The Gospel of Mark, Chapter 1
You can listen to Mark 1 with us below. You can also read the passage in the New Living Translation here.
“After Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, they went to Simon and Andrew’s home. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away. So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them.
That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. The whole town gathered at the door to watch. So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak.
Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and the others went out to find him. When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.
A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.
Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed.”
Thank you for joining us in listening to Mark 1! You can also find a written copy of Mark 1 in the NLT here.
Below are some questions that made us think. Feel free to journal your answers to one or all of them!
Discussion Questions
1. In this passage, we see that Jesus healed many people. Some were possessed by demons and others had physical ailments. Simon's mother-in-law had a fever and one man had leprosy.
We are ALL in need of some kind of healing— whether it be emotional, physical, or spiritual.
-If you were one of the people Jesus met in this passage, how do you think He would want to heal you? Why?
-How has God healed you physically, emotionally or spiritually?
2. On the New Earth, there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain (Revelation 21:4).
-How does the hope of being completely healed one day change the way you live?
3. When Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him, they left the life they knew behind and went with Him.
-When is it easy for you to follow Jesus? When do you get excited about following Him?
-When is it hard for you to follow Jesus?
-What might Jesus be asking you to leave in order to follow Him?
4. In verse 35, Jesus wakes up early to be alone and pray. Jesus, God-in-flesh, needed time alone to be with His Father. Jesus depended on His Father.
-What makes it hard to spend time alone with Jesus?
-What difference does spending time with Jesus make in your life?
