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Mark introduced Jesus as the Son of God and Israel’s Messiah (see v. 1), who proclaimed His purpose to establish the kingdom of God (see v. 15). But such claims must be substantiated by divine authority. So, the author provides three credentials of this Messianic King to prove His office. I. Authority Over Dispassion (vv. 21-22) II. Authority Over Demons (vv. 23-28) III. Authority Over Disease (vv. 29-34) Learn Your Bible: Use your favorite study resources to find cross-reference passages that point to Jesus’ authority in each of the areas we studied today. Love Your Neighbor: Ask God to show you someone in your life who needs to be reminded of His grace, then take one practical step to love them well. Live in Freedom: Is there something in your life—a doubt, struggle, or secret shame—that you haven’t surrendered to the authority of Christ? Take the first step this week to fully place that in His hands.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Those words were spoken by Helen Keller, who lost her sight and hearing before her second birthday. Jesus promises abundant life (an adventure) to those who follow Him. Today we notice three aspects of Jesus’ call to His first followers. I. Their Character (vv. 16, 19) II. Their Calling (vv. 17, 20) III. Their Commitment (vv. 18, 20b) Learn Your Bible: Meditate on John 10:10 and spend time intentionally and specifically thanking the Lord for the riches He’s poured into your life. Love Your Neighbor: How can you be the hands and feet of Jesus to a brother or sister in Christ this week? Live in Freedom: Ask the Lord to reveal how He wants you to live more abundantly in your daily walk. Talk with Kids: What does it mean that God is faithful?

I. Hope Now (v. 3) II. Heaven Later (v. 4) III. Help In Between (v. 5) Learn Your Bible: Thank the Lord that He keeps you “through faith for salvation” and meditate on Psalm 37:23-24 as you recognize His keeping power in your own life. Love Your Neighbor: Invite a new believer to visit your Connect Group this week. Live in Freedom: Ask the Lord to reveal areas of your life—hurt, bitterness, or hidden sin—that you haven’t yet surrendered to Him. Talk with kids: What do you think the torn veil in the temple demonstrated?

I. What's Happening in the Sky II. What's Happening in the Temple III. What's Happening on the Cross

Mark shows us “the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (v. 1). After introducing John the Baptist, he includes three (really four) foundational scenes that mark the beginning movement of the gospel—from the lips of Jesus to those who followed Him and then took it around the world. I. Identification (v. 9) II. Confirmation (vv. 10-11) III. Confrontation (vv. 12-13) IV. Proclamation (vv. 14-15) Learn Your Bible: What does this passage teach you about how God works before great things begin? Love Your Neighbor: Share the gospel with a friend or family member this week—or simply invite them to our Good Friday and Easter services. Live in Freedom: What step of obedience is God calling you to take so you can walk in freedom and purpose as you follow Jesus? Talk with kids: Why do we have to turn from our sin to trust Jesus as Savior?

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “To be great is to be misunderstood.” John the Baptist was certainly that! This unusual figure dominates the first part of Mark’s gospel account. Let’s discover what made him so great and why his role was so important to the ministry of Jesus. I. John Was Anticipated by Scripture (vv. 2-3) II. John Was an Unusual Character (v. 6) III. John Was Preparing the Future (vv. 4-5, 7) IV. John Was Introducing the Savior (vv. 7-8) Talk with God: As you prepare for Easter, ask the Lord to soften your heart, deepen your faith, and draw you closer to Jesus. Talk with others: Invite an unbelieving friend or family member to join you for one of our Good Friday services. Talk with kids: How did Elisha display God’s power?

Today we begin an extended series on the gospel of Mark, a document that reveals the story of Jesus Christ and His first followers. Jesus stands at the very center of history’s stage. He has no equals; He has no peers. Let’s examine four aspects of this unique book. I. The Presentation of Jesus (“The beginning”) II. The Proclamation of Jesus (“The gospel”) III. The Person of Jesus (“Jesus Christ the Son of God”) IV. The Prediction of Jesus (“As it is written in the Prophets”) Talk with God: Meditate on Ephesians 1:7 and spend time in worship thanking the Lord for His faithfulness to redeem. Talk with others: Invite your friends and family to join you for Easter Sunrise service. Talk with kids: How was Ahab disobedient, stubborn, and greedy?

I. Jesus People Grow II. Jesus People Gather III. Jesus People Give IV. Jesus People Go Talk with God: Ask the Lord to show you the areas of your life in which you can be a better reflection of Jesus. Talk with others: Intentionally lift up the Jesus People around you and look for one practical way to come alongside someone walking through a difficult season this week. Talk with kids: How do we know God hears us when we pray?