The Gospel According to Mark | Semester Discussion Guide

This series is focused on studying the Gospel of St. Mark together as Orthodox Christians. Through St. Mark’s fast-paced and direct account of Christ’s life and ministry, we’ll explore who our Lord reveals Himself to be and what it means to follow Him as His disciples. Across this series, you’ll explore the gospel through the lens of the Church Fathers, discover practical ways to read and pray with the Bible, and continue to learn how to study the Bible as a chapter. (Never studied scripture before? Check out our guide, How to Read the Bible | Semester Discussion Guide, before beginning to study the Gospel of St. Mark.)

Written by Jacob Sparks, OCF Atlanta Campus Missionary, and reviewed by OCF staff, clergy, and biblical scholars, this guide offers a faithful and practical approach to Scripture that’s accessible to all students.

Use it in your chapter meetings, small groups, or for personal study. Each section includes discussion questions to encourage meaningful, Christ-centered conversation.

We’ll begin with the opening proclamation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the arrival of the Kingdom. From there, we’ll follow Christ’s public ministry as questions about His identity come into focus. At the center of the study, we’ll reflect on Christ’s call to take up the Cross and what true discipleship requires. We’ll then turn to His entry into Jerusalem and His teachings about the coming Kingdom, before concluding with His passion, death, and resurrection, where God reveals His kingship in full.

Each of these parts can be studied over several meetings. Chapters are encouraged to take their time with the text and leave room for thoughtful discussion. Check back in as we continue to add parts over the course of the semester!

Part 1: The Good News of God’s Son | Introduction and Mark 1:1-15

Part 2: What Kind of Man is This? | Mark 1:16-8:21

Part 3: Take Up the Cross | Mark 8:22-10:52

Part 4: The Apocalyptic Arrival of the King | Mark 11:1-13:37

Part 5: God Becomes King | Mark 14:1-16:20