Join us on a year-long journey through the Gospel of Mark!
This year-long journey will delve into the powerful and passionate Gospel of Mark, exploring the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. We will discover how Mark presents Jesus not as a conquering king of this world, but as a suffering
servant king who desires to rule our hearts.
Our journey will unfold in five movements:
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Movement 1: A Royal Announcement (Mark 1:1-13): We'll begin by exploring the dramatic entrance of Jesus, heralded by John the Baptist. We'll examine the significance of Jesus' baptism and the impact of his 40 days of temptation in the wilderness, revealing the true nature of his kingdom.
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Movement 2: The Kingdom is Here! (Mark 1:14-45): Witness the explosive power of Jesus's ministry as he brings the Kingdom of God to earth. We'll explore his authority over demons, his compassion for the sick, and the radical nature of his call to discipleship.
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Movement 3: The Miracles of Jesus: We'll delve into the miraculous deeds of Jesus, from calming storms to raising the dead. We'll examine the purpose and significance of these miracles as signs of God's kingdom breaking into our world.
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Movement 4: The Teachings of Jesus: We'll explore the profound and challenging teachings of Jesus, including his parables, his instructions to his disciples, and his confrontations with religious leaders. We'll discover how these teachings equip us to live as followers of Christ.
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Movement 5: The Way of Suffering (Mark 8:27 - 16:8): We'll witness the cost of discipleship as Jesus journeys towards Jerusalem. We'll explore the themes of suffering, sacrifice, and the ultimate triumph of the cross and resurrection. We'll discover how Jesus invites us to embrace the cross and find new life in his resurrection.
Throughout this year, we will explore how Mark invites us to join Jesus in announcing his kingdom to the world – not through power and dominance, but through love, service, and the transformative power of the Gospel.
Resources for Personal Study:
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30 Day Bible Reading Plan for Mark
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Bible Passage Study Guide download from Pastor Mike
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Overview of Mark from the Bible Project (click here)
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Download a map of Jesus travels in Mark.
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Commentary on Mark by the Gospel Coalition. (click here)
The Gospel of Mark: A Royal Announcement
The Gospel of Mark
The Gospel of Mark: The Kingdom is Here!
In the second part of our Mark Series, we dive into the pivotal beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry, where He announces that the "Kingdom of God is at hand" (Mark 1:15). This declaration is not just a proclamation; it signals the arrival of a new era, where the reign of God begins to break into the world in tangible ways. Jesus' ministry unfolds in direct contrast to the kingdoms of darkness and the powers that have long held sway over the earth.
Throughout this section of the Gospel of Mark, we witness the radical clash between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. Jesus confronts the kingdom of darkness—the dominion of Satan, sin, and demons—and He begins to cast out evil spirits, revealing His supreme authority over the forces of evil. But His reign is not limited to spiritual matters alone. Jesus also demonstrates His kingdom authority over the kingdom of disease as He heals the sick, restores the broken, and brings wholeness to the physically afflicted. These miracles are not mere signs of compassion; they are the tangible evidence of the inbreaking of God's Kingdom on earth.
Furthermore, Jesus challenges the religious and political powers of His time. His teachings expose the corrupt systems that manipulate and oppress, bringing into question the authority of both the religious elite and the political rulers. In this series, we’ll explore how the Kingdom of God is not merely a spiritual realm, but a radically different and revolutionary way of life that confronts all systems of injustice, sin, and death.
Through Jesus’ words and actions, we learn that the Kingdom of God is both now and not yet—it is at hand, breaking into the world through Jesus, but it will fully come when He returns. In this part of the series, we will reflect on how the Kingdom of God, with Jesus as its King, stands in direct opposition to the kingdoms of this world, calling us to live as citizens of this Kingdom, living out its values and advancing its reign on earth.
