Joyful Moments in Christ

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 32 – Mark 9-13

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 32 - Mark 9-13

Week 32: Exploring Mark 9-13

In Week 32 of our quest to read the New Testament in a year, we will explore Mark 9-13, where Jesus deepens His teachings on faith, humility, and sacrifice. These chapters invite us to witness the Transfiguration, learn the value of humble service, and see Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Through His parables, teachings, and warnings about the future, Jesus challenges us to remain vigilant and faithful, regardless of trials. As we reflect on these powerful messages, we can gain fresh insights into what it means to live with a spirit of love, faithfulness, and hopeful expectation in God’s promises.

Mark 9

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” - Mark 9:37 (ESV)

Mark 9 begins with the Transfiguration, where Jesus appears with Moses and Elijah, revealing His glory to Peter, James, and John. He heals a boy possessed by an unclean spirit, teaching about faith and the power of prayer. Jesus also predicts His death a second time and encourages humility among His disciples, teaching that greatness in God’s kingdom comes from serving others.

Mark 10

Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. - Mark 10:29-30 (ESV)

In Mark 10, Jesus teaches about marriage and divorce, blessing children, and urging a rich young man to prioritize spiritual wealth over possessions. He predicts His suffering and death a third time and reminds His disciples of the importance of humility and service. The chapter concludes with Jesus healing blind Bartimaeus, whose faith leads to his miraculous restoration.

Mark 11

And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! - Mark 11:9 (ESV)

Mark 11 marks Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He is welcomed by crowds with palm branches. He clears the temple of money changers, demonstrating His zeal for God’s house. Jesus also curses a fig tree, symbolizing the unfruitfulness of those who appear religious but lack genuine faith. This chapter emphasizes Jesus’ authority and foreshadows His impending conflict with religious leaders.

Mark 12

Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” - Mark 12:29-31 (ESV)

In Mark 12, Jesus teaches through the Parable of the Tenants, warning of judgment against those who reject God’s messengers. He answers questions about paying taxes, the resurrection, and the greatest commandments, affirming love for God and neighbor as central to the faith. Observing a widow’s offering at the temple, Jesus commends her sacrificial giving as a true act of devotion.

Mark 13

And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. - Mark 13:13 (ESV)

Mark 13 records Jesus’ teachings on the end times, warning His disciples of coming persecutions, wars, and natural disasters. He instructs them to stay vigilant and faithful, emphasizing that only God knows the timing of these events. Jesus’ predictions highlight both the certainty of trials and the hope of His return, encouraging perseverance amidst uncertainty.

Week 32: New Testament Reading Assignment

Each week, we will read 5 chapters of the New Testament. Some people may prefer to read during the weekdays, while others might enjoy doing most of their reading on the weekends. Choose the method that works best for you!

Printable Resource:

Reading Plan: New Testament in 1 Year

Week 32: Reflection Questions for Mark 9-13

Consider the following reflection questions:

Mark 9: The Transfiguration and Lessons on Faith

  1. What significance does the transfiguration hold, and how does it impact our understanding of Jesus’ divinity?
  2. How does Jesus emphasize faith in the healing of the boy, and how can we cultivate a stronger faith?
  3. What does Jesus teach about humility, and how can we embody a humble spirit in our lives?
  4. How does Jesus address the seriousness of sin, and what steps can we take to avoid what leads us astray?
  5. How does Jesus’ teaching on being “last of all” challenge our view of greatness, and how can we serve others selflessly?

Mark 10: Humility, Sacrifice, and the Kingdom of God

  1. How does Jesus’ teaching on marriage reflect God’s intentions, and how can we honor our commitments to others?
  2. How does Jesus’ blessing of the children show His view of faith, and how can we develop a childlike faith?
  3. What does Jesus’ interaction with the rich young man reveal about priorities, and how can we seek God above all?
  4. How does Jesus model servant leadership, and how can we apply humility in our lives?
  5. What does Bartimaeus’ healing reveal about persistent faith, and how can we seek Jesus with perseverance?

Mark 11: The Triumphal Entry and Jesus’ Authority

  1. How does the triumphal entry fulfill prophecy, and what does this reveal about Jesus’ role as Messiah?
  2. What does Jesus’ cleansing of the temple reveal about His commitment to holiness, and how can we honor God’s presence?
  3. How does the fig tree symbolize faith, and how can we nurture genuine spiritual growth?
  4. What does Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness show about the heart, and how can we let go of bitterness?
  5. How does Jesus confront religious leaders, and how can we stand firm in God’s truth amidst opposition?

Mark 12: Love, Sacrifice, and True Devotion

  1. How does Jesus’ parable of the tenants reveal God’s justice, and how can we respect His authority?
  2. What does Jesus’ teaching on taxes show about balance, and how can we respect both earthly and heavenly commitments?
  3. How does Jesus define the greatest commandment, and how can we prioritize love for God and others?
  4. What does the widow’s offering reveal about sacrifice, and how can we give with a generous heart?
  5. How does Jesus’ response to the Sadducees challenge us to understand resurrection, and how does it strengthen our hope?

Mark 13: Staying Faithful Amidst Trials

  1. How does Jesus’ prediction about the temple challenge the disciples’ expectations, and how can we prepare for change?
  2. What does Jesus warn about false messiahs, and how can we stay discerning in our faith?
  3. How does Jesus emphasize endurance, and what does it look like to stay faithful during challenges?
  4. What signs of the end times does Jesus describe, and how can we live with hope and readiness?
  5. How does Jesus’ call to “stay awake” apply to us, and how can we remain alert in our walk with God?
Reflection Questions for Mark 9
Reflection Questions for Mark 10
Reflection Questions for Mark 11
Reflection Questions for Mark 12
Reflection Questions for Mark 13

Reflective Prayer

Choose a few verses or topics from these chapters and pray over them. Consider using the ACTS method — Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication:

  • Adoration: Praise God. What specific characteristics of God do these readings bring to mind?
  • Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. What specific sins do these readings bring to mind?
  • Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. What in these readings inspires gratitude?
  • Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. What in these readings inspires a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 32 - Mark 9-13
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” - Mark 9:37 (ESV)
Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. - Mark 10:29-30 (ESV)
And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! - Mark 11:9 (ESV)
Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” - Mark 12:29-31 (ESV)
And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. - Mark 13:13 (ESV)

Other Reading Plans

Old Testament in 3 Years
Whole Bible: Daily
Whole Bible: 5 Day/Week
Whole Bible: Weekly

Online Resources

Read the Bible in a Year: Blog Series

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

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