Humble Faith
The Syro-Phoenician woman is a paragon of humility and faith, accepting her utter need for God’s grace and actively seeking until she receives it.
Mark 7:24-30
God’s Law in the New Covenant
In the new covenant, the ceremonial law has been fulfilled by Jesus and is no longer in effect, but the moral law, which is a reflection of God’s unchanging character, continues to define sin and righteousness for all humans.
Mark 7:14-23
Truly Clean
Jesus teaches us that impurity, which is the violation of God’s moral law, arises from inside our hearts rather than from outside sources, and therefore true cleansing is not a matter of external religious rites but rather an internal change of heart.
Mark 7:14-23
Scripture and Tradition
Jesus taught that Scripture alone is the final authority for God’s people; therefore all traditions and extra-biblical teachings and practices are helpful only when they clarify, support, uphold, and submit to the Scripture.
Mark 7:1-13
Water Walker
Jesus refuses the false expectations of the crowd, but reveals His true identity to His disciples by walking on the water, and confirms it through His healing power.
Mark 6:45-56
The Good Shepherd
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who provides physical and spiritual rest, nourishment, and care, even in the wilderness.
Mark 6:30-44
Pledge Your Head To Heaven
The beheading of John the Baptist is a sober reminder to Christians of the difficulties and costs of the mission we have been given by Jesus, but we must not shrink from calling others to repentance and faith.
Mark 6:7-30
Rejection and Resurgence
The way of God’s Kingdom and Word causes scandal and offense to many, but God calls His people to continue to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom and minister to push back the kingdom of darkness.
Mark 6:1-13
Faith In the Lord Over Death
From the story of Jairus we learn how to sustain faith while we await the final day when Jesus’ powerful word raises us from the dead.
Mark 5:21-43
Savior of the Outcast
Even those who are outcasts from society and whose situations are hopeless will receive salvation when they reach out to Christ through faith.
Mark 5:21-34
Lord Over the Demonic Legion
Satan’s demonic forces want to confuse, enslave, and destroy, but Jesus has the authority to restore people who can then go forth to tell others of all He has done.
Mark 5:1-20
Lord Over the Storm
Jesus’ Sovereignty over the storm reveals His Deity and invites His disciples to turn from the fear of circumstances to the fear of God and trust in His Sovereign care.
Mark 4:35 – 41
A Growing Kingdom
In the parables of the seeds, Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God begins small and seemingly insignificant, but it will certainly grow until it becomes great and fruitful through the power of God and His Word.
Mark 4:26–34
Concealed and Revealed
The parable of the sower, the seed, and the soils teaches the secret of the Kingdom of God – that it has broken into the world in the Person, teaching, and work of Jesus, that is rejected by many, but that the Word of Jesus will bear great fruit in the lives of those who hear and embrace it.
Mark 4:1-20
The Sower, the Seed, and the Soils
The parable of the sower, the seed, and the soils teaches the secret of the Kingdom of God – that it has broken into the world in the Person, teaching, and work of Jesus, that is rejected by many, but that the Word of Jesus will bear great fruit in the lives of those who hear and embrace it.
Mark 4:1-20
The Parables of Jesus
Jesus often taught in parables to uncover the surprising mystery of God’s Kingdom to those who would listen carefully and humbly respond, but the same parables hardened and judged those who refused to listen and receive His Word.
Mark 4:1-12
The Family of Jesus
The true family of Jesus and His followers is not defined by biological relation but rather by a common obedience to the will of God.
Mark 3: 31-35
Kingdoms In Conflict
Theme Statement
Bible Reference
The Crowds, the Demons, and the Disciples
Jesus had a distinct relationship and response to the crowds, demonic powers, and His disciples, who were called out of the crowd to be with Him and then go back to the crowd to proclaim the Gospel and confront Satan’s kingdom.
Mark 3:7-19
The Son of Man and the Sabbath (Part 2)
Legalism blinded the Pharisees to God’s gracious work through Jesus, so instead of praising God, they decided Jesus must be put to death.
Mark 3:1–6
The Son of Man and the Sabbath (Part 1)
As the Son of Man, Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath and He cut through the extra-biblical burdens that had been added to the Sabbath to return it to its original purpose as a gift for humanity.
Mark 2:23-28
The Son of Man and the New Covenant
With the coming of Jesus, the old covenant promises, types, and shadows find fulfillment in the glorious realities of the new covenant.
Mark 2:18-22
The Son of Man and Sinners
Jesus did not come to shun those who were separate from God, but rather to seek them out so that they might return to God.
Mark 2:13-17
The Son of Man and Sin
Jesus has the authority not only to heal physical illness but also to forgive and heal sin, restoring people to God’s favor.
Mark 2:1-12
The Priorities and Practices of the King
Disciples must imitate the priorities and practices of Jesus – personal prayer, the study and proclamation of God’s Word, and gathering with God’s people for public worship. Any helpful ministry can only come by attending to these priorities and practices first.
Mark 1:35-45