Good Tuesday evening, readers (if you’re reading this the day it is posted). As part of my Lenten practice this year, I’m reading through the New Testament. Last week, I shared insights from Matthew, and now I’ve completed the Gospel of Mark.
Some Context…
Unlike Matthew, which accounts a detailed geneology tracing Jesus back to Abraham, Mark dives straight into Jesus’ adult ministry. Written for a predominantly non-Jewish audience, Mark presents Jesus through actions rather than lengthy discourses. This gospel is fast-paced (the word “immediately” is used over 40 times, I just found that out upon editing this). This gospel also focuses primarily on Jesus as the suffering servant who came “not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45).
Lesson 1: What will we cultivate with the gift of life?
“Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.” – Mark 4:25
In Chapter 4, Mark shares Jesus’s parable of the sower, describing how seeds God plants (us) develop differently based on where they land. Some seeds fall on gravel or among thorns—representing those who may never fully embrace walking with Jesus—while others land in good soil and flourish.
This parable concludes with Jesus offering a golden virtue about generosity. When we give freely of ourselves—our time, talents, resources, and love—we receive abundance in return. Conversely, when we withhold and live from scarcity, we experience impoverishment in our spiritual lives.
Lesson 2: Persistence in Faith – Keep Trying.
“Talitha Koum.” – Mark 5:40
“Ephaphatha!” – Mark 7:35
There have been times throughout my life where I felt like the world was against me. Looking back, I recognize this stemmed from doubting my identity as a child made in God’s image. Mark records Jesus using Aramaic phrases when performing healings—words preserved in their original language to capture their power and intimacy.
“Talitha Koum” (“Little girl, arise) was spoken to Jairus’ daughter as Jesus raised her from death. “Ephaphatha” (“Be opened”) was commanded to a deaf man’s ears. These preserved phrases remind us that Jesus meets us in our most intimate moments of need, speaking words of life directly to our condition.
Lesson 3: Intentions Matter
“No one can use my name to do something good and powerful, then in the next breath slam me.” Mark 9:40
This principle deserves more attention in Christian practice. Each person’s relationship with God is unique, and all forms of sincere prayer are valid when aligned with God’s intentions. Jesus acknowledges that those who act in his name with good intentions are “not against us, but for us.”
Mark shows Jesus as remarkably inclusive of those operating outside the established religious structures. This challenges us to focus less on religious correctness and more on the heart behind our actions.
Lesson 4: Individual Spiritual Journeys
“Everyone’s going through a refining fire sooner or later, but you will be well preserved, protected from the eternal flames. Be preservatives yourselves. Preserve the peace.” -Mark 9:49-50
While we naturally want to guide others, Mark reminds us to respect God’s timing. Each disciple in Mark’s Gospel comes to understanding at different rates–some quickly grasping Jesus’ teachings while others struggle repeatedly.
The refining fire metaphor acknowledges that trials are universal but purposeful. Our role isn’t to control others’ spiritual development but to “preserve peace” and trust God’s work in their lives.
Lesson 5: Heal Your Inner Child
“Unless you accept God’s kingdom from the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” -Mark 10:15-16
Many of us carry childhood wounds that shape our worldview. Jesus’ teaching about childlike faith isn’t about immaturity but about recovering essential qualities we often lose: wonder, trust, openness, and simplicity.
When Jesus placed his hands on children and blessed them, he elevates their status in a culture that often marginalized them. Similarly, we must honor and heal the child within us to fully embrace God’s kingdom.
Lesson 6: Embracing Life’s Losses
“Sun will fade out, Moon cloud over, Stars fall out of the sky, Cosmic powers tremble.”-Mark 13:24-25
I have had a particularly difficult week recently where even reading a page from Mark felt overwhelming. That day, I encountered Jesus’ apocalyptic imagery which perfectly mirrored my emotional landscape–when personal tragedy strikes, it can feel like the cosmic order itself is collapsing.
Mark’s Gospel doesn’t shy away from suffering. Jesus repeatedly predicts his own suffering and warns disciples of coming trials. Yet Mark also insists that loss isn’t the end of the story.
Lesson 7: The Ultimate Mystery- Death and Resurrection
“Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” – Mark 15:34
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” – Mark 16:16
Reading about the crucifixion twice in one month (first in Matthew, now in Mark) has deepened my appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice. Mark preserves Jesus’ cry of abandonment in Aramaic, adding profound emotional depth to this moment.
Yet Mark’s Gospel doesn’t end in despair. The women discover the empty tomb, and despite their initial fear, the resurrection message spreads. Mark concludes with the commission to share this good news and to promise salvation to those who believe.
In Conclusion: The Journey through Life’s Stages
Mark’s Gospel emphasizes spiritual development across life’s journey. While Matthew establishes Jesus as the promised Messiah through genealogy and fulfilled prophecies, Mark focuses on the transformative power of following Jesus through every stage of life.
This focus on life’s journey has inspired a new prayer practice for me. I’ve adapted the rosary structure to meditate on different life stages:
- Birth (at the cross)
- Chidlhood (first mystery)
- Adolescence (second mystery)
- Adulthood (third mystery)
- Elderhood (fourth mystery)
- Death (final mystery)
Through this practice, I pray for Mary’s intercession that we might find God through all life’s mysteries and eventually return to the childlike wonder Jesus so valued.
As I continue my Lenten journey through the New Testament, I invite you to share you own insights from Mark’s Gospel in the comments.
“The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” – Mark 1:15
Syd Weldon 
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