Mark's Gospel in a Nutshell

The Gospel of Mark is one of the first accounts of Jesus' life. It's attributed to a Christian scribe named Mark (or John Mark). Mark carefully shapes the story of Jesus presenting it as a drama, with three acts, focusing on different themes. In each act, various reactions to Jesus are depicted, from awe and wonder to confusion and rejection. Jesus' identity as the Messiah is a central theme, with the disciples struggling to understand His true nature.

The first act is set in Galilee, where Jesus' power and message of God's kingdom are displayed through healing and forgiveness. The crowds are amazed, but others question or reject Him. The second act highlights Jesus' teachings through parables, emphasizing the mysterious nature of God's kingdom. The disciples, like the crowds, struggle to grasp the full significance of Jesus' message.

In the third act, Jesus reveals His true identity as the suffering servant King, rather than the victorious military King expected by Peter and the disciples. He challenges them to follow Him in selflessness and service, rather than seeking fame and power. Despite Jesus' warnings of His impending death and the destruction of Jerusalem, the disciples fail to fully understand His mission.

The story culminates in Jesus' crucifixion, where a Roman soldier acknowledges him as the Son of God. After His resurrection, two women disciples discover the empty tomb and are told by an angel that Jesus has risen. The traditional text of Mark seems to end abruptly there, with the women leaving from the empty tomb afraid and bewildered, without telling anyone. However, there is a longer ending, which is found in many ancient manuscripts, and which includes the appearances of Jesus to the disciples, but is considered to have been added later.

JJ Bowks, ©CDMI

The Bible in a Nutshell Series

Greek Scriptures

(New Testament Books)

Outline of the Gospel according to Matthew

I. The Preparation of the Servant, 1:1–13

A. The Introduction of the Gospel, 1:1
B. The Ministry of John the Baptist, 1:2–8
C. The Baptism of Jesus, 1:9–11
D. The Temptation of Jesus, 1:12–13

II. The Ministry of the Servant in Galilee, 1:14–9:50

A. The Beginning of His Public Ministry, 1:14–45

Proclamation of the Kingdom, 1:14–15
Calling of the First Disciples, 1:16–20
Authority in Teaching and Healing, 1:21–39
Cleansing of a Leper, 1:40–45

B. Growing Popularity and Opposition, 2:1–3:35

Healing the Paralytic and Authority to Forgive, 2:1–12
Calling of Levi and Table Fellowship, 2:13–17
Questions about Fasting, 2:18–22
Lord of the Sabbath, 2:23–28
Healing on the Sabbath, 3:1–6
Multitudes Follow Jesus, 3:7–12
Appointment of the Twelve, 3:13–19
Accusations by Family and Scribes, 3:20–35

C. Teaching in Parables, 4:1–34

The Parable of the Sower, 4:1–20
The Lamp and the Measure, 4:21–25
The Growing Seed, 4:26–29
The Mustard Seed, 4:30–34

D. Miracles Demonstrating Authority, 4:35–5:43

Calming the Storm, 4:35–41
Healing the Gerasene Demoniac, 5:1–20
Healing a Woman and Raising Jairus’s Daughter, 5:21–43

E. Rejection and Mission, 6:1–13

Rejection at Nazareth, 6:1–6
Sending Out the Twelve, 6:7–13

F. Continued Ministry and Revelation, 6:14–9:50

Death of John the Baptist, 6:14–29
Feeding the Five Thousand, 6:30–44
Walking on Water, 6:45–52
Healings at Gennesaret, 6:53–56
Dispute over Traditions, 7:1–23
Healing of the Syrophoenician Woman’s Daughter, 7:24–30
Healing of the Deaf Man, 7:31–37
Feeding the Four Thousand, 8:1–10
Demand for a Sign and Warning against Leaven, 8:11–21
Healing a Blind Man in Bethsaida, 8:22–26
Peter’s Confession of Christ, 8:27–30
First Passion Prediction and Call to Discipleship, 8:31–9:1
Transfiguration, 9:2–13
Healing the Demon-Possessed Boy, 9:14–29
Second Passion Prediction, 9:30–32
Teaching on Greatness and Discipleship, 9:33–50

III. The Journey to Jerusalem, 10:1–52

A. Teaching on Divorce, 10:1–12
B. Blessing the Children, 10:13–16
C. The Rich Young Ruler, 10:17–31
D. Third Passion Prediction, 10:32–34
E. Teaching on Servant Leadership, 10:35–45
F. Healing Blind Bartimaeus, 10:46–52

IV. The Ministry of the Servant in Jerusalem, 11:1–13:37

A. The Triumphal Entry, 11:1–11
B. The Cursing of the Fig Tree and Cleansing of the Temple, 11:12–26
C. Authority of Jesus Challenged, 11:27–33
D. Parables and Teaching, 12:1–44

The Parable of the Tenants, 12:1–12
Question about Taxes, 12:13–17
Question about the Resurrection, 12:18–27
The Greatest Commandment, 12:28–34
Question about David’s Son, 12:35–37
Warning against the Scribes, 12:38–40
The Widow’s Offering, 12:41–44

E. The Olivet Discourse, 13:1–37

Prediction of the Temple’s Destruction, 13:1–2
Signs of the End, 13:3–23
Coming of the Son of Man, 13:24–27
The Lesson of the Fig Tree, 13:28–31
Call to Watchfulness, 13:32–37

V. The Passion of the Servant, 14:1–15:47

A. The Plot to Kill Jesus, 14:1–2
B. Anointing at Bethany, 14:3–9
C. Judas’s Betrayal, 14:10–11
D. The Last Supper, 14:12–31
E. Gethsemane and Arrest, 14:32–52
F. Jesus before the Sanhedrin, 14:53–65
G. Peter’s Denial, 14:66–72
H. Trial before Pilate, 15:1–15
I. Crucifixion and Death, 15:16–41
J. Burial of Jesus, 15:42–47