Mark - Chapter-1

Chapter Summary

Ministry of John the Baptist. Baptism and temptation of Jesus and His first Galilean ministry. Demons cast out, sickness healed, leprosy cured.

The book of Mark starts with John the Baptist and Jesus' baptism. Why do you think it doesn't include Jesus' birth or childhood? What is Mark's purpose and audience?
Is John's baptism the same baptism that believers receive today? Why or why not?
Why did Jesus need to be baptized? Why do we need to be baptized? Are they the same reason? Why or why not?
Compare verses 9-11 to Matthew 3:13-17 and Luke 3:21-22. What differences do you find? What significance do these differences make?
If you wanted to read more about Jesus' temptation and his ministry in Galilee, where could you go to do that? Why do you think Mark almost entirely leaves out these stories?
What does it mean to "fish for people" (verse 17, CSB)? Do you fish for people? How would someone else answer that question about you?
How did this unclean spirit know who Jesus was? Do you think the demons knew about Jesus' ultimate plan? Why or why not?
How does Jesus healing the man with leprosy mirror the laws concerning holy, clean, and unclean objects? What greater truth can we learn from this story?
Was it wrong for the man to proclaim his healing even when Jesus told him not to? Do you proclaim the Gospel in a similar way? If not, what is getting in the way of sharing the good news?
How does Jesus' care for both physical and spiritual needs direct us to do ministry in our own lives? How can you mirror Jesus in this way in your life this week?

First ministry, vv. 1, 14, 21, 32.

God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, John the Baptist, Satan, Simon, James, man with demons, Simon's mother-in-law, leper.

11, 17.