NIV LIVE: 30 Day Audio Bible ChallengeSample

Chapter 4

Jesus taught using many parables. This

Chapter began with the parable of the sower and the seed that fell in various types of soil. Jesus told His disciples the purpose of His teaching in parables. Then, Jesus explained the parable of the sower. He told them to pay attention and use the knowledge they had. They will not understand how the word of God produces fruit, but the kingdom of God will begin small and grow larger. He stilled a storm because even the wind and the waves obeyed Him.

Chapter 5

At the other side of the sea, they met a powerful demoniac who could break chains for he was filled with a legion of demons. Jesus freed the man and the spirits went into a herd of swine and drowned. Now back on the other side of the sea, a woman touched his garment and was healed and he raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead.

Chapter 6

Jesus returned to His hometown and when He taught in the synagogue the people took offense: “He marveled because of their unbelief” (Mark 6:6). He sent His disciples on a preaching mission two by two. Mark explained how and why Herod previously beheaded John the Baptist and why Herod thought Jesus was John raised from the dead. The disciples returned and reported their success to Jesus and He took them to a desolate place to rest, but the people followed them. From five loaves and two fish, Jesus fed 5,000. He walked on water and stilled a storm again, but the disciple “hearts were hardened” (Mark 6:52). Jesus healed many again.