Mark 1.1–15

Mark has some Very Good News. It is about a man called Jesus. Jesus is not an ordinary man. He is the Son of God and the Promised King, who is bringing God's kingdom into our world to fix the brokenness. Jesus calls us to recognise and receive him as King and belong to his kingdom.

Mark 1.21–2.17

Since the religious leaders know a lot about God, you might think they would be the first to recognise Jesus, the Promised King. But they aren’t. The religious leaders are blind to how they are affected by the brokenness of our world. It is the “broken” people who recognise and receive Jesus.

Mark 4.1–20

In the parable of the Sower and the seed, we learn that God works powerfully through Jesus to bring his Kingdom into our world. The harvest of the faithful Sower (Jesus) is enormous and comes when people hear Jesus' words, believe those words and get to share in the fruitfulness that Jesus brings.

Mark 4.35–5.43

The Very Good News continues. Strong enemies and powers have long ruled our world, making people broken in their bodies and minds. However, these enemies cannot withstand the power of King Jesus. Natural forces, the Prince of Darkness, sickness and death—King Jesus rules them all!

Mark 8.22–38

Mark 9.2–10

Jesus has explained that he is a servant king who will suffer and die for his people. However, this is not what King Jesus will be like in the end. The transfiguration gives us a sneak preview of what King Jesus will finally be like. Not only does he beat all of this world’s enemies, but he will be a powerful and glorious King.

Mark 10.13–52

Everyone knows the rules in our world. If you want to be important, you need to be rich and powerful. But Jesus’ kingdom is an upside-down kingdom. Money and power are not the way of Jesus’ kingdom. Humble service is the sign of greatness, and Jesus shows us his way of living by his sacrificial death.

Mark 14.1–11

Everything is ready. The religious leaders and Judas have plotted together to betray and kill Jesus. However, in the middle of all of this, Mark tells us of an unnamed lady who recognises King Jesus and makes an expensive sacrifice worthy of who Jesus is and what he will do.

Mark 14.12–31

The new kingdom has a new meal that remembers and celebrates the saving act of King Jesus. At the new meal, there is no need for a lamb to sacrifice because Jesus is the one who will be sacrificed. King Jesus is the gracious host who provides everything that is needed for this meal.

Mark 14.53–16.6

Is he John the Baptist? Elijah? One of the prophets? When Jesus is arrested and crucified, there are a lot of different responses to him that show us who people think he is. Only a Roman soldier recognises that Jesus is the Son of God. Mark has recorded these things so that we will know who Jesus is. What about you? Who do you say Jesus is?