The Bible for Young Explorers: MarkSample

• Mark is the shortest Gospel, telling the story of Jesus at a fast pace.
• It was written by John Mark, based on the testimony of one of Jesus’ closest followers, Peter.
• It finishes on a cliffhanger, leaving the question: Who is Jesus?

Mark’s account begins with John the Baptist bursting on the scene to announce the arrival of the promised Messiah. Jesus heals people, drives out evil, and teaches everyone how to be part of God’s kingdom. But the religious leaders can’t stand it and plot to kill him. Halfway through the Gospel, Jesus asks his closest followers, ‘Who do you say I am?’ He then explains that he must suffer and die to fulfil God’s plan. In Jerusalem, Jesus is arrested, tortured, and crucified. But even as he died, a Roman soldier exclaimed: ‘Surely this man was the Son of God.’ Mark’s Gospel leaves us with a question: Who do you think Jesus is . . . and will you follow him?