Lesson 1: Jesus Calls Ordinary People
Question: Why would Jesus choose ordinary people?
Read
- Mark 1:14–20
- Mark 2:13–17
Notice
- Jesus takes the initiative.
- He calls fishermen and a tax collector—not religious experts.
- Following Jesus means learning from Him, not having everything figured out first.
Discussion
- What stands out about the people Jesus calls?
- What do they leave behind?
- Why do you think Jesus enjoys eating with “sinners”?
- If Jesus invited you to follow Him today, what might that look like?
Main Truth
Jesus invites ordinary people into a relationship with Him.
Lesson 2: Jesus Has Authority
Question: Who has the right to tell us how to live—and even forgive sins?
Read
- Mark 1:21–28
- Mark 2:1–12
Notice
- Jesus teaches with authority.
- Even demons obey Him.
- Jesus forgives sins before healing the man.
Discussion
- Which miracle impresses you most?
- Why is forgiving sins a bigger claim than healing?
- What do these stories suggest about Jesus’ identity?
Main Truth
Jesus possesses God’s authority over evil, sickness, and sin.
Lesson 3: Jesus Welcomes the Outsider
Question: Who belongs in God’s family?
Read
- Mark 5:21–43
(Jairus’ daughter and the woman with the bleeding illness.)
Notice
- Jesus has time for both an important religious leader and an overlooked woman.
- Faith is trust in Jesus.
- Jesus treats people with dignity.
Discussion
- Which person do you identify with?
- What do these stories teach about Jesus’ compassion?
- Why do you think Jesus stops for the woman?
Main Truth
Jesus values every person and responds to faith.
Lesson 4: Jesus Is Greater Than Fear
Question: Can Jesus be trusted when life feels out of control?
Read
- Mark 4:35–41
- Mark 6:45–52
Notice
- The disciples are terrified.
- Jesus has authority over nature.
- The disciples are still trying to understand who He is.
Discussion
- What fears do the disciples have?
- Why are they amazed after the storm?
- What fears do people your age commonly carry?
- How might this story speak to those fears?
Main Truth
Jesus is worthy of trust because He has power even over the things we cannot control.
Lesson 5: Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
Question: What’s the most important question you’ll ever answer?
Read
- Mark 8:27–38
Notice
- Jesus asks for a personal response.
- Peter calls Him the Messiah.
- Jesus immediately explains that being the Messiah includes suffering.
Discussion
- Why do people have different opinions about Jesus?
- Why wasn’t Peter expecting a suffering Messiah?
- What does Jesus mean by taking up your cross?
Main Truth
Knowing who Jesus is changes how we live.
Lesson 6: Why Did Jesus Die?
Question: Was Jesus’ death an accident—or part of God’s plan?
Read
- Mark 10:32–45
- Mark 14:22–25
- Mark 15:33–39
Notice
- Jesus predicts His death.
- He willingly gives His life.
- The Roman centurion recognizes who Jesus is.
Discussion
- Why does Jesus call His death a ransom?
- What does the Lord’s Supper symbolize?
- Why is the centurion’s statement significant?
Main Truth
Jesus gave His life to save others.
Lesson 7: Jesus Is Alive
Question: What difference does the resurrection make?
Read
- Mark 16:1–8
- (Optional) John 20:24–29
Notice
- The tomb is empty.
- The women are surprised.
- The resurrection turns despair into hope.
Discussion
- Why were the women frightened?
- If Jesus truly rose from the dead, what would that mean?
- What questions do you still have about the resurrection?
Main Truth
The resurrection confirms that Jesus is who He claimed to be.
Lesson 8: Following Jesus Today
Question: What does Jesus want from me?
Read
- Mark 12:28–34
- Mark 10:46–52
Notice
- Love God.
- Love your neighbor.
- Faith leads to following Jesus.
Discussion
- Which teaching of Jesus has challenged you the most?
- What have you learned about Jesus over these weeks?
- What questions remain?
- What might it look like to begin following Him?
Main Truth
Jesus invites every person to trust Him, love God, and join His mission.