rise up because His betrayal was at hand.

 

Mark 14: 43 - 50

A crowd of Temple guards with swords and clubs was there with Judas. Judas had told them that the one he kissed was Jesus. They were to seize Him and lead Him away under guard. When this happened, Peter drew his sword and cut the ear off Malchus, one of the guards. We know that Jesus healed his ear. Jesus then asked them why they came at night and in secret, when they could have taken Him at anytime in the Temple during the day. This was in fulfillment of Scripture. The disciples, who had all said they wouldn’t leave Him, ran away.

 

Mark 14: 51 - 52

One of them was in such a hurry to get away, that when they grabbed him, his linen cloth fell off and he ran away naked.

 

Mark 14: 53 - 65

They brought Jesus to an illegally constituted meeting of the Sanhedrin. Peter had followed them here. They sought witnesses against Him, but couldn’t find two that could agree on anything. Jesus would say nothing about any of these false accusations and charges. Finally, the High Priest asked Jesus if He were the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus said that He is the Messiah, and that they would see Him coming in the clouds. The High Priest then said what further need did they have of witnesses, since they accused Him then of blasphemy. They condemned Him to death, began to spit on Him and beat him, and led Him away.

 

Mark 14: 66 - 72

One of the servant girls of the High Priest saw Peter warming himself and announced that he was a disciple of Jesus. Peter denied this. She saw him again after he had moved on, and accused him once again of being a disciple. He denied it again. Later, the crowd said surely he must be a disciple because he was a Galilean. Peter cursed and swore that he was not a disciple and didn’t even know Jesus. Immediately the rooster crowed and Peter remembered the prophecy of Jesus about him denying him three times before morning. Peter broke down and wept.

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Mark 15

By: Jim Crews

 

Mark 15: 1 - 5

When morning came, the chief priests and scribes met together, bound Jesus, and delivered Him to Pilate. Pilate asked Jesus if he were King of the Jews. Jesus told Pilate that’s what he had said. The chief priests accused Him of many things, but Jesus refused to speak to these false accusations. This amazed Pilate.

 

Mark 15: 6 - 15

Pilate had been releasing a prisoner at the Passover. There was a murderer and a rebel named Barabbas in prison at this time. The crowd came and asked Pilate to continue this tradition. He asked them if they wanted him to release Jesus, because he perceived that it was due to envy that the chief priests had delivered Him to the Romans in the first place. Incited by the chief priests, the crowd cried for the release of Barabbas and demanded that Jesus be crucified. Pilate wanted to satisfy the crowd so they wouldn’t riot, so he delivered Jesus over to be scourged.

 

Mark 15: 16 - 20

A battalion of Roman soldiers led Jesus to the governor’s mansion to be scourged. They put a purple robe and a crown of thorns on Him and mocked Him, beat Him, and spit on Him in addition to the scourging. After this, they stripped Him of the robe and led Him away to be crucified.

 

Mark 15: 21 - 32

Simon of Cyrene was compelled by the Romans to carry Jesus’ cross. They brought Him to Golgotha, which means place of the skull. They offered Him wine mixed with myrrh, but He refused it. They crucified Him at the third hour of the day, and began gambling over His clothes. The charge placed over His head was that He was the King of the Jews. Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on either side. The crowd passing by mocked and derided Him, asking why He could destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days, but He couldn’t save Himself. The chief priests mocked Him in this manner as well. The robbers also reviled Him, but we read in another account how one of them came to his senses.

 

Mark 15: 33 - 39

When the sixth hour came, darkness fell over the land for three hours. At the ninth hour, Jesus quoted the beginning of Psalm 22, which was a Psalm that prophesied everything that was now happening. The crowd, in their ignorance, thought He was calling for Elijah to come rescue Him. They filled a sponge with sour wine for Him, but He refused it. They then decided to wait around to see if Elijah would come rescue Him. Jesus died. The curtain of the Temple that kept the Most Holy Place separate was torn from top to bottom, signifying the end of the Mosaic Law. The centurion standing there saw this and proclaimed that Jesus truly was the Son of God.

Mark 15: 40 - 41

There were women looking on. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Salome, the mother of James and John were mentioned by name. They, and many other women, had been followers of His in His ministry in Galilee.

 

Mark 15: 42 - 47

Since this was the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Sanhedrin, and someone who was looking for the Kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate to ask that the body of Jesus be buried. Pilate was surprised that He was already dead. Crucifixion usually took days to kill someone. Pilate double checked with the centurion as to whether Jesus was already dead or not. Having this confirmed by the centurion, Pilate gave the body to Joseph. Joseph took Him down and wrapped His body in a linen shroud. He then place Jesus in his own tomb, rolled a rock over the opening, and sealed it. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where He had been laid to rest.

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Mark 16

By: Jim Crews

 

Mark 16: 1 - 8

Very early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices to anoint His body with. They were discussing which of them would roll the stone away, when they saw it had already been done. They entered the tomb and saw a young man sitting there, dressed in all white. They were alarmed, but he told them not to be. He informed them that Jesus had risen from the dead. They were then told to go tell the disciples that Jesus was going to Galilee. They would see Him there. They left the tomb afraid.

 

Many people will say that the rest of this chapter is not in some versions. That is true, because over time, in some of the versions, this portion got scratched off. However, the fact that it is in other versions which are trusted to be translated shows that the rest of the chapter is inspired as well. The ones who claim it isn’t are the same ones who claim we don’t have to be baptized in order to be saved.

 

Mark 16: 9 - 11

Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene, who told the others, but they did not believe her.

 

Mark 16: 12 - 13

After this, He appeared to two others who told the rest of them what they had seen. They didn’t believe them, either.

 

Mark 16: 14 - 20

After this, He appeared to the eleven, and rebuked them for their unbelief. He then told them to go into the world and proclaim the Gospel to everyone. Those who believed it and were immersed in water would be saved. Those who did not believe would be condemned. To show that what they were proclaiming was from God, they would be able to cast out demons, heal the sick, speak in tongues, drink poison, pick up deadly snakes, and suffer no harm. This promise was to the eleven and those in the first century who the eleven touched and the Holy Spirit granted gifts. This does not go for us today. After Jesus finished speaking, He was taken into Heaven to sit at the right hand of God. The disciples went everywhere preaching the Word, and having it confirmed by the miracles they could do with the Lord working with them.