The shortest Gospel: fast, vivid, and heading straight for the cross.

Section
New Testament, Gospels
Book
41 of 66
Chapters
16
Written by
John Mark, drawing on Peter’s preaching (early church tradition)
When
Probably in the AD 50s or 60s
Written to
Believers in Rome and beyond

The big picture

Mark moves quickly. Jesus heals the sick, drives out evil spirits, calms a storm and calls ordinary people to follow Him, and the word “immediately” appears again and again.

Halfway through, Peter says Jesus is the Christ, and from then on Jesus teaches that He must suffer, die and rise again. At the cross a Roman soldier says what the book has been showing all along: this man was the Son of God.

Why it was written

To help believers, some facing persecution, see who Jesus is and what it costs to follow Him.

Key passages

Tap or hover over a reference to read it.

  • Mark 1:15 – The kingdom of God is at hand: repent and believe
  • Mark 8:29 – Peter says, “You are the Christ”
  • Mark 10:45 – Jesus came to serve and to give His life
  • Mark 15:39 – The soldier at the cross: truly the Son of God

How it points to Jesus

Mark is Jesus’ story from His baptism to the empty tomb. It shows Him as the powerful Son of God who chose the way of a servant and gave His life as a ransom for many.

Themes and people

Themes: Jesus’ authority · Faith and fear · The cost of following · Serving · The cross

People: Jesus · Peter · James and John · John the Baptist · Mary Magdalene

Study it together

  1. Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” How would you answer?
  2. Where does fear stop you trusting Jesus, as it did for the disciples in the storm?
  3. What would it look like to serve rather than be served this week?

Bring your answers and questions to Friday Bible Study, or watch our sermons.

Prepared by Spring Valley Church, Luton. Bible references open the English Standard Version (ESV) in a pop-up supplied by Logos Reftagger.