Walking with Jesus through Mark

Welcome to the course

Take your time and follow Jesus

A journey with Jesus

I often advise new Christians to begin their Bible reading with the Gospel of Mark. It is the shortest Gospel, with brief passages and plenty of action. We meet Jesus on the road, in people’s homes, beside the lake and among people who need help. It is a good place to begin walking with him.

Read slowly and look closely

What might we discover if we stopped rushing through the Bible and instead walked slowly with Jesus? In this course I share words, details and questions that have caught my attention as I read. We will listen to what Jesus says, watch what he does and ask what it means to follow him in our own everyday lives.

From the call to the mission

Through six modules we travel from John preparing the way to the empty tomb and the disciples being sent into the whole world. We encounter Jesus’ authority and care, learn about God’s kingdom and follow him on the way to the cross. The disciples do not understand everything. They are frightened, they ask questions and they fail. Yet Jesus goes ahead of them. That gives us hope and courage to keep going too.

The Bible passage comes first

Read the whole Bible passage before reading the commentary. You may use the Norwegian Bible Society’s 2024 Nynorsk translation, or a translation in your own language. In some commentaries I compare the wording with the New Living Translation. Pause at what surprises you, and return to the Bible passage afterwards. A word must always be understood in its context. On these course pages you will find Scripture references and links for reading the Bible.

A rhythm you can live with

I suggest one lesson a day, six days a week, with a day to reread, pray and share. With 86 lessons, this becomes a journey of about 14–15 weeks. Allow 10–15 minutes for a reading, and more when the passage invites you to linger. Some lessons may well need several days. All the modules are available from the start, so you can find a rhythm that fits your life.

Follow Jesus together

You can take the course on your own, but do look for someone to walk with. The questions under Together can help a conversation at home, in a small group or in the church. Share what you discover, listen to one another and pray. You do not need to have an answer to everything. It is good to be able to say, “I do not understand this yet.”

Let the word shape your life

Each lesson has questions for reflection, a step to live out and a short prayer. The aim is for what we read to find expression in how we meet people, make decisions and serve. Make a brief note of what moves you and what you intend to do. At the end of each module you can look back and share what you have learned.

The Lord works with us

The journey does not end when the course is over. The risen Jesus sends his people out and works with them. My prayer is that these readings will help you know him better, hear his word and follow him with greater trust. Let us begin and walk with him, one passage and one step at a time.