The Gospel of Mark

The Gospel of Mark
Lesson 1: Introduction

Dr. Mike Kruger introduces the Gospel of Mark and walks through the themes of the book.

A New Exodus
Lesson 2

Dr. Mike Kruger discusses Mark 1:1-20 and how the Gospel of Mark promises a new exodus in Jesus for God’s people.

The Marks of Jesus' Ministry
Lesson 3

Dr. Mike Kruger speaks on Mark 1:21-45 and gives an overview of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

The Forgiveness of Sins
Lesson 4

Dr. Mike Kruger teaches on Mark 2:1-17 and explains how Mark emphasizes the forgiveness of sins in Jesus' ministry.

Fighting Legalism
Lesson 5

Dr. Michael Kruger discusses Mark 2:18-3:6 and outlines how legalism misses the person of Jesus, the importance of the heart, and the value of people.

Ministry Acceptance and Rejection
Lesson 6

Dr. Michael Kruger teaches from Mark 3:7-35 and discusses the different responses people have to the ministry of Jesus and the apostles.

The Advance of the Kingdom of God
Lesson 7

Dr. Michael Kruger walks through Mark 4:1-20, explaining Jesus’ Parable of the Sower and the biblical theme of the kingdom of God and how it advances.

Four Truths About the Kingdom of God
Lesson 8

Dr. Michael Kruger discusses Mark 4:21-34, expounding on four different encouraging truths about the kingdom of God.

The Return of the King: To Rule Over Creation
Lesson 9

Dr. Michael Kruger speaks on Mark 4:35-41 and explains how the Jesus we think we know may not be who Jesus really is.

The Return of the King: To Rule Over Demons
Lesson 10

Dr. Michael Kruger discusses Mark 5:1-20, explaining how Jesus came to subdue and rule over demons and evil spiritual forces in the world.

The Return of the King: To Rule Over Disease and Death
Lesson 11

Dr. Michael Kruger talks about Mark 5:21-43, explaining how the stories in the passage help us seek and wait for Jesus by faith.

Counting the Cost
Lesson 12

Dr. Michael Kruger explains Mark 6:1-29, demonstrating the potential risks and costs of being a follower of Jesus in the world.

Jesus, the God of the Old Testament
Lesson 13

Dr. Michael Kruger explains Mark 6:30-56, highlighting three key miracles of Jesus and how they teach and encourage believers today.

How Not to Become a Pharisee
Lesson 14

Dr. Michael Kruger teaches on Mark 7:1-23, warning against the legalism of the Pharisees and pointing believers to the true holiness found in Jesus.

Jesus the Savior
Lesson 15

Dr. Michael Kruger speaks on Mark 7:24-37, outlining how the stories in the passage emphasize the free offer of the gospel and point us to Jesus as the Savior of the world.

Learning to Fail
Lesson 16

Dr. Michael Kruger discusses Mark 8:1-26 and how the passage teaches us about God’s patience and grace despite our failures.

Life’s Most Important Question
Lesson 17

Dr. Michael Kruger teaches from Mark 8:27-38 and explains how the confession of Peter prompts us to ask life’s most important question: that of who Jesus is and what he came to do.

The Highs and Lows of the Christian Life
Lesson 18

Dr. Michael Kruger talks about Mark 9:1-29 and the Transfiguration, explaining how Christ's true power and identity enable us to live the Christian life.

The Marks of a Jesus Follower
Lesson 19

Dr. Michael Kruger examines Mark 9:30-50, explaining what it truly looks like to follow Jesus in humility, charity, and holiness.

The Loving Way to Handle the Law
Lesson 20

Guest speaker the Rev. Jordan Olshefski discusses Mark 10:1-12, explaining the best way to understand God’s law and highlighting the teachings of Jesus on divorce and remarriage.

The Unexpected Reversal of God’s Kingdom
Lesson 21

Dr. Michael Kruger speaks on Mark 10:13-31, explaining how life in the kingdom of God is an unexpected reversal of the values of the world.

What Does Biblical Leadership Look Like?
Lesson 22

Dr. Michael Kruger teaches on Mark 10:32-52, outlining what true biblical leadership looks like and examining the consequences of bad leadership.

The Return of the King
Lesson 23

Dr. Michael Kruger speaks on the Triumphal Entry, explaining how the events of Mark 11:1-11 point to Jesus as the true king of Israel.

Cleansing of the Temple
Lesson 24

Dr. Michael Kruger unfolds Mark 11:12-33, elaborating on what Jesus’ cleansing of the temple means for believers today.

Parable of the Vineyard
Lesson 25

Dr. Michael Kruger teaches on Mark 12:1-12, explaining how the parable of the vineyard shows us Israel’s rejection of God and how Christ is ultimately glorified.

Setting Traps for Jesus
Lesson 26

Dr. Michael Kruger explains Mark 12:13-34, unpacking how the Pharisees, Saducees, and scribes each challenge Jesus and how Jesus responds.

God's Glory vs. Our Glory
Lesson 27

Dr. Michael Kruger teaches on Mark 12:25-44, explaining how the three accounts in the passage bring attention to Jesus's worth and glory.

The End is Near!
Lesson 28

Guest teacher the Rev. Jordan Olshefski speaks on Mark 13, unpacking the Olivet Discourse and Jesus' teaching on the end times and his return.

What Will You Do with Jesus?
Lesson 29

Dr. Michael Kruger discusses Mark 14:1-11, exploring how the passage paints Jesus as the “great divider,” evoking different responses from different groups.

Faithful Jesus vs. Unfaithful Disciples
Lesson 30

Dr. Michael Kruger explains Mark 14:12-42, discussing how the contrast between Jesus and the disciples in Gethsemane shows us what faithful suffering looks like.

Jesus Alone is Faithful
Lesson 31

Dr. Michael Kruger teaches on Mark 14:43-72, unpacking how Jesus shows his faithfulness through the betrayal of Judas and the denial of Peter.

Crucifixion of Jesus
Lesson 32

Dr. Michael Kruger teaches on the crucifixion from Mark 15:1-32, explaining how Jesus' suffering and humiliation are at the heart of Christianity.

Death and Burial of Jesus
Lesson 33

Dr. Michael Kruger unpacks Mark 15:33-47, explaining the extraordinary death of Jesus, the different reactions to his death, and his ordinary burial.

The Resurrection of Jesus
Lesson 34

Dr. Michael Kruger wraps up the Gospel of Mark in Mark 16:1-8, teaching on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and how it transforms our lives.