1

For videos, manuscripts, and other resources, visit Third Millennium Ministries at thirdmill.org.

The Gospels
Lesson Guide

LESSON THE GOSPEL

THREE
ACCORDING TO MARK

The Gospels
Lesson 3: The Gospel According to Mark
© 2012 by Third Millennium Ministries www.thirdmill.org
 2

CONTENTS

HOW TO USE THIS LESSON GUIDE.............................................................................3

NOTES................................................................................................................................4
I. INTRODUCTION (0:23)...........................................................................................4
II. BACKGROUND (1:52).............................................................................................4
A. Author (2:07)........................................................................................................4
1. Traditional view (2:20)...................................................................................4
2. Personal History (6:46)...................................................................................4
B. Original Audience (9:51)......................................................................................5
1. Witness of the Early Church (10:20)..............................................................5
2. Details of Gospel (11:49)................................................................................5
C. Occasion (15:31)...................................................................................................6
1. Date (15:47)....................................................................................................6
2. Purpose (17:47)...............................................................................................6
III. STRUCTURE AND CONTENT (22:55)...................................................................7
A. The Announcement of the Messiah (24:00).........................................................7
B. The Power of the Messiah (27:04)........................................................................7
1. Introduction (29:09)........................................................................................7
2. Near Capernaum (30:35)................................................................................7
3. Region of Galilee (35:04)...............................................................................8
4. Beyond Galilee (42:07)...................................................................................9
C. The Apostles’ Affirmation of the Messiah (50:16)..............................................9
D. The Suffering of the Messiah (52:41)...................................................................9
1. Preparation (53:12).........................................................................................9
2. Confrontation (1:02:28)................................................................................11
3. Experience (1:07:20)....................................................................................12
E. The Victory of the Messiah (1:12:57)................................................................13
IV. MAJOR THEMES (1:17:25)....................................................................................14
A. Suffering Servant (1:18:24)................................................................................14
1. Jewish Expectations (1:18:56)......................................................................14
2. Jesus’ Ministry (1:24:07)..............................................................................14
3. Proper Response (1:30:00)...........................................................................15
B. Conquering King (1:36:32).................................................................................15
1. Proclaimed Kingdom (1:37:51)....................................................................16
2. Demonstrated Power and Authority (1:39:42).............................................16
3. Conquered Enemies (1:43:35)......................................................................17
V. CONCLUSION (1:50:57).........................................................................................18

REVIEW QUESTIONS..................................................................................................19

Application Questions.......................................................................................................24

The Gospels
Lesson 3: The Gospel According to Mark
© 2012 by Third Millennium Ministries www.thirdmill.org
 3

The Gospels
Lesson 3: The Gospel According to Mark
© 2012 by Third Millennium Ministries www.thirdmill.org
 HOW TO USE THIS LESSON GUIDE
This lesson guide is designed for use in conjunction with the associated video. If you do
not have access to the video, the lesson guide will also work with the audio and/or text
versions of the lesson. Additionally, the video and lesson guide are intended to be used in
a learning community, but they also can be used for individual study if necessary.

 Before you watch the lesson

o Prepare — Complete any recommended readings.
o Schedule viewing — The Notes section of the lesson guide has been
divided into segments that correspond to the video. Using the time codes
found in parentheses beside each major division, determine where to begin
and end your viewing session. IIIM lessons are densely packed with
information, so you may also want to schedule breaks. Breaks should be
scheduled at major divisions.
 While you are watching the lesson
o Take notes — The Notes section of the lesson guide contains a basic
outline of the lesson, including the time codes for the beginning of each
segment and key notes to guide you through the information. Many of the
main ideas are already summarized, but make sure to supplement these
with your own notes. You should also add supporting details that will help
you to remember, describe, and defend the main ideas.
o Record comments and questions — As you watch the video, you may
have comments and/or questions on what you are learning. Use the
margins to record your comments and questions so that you can share
these with the group following the viewing session.
o Pause/replay portions of the lesson — You may find it helpful to pause
or replay the video at certain points in order to write additional notes,
review difficult concepts, or discuss points of interest.
 After you watch the lesson
o Complete Review Questions — Review Questions are based on the basic
content of the lesson. You should answer Review Questions in the space
provided. These questions should be completed individually rather than in
a group.
o Answer/discuss Application Questions — Application Questions are
questions relating the content of the lesson to Christian living, theology,
and ministry. Application questions are appropriate for written
assignments or as topics for group discussions. For written assignments, it
is recommended that answers not exceed one page in length.
 4

Notes

I. Introduction (0:23)

The persecution of Christians was on Mark’s mind as he wrote his gospel.

II. Background (1:52)

A. Author (2:07)

1. Traditional view (2:20)

 Papias, Bishop of Hierapolis, attributes authorship to Mark

 Mark wrote his gospel depending on Peter

 Anti-Marcionite Prologue and Irenaeus assert Mark’s

authorship

2. Personal History (6:46)

 Son of a woman named Mary

 Cousin of Barnabas

 Assisted Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary

journey

The Gospels
Lesson 3: The Gospel According to Mark
© 2012 by Third Millennium Ministries www.thirdmill.org
Notes 6

 Assisted Peter in Rome

B. Original Audience (9:51)

The churches in Italy were Mark’s original audience.

1. Witness of the Early Church (10:20)

Papias, the Anti-Marcionite Prologue, and Irenaeus all reported

that Mark wrote his gospel in Italy.

2. Details of Gospel (11:49)

 Palestinian customs

 Aramaic expressions

 Latin words

 Rufus
Notes 7

C. Occasion (15:31)

1. Date (15:47)

Mid- to late-60’s of the first century

2. Purpose (17:47)

 Preserve Peter’s record of Jesus’ ministry.

 Draw lessons from the life of Jesus.

The church in Rome was suffering persecution under the Roman

Emperor Nero.
Notes 8

III.Structure and Content (22:55)

A. The Announcement of the Messiah (24:00)

The Messiah was to:

 Be the descendant of King David

 Restore the royal throne

 Turn the nation in God’s kingdom on earth

B. The Power of the Messiah (27:04)

1. Introduction (29:09)

Mark focused on Jesus’ ministry in and around the region of

Galilee.

2. Near Capernaum (30:35)

 First Disciples: 1:16-20

 Gospel in Capernaum: 1:21-34

 Gospel in Neighboring Villages: 1:35-45

Notes 9

 Opposition in Capernaum: 2:1-3:6

3. Region of Galilee (35:04)

 Withdrawal from Crowds: 3:7-12

 Appointment of the Twelve: 3:13-19

 Opposition in Galilee: 3:20-35

 Parables: 4:1-34

 Displays of Power: 4:35-5:43

 Opposition in Nazareth: 6:1-6

 Sending of the Twelve: 6:7-13

4. Beyond Galilee (42:07)

Notes 10

 Growing Fame: 6:14-29

 Miracles: 6:30-56

 Continuing Opposition: 7:1-23

 More Miracles: 7:24-8:26

C. The Apostles’ Affirmation of the Messiah (50:16)

Jesus’ disciples confessed that he was the Christ.

D. The Suffering of the Messiah (52:41)

1. Preparation (53:12)

 Lord of the Kingdom: 8:31-9:29

o Suffering, Death and Resurrection: 8:31-9:1

Notes 11

o Transfiguration: 9:2-13

o Unique Power: 9:14-29

 Values of the Kingdom: 9:30-10:31

o Prediction of Suffering: 9:30-31

o Honor: 9:32-42

o Worth: 9:43-50

o Marriage: 10:1-12

o Children: 10:13-16

o Wealth: 10:17-31

 Leadership in the Kingdom: 10:32-52

o Prediction of Suffering: 10:32-34

o Share in Suffering: 10:35-40

o Service: 10:40-45

o Motivation: 10:46-52
Notes 12

2. Confrontation (1:02:28)

 Narratives of Opposition: 8:31-12:41

o Triumphal Entry: 11:1-11

o Fig Tree: 11:12-14, 20-25

o Cleansing of Temple: 11:15-19

o Priests, Teachers and Elders: 11:27-12:12

o Herodians and Pharisees: 12:13-17

o Sadducees: 12:18-27

o Teachers: 12:28-44

 Olivet Discourse: 13:1-37

Took place on the Mount of Olives

Jesus warned his disciples of the hardship they would face

in the future so that they would not be caught off guard.
Notes 13

3. Experience (1:07:20)

 Anointing for Burial: 14:1-1

 Last Hours with Disciples: 14:12-42

 Arrest and Trials: 14:43-15:15

 Crucifixion: 15:16-47

Jesus’ suffering at the hands of the Romans would have connected

these events to Mark’s original audience.

E. The Victory of the Messiah (1:12:57)

Three different endings in the ancient Greek manuscripts of Mark:

Notes 14

 Ends at verse 8

 Ends at verse 20

 A two sentence ending after verse 8

The emphasis on fear is a very appropriate way to end this particular

gospel.

The angelic visitor’s message was clear: Jesus had conquered death and
risen in victory.

IV. Major Themes (1:17:25)

A. Suffering Servant (1:18:24)

Notes 15

1. Jewish Expectations (1:18:56)

Jewish messianic hopes took many different forms:

 The Zealots: rebellion against Rome

 Different apocalyptic groups: supernatural intervention

 The Nomists: obedience to the Law

The prophet Isaiah indicated the suffering role of the Messiah.

2. Jesus’ Ministry (1:24:07)

Jesus healed and ministered to many different people.

Jesus’ leadership was a form of service to God and those who were
led.

3. Proper Response (1:30:00)

Jesus requires loyalty and perseverance: Mark 12:30

Notes 16

Following Jesus involves:

 Sacrifice and Suffering

 Dedication to him

 Living in ways that the world despises

Entering the kingdom of God is actually impossible when we rely

on our own power to do it.

B. Conquering King (1:36:32)

Messiah would be a descendant of King David:

 Psalms 89, 110 and 132

 Mark 12:35

Jesus is called Son of David:

 Mark 10:47-48

 Mark 14:61-62
Notes 17

 Mark 15:2

1. Proclaimed Kingdom (1:37:51)

 Preaching ministry

 Parables

2. Demonstrated Power and Authority (1:39:42)

 His will over nature and demons: Mark 1:24, 3:11, 4:41,
5:7

 Miraculous healings

 Kingdom blessings include life and health

 Demanded a life-changing response: Mark 1:16-20

 Forgiveness of sins: Mark 2:3-12

3. Conquered Enemies (1:43:35)

 Defeated their arguments

 Avoided their plots

Notes 18

 Released people from their oppression

 He was willingly crucified so that he could atone for sin

 Jesus’ power over demonic and satanic forces:

Evidence that Jesus had brought the kingdom of God.

Jesus’ kingdom had come to do battle with and defeat the

demonic powers.

 Last enemy: 1 Corinthians 15:26

Jesus’ greatest victory was over death itself.

Jesus’ death was the means to his victory over death.

V. Conclusion (1:50:57)

Mark’s gospel shows us aspects of Jesus’ character and ministry:

 Jesus as a powerful, energetic, active master of his surroundings

 Jesus willingly took on the role of suffering servant

Notes 19

Mark calls us to a variety of responses to our Lord’s example:

 Fall at Jesus’ feet in amazement

 Listen to him in silence

 Respond to his words with radical obedience

 Be willing to suffer for the kingdom of God

 Be encouraged that Jesus secured victory for us

 Persevere until the day Jesus returns to consummate his kingdom

 19

Review Questions

1. How do we know that Mark wrote the Gospel of Mark?

2. Who was the original audience of Mark’s gospel?

The Gospels
Lesson 3: The Gospel According to Mark
© 2012 by Third Millennium Ministries www.thirdmill.org
Review Questions 21

3. What was Mark’s purpose for writing his gospel?

4. How does Mark’s gospel introduce Jesus as the Messiah?

Review Questions 22

5. How did Jesus demonstrate his power in Mark’s gospel?

6. Why was the apostles’ affirmation that Jesus was the Messiah so significant?
Review Questions 23

7. How did Jesus suffer during his messianic ministry?

8. How did Jesus achieve victory through his resurrection?

Review Questions 24

9. How did Jesus fulfill the Old Testament expectations about the Messiah as a
suffering servant?

10. How did Jesus display that he was the conquering King?
 24

Application Questions

1. What are some specific ways Mark’s gospel can help us endure hardships and
persecution?

2. How should we respond as we read about the miracles of Jesus and his preaching
about the kingdom in Mark’s gospel?

3. Why does Jesus call Christian leaders to be servants of their people?

4. How can you exhibit servant leadership in your current circumstances and
ministry?

5. What are some specific ways we can respond to Jesus’ call for Christian
perseverance and loyalty?

6. What types of compromises are we permitted to make, given that following Jesus
is often difficult?

7. How should we make use of the power God has given us to suffer and serve?

8. How do you feel knowing that being a follower of Christ will involve suffering
and difficulties in this life?

9. What can we learn from the various Jewish expectations of the Messiah?

10. How can we remain hopeful in the victory of Jesus in the midst of suffering and
persecution?

11. What should be our response to doubts that arise about Jesus, since we don’t see
him reigning on earth right now?

12. How should we live in this time when the kingdom is temporarily veiled, growing
slowly, and even suffering?

13. What is the most significant thing you learned in this lesson?

The Gospels
Lesson 3: The Gospel According to Mark
© 2012 by Third Millennium Ministries www.thirdmill.org