MARK 1-8

By David Maas
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent and believe in the gospel."

[Click on the title to open an article]
  1. Introduction to Mark - {PDF Copy} - (A brief overview of the history and structure of Mark's gospel account)
  2. Commencement of the Good News - {PDF Copy} - (In the ministry of Jesus, the kingdom of God arrived, beginning with his baptism by John the Baptist)
  3. Voice in the Wilderness - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 1:4-8 - John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah to prepare the way for God's Messiah)
  4. THIS is My Son! - {PDF Copy} - (The Spirit of God and the divine voice from heaven confirmed the calling and identity of Jesus, Messiah of Israel – Mark 1:9-11)
  5. Wilderness, Temptation, Spirit - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 1:9-13 - Jesus is driven into the Wilderness by the Spirit - He succeeds where Israel failed)
  6. Arrest and Fulfillment - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 1:14-15 - The arrest of John the Baptist marked the beginning of the preaching ministry of Jesus)
  7. Four Fishermen Summoned - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 1:16-20 - In Galilee, Jesus summoned four men to leave their livelihoods to become his disciples)
  8. Authority over Demons - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 1:21-28 - As the Son of Man, even demons were subject to his authority)
  9. Authority over Disease - {PDF Copy} - (Neither social conventions nor purity regulations prevented Jesus from ministering to the physical needs of men and women)
  10. Authority over Ritual Purity  - {PDF Copy} - (The touch of Jesus cleansed a leper, and the forbidden contact did not render him unclean)
  11. Authority to Forgive Sins - {PDF Copy} - (Jesus healed a paralytic, demonstrating the authority of the Son of Man to discharge sins)
  12. Tax-Collector Summoned - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 2:13-17 - The call of the tax collector demonstrated and validated Christ’s authority to forgive sins)
  13. Authority over the Sabbath - {PDF Copy} - (Jesus demonstrated that he is Lord of the Sabbath Day by healing the man with the withered hand in the synagogue)
  14. The Son of Man has Authority - {PDF Copy} - (Jesus is the Son of Man foreseen by Daniel, the one with absolute authority from Yahweh over the earth)
  15. Crowds Press, Demons Profess - {PDF Copy} - (The crowds welcomed Jesus because of his miracles, but only demons recognized him as the Son of God)
  16. Twelve Disciples Appointed - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 3:13-21 - Jesus chose his Twelve Disciples from among a larger group of followers, including two surprising candidates)
  17. The Unpardonable Sin - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 3:22-34 - A line is crossed when what God’s Spirit is doing in Jesus is attributed to Satan)
  18. Parable of the Sower - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 4:1-20 - The parable pictures the Son of Man as he sows the “seed” of the gospel that spreads unseen until the harvest)
  19. Kingdom Parables - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 4:21-34 - Jesus taught several parables about the kingdom of God, its unexpected ways of expansion, and its status in the world)
  20. Authority over Sea and Storm - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 4:35-41 - Despite a tremendous miracle, the calming of a tempest, the disciples fail to recognize the Son of Man)
  21. Who is this Man? - {PDF Copy} - (No one recognized Jesus except the demons cast out by him. Only in his sacrificial death can his identity be understood)
  22. Demonized Man Delivered - {PDF Copy} - (Jesus delivered a demonized Gentile while traveling through hostile territory, demonstrating his vast authority over Satan)
  23. Two Women Restored - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 5:21-43 - Jesus healed two women and restored both to states of ritual purity)
  24. Rejected in Nazareth - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 6:1-6 - Despite his miraculous deeds, Christ’s hometown rejected his ministry and took offense at his humble origins)
  25. The Cost of Discipleship - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 6:7-30 - To be a disciple means to take up one’s own cross and follow in his steps no matter where they lead)
  26. His Miraculous Witness to Israel - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 6:31-56 - The feeding of 5,000 men was a spectacular witness to Israel by her Messiah; nevertheless, most Jews refused to accept Jesus)
  27. Jesus and Added Tradition - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 7:1-23 - With the arrival of the Son of Man, old regulations and rituals begin to lose their relevance)
  28. Spiritual Dullness - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 8:1-21 - The gospel accounts highlight the unbelief behind the inability of his opponents and disciples to perceive just who Jesus is)
  29. A Blind Man Saved - {PDF Copy} - (A blind man’s eyes were opened, and he was “saved” as Jesus continued “on the way" to Jerusalem)
  30. Whosoever will Follow Me - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 8:27-38 - For a fleeting moment, the eyes of Peter were opened to "see" just Who Jesus was)
  31. His Suffering and Death - {PDF Copy} - (Mark 8:31 - To be the Messiah of Israel means suffering and death, and he summons disciples to walk the same path)
Galilee - Photo by Thalia Tran on Unsplash
Galilee - Photo by Thalia Tran on Unsplash

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