The style and makeup of each set of individual studies - e.g. the first one immediately below - will become obvious. We have put in the verse answers to each of the 'Find Out' questions, but you will get most out of the study if you have an open Bible alongside you and you look out the verse yourself.

The primary objectives of these studies are a) to get you to read the Bible and b) to take in what you have read. At the end of each page of studies (normally a chapter) there will be a 'Recap' to remind you of what you have read. At the end of every 'set' (see the front Contents page) there will also be a 'Summary' and a 'Conclusions' that cover the pages in that set.

Introduction to Mark's Gospel

This is the shortest and in many ways, the most easy-to-read Gospel. Written, it is believed, by the young man, Mark, at the dictation of the apostle Peter, it has a certain haste or urgency to it. It is probably the earliest Gospel, written somewhere about AD50.

Although it has many similarities to Matthew and Luke, it appears to have been written more with a Roman readership in mind rather than Jewish or Greek respectively with the other two. Unlike the other two it does not have any birth narratives, but is never the less a sharp and vivid account of the key three years of Jesus' ministry.

What we will see:

In these studies in Mark's Gospel we will see:

- the coming of John the Baptist preparing the way

- Jesus' baptism by John

- first confrontation with Satan, in the wilderness

- calling the first four disciples

- having authority over:

- sickness, death, demons, the natural elements

- having opposition from:

- religious leaders, his own family, ordinary unbelievers

What we should notice:

In these first chapters of Mark's Gospel, notice particularly the clash of the two kingdoms: God's kingdom expressed through Jesus, and Satan's kingdom. Notice how Jesus confronts Satan and his demons and how Satan challenges Jesus through his followers, the deceived religious people of the day. Notice also how Jesus has complete authority to deal with the works of Satan, the sickness and demon possession that was rife in the country.

PART 1 : The Start of Ministry

In this first Part we will see the interweaving of John's and Jesus' ministries followed by the calling of Jesus' first disciples. This is followed immediately by confrontation with the enemy in the form of a demon and then Jesus' general ministry dealing with demons and healing the sick. Jesus' popularity becomes a problem to his ministry.

Chapter: Mark 1

Passage: Mark 1:1-8

A. Find Out:

1. WHO is the Gospel about? v.1 (Note: not WHAT)

The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2. What was the messenger to do? v.2,3

It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" -- "a voice of one calling in the desert, `Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' "

3. What TWO things did John come doing? v.4

And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins

4. What did the people do before being baptised? v.5

Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River .

5. How did he describe the one coming after him? v.7

"After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

6. What would the one following DO? v.8

I baptize you with D water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

B. Think :

1. How "successful" was John the Baptist? Why?

2. What may we learn from that?

3. How may WE prepare the way for Jesus with other people?

C. Comment :

Key things to note in these verses of Mark's Gospel: First, the "Gospel" is about a person - not a set of rules! Christianity is all about a relationship, not about performing religious rituals

Second, the coming of John the Baptist was carefully planned by God and declared by Him centuries before. What we see as the activities of God, are actions that have been planned before the foundation of the world (see Isaiah 40:3 / Ephesians 1:4)

Third, we see the timing was right, the people were ready to respond, they were needy and aware of it, and many, many people came to John. God's strategy and timing are always just right.

Fourth, John prepares the way for Jesus by making people face up to the state of their lives and face their need for a Saviour. John baptised people in the river as a sign of being washed from sin, but they still needed a Saviour to follow who would deliver them from falling back to their old ways by the power and authority he carried. This could only be Jesus. Such is the message that we still have to bring today, that Jesus brings a new life and new power to live that life.

D. Application?

1. Tell the Lord today that you love Him. Acknowledge before Him your

need of a living relationship with Him.

2. Ask Him to help make these studies come alive to you to help bring a

new sparkle to your relationship with Him.

Chapter: Mark 1

Passage: Mark 1:9-13

A. Find Out:

1. Where was Jesus baptised? v.9

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan

2. When did heaven appear to open? v.10

As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open

3. How did the Spirit appear as it came down? v.10

the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

4. How did God's voice identify Jesus? v.11

And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

5. Where did the Spirit then send Jesus? v.12

At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert,

6. What happened to him there? v.13

and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

B. Think :

1. Why do you think Jesus was being baptised? (Look up Matthew 3:15 to

check your answer)

2. Why do you think God by His Spirit sent Jesus into the desert?

3. What reasons may there be for us going through dry, difficult and testing

times?

C. Comment :

First, we see at Jesus' baptism, God indicating His approval of His son. The dove is a sign of peace and God speaks words of peace and approval and reassurance. Jesus didn't NEED to be baptised, but he is to be an example for us to follow, and so there is no question in the minds of his followers. As he submits to his Father's will, his Father speaks. Our obedience releases the Father to speak encouragement.

Second, we see God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are evident at the same time. This is one of the few times that the Trinity are evident at once, one God expressed in three forms.

Third, we see that Jesus was SENT into the place of temptation BY GOD. It is as if having confirmed His Sonship, the Father now wants him to stand and prove it in the face of the enemy. If we face dry, hard times, perhaps God is watching to see how we will cope? Did we foolishly bring it on ourselves or is it a time that the Lord has brought so that our Sonship may be proved?

D. Application?

1. Jesus commanded baptism (Matthew 28:19). Have you followed in

     Jesus' footsteps and been baptised?

2. What is the cause if you are in a testing time? Rest in God for His grace

     and strength to stand (See 1 Corinthians 10:13 ).

Chapter: Mark 1

Passage: Mark 1:14-20

A. Find Out:

1. What was Jesus proclaiming? v.14

Jesus went into Galilee , proclaiming the good news of God.

2. What did he say was near? v.15

"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near.

3. What TWO things did he call the people to do? v.15

Repent and believe the good news!

4. Which two fishermen did he call first? v.16

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee , he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

5. What did he say he would make them? v.17

Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

6. What had they to do? v.17

"Come, follow me,"

7. Who were the second pair he called? v.19

When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets.

8. How did both pairs of men respond? v.18,20

Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

B. Think :

1. Who rules over a kingdom?

2. What is a kingdom?

3. Why do people need to repent before they can enter God's kingdom?

C. Comment :

First see the message that Jesus proclaimed: that the kingdom or rule of God was near - and that is Good News! Wherever Jesus was, God was able to exercise His rule. Therefore wherever Jesus was, there was the rule or kingdom of God being expressed. That rule was always for the blessing of men who would follow.

Second, we see what he required of men: that they repent AND believe. Self centred man, going his own way, must turn about, surrender to God and go His way. That is repentance. Not only that, man needs to "believe". Man needs purpose and direction and God gives us a man to believe in and follow, His Son, Jesus.

Third we see what an amazing personality Jesus must have had. Not all he called followed him (see Matthew 19:22 ,23), but these four tough fishermen immediately left their jobs and went with him. Yes they would make mistakes in the days ahead, they would fail the Lord but that is not the main point. In the way they just left their past to follow Jesus they are a great example to us of going without hesitation.

D. Application?

1. Jesus wants to bring God's rule God's blessing into your life. Thank Him

for that and purpose to allow Him to do that today.

2. Thank Him that He has a plan and a purpose that is unique for you.

Chapter: Mark 1

Passage: Mark 1:21-28

A. Find Out:

1. What did the people feel about Jesus' teaching ? v.22

The people were amazed at his teaching,

2. Why? v.22

because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.

3. What was wrong with the man in the synagogue? v.23

Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit

4. How did he describe Jesus? v.24

"What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!"

5. What happened when Jesus commanded him? v.25,26

"Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

6. How did the people feel about this? Why? v.27

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching--and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him."

B. Think :

1. Why were the people amazed at Jesus' teaching?

2. What does this say about the sort of teaching that they were used to

from their own teachers?

3. Why were the people amazed when Jesus cast out the demon?

4. What does this say about the power in the lives of the religious people of

the day?

C. Comment :

The scene of this episode in Jesus' ministry is interesting. Here, in the synagogue, we would assume were people who were seeking God, certainly those who thought they were religious. That is important to remember!

Now Jesus did two things there which shook those religious people: First he taught, then he cast out a demon from a man in the congregation. First this tells us a lot about Jesus himself: he knew the truth of what he was preaching, and was therefore able to teach with authority. Second it shows he had power that could deal effectively with evil, in a way that was hitherto unknown.

Second it reveals much about the quality of religious life in Israel in Jesus' time. What Jesus said and did amazed the people and it is obvious therefore, that the religious leaders of the day were unsure about what they taught, and didn't have the power of God to confront the evil in their midst - in the synagogue, a place of worship!

D. Application?

1. Ask the Lord to so teach you through His word that you will become a

person of authority whose heart beats with their heavenly Father's

heart.

2. Ask Him to help you become a "doer" not merely a "knower"!

Chapter: Mark 1

Passage: Mark 1:29-34

A. Find Out:

1. Whose home did they go to? v.29

As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew.

2. What was wrong with Simon's mother-in-law? v.30

Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever

3. What did Jesus do about her? v.31

he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

4. Who were brought to Jesus? v.32

That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.

5. Who gathered there? v.33

The whole town gathered at the door,

6. What did Jesus do? v.34

Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

B. Think :

1. How do you think Jesus felt by the end of a day?

2. What does it say about him that he carried on healing all who came?

3. Previously Jesus had spoken about God's kingdom, or God's rule coming.

How is that seen in these few verses?

C. Comment :

Note first, Jesus' CARE as soon as he goes into the home, in he meets the need of Peter's mother-in-law. There is a gentle authority in Jesus' actions as he restores this lady to her place in the home. Those who invite Jesus into their homes know the gentle love and care that the Saviour brings with him.

Second, his AVAILABILITY at the end of the day when all the needs of the town are brought to him. Presumably as a result of dealing with the evil spirit in the synagogue the news had spread quickly (v.28) and many now come to see if Jesus will help them too. Jesus challenges our desires for personal comfort and rest however, in the way he simply went out and ministered to all those in need, despite the weariness that he himself would certainly have had. Availability to the Lord, so often releases energy from on high.

Third, we see his authority that deals with both demons and sicknesses that are the works of the enemy. Easily read about but not so easily done. This requires faith and complete commitment to the Father to receive His power to oust the enemy.

D. Application?

1. In John 14:12 we are told all who have faith in Jesus will do what He did.

     Do we?

2. Do we follow Jesus' example of availability?

Chapter: Mark 1

Passage: Mark 1:35-39

A. Find Out:

1. When did Jesus go out to pray? v.35

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house

2. Where did he go to pray? v.35

went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

3. Who went to look for Jesus? v.36

Simon and his companions went to look for him

4. What did they want to tell Jesus? v.37

when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"

5. Why did Jesus suggest moving on? v.38

Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come."

6. Where did Jesus carry on preaching? v.39

So he traveled throughout Galilee , preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

B. Think :

1. List reasons that stop us praying

2. Why do you think Jesus NEEDED to pray?

3. What can we DO to help ourselves have a regular prayer time?

C. Comment :

In these few verses we catch a glimpse of the PRACTICE and PRESSURES of Jesus' prayer life.

First the PRACTICE: he prayed at the beginning of the day. Knowing the peace and presence of God first thing enables us to face the day with whatever it holds. For Jesus it held a busy day preaching and confronting the enemy. He needed to know his Father's Presence, his Father's Purposes, and his Father's Power.

We too need to know the Lord's presence, what He wants for us in the day, and His power to do it. That all comes as we wait on Him in prayer. We note that he went to a solitary place, a place where he could be quiet before God his Father, where he could both speak to and hear from his Father. We need the same.

Second, the PRESSURES that come upon all who would pray: people or situations that would crowd in and squeeze our time and interrupt that quiet fellowship with God. We will need God's help even to make the time! While in this passage we should also observe the PURPOSEFULNESS of Jesus ministry. He was quite clear what he was to do, to preach about and bring to their lives, the rule of God.

D. Application?

1. Ask the Lord to help you in this matter of prayer, to help you take the

time, make the time and use the time to be with Him.

2. Tell Him today that you love Him and express your desire to know Him

more.

Chapter: Mark 1

Passage: Mark 1:40-45

A. Find Out:

1. How did the man approach Jesus? v.40

A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean."

2. What did Jesus FEEL? v.41

Filled with compassion

3. What did Jesus DO? v.41

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man

4. What did Jesus SAY? v.41

"I am willing," he said. "Be clean!"

5. What was the result? v.42

Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.

6. What did Jesus warn him not to do? v.44

"See that you don't tell this to anyone.

7. What was the result when he disobeyed? v.45

Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere

B. Think :

1. How do you think you would have felt if a leper had come up to you?

2. What does it say about Jesus that he actually reached out and

TOUCHED the leper to heal him?

3. Why do you think Jesus didn't want the leper to tell?

C. Comment :

Leprosy can be an unpleasant deadly disease and, in Jesus' day, one for which there was little or no help. Subsequently lepers were outcasts. We see first, the LEPER'S HUMILITY, coming to Jesus on his knees saying, "If you are willing..." He came aware of his hopelessness and his need.

Note also the LEPER'S FAITH as he continued, "You can make me clean". Again God is looking for faith in us (Hebrews 11:6) What an example for us! The man's faith was justified: Jesus could do it and was willing to do it and He still is.

Also observe JESUS' COMPASSION and POWER as he healed the man. His compassion extended to actually touching this man, who would probably not have known a human touch ever since he contracted the leprosy. Jesus knew his need and fully met it.

By asking the man not to spread the news, Jesus sought to avoid the problems it would cause, when crowds would mob him for their own needs and make it impossible for him to speak.

D. Application?

1. Are we sure of the Lord's ability & desire to heal?

2. Do we have the same compassion that Jesus had for the outcasts and

needy people of the day?

3. Ask the Lord for His grace to respond to these things today.

RECAP: "Start of Ministry" - Mark 1

SUMMARY :

In these first 7 studies we have seen Jesus:

  - being baptised by John in the Jordan

  - being sent into the desert to be tempted

  - preaching in Galilee & calling his first four disciples

  - teaching in a synagogue & driving an evil spirit out

  - healing Peter's mother-in-law

  - healing all the crowds who came

  - praying in the early morning

  - healing a leper

COMMENT :

In this first Chapter, Jesus' ministry is characterised by teaching, healing and casting out demons. His loving relationship with his Father in heaven is also seen when he is baptised, and also in his early morning prayer times.

At this stage his disciples play little part in what is happening. We just note that the first four have been called.

LESSONS :

1. Christianity is about a loving relationship.

2. To be able to stand in the place of temptation where His grace is always available to

help.

3. To be "doers" of the word, not just "knowers".

4. To follow Jesus' example of availability.

5. To PRACTICE prayer and to resist the PRESSURES not to pray.

6. To have compassion for the needy about us.

PRAY :

1. Thank the Lord for His love seen in Jesus.

2. Ask Him to teach you to pray and show you what it means to be available to Him.

Part 2 : Increasing Conflict

In this next Part watch especially for the opposition that comes to Jesus in every situation. Watch how, at every turn, the religious leaders seek to pick holes in all he says and does.