Today, we’re going to walk through the Book of Mark, which is the second book in the New Testament. This book of Matthew summary by chapter offers a quick glance through the book in the Bible.
Mark is considered the earliest gospel and is a vivid account of the ministry of Jesus Christ. With a sense of urgency and immediacy, Mark portrays Jesus as the Servant King, who came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
(Also Read: The Book of Matthew Summary by Chapter)
Table of Contents
The Book of Mark Summary by Chapter
Chapter 1 – The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry
Mark starts with a bang! In Chapter 1, John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus by preaching repentance and baptizing in the wilderness. Jesus is baptized by John, and the Holy Spirit descends on Him.
Immediately, Jesus is led into the wilderness and tempted by Satan. After John is imprisoned, Jesus begins His ministry in Galilee, calling Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him. He teaches, casts out demons, and heals many, including Simon’s mother-in-law and a leper.
Chapter 2 – Jesus Heals and Teaches
In Chapter 2, Jesus is in Capernaum and heals a paralytic man, which astonishes the crowd. He calls Levi, the tax collector, to follow Him.
The Pharisees question Jesus about fasting and associating with sinners. Jesus responds with the illustration of new cloth on an old garment and new wine in old wineskins.
Chapter 3 – Jesus Heals on the Sabbath and Appoints the Twelve
In Chapter 3, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, infuriating the Pharisees. Large crowds follow Him as He heals many.
Jesus appoints twelve apostles. His family, concerned, comes to take Him home. The scribes accuse Him of being possessed, but He responds with the parable of a house divided and speaks about the unforgivable sin.
Chapter 4 – Jesus Teaches in Parables
Chapter 4 sees Jesus teaching in parables, including the Parable of the Sower. He explains the purpose of parables and interprets the Parable of the Sower for His disciples.
He also tells the parables of the Lamp on a Stand, the Growing Seed, and the Mustard Seed. Jesus calms a storm, demonstrating His authority over nature.
Chapter 5 – Jesus Heals and Raises the Dead
In Chapter 5, Jesus casts out a legion of demons from a man in the region of the Gerasenes. The demons enter a herd of pigs, which plunge into the sea.
Jesus heals a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years, and He raises Jairus’s daughter from the dead.
Chapter 6 – Jesus Sends Out the Twelve and Feeds the Five Thousand
In Chapter 6, Jesus is rejected in His hometown. He sends the Twelve out to preach and heal. John the Baptist is beheaded by Herod.
Jesus feeds five thousand with five loaves and two fish. He walks on the Sea of Galilee and calms His disciples’ fears. He heals many in Gennesaret.
Chapter 7 – Jesus Teaches About Inner Purity
In Chapter 7, the Pharisees confront Jesus about His disciples not following traditional rituals. Jesus teaches about inner purity, emphasizing that what comes out of a person’s heart is what defiles them.
He also heals a Gentile woman’s daughter and a deaf and mute man, showcasing His compassion and power.
Chapter 8 – Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand
In Chapter 8, Jesus feeds four thousand people with seven loaves and a few small fish. The Pharisees ask for a sign, but Jesus refuses.
He warns His disciples about the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod. Jesus heals a blind man at Bethsaida and asks His disciples who they think He is. Peter confesses Him as the Messiah. Jesus predicts His death and teaches about self-denial.
Chapter 9 – The Transfiguration and Teaching on Faith
Chapter 9 features the Transfiguration, where Jesus reveals His glory to Peter, James, and John. They also see Elijah and Moses.
Jesus heals a boy with an unclean spirit and speaks again of His death. He teaches about true greatness and warns against causing others to sin.
Chapter 10 – Teachings on Marriage, Children, and Riches
In Chapter 10, Jesus teaches about marriage and divorce. He blesses little children, signifying the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
A rich young ruler inquires about eternal life, and Jesus speaks about the difficulty of the rich entering the Kingdom of God. Jesus predicts His death a third time and teaches about servant leadership.
Chapter 11 – Jesus’ Triumphal Entry and Cursing the Fig Tree
In Chapter 11, Jesus makes a triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a colt. He curses a fig tree for bearing no fruit and clears the temple of money-changers.
The religious leaders challenge His authority. He teaches about faith and the power of prayer.
Chapter 12 – Parable of the Tenants and The Greatest Commandment
In Chapter 12, Jesus tells the Parable of the Tenants, speaking against the religious leaders. They try to trap Him with questions about taxes, resurrection, and the Law, but He wisely answers.
Jesus teaches about the greatest commandment and discusses the Messiah’s lineage.
Chapter 13 – Signs of the End Times
In Chapter 13, Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple. He teaches about signs of the end times, the coming persecution, the abomination of desolation, and His second coming.
He encourages watchfulness and readiness.
Chapter 14 – The Last Supper and Jesus’ Arrest
Chapter 14 includes the plot to kill Jesus, the anointing at Bethany, and the Last Supper where Jesus establishes the Lord’s Supper.
Jesus prays in Gethsemane and is betrayed by Judas. He is arrested and brought before the high priest. Peter denies Him.
Chapter 15 – The Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus
In Chapter 15, Jesus is tried before Pilate and condemned. He is mocked, crucified, and dies. Joseph of Arimathea buries Him in a tomb.
Chapter 16 – The Resurrection of Jesus
In the glorious final chapter, Jesus is resurrected! Mary Magdalene and the other women discover the empty tomb. An angel tells them Jesus has risen.
Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, two disciples, and the Eleven. He gives the Great Commission and ascends into heaven.
(Read Also: The Book of Luke Summary by Chapter)
Conclusion
We’ve now traversed the energetic and action-packed Book of Mark. Through this Gospel, we have seen the power and authority of Jesus, the Servant King. He healed the sick, cast out demons, and taught with authority. Above all, He gave His life as a sacrifice for our sins and triumphantly rose from the dead. Through His death and resurrection, we have the promise of eternal life if we put our faith in Him.
What a Savior we have in Jesus Christ! Let us serve Him with all our hearts, loving our neighbors and sharing the good news of the gospel with all. May His grace be with you all. Amen!
