From Acts 12:12 we learn that Mark’s full name was John Mark. Although Mark was not an Apostle, he served as a missionary companion to Paul (see Acts 12:25). He also served with the Apostle Peter, probably at Rome (see 1 Peter 5:13). Mark learned the information he wrote in his gospel mainly from Peter (see Bible Dictionary, “Mark,” p. 728).
Unlike Matthew, Mark makes very little reference to Old Testament ideas and scriptures. He is also more careful to explain Jewish language and customs (see Mark 5:41; 7:2–4, 34). For these reasons, and because Mark’s missionary journeys put him in contact with many Gentiles, or non-Jews, his gospel seems to be written mainly to the Gentiles.
Without saying anything about Jesus’ parents or birth, “The Testimony of St. Mark” (see the JST footnote on the title) begins with Jesus’ baptism, when He was approximately thirty years old. In that first chapter we also read about the ministry of John the Baptist, Satan’s tempting of Jesus, the calling of some of the Apostles, three specific miracles, and other great miracles.
This fast pace continues throughout this shortest of the four Gospels. The words straightway and immediately occur over forty times in the sixteen chapters of Mark and add to the pace and action. The Gospel of Mark shows Jesus as a person of action and power and contains more accounts of miracles than any of the other Gospels. But in addition to the divine and powerful side of Jesus, this Gospel shows Jesus’ human side. Mark mentioned more times than any other Gospel writer that Jesus took time to be alone and to rest (see Mark 4:38; 6:31; 7:24; 8:13).
About ninety percent of the verses in Mark appear in one or more of the other gospels. There are, however, a few things found only in Mark. These include the following:
A parable of sowing and harvest (see Mark 4:26–29)
A reference to Jesus as a carpenter (see Mark 6:3)
The two-stage healing of a man (see Mark 8:22–26)
A young disciple who ran away from the soldiers at the time Jesus was arrested (see Mark 14:50–52; the young man may have been Mark, himself)
You may want to keep a place in your notebook where you record new impressions you receive about the Savior as you read Mark’s testimony of Him.
While Matthew recorded many of the words Jesus spoke, Mark emphasized the events in the Savior’s life. Mark seems so anxious to write about Jesus’ ministry that he gives very little historical background, and in the first chapter he begins with what Jesus began doing among the people. Before you move too quickly to chapter 2, take time to ponder on what we learn about Jesus from the stories in chapter 1.
Mark 1:1–11—Matthew 3; Luke 3:1–22; John 1:19–34
Mark 1:12–15—Matthew 4:1–17; Luke 4:1–15
Mark 1:16–20—Matthew 4:18–22; Luke 5:1–11
Mark 1:29–34—Matthew 8:14–17; Luke 4:38–41
Mark 1:35–39—Matthew 4:23–25; Luke 4:42–44
Mark 1:40–45—Matthew 8:1–4; Luke 5:12–16
Mark 1:1—“The Beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ”While it’s true that Jesus Christ began His church during His mortal ministry, that was not the first time the gospel plan was made known to people on earth. The gospel was actually preached from the time of the first family, Adam and Eve, on this world (see Moses 5:5–12) and even before the world began (see 1 Peter 1:18–20). Mark 1:2–11—John the BaptistSee the introduction to Matthew 3 (pp. 11–12) for more information about John. Mark 1:44—Why Did Jesus Ask Those He Healed to Not Tell Anyone What He Had Done?See “Understanding the Scriptures” for Matthew 16:20 (p. 24). |
Do one of the following activities (A or B) as you study Mark 1.
Preparing the WayMark began his testimony by describing events that prepared the way for the ministry of Jesus Christ. For each of the following four groups of verses, briefly tell what event Mark described and how you think it helped prepare the way for what would follow in Jesus’ mortal ministry: Mark 1:2–8, 9–11, 12–13, 16–20.
What Can You Learn from a Miracle?In Mark 1 we read about three different miracles Jesus performed and notes that He also healed “many” (v. 34). In Mark 1:38, Jesus said that a major purpose of His ministry among the people was to preach the gospel. In that context, think about what we learn about Jesus and His gospel from each miracle He performed. For example, as you study the miracle described in Mark 1:40–44, answer the following questions:
What can you learn from the leper about how to come to the Savior and receive blessings from Him?
What can you learn about the Savior from the way He responded to the leper?
To be leprous was considered “unclean” under the law of Moses. To be sinful is to be spiritually unclean. Read Mark 1:40–44 again, changing the word leper to sinner. What can it teach us about when we have sinned?
As mentioned in Mark 1:38, Jesus came to preach the gospel more than He came to perform miracles. His miracles were outward physical symbols of what He could do for us spiritually. In Mark 2 we read of a time when Jesus taught this principle.
Mark 2:1–22—Matthew 9:2–17; Luke 5:17–39
Mark 2:23–27—Matthew 12:1–8; Luke 6:1–5
Mark 2:23–28—Rules for the Sabbath |
Do activity A as you study Mark 2.
Getting the Real MessageAs you study Mark 2:1–12, answer the following questions:
Why might what Jesus first said to the man with the palsy seem odd?
How would you answer Jesus’ question recorded in Mark 2:9? What do you think He meant when He asked the question? (see v. 10).
Sin does not cause all disease, but it is more destructive. Unfortunately, it is more difficult to see sin and forgiveness than it is to see the effects and symptoms of physical disease. What lesson do you think Jesus tried to teach those who watched by both forgiving the man of his sins and also healing him of his palsy?
We do not know how many people were converted and became members of the Church while Jesus was alive. It seems that the number was quite small, but Mark records that a larger number of people were interested in Jesus—especially when they saw or heard of His miracles. Mark 3 is a record of some of the growing interest in Jesus and shows how, as He became more well known, those in positions of power and leadership began to oppose Him and look for ways to disgrace Him in the eyes of the people.
Mark 3:1–6—Matthew 12:9–14; Luke 6:6–11
Mark 3:13–19—Matthew 10:2–4; Luke 6:12–16
Mark 3:31–35—Matthew 12:46–50; Luke 8:19–21
Mark 3:8—Idumea, Tyre, and SidonSee the accompanying map.
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Do either activity A or B as you study Mark 3.
The Importance of Our MotivesThe story told in Mark 3:1–6 gives us interesting insight into the minds of the Pharisees. As you study those verses, answer the following questions:
What were the Pharisees looking for when they watched Jesus? (see also the introduction to Matthew 12 in this study guide, p. 20).
From whom does the power come to heal?
What does this incident tell us about what is important to Jesus and what was important to the Pharisees?
What are some examples of things people do today on the Sabbath that follow the traditions of men rather than the inspiration of God?
The Family of ChristIn Mark 3:31–35 Jesus was not saying that His mother and family were not important. He was again focusing attention on the most important reasons for His coming to earth.
According to Mark 3:31–35, what qualifies a person to be a member of Christ’s family?
This doctrine was further clarified in the Book of Mormon. In your own words, explain what Mosiah 5:5–9 says about how we become part of the family of Christ.
The word parable comes from a Greek word that means “to set alongside” or, in other words, to set one thing next to something else in order to compare them. Jesus told parables, or stories, of things the people were very familiar with that could be compared to a spiritual truth. The introduction to Matthew 13 (p. 22) explains why Jesus used parables and gives some ideas for interpreting their meanings.
Mark 4:1–25—Matthew 13:1–23; Luke 8:4–18
Mark 4:35–41—Matthew 8:18–27; Luke 8:22–25
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Do both activity A and B as you study Mark 4.
Meet the PressImagine you have been assigned to speak about the Church to a group of newspaper reporters. Tell which parable from Mark 4 you could use to answer each of the following questions:
What is the future of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Why does the Church send out so many missionaries?
How do you explain the remarkable growth of the Church, considering that it is fairly new compared to most world religions and started quite small in the frontier United States?
Tell which parable seems to apply to the following statement by President Gordon B. Hinckley: “The Church is growing in a marvelous and wonderful way. . . . It is spreading over the Earth in a miraculous manner” (in Steve Fidel, “Members Living Abroad Outnumber LDS in U.S.,” Deseret News, 26–27 Feb. 1996, A2).
Answers to Important QuestionsThere are four questions asked in Mark 4:35–41. The disciples asked the first and the fourth questions; Jesus asked the second and third. No answers were given for any of the questions, but by carefully reading the story and by analyzing what we know about Jesus and His disciples we can think about possible answers.
Write the first question and the answer you think Jesus would give.
Write the second and third questions and answer them as if you were the disciples.
Write your own answer to the fourth question.
What message could this experience have for someone today?
Jesus worked miracles to bless the lives of people and to teach important principles. Miracles demonstrated Jesus’ divine power and His understanding of higher laws that govern our earth. This power to work miracles requires the faith of those involved. As you read the accounts of miracles in Mark 5, look for how the people involved showed their faith. Consider what important principles Jesus taught by each miracle and by the way he performed it.
You might want to refer to the information for Matthew 8–9 (pp. 16–17) as you study this chapter.
Mark 5:1–20—Matthew 8:28–34; Luke 8:26–39
Mark 5:22–43—Matthew 9:18–26; Luke 8:41–56
Mark 5:8–13—Unclean Spirits Enter the SwineThis dramatic story helps us understand the great desire of the spirits who followed Satan to have bodies of any kind. We are not told why Jesus allowed those evil spirits to enter the bodies of the swine or why they immediately dove into the Sea of Galilee. Swine were considered unclean animals under the law of Moses. So, if Jews were raising the swine, they were breaking the commandments. It surely would have been a powerful lesson for those who saw or heard about unclean spirits ordered out of a man and entering the bodies of that which was declared unclean. It symbolizes the eventual spiritual destruction of all who serve the devil. Mark 5:23—“Come and Lay Thy Hands on Her . . . and She Shall Live”Speaking about this verse, Elder Howard W. Hunter, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, “These are not only the words of faith of a father torn with grief but are also a reminder to us that whatever Jesus lays his hands upon lives. If Jesus lays his hands upon a marriage, it lives. If he is allowed to lay his hands on the family, it lives” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1979, 93; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, 65). |
Do either activity A or B as you study Mark 5.
Look for a Symbolic MeaningAlthough the event described in Mark 5:1–20 actually happened, we can also learn from the symbolism of this miracle. Answering the following questions can help you apply this story to yourself and others today.
What symbolic meaning could there be to the fact that the man with an unclean spirit lived among “the tombs” (vv. 2, 5)?
What kinds of problems are there in our day that people find difficult to “tame” and that seem to continue even after efforts were made to get the problem under control, just as the man was “bound with fetters and chains” (v. 4)?
What can we learn about what Jesus can do for our difficult problems by what He did for that man?
What Did They Do?Mark 5:22–43 tells about two people who sought the Savior for help and blessings. Carefully read those verses and list what each of them did that would be an example of what we might also do as we seek blessings from the Savior.
What did you learn about Jesus from those two stories?
The miracles Jesus performed were remarkable, but most of the people did not understand who Jesus really was. In Mark 6 we read about how He was thought of by the people of His hometown; by the ruler, Herod; and by His own disciples, who still misunderstood Him. Think about your testimony of Jesus as you read this chapter and imagine how you might have tried to help people understand Jesus if you had been there when the events in Mark 6 occurred.
Mark 6:7–13—Matthew 10; Luke 9:1–6
Mark 6:14–15—Matthew 14:1–2; Luke 9:7–9
Mark 6:17–29—Matthew 14:3–12; Luke 3:19–20
Mark 6:30–56—Matthew 14:13–36; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–21
Mark 6:17–19—“It Is Not Lawful for Thee to Have Thy Brother’s Wife”Herodias, wife of Herod at the time of this story, had been the wife of Herod’s half-brother Philip. She had divorced him in order to marry Herod, and Herod had divorced his first wife and married Herodias. Marrying one’s brother’s wife while he was still alive was forbidden by the law of Moses (see Leviticus 20:21). It was also wrong to divorce a spouse because of an interest in someone else (see Matthew 5:31–32). Herodias’ actions seem to indicate that she felt guilty, and rather than repent, she chose to get rid of the person who reminded her of her guilt—John the Baptist. |
Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Mark 6.
Jesus Returns to His HometownAccording to Mark 6:1–6, how was Jesus received when He returned to “his own country,” meaning His home town of Nazareth?
What blessings were withheld from those people because of their attitude? (see v. 5).
How can this story apply to our dealings with local and general Church leaders today?
Responding to GuiltIn Mark 6:14–28, what did Herod do that might show he felt guilty about something?
How did Herodias respond to her guilt?
What should we do when we experience guilt for our sins?
Compare what happens when we try to cover our guilt and sins (see D&C 121:37) to what happens when we humble ourselves and repent (see Enos 1:4–8; Mosiah 4:2–3).
Learning about the SaviorList two things you learn about the character, nature, or power of Jesus from the story in Mark 6:31–44.
Traditions can be an important unifying influence in families and other groups. But when traditions become more important than, or replace, or are out of harmony with gospel principles, then those traditions work against the Lord’s plan of happiness. In New Testament times, certain traditions of the Jews were more important in their religion than the laws of God they were based on. Most of Mark 7 tells what Jesus said and did about some of those traditions of the elders. You may also want to read again the introductions to Matthew 12 and 15 in this study guide (pp. 20, 23) before you read Mark 7.
Mark 7:9–12—“It is Corban”Corban was a term that meant “given to God.” The law of Moses required that children take care of their elderly parents, but a tradition of the elders said that if you had money or other resources you intended to give to God or the temple (corban) then those resources could not be used to support your parents. Men with unrighteous intentions used this tradition of corban to look like they loved God above all others—even family. But, in truth they kept their riches instead of using them to take care of their elderly parents. Mark 7:26–29—Why did Jesus Refer to the Greek Woman As a Dog?See “Understanding the Scriptures” for Matthew 15:22–28 (p. 23). |
Do activity A as you study Mark 7.
Make a ComparisonUsing what you read in Mark 7:1–23, explain the difference between what the Pharisees considered unclean and what Jesus considered unclean.
Read 3 Nephi 27:19–20 and explain why it is important to understand what Jesus said about being clean or unclean and what we must do if we are unclean.
Have you ever misunderstood the meaning of what someone said and then felt foolish about it when it was explained to you because it was so obvious? In Mark 8 Jesus’ disciples seem to have had an experience like that. The disciples may not have always understood Jesus, but they had faith in Him. This is an important idea in this chapter. Unlike the Pharisees who demanded a sign to prove to them what they did not understand, the disciples had faith and were receptive to the influence of the Holy Spirit. Consider what you can learn from Mark 8 to strengthen your understanding and testimony of Jesus Christ.
Mark 8:27–38—Matthew 16:13–27; Luke 9:18–26
Mark 8:15—What Is Leaven?Leaven (yeast) is a fungus. When a little leaven is mixed with bread dough it quickly affects all of the dough, creating bubbles and causing the bread to rise. Bread made with yeast (leavened bread) is lighter than unleavened bread, but it spoils more quickly. For this reason leaven, in scripture, is sometimes a symbol for corruption. That is what Jesus meant when he said, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.” At other times leaven refers to how a small amount of whatever is being spoken about can influence a large amount of something else for good or evil. Mark 8:29–30—Why Did Jesus Not Want His Disciples to Tell Anyone He Was the Christ?See “Understanding the Scriptures” for Matthew 16:20 (p. 24). |
Do activity A as you study Mark 8.
Same and DifferentList the ways the miracle described in Mark 8:22–26 is either the same as or different from other miracles you have read about in the New Testament (for example, compare Matthew 20:30–34).
What spiritual message could you learn from the miracle recorded in Mark 8:22–26?
We learned in Matthew 16 that when Jesus and His disciples were at Caesarea Philippi He promised them, specifically Peter, the “keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:19). In Matthew 17 we read about the fulfillment of that promise on the Mount of Transfiguration. Mark 9:1–13 also contains an account of that experience. After that sacred experience Peter, James, and John still needed to learn many things from the Master. As you read Mark 9, look for ways He taught them and helped increase their faith and the faith and understanding of others as well. Although the plea in Mark 9:24 to “help thou mine unbelief” was from a father who desired help for his son, it might well be the plea of anyone who believes in the Savior but recognizes the need for more faith and knowledge.
Mark 9:2–32—Matthew 17:1–23; Luke 9:28–45
Mark 9:33–50—Matthew 18:1–9; Luke 9:46–50
Mark 9:2–13—Jesus Is Transfigured on a High MountainSee “Transfiguration, Mount of” in the Bible Dictionary (p. 786). Mark 9:43–48—Cutting Off Your Hand or Foot, or Plucking out Your EyeSee “Understanding the Scriptures” for Matthew 5:29–30 (p. 14). The Joseph Smith Translation for Mark 9:40–48 (in the Bible appendix, pp. 804–5) also provides important insights on what Jesus meant in these verses. Mark 9:49–50—Salt and FireUnder the law of Moses, sacrifices were salted as a symbol of the lasting covenant between the Lord and His people. It made the sacrifice “good” to the Lord. Followers of Christ offer themselves as a living sacrifice to Him (see Omni 1:26), which sacrifice brings the cleansing power of the Holy Ghost (or the baptism of fire). |
Do activity A or B as you study Mark 9.
Increasing Your FaithIn the story in Mark 9:14–29, what was the problem?
What did Jesus say about the problem? (see vv. 19, 23, 29)
What do you think the father meant by what he said to Jesus in verse 24?
How does this story help increase your faith or teach you how to increase your faith?
Learn from the Joseph Smith TranslationCarefully read the Joseph Smith Translation for Mark 9:40–48. Who does it tell us that “thy hand,” “thy foot,” and “thine eye” symbolize?
Keeping in mind the explanations from the Joseph Smith Translation, how do you think this counsel could apply today to people your age?
Many Jews confused Old Testament prophecies about the first coming of the Messiah with prophecies about His Second Coming. They were looking for a Messiah to come with great power and glory as a conquering king to destroy their enemies. Christ did come to destroy their most important enemies—sin and death—but He would conquer those enemies by His own suffering and death was difficult for most to understand. This was foretold in Isaiah 53. Look for ways Jesus tried to teach these principles in Mark 10.
Mark 10:1–31—Matthew 19; Luke 18:15–30
Mark 10:32–52—Matthew 20:17–34; Luke 18:31–43
Mark 10:2–12—Jesus’ Teachings on Marriage and DivorceSee “Understanding the Scriptures” for Matthew 19:3–12 (p. 27). |
Do activities A and B as you study Mark 10.
Becoming Great in the KingdomIn the story in Mark 10:17–22, a rich young man wanted to know what he could do to inherit eternal life, and in verses 35–45 we read about James and John wanting a place of honor next to the Savior in the eternities.
Compare these two stories of people who desired greatness in the kingdom by making the following chart in your notebook and filling it in with information you find in Mark 10.
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What they did not understand |
What Jesus taught them |
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Rich young man (Mark 10:17–22) |
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James and John (Mark 10:35–45) |
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What had Jesus taught in Mark 9:33–37 about what it means to be great?
According to Mark 10:28–30, how does worldly greatness compare to what Jesus Christ offers those who qualify for eternal life?
What does Mark 10:32–34 teach us about the greatness of the Savior?
What could you do in your life to become great in the eyes of God?
Cured of BlindnessList what the man in Mark 10:46–52 did to be healed of blindness.
What does this story teach us about the Savior and what He can do for us?
Mark 11 begins about three years after Jesus’ baptism. Within one week He would be crucified. The events in Mark 11–16 occurred during the week of Passover—a time when Jews from all over gathered to Jerusalem to offer sacrifice at the temple. It was a perfect opportunity for Jesus to give His final testimony to a large number of people as He prepared to offer Himself as the Lamb of God for the redemption of all mankind.
Mark 11—Matthew 21:1–27; Luke 19:29–48; 20:1–8; John 12:14–19
Mark 12:1–12—Matthew 21:33–46; Luke 20:9–19
Mark 12:13–44—Matthew 22:15–46; Luke 20:20–47; 21:1–4
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Mark 11:1–10—What Is the Significance of Jesus Riding into Town on the Colt?See “Understanding the Scriptures” for Matthew 21:1–11 (p. 29). Mark 11:15–18—Why Were There Moneychangers and People Buying and Selling in the Temple?See “Understanding the Scriptures” for Matthew 21:12–13 (p. 29). Mark 11:12–14, 20–21—The Cursed Fig Tree
Jesus did not explain why He cursed the fig tree, but a little knowledge about fig trees, combined with the circumstances described in the scriptures, helps us to understand the symbolism of what Jesus did. The kind of a fig tree mentioned in Mark 11 produces an early fig, even before it is full with leaves. The main crop of figs comes later. If a tree produces no early figs, it will produce no fruit at all that year. A tree with leaves (as both Mark and Matthew described it) should also have fruit, but that tree was barren. We could say that the tree gave the appearance of having fruit but actually had none. That is like the Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day. They appeared righteous, but theirs was a hypocritical and empty righteousness. Consequently, Jesus cursed this tree of hypocrisy that symbolized the condition of the leaders of God’s covenant people. Mark’s account says the tree did not have fruit because it was not time; the Joseph Smith Translation, however, removes that phrase and indicates that because the leaves were out, the tree should have had fruit. Mark 11:30–32; 12:12—The Chief Priests, Scribes, and Elders “Feared the People”
Jesus continually condemned these Jewish leaders for their hypocrisy (for example, see Mark 12:38–40). Mark 11–12 implies that the source of their hypocrisy was pride. As President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “The proud stand more in fear of men’s judgment than of God’s judgment (see D&C 3:6–7; 30:1–2; 60:2). ‘What will men think of me?’ weighs heavier than ‘What will God think of me?’” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 4; or Ensign, May 1989, 5).
Mark 12:18–27—Marriage in the ResurrectionSee “Understanding the Scriptures” for Luke 20:27–38 (p. 70). Mark 12:28–34—“None Other Commandment Greater Than These”See “Understanding the Scriptures” for Matthew 22:36–38 (p. 30). |
Do two of the following activities (A–D) as you study Mark 11–12.
How Might They Answer?Imagine you were able to speak to people in the story in Mark 11:1–11. Write how you think they might have answered the questions directed to them in the following list.
To the two disciples: Why did Jesus give specific instructions about how to get the colt? What did you think about the way you got it?
To the owner of the colt: Why did you let the two disciples of Jesus take your colt?
To one of the people who spread a garment on the road and shouted Hosanna: Who do you think Jesus is? Why do you honor Him?
Interpret the SymbolismCarefully consider the story of the fig tree in Mark 11:12–14, 20–23, and the explanation found in the “Understanding the Scriptures” section for Mark 11. What kind of person do you think the fig tree Jesus cursed could represent in our day? Explain how that kind of a person might act or talk.
What Not to DoChoose three actions or attitudes demonstrated by Jewish leaders who opposed or questioned Jesus in the stories and teachings of Mark 11:27–12:40. Explain how those actions or attitudes can keep a person from progressing spiritually.
What Is the Message?Much of Mark 11–12 records how Jewish leaders confronted Jesus. In Mark 12:41–44 we read about a woman who was not at all like them.
How is the widow an example of what Jesus taught in Mark 12:29–34?
Write the message of Mark 12:44 in your own words and explain what you think Jesus Christ was teaching the people.
Write about something in your life that you could change to better follow the widow’s example of sacrifice and obedience. (It does not have to involve money.)
Less than a week before His crucifixion, the Savior talked about His Second Coming. Some Jews rejected Jesus during His mortal ministry because they did not believe He fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah—especially those that speak of Him coming in glory and judgment. Old Testament prophecies about Christ, however, include signs about both His first and second comings. It must have comforted His disciples to know that although He had fulfilled many prophecies, He would come again and fulfill all things that have been spoken of by the prophets concerning the Messiah. Because much of what Jesus Christ said in Mark 13 is about the last days, we who live in the last days should be especially interested in these scriptures.
The Joseph Smith Translation of Mark 13 is the same as the Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 24, which is Joseph Smith—Matthew.
Mark 13—Matthew 24; Luke 21:5–36; Joseph Smith—Matthew 1
Mark 13:14—“The Abomination of Desolation”See “Understanding the Scriptures” for Matthew 24:15 (p. 33). |
Do activity A as you study Mark 13.
Watch!Jesus told those who follow him to “take heed” or “watch” six times in the sermon recorded in Mark 13 (see vv. 5, 9, 23, 33, 35, 37). List at least three things from this chapter that believers should watch for in order to be prepared to meet the Lord.
The chief priests, scribes, and elders of the Jews were unable to embarrass Jesus or get Him to make a mistake in front of the people gathered in Jerusalem for the Passover. In reality, the Jewish leaders themselves had been put to shame by Jesus. Some of those corrupt leaders felt that the only way to keep Jesus from becoming an even bigger threat to their position and power was to have Him killed. Jesus knew of their desires and prepared to give His life. Some of the most important events in history are recorded in Mark 14–16. Take your time as you read and ponder the sacred events in these last three chapters of Mark.
Mark 14:1–2—Matthew 26:1–5; Luke 22:1–2
Mark 14:3–9—Matthew 26:6–13; John 12:1–8
Mark 14:10–16—Matthew 26:14–19; Luke 22:3–13
Mark 14:17–31—Matthew 26:20–35; Luke 22:14–39; John 13
Mark 14:32–42—Matthew 26:36–46; Luke 22:40–46
Mark 14:43–72—Matthew 26:47–75; Luke 22:47–62; John 18:1–27
Mark 14:3–9—A Woman Anoints Jesus with OintmentJohn 12:3 tells us that this woman was Mary, the sister of Martha and of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead (see John 11). This act of anointing with very expensive cream showed her deep respect for Jesus and was an act of worship. It was also a custom to anoint a body before it was buried. Jesus used this incident as an opportunity to tell His disciples again that He was preparing to give His life—a truth most of the disciples did not seem to understand or want to believe.
Mark 14:20—“Dippeth with Me in the Dish”See “Understanding the Scriptures” for John 13:25 (p. 86). Mark 14:32–42—GethsemaneSee “Understanding the Scriptures” for Matthew 26:36–46 (p. 35). Mark 14:33—Why Was Jesus “Sore Amazed” and “Very Heavy”?The suffering of the Atonement began in Gethsemane. President Joseph Fielding Smith explained: “There isn’t one of us . . . that hasn’t done something wrong and then been sorry and wished we hadn’t. Our consciences strike us and we have been very, very miserable. . . . But here [in Gethsemane] we have the Son of God carrying the burden of my transgressions and your transgressions and the transgressions of every soul that receives the gospel of Jesus Christ. . . . He carried the burden—our burden. I added something to it; so did you. So did everybody else. He took it upon himself to pay the price that I might escape—that you might escape—the punishment on the conditions that we will receive his gospel and be true and faithful in it” (Fall—Atonement—Resurrection—Sacrament [address at the Salt Lake Institute of Religion, 14 Jan. 1961], 8). Mark 14:54–59—False WitnessesSee “Understanding the Scriptures” for Matthew 26:59–60 (p. 35). Mark 14:66–72—Peter Denies JesusSee “Understanding the Scriptures” for Luke 22:31–34, 54–62 (p. 71). |
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Do activity A or B as you study Mark 14.
How Much Do You Value the Savior?In Mark 14:3–11 we read about two people who demonstrated how much they valued the Savior.
How did the woman’s actions show that she valued the Savior more than she valued her money?
How did Judas’ actions show that he valued money more than the Savior?
What are some of the ways in which you show that you love the Savior more than you love your worldly things?
“I Stand All Amazed”In the hymn “I Stand All Amazed,” we sing of how amazed we are at the love Jesus offers us through His Atonement (see Hymns [1985], no. 193). From Mark 14, choose two things Jesus did that “amaze” you and help you more fully appreciate Him. Write about those two things, telling why they amaze you and deepen your love, respect, and appreciation for the Savior.
The Atonement began in Gethsemane, and Mark 15 records its conclusion on the cross at Golgotha. Elder James E. Talmage, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, wrote that “death by crucifixion was at once the most lingering and most painful of all forms of execution. The victim lived in ever increasing torture, generally for many hours, sometimes for days. . . . The welcome relief of death came through the exhaustion caused by intense and unremitting pain” (Jesus the Christ, 655). In Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19, Jesus spoke of the pain He felt in Gethsemane, which seems to have been greater and more intense than His suffering on the cross. As one of our hymns declares: “We may not know, we cannot tell, What pains he had to bear, But we believe it was for us He hung and suffered there” (“There Is a Green Hill Far Away,” Hymns, no. 194). Keep in mind, as you read this chapter, that “it was for [you] he hung and suffered there.”
Mark 15:1–19—Matthew 27:2, 11–30; Luke 23:1–25; John 18:28–19:16
Mark 15:20–41—Matthew 27:31–56; Luke 23:26–49; John 19:16–37
Mark 15:42–47—Matthew 27:57–61; Luke 23:50–56; John 19:38–42
Mark 15:34—“My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?”These words are also found in the Messianic prophecy of Psalm 22:1. It was apparently necessary for the Father to withdraw from the Son to accomplish a complete and perfect atonement. Truly, Jesus “descended below all things” (D&C 88:6). |
Do activity A as you study Mark 15.
He Knows and UnderstandsIn Alma 7:11–13 we read that the Savior suffered as He did so He would know how to help people with all kinds of trials and suffering. From what happened in Mark 15, list at least three kinds of difficult experiences people have today that may be like those experiences Jesus suffered. For each experience you list, give the scripture reference showing Jesus also experienced it.
Mark 15:40–41 tells of a special group of women who were devoted followers of Jesus. It must have been very difficult for them to watch someone they had come to reverence and love suffer so, especially when we do not know how much they understood about the Resurrection. Although Jesus had spoken about resurrection to His followers, they did not seem to have understood (see Mark 9:31–32). Because of their devotion, these women stayed at the cross until Jesus died, and they followed to see where He was buried (see Mark 15:47). They could not do anything for Jesus’ body or His tomb on the Sabbath, but they went there at the earliest moment the day following the Sabbath. As you read Mark 16, try to imagine what they may have thought and felt.
Mark 16:1–8—Matthew 28:1–8; Luke 24:1–12; John 20:1–10
Mark 16:9–11—Matthew 28:9–10; John 20:11–18
Mark 16:14–18—Matthew 28:16–20; Luke 24:44–49
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Do activity A or B as you study Mark 16.
What Would You Have Said?Imagine that you saw and did what those faithful women saw and did, as written of in Mark 15:40–41, 47; 16:1–11. Write what you would say to a friend who doubted Jesus Christ’s Resurrection. Explain to this friend how you felt and why you acted as you did over those three days.
Give ExamplesRead Mark 16:14–18. When Jesus appeared to His disciples, what did He tell them to do? What did He promise them?
Write about at least one example in our day of the fulfillment of the signs Jesus promised. If you do not know of any, speak with your parents, your local Church leaders, or a returned missionary.
