Mark (John Mark) was a friend of Peter (1 Peter 5:13) and a companion of the Apostle Paul (Acts 12:12). His record of the life of Jesus may have been the earliest. It is certainly the shortest and there is a note of URGENCY about the account. Notice the frequent use of "urgent" words such as:immediately - straightway - astonished - forthwith - amazed.
The urgency and impact of the message will not be lost on us if we read earnestly and prayerfully.
Mark makes several references to "demons" and "evil spirits". These are not evil gods (note 29 in the Summary of Bible Teachings). See the special study on Demons in the Bible for a detailed discussion of this topic.
| SUNDAY
Mark 1 |
Jesus is the Son of God (verses 1,11). His compassion is great. The many miracles which Mark records underline these facts. |
| MONDAY
Mark 2 |
Jesus can provide forgiveness (verse 10) but cannot help the "self-righteous" - those who think they have no need of salvation (verse 17). |
| TUESDAY
Mark 3 |
"Hardness of heart" (verse 5) is another great obstacle to faith. The apostles were chosen (verses 13-19). |
| WEDNESDAY
Mark 6 |
John the Baptist was not afraid to speak out against wickedness and was faithful even to death. |
| THURSDAY
Mark 7 |
Our own cherished ideas sometimes have to be dropped (verse 7). We must make sure our beliefs are Scriptural. |
| FRIDAY
Mark 8 |
Jesus gave thanks for food (verse 6). Do we show the same gratitude for daily blessings? |
| SATURDAY
Mark 9 |
Mark has three references to Jesus' knowledge of what lay ahead for him. (See Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33). |