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Mark Outline
I. Preparation, Calling and Preaching (1:1 – 3:6)
a. (1:1-15) John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus.
b. (1:16 – 2:17) Jesus calls disciples and begins His healing ministry.
c. (2:18 – 3:6) First clashes with Pharisees about Jesus’ teaching.
Observation
1. Preparation, Calling & Preaching (1:1 – 3:6)
1.a. Vv. 1:1-15 John The Baptist Prepares the
Way For Jesus.
Structurally this section is an introduction to
John the Baptist, his ministry and his role in
revealing Christ as Messiah. We might also
imply a structural substantiation in that John’s
life came about because of OT prophecy. The
same could be said of Christ
1.b. Vv. 1:16-2:17 Jesus Calls disciples and
begins His healing ministry
We see a causational relationship in vv. 16-20
where Jesus calls to follower-ship and the
would-be disciples answer the call. Jesus also
compares the natural act of fishing with the
spiritual act of fishing for men. This section
also contains many causal relationships where
someone is ill and Jesus heals. Many of these
miracles act as a substantive reason for others
to become disciples. We can also infer a
comparison by understanding John the Baptist
did no miracles but Jesus’ ministry is noted
with multitudes of miracles. Another
comparative relationship is revealed in 2:13-17
where Jesus (the Christ) eats dinner with the
tax collector Levi. He then compares healthy
and sick; righteous and sinner.
1.c. Vv. 2:18-3:6 First Clashes With Pharisees
About Jesus’ Teaching
Questions
Definitional – What does “like” imply when
referring to the manifestation of the dove at
Jesus’ baptism? What does “the kingdom of
God is near” mean (v. 15)?
Rational – Why is John used to introduce
Christ? Could not Christ have come on the
scene in a spectacular way an introduced
Himself?
Implicational – How are we like John in that
we are called to proclaim Christ and not make
anything of our self? Can we remove our ego
from the equation and really put Christ first?
Definitional – Define: miracle, blaspheming,
Rational - Could those who were healed sick
because of God’s plan to get glory or was it
simply a byproduct of the natural environment?
Do the miracles of Christ affirm His messianic
role?
Implicational – What is the role of miracles in
the church today? Are there physical miracles
in the church today? If yes, what is more
important in proclaiming the good news,
miracles or fishing for men? Or do these two
things work together to enable proclamation?
Definitional – Define these terms: disciple,
Pharisee, fasting, Herodian, Sabbath
Rational – Why is there such a fuss about
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This segment illustrates many question-answer
or problem-solution relationships. The majority
of questioning is from the religious leaders
who are trying to tear down Jesus’ ministry.
Most questions arise from Jesus’ non-
adherence to certain traditions of the religious
leaders (i.e. doing good on the Sabbath). There
are also some comparative relationships given
to us: Jesus and John disciples fasting or not
fasting; old & new, most of these relationships
leading to a causation or substantiation to
illustrate Jesus’ teaching.
religious traditions? Why was Jesus so
concerned about correcting these traditions?
Implicational – How do we still honor the
principle of Sabbath in our lives? Is the
Sabbath for NT believers different than OT
believers? If so, how? Why couldn’t the
religious leaders rejoice over the miracles?
What is the point in killing someone who is
doing good?

II. Acts One: The Galilean Ministry of Jesus (3:7 – 6:6a)

a. (3:7-35) Crowds follow Jesus; Apostles are appointed and second clash with the

teachers of the Law.

b. (4:1-34) Parables: the sower, the lamp, the growing seed & the mustard seed.

c. (4:35 – 5:43) Miracles: Storm calmed, demons cast out, dead girl raised & sick

woman healed)

d. (6:1-6a) Jesus rejected at Nazareth

Observation
2. Act One: The Galilean Ministry of Jesus
(3:7-6:6a)
2.a. Vv. 3:7-35 Crowds Follow Jesus; Apostles
Are Appointed & Second Clash With The
Teachers of The Law.
Vv. 13-19 tells us Jesus appointed 12 Apostles
whom He would teach and then send out to
preach and drive out demons. The religious
leaders accuse Jesus of using Satanic power to
do miracle. Jesus uses several comparisons in
His parabolic about the strong man (vv.23-30).
He also uses a question-answer relationship to
teach about the true nature of the family of
God (vv. 31-35)
2.b. Vv. 4:1-34 Parables: The Sower, The
Lamp, The Growing Seed & The Mustard
Questions
Definitional - Define these terms: Apostle,
Beelzebub, and names of the Apostles; what
does it mean to blaspheme the Spirit?
Rational – Why 12? Can the devil perform
miracles on the same level as Christ or on any
level?
Implicational – Is demon possession still
happening today? If yes, do believers have
Apostolic authority to drive out demons? How
does a believer blaspheme the Spirit?
Definitional – Define these terms: Parable,
Kingdom of God,

Seed.
This segment introduces the bulk of Mark’s
account of Jesus’ parabolic teachings. These
teachings reveal a host of comparative and
contrasting relationships. Jesus uses the natural
to illustrate the supernatural. I think the
explanation of the Four Soils parable shows a
particularization in that Jesus takes the general
element (e.g., seed) and gives it a particular
meaning (e.g. the word). There is also
recurrence of the phrase “kingdom of God.”
Jesus compares the kingdom to a mustard seed
(v. 31), to a man who scatters seed & the soil
where it lands (vv. 26-29).
2.c. Vv. 4:35-5:43 Miracles: Storm calmed,
demons cast out, dead girl raised & sick
woman healed.
This segment shows Mark transitioning us
from Jesus’ parabolic teaching toward His
miracle ministry. In a sense this is a
comparative relationship in that we see “Jesus
the Teacher” compared to “Jesus the Miracle
Worker.” His miracles also serve as a
comparative relationship, that is, His power
being compared to the power of nature (vv. 35-
41), the power of the devil (5:1-20), the power
of sickness (5:21-34), and the power of death
(5:35-43).
2.d. (6:1-6:6a) Jesus rejected at Nazareth
This segment is sort of an anti-climax and
compares the faith of others in the previous
segment with that of those who know Jesus on
a personal level. On the other hand it is also
shows cruciality when put against the next
segment (6:6b-12). To this point Jesus is the
miracle worker but now the disciples will be
sent out with the power given them in 3:13-19.
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Rational – Why were the disciples privy to the
parabolic explanations and not others? Does
the record of the explanation of the Four Soils
give us insight into interpreting other parables?
Implicational – What do the parables mean to
us today? What modern elements can we use to
explain the parables to a non-agrarian society?
Definitional – Define these terms: synagogue,
issue of blood, death or dead,
Rational – Why does Jesus use the phrase
Talitha koum (v. 41)? Does this make inference
to the audience he is addressing? Why does
Jesus only select Peter, James and John to
accompany him into Jairus’ house? Did the
other disciples lack faith? Does the fact that
Jesus selected only three show a differentiation
between a disciple and an Apostle? Why cast
demons into pigs? Why does Jesus instruct
those healed to be quiet?
Implicational – Do we as believers truly
understand the power of Christ to overcome?
Do we require a sign or miracle to believe; or
are we convinced through the testimony of
scripture? Can we tell unbelievers too much
about the power of Christ? How much can an
unbeliever understand without the Spirit?
Definitional – What does the phrase, “they
took offense at him” (v. 3) mean?
Rational – Why were the people of Nazareth so
unable to believe? Is it because of familiarity
or heritage?
Implicational - Is it possible to minister
effectively to those who know you best? If not,
why not?
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III. Act Two: The Galilean Ministry of Jesus (6:6b – 8:21)

a. (6:6b-29) Sending out the twelve and the death of John the Baptist.

b. (6:30-56) Miracles: 5000 fed, walking on water.

c. (7:1-23) Testing the traditions of the religious.

d. (7:24 – 8:10) Miracles: Syrophoenician woman healed, deaf and mute healed;

4000 fed

e. (8:11-21) Pharisees demand a sign and Jesus rebukes them.

Observation
3. Act Two: The Galilean Ministry of Jesus
(6:6b-8:21)
3.a. Vv. 6:6b-29 Sending Out Of The Twelve
and the Death of John the Baptist.
(see notes on 2.d.)
The account of the murder of John the Baptist
seems to almost be an interlude or flashback.
John served as an example of humility and
willingness to be used of God.
3.b. Vv. 6:30-56 Miracles: 5000 Fed, Walking
On Water.
Mark jumps from John’s death back into the
miracles of Jesus. The miracles in this segment
seem to be miracles of compassion. Verse 31
tells us of the miracles done by the disciples.
Then it is connected to Jesus’ compassion.
Christ the powerful healer is seen
compassionately feeding the 5000 (6:32-44);
3.c. Vv. 7:1-32 Testing The Tradition of the
Religious.
There is a comparative relationship between
“the crowd” and the “religious leaders.” The
crowd listened and believed while the religious
leaders clung tightly to their traditions. There
is also another comparative relationship
between the tradition and the correction Jesus
offers to the leaders.
3.d. Vv. 7:24-8:10 Miracles: Syrophoenician
Questions
Definitional
Rational –
Implicational – Do we play any role
whatsoever in the performance of miracles?
What price are we willing to pay to preach
righteousness?
Definitional - Define these terms: compassion
Rational – Can we infer that Christ was trying
to balance the disciples power with
compassion?
Implicational – What do we like more? The
power of Christ or the compassion of Christ?
Definitional - dull
Rational – What were the traditions these
leaders clung too? Where did these traditions
come from, do they have any root in OT
scripture? What is the context of the quotation
from Isaiah 29:13?
Implicational – What traditions do we hold that
have no root in scripture? Am I valuing my
opinion about the Word more than the Word
itself?
Definitional
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woman healed, deaf and mute healed; 4000

fed.
3.e. Vv. 8:11-21 Pharisees Demand A Sign and
Jesus Rebukes Them.
Jesus compares and contrasts the teachings of
the Pharisee’s with yeast. The Jews demand a
sign but Jesus rebukes them. A recurrence of
the number 7.
Rational –
Implicational -
Definitional – Define these terms: yeast
Rational – Is the number 7 have any
significance other than just a number? Why did
the disciples miss what Jesus was saying?
Implicational – Do we still miss what Jesus is
saying because we focus on the natural more
than the Spirit? Are we missing the miracle
Jesus wants to do because we are dull and do
not hear or see?

IV. Making Disciples (8:22 – 10:52)

a. (8:22-26) Jesus heals the blind.

b. (8:27 – 9:1) Peter’s revelation of Christ, Jesus predicts His own death, Jesus

defines discipleship through denial.

c. (9:2-32) The transfiguration, disciples attempt to heal but fail

d. (9:33-50) Disciples debate about who will be the greatest; whoever is not against

us is for us, the fate of those who cause others to sin.

e. (10:1-31) Jesus teaches: divorce and remarriage; the value of children, the

trappings of wealth.

f. (10:32-45) Jesus tells of His coming death and another debate concerning who

will be the greatest.

g. (10:46-52) Blind Bartimaeus us healed.

Observation
4. Making Disciples (8:22-10:52)
4.a. Jesus Heals The Blind (8:22-26)
Contrasting elements of the natural “spit” to
Questions
Definitional - spit
Rational – Why is this progressive?
Implicational – Can healing be both

the supernatural power to heal. The healing
seems to be progressive in that Jesus touched
him twice.
4.b. Vv. 8:27-9:1 Peter’s revelation of Christ,
Jesus predicts His own death, Jesus defines
discipleship through denial.
This segment reveals cruciality in that the
disciples (especially Peter) finally understand
whom Christ is this is done through question
and answer relationship with the disciples. We
should note that Christ chooses to reveal his
impending death to the disciples after the
revelation has come.
4.c. Vv. 9:2-32 The Transfiguration, Christ
Disciples Try To Heal and Fail
9:2-13 Shows a personal kinship with the
three: Peter, James & John. Yet even these
disciples could not understand what it meant
for Jesus to raise from the dead. Peter wanted
to build monuments. There is a recurrence of
numbers: 6 and 3.
9:14-32 shows a cause and effect relationship:
the disciples try to heal and fail this causes the
crowd to doubt, which leads Jesus to rebuke
them. Further the rebuke causes Jesus to have a
question and answer time with the father of the
sick boy, that leads to Jesus driving out the
demon and then the disciples begin
questioning why they were unable to do this as
well.
4.d. Vv. 9:33-50 Disciples debate about who
will be the greatest; whoever is not against us
is for us, the fate of those who cause others to
sin.
V. 35 shows contrast: first/last & last/first
V. 37 show contrast: children/Jesus
Vv. 38- 50 shows generalization: For example
Jesus moves from the general principle of
kindness to the particular principle of reward.
These verses also show comparison: loss of
limb/loss of soul in hell & salt/fire. Jesus
spends a lot of time talking about how we can
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instantaneous and progressive? Are we
witnesses to both?
Definitional - Define these terms: Christ
Rational – Why would Jesus ask Peter to to tell
anyone? Why is the revelation of the Christ
connected to the death of Christ?
Implicational – What are the implications on
the great commission or evangelism? Who do I
think Christ really is: God or a good teacher?
Can the believer truly understand the sacrifice
of Calvary without first understanding the
revelation of the Christ?
Definitional – Define these terms:
transfiguration, cloud,
Rational – Why these three disciples? Why
Moses and Elijah? Again, why the secrecy
about this event? Is the boys sickness similar to
epilepsy?
Implicational – What events in the believer’s
life would cause us to either build idols or
humble us? What are the implications on
prayer and fasting?
Definitional – hell, fire is not quenched, sin,
Rational – How can I cause others to sin? How
does this affect my relationship with God?
Implicational – What implication does Vv. 38-
50 have on human relationships? Can these
verses be applied to negative or harmful
relationships that effect holiness?
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cause others to sin using the above

relationships.
4.e. Vv. 10:1-31 Jesus teaches: divorce and
remarriage; the value of children, the trappings
of wealth.
Concerning divorce there is a question &
answer relationship with the religious leaders.
This relationship lead to substantiational
relationship, that is, divorce (effect) is caused
by hardness of heart (v. 5). However, Jesus
compares the hard heart to what was originally
intended in Genesis.
We see contrast in v. 13, 16: Jesus’
compassion/disciples rebuke of children. There
is also comparison of children and the
kingdom of God
4.f. Vv. 10:32-45 Jesus tells of His coming
death and another debate concerning who will
be the greatest.
This is a clear example of contrasting
relationships. Jesus us talking about sacrifice
while the disciples are debating self gain and
promotion.
Jesus also compares the attitude of Gentile
rulers cruel authority to the right attitude the
disciples should have of service.
4.g. Vv. 10:46-52 Blind Bartimaeus us healed.
Definitional - divorce, adultery, anyone,
hinder, kingdom.
Rational – Is there no cause for divorce at all?
If someone is divorced then remarries is he or
she committing adultery? How do we receive
the kingdom like a child, what does that look
like?
Implicational – What are the soteriological
implications in vv. 13-16?
Definitional – Gentiles, ransom
Rational – What is the, “baptism I am baptized
with” (v. 38)? What is the “cup” (v. 38)? How
does this connect with vv. 35-37
Implicational – What are the implications for
the believers attitude toward service or social
justice?
Definitional – Son of David, Bartimaeus,
Rabbi
Implicational – What role does our faith play
in seeing God’s compassionate acts to us or
others?

V. Jesus The King (11:1 – 13:37)

a. (11:1-25) Entry into Jerusalem, cleansing the temple, Jesus teaches about prayer

and faith.

b. (11:26-33) Jesus clashes with the teachers of the law.

c. (12:1-44) Jesus teaches: parable of the wicked tenant, paying taxes, the

resurrection, answers questions about the greatest commandment and His

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Lordship.

d. (13:1-37) How disciples should respond to persecution, the signs of the end; Jesus

teaches disciples to be watching and waiting for the His return.

Observation Questions
5. Jesus The King (11:1 – 13:37)
5.a. Vv. 11:1-25 Entry into Jerusalem, Definitional – prayer, faith, fear, blessed,
cleansing the temple, Jesus teaches about Hosanna
prayer and faith. Rational –
Implicational - What are the implications to
Vv. 1-11 contrast with Vv. 12-19. Jesus is the worship from this segment? What are
triumphant King but when confronted with ecclesiastical implications as to what the
religious hypocrisy He becomes the angry purpose of the church should be? What are the
cleanser. In vv. 9-10 the people say “…blessed implications about prayer?
is he who comes in the name of the Lord” but
in v. 18 the people “fear him.”

He compares the real purpose of the Temple

with what it has become.
5.b. Vv. 11:26-33 Jesus clashes with the
teachers of the law
Jesus reverses the normal question and answer
relationship. Usually it is the religious leaders
who are asking but this time Jesus asks them
concerning John’s baptism.
5.c. Vv. 11:35 - 12:44 Jesus teaches: parable of
the wicked tenant, paying taxes, the
resurrection, answers questions about the
greatest commandment and His Lordship
Jesus teaches in Parables. This might be
causation from the response of Jesus in 11:33.
The parables are a way of explaining where
His authority comes from but the religious
leaders were blind to the meanings.
Definitional - authority
Rational –
Implicational – Are there questions we will
never know the answer too? Or are we asking
the wrong questions from the wrong motives?
Definitional – Lord (11:35-37),
Rational –
Implicational – What are the eschatological
implications from 12:5-31? What are the
Christological implications from 11: 35-37?
How do these verses inform Christ’s dual
nature?

This segment also contains many question and

answer relationships between Jesus and the
religious leaders. Most of these sparring
sessions revolve around particular traditions of
the religious leaders.
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5.d. Vv. 13:1-37 How disciples should respond Definitional -

to persecution, the signs of the end; Jesus Rational - Is the numerous amount of natural
teaches disciples to be watching and waiting disasters we see today a sign of His return?
for the His return Implicational – What is the believer’s
responsibility: look for signs or look for Jesus?
This segment also contains many comparison
and contrasting relationships, especially in
Jesus discourse concerning the end (vv. 5-31).
Jesus uses the proliferation of natural
phenomena to create and awareness of His
return.

VI. Passion and resurrection (14:1 – 16:20)

a. (14:1-2) Chief priests plot to kill Jesus.

b. (14:3-9) Jesus is anointed at Bethany

c. (14:10-11) Judas Betrays Jesus.

d. (14:12-31) Passover is observed and Peter is warned of his denial.

e. (14:32-42) Jesus prays at Gethsemane.

f. (14:43-65) Arrest and trial by the Sanhedrin of Jesus.

g. (14:66-72) Peter’s denial becomes a reality.

h. (15:1-20) Trial before Pilate, soldiers abuse of Jesus while in their custody.

i. (15:21 – 16:20) Crucifixion, death, burial ad resurrection of Jesus.

Observation
6. Passion and resurrection (14:1-16:20)
6.a. Vv. 14:1-2 Chief priests plot to kill Jesus
6.b.Vv. 14:3-9 Jesus anointed at Bethany
This could be seen as an introductory
relationship. Jesus being anointed was the
Questions
Definitional – Passover, Feast of Unleavened
Bread,
Rational -
Implicational 0 What are the implications
about human nature and the willingness to kill
what is good to save our own way of life?
Definitional – anoint, nard, poor
Rational – Who are the poor? Why does the
woman use “nard?”
Implicational - What is implied about our
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signal for the beginning of what is to come: responsibility to the poor (v. 7)? What is
His death and the preaching of the Gospel implied about our proclamation and the woman
around the world. There is also a causal who anointed Jesus?
relationship: because the woman anoints Jesus
her act is to be preached to the world.
6.c. Vv. 14:10-11 Judas Betrays Jesus Definitional –
Rational – Why Judas? What sets him apart
from the others?
Implicational – Again, what are the
implications about human nature seen in Judas’
act of betrayal? Is Judas “destined” to fulfill
this role or is it his choice to betray?
6.d. Vv. 14:21-31 Passover is observed and Definitional – Passover, preparation, rooster,
Peter is warned of his denial. hymn, fruit of the vine, blood, body, Son of
Man.
Recurrence: Passover, preparation or prepared. Rational –
Particularization (vv. 17-20) Jesus goes from a Implicational – What are the implications on
general point, “one of you..betray” to a the doctrine of “free will” in vv. 13-15; vv. 27-
particular sign, “one who dips into the bowl 31? Was it predestined for Peter to fall away or
with me..” was this an act of human fear?
Comparison (vv. 22-25): wine/blood;
bread/body.
Substantiation (vv. 27-31): because of Jesus’
teaching concerning the shepherd Peter (and
others) will fall away.
6.e. Vv. 14:32-42 Jesus prays at Gethsemane Definitional – Gethsemane, distressed,
troubled, Abba Father, sinners.
Causation (vv. 32-36) the effect of distress and Rational – Are the disciples sleeping because
trouble cause Jesus to enter into a time solitary of a reaction to the stress of the moment?
prayer to surrender His will to God. Then Could it be they are depressed about what is
substantiation exists in that Jesus prays long, about to happen and the somberness of Jesus’
the disciples fall asleep, which leads to Jesus mood?
rebuking them. Implicational – What are the implications
about prayer? What are the implications about
stress and emotional pain?
6.f. (14:43-65) Arrest and trial by the Definitional – testimony, witness, Sanhedrin,
Sanhedrin of Jesus. elders
Rational –
This is a long list of causation and Implicational – Could the Sanhedrin and
substantiation relationships. Judas betrays religious leaders have accepted Christ? Or was
Jesus, Jesus us arrested, the disciples flee, the this necessary for penal substitution? If yes,
trial begins, and false testimony is given. Also then can the religious leaders be condemned
a time of question and answers between the for doing their part to bring about the salvation
religious leaders and Jesus, which causes Jesus of man?
to answer some and not others. In the end a
judgment of death is passed as the causation of
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Jesus’ answers.
6.g. (14:66-72) Peter’s denial becomes a Definitional – Nazarene, curse,
reality. Rational –
Implicational - Do we covertly deny Christ
Peter’s denial is caused by what he is seeing when confronted with moral dilemma’s that
happen to Jesus in v. 65. He is confronted will cost us something? Is our conscious alive
about his relationship to Jesus and he denies to the fact we are denying Christ? What is our
knowing Him. reaction to failure: pride or repentance?
6.h. (15:1-20) Trial before Pilate, soldiers Definitional –
abuse of Jesus while in their custody. Rational –
Implicational -
Again we see a long list of causation and
substantiation. The religious leaders reach a
decision to hand Jesus over to Pilate, Pilate
asks questions, Jesus gives simple answers,
Pilate tries to convince the Jews of Christ’s
innocence, the religious leaders refuse, Pilate
hands Jesus over to crucifixion. Because of
Pilate’s decision and the religious leaders
persistence Jesus is mocked, scourged and
eventually crucified.
6.i. (15:21 – 16:20) Crucifixion, death, burial Definitional – resurrection, Preparation Day,
and resurrection of Jesus. first day, tomb, preach, condemned, right hand
of God.
This is the ultimate cause and effect Rational –
relationship that shows the final result of all Implicational – What are the implications for
the segments in this outline. Jesus’ teaching, women in ministry from vv. 40-41? What are
life, ministry, healing, etc., all leads to this the implications about baptism and salvation?
point where His power would conquer the What is implied about those who proclaim the
power of death, hell and the grave. Because He good news but have no accompanying signs?
has done this, the disciples then have what it
takes to fulfill the commission given them by
Jesus in vv. 15-18. Because he disciples obey
the Lord, “worked with them and confirmed
his word by the signs that accompanied it.”

Notice the signs accompany the Word being

proclaimed and not the proclaimer.