Discussion Guide: The Gospel of Mark - Introduction
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Introduction for the Group/Reader
The Gospel of Mark is often considered the first written account of Jesus’ life. While not an Apostle, Mark (John Mark) was closely tied to Peter and wrote under his influence. Mark’s Gospel is urgent, action-packed, and designed to give us a vivid picture of Jesus as Prophet, Teacher, and Messiah.
This study will explore the authorship, background, and message of Mark while inviting us to encounter Jesus more personally.
Day 1 – Who Was Mark?
Key Idea: God uses imperfect people to write His story.
Scriptures: Acts 13:13; Acts 15:36–41; Colossians 4:10; 1 Peter 5:13
Discussion Questions:
How does John Mark’s story of failure and restoration encourage you in your walk with Christ?
Why do you think God often uses people with broken pasts to write His redemption story?
Have you ever walked away from a calling and later returned? How did God use that?
Personal Reflection Prompt: Write about an area where you’ve experienced God’s grace after failure.
Day 2 – Mark and Peter: Eyewitness Roots
Key Idea: Mark’s Gospel carries Peter’s firsthand experiences of Jesus.
Scriptures: Matthew 16:13–20; Luke 22:54–62; John 21:15–19; Mark 14:66–72
Discussion Questions:
Why might Peter’s failures (like his denial) be so central in the Gospel narrative?
What does it mean for us that the Gospels include the weaknesses of their leaders?
How does Peter’s restoration shape your view of God’s mercy?
Personal Reflection Prompt: Think of a time you saw God redeem a past failure—write or share how that changed your faith.
Day 3 – The Date and Urgency of Mark
Key Idea: Mark wrote during turbulent times, calling believers to urgent faith.
Scriptures: Mark 13:1–13; Mark 13:32–37; 2 Peter 1:16–21
Discussion Questions:
How would the destruction of the Temple impact Jewish and Christian identity?
Why is Mark’s tone so urgent, often saying “immediately” in his Gospel?
What does urgency in following Jesus look like today?
Personal Reflection Prompt: Where in your life do you need to act with spiritual urgency instead of waiting?
Day 4 – The Genre: A Biography of Jesus
Key Idea: Mark presents Jesus’ life as a portrait, not just a timeline.
Scriptures: Mark 1:1–15; Mark 2:1–12; Mark 6:30–44; Mark 10:45
Discussion Questions:
Why do you think Mark focuses so much on action and miracles?
How do these “snapshots” of Jesus help us understand who He is?
In what ways is Mark’s biography different from a modern biography?
Personal Reflection Prompt: Which story of Jesus in Mark has made the deepest impact on your understanding of Him?
Day 5 – Mark’s Purpose: Encountering the Messiah
Key Idea: Mark’s Gospel invites us to see and believe Jesus as the Son of God.
Scriptures: Mark 8:27–38; Mark 9:2–10; Mark 15:33–39; Mark 16:1–8
Discussion Questions:
How does Mark show us Jesus as Prophet, Teacher, and Messiah?
Which moment in Mark most powerfully reveals Jesus’ true identity to you?
How does Mark’s ending (with fear and awe at the empty tomb) challenge our faith?
Personal Reflection Prompt: Write a prayer of confession or declaration, affirming Jesus as your Messiah, Teacher, and Lord.
Closing Challenge
If you’re in a group: Share one takeaway about Jesus from this week that has reshaped how you follow Him.
If you’re studying alone: Write down one action step to live out Jesus’ teaching in Mark this week.
