7-Day Family Bible Reading Plan: Meet Jesus in Mark
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Meet Jesus through seven selected passages from the Gospel of Mark, from His call to follow Him to His death and resurrection. Each reading includes one question and a short original prayer.
How to use this plan
Read the assigned passage in your own Bible first. The links open full chapters in the public-domain World English Bible so you can read the surrounding verses too. These seven selections are an introduction, not the entire Gospel.
Allow around five to ten minutes, or take more than one sitting for a passage. Read aloud for younger children; let older children name what they notice. A parent can write down questions to explore later. You can take two weeks or longer without starting over.
Day 1: Jesus calls people to follow Him
Read: Mark 1:14-20
Jesus announces God's kingdom and calls people to repent, believe the good news, and follow Him.
Talk: What does Jesus ask the people in this passage to do?
Pray: Jesus, help us understand Your good news and follow You.
Day 2: Jesus has authority to forgive
Read: Mark 2:1-12
Jesus forgives a man's sins and heals him, showing His authority to forgive. This account is not a promise that every illness will end in immediate healing.
Talk: What does Jesus say before the man gets up?
Pray: Jesus, thank You for Your mercy. Help us bring our needs to You.
Day 3: Jesus has authority over the storm
Read: Mark 4:35-41
The disciples see Jesus calm the wind and sea. Their question turns our attention to who He is, rather than a guarantee of an easy life.
Talk: What question do the disciples ask at the end?
Pray: Jesus, help us trust You when we are afraid.
Day 4: Jesus welcomes children
Read: Mark 10:13-16
When the disciples turn children away, Jesus welcomes and blesses them. Receiving God's kingdom is not a competition for importance.
Talk: How does Jesus respond when the children are kept away?
Pray: Jesus, thank You for welcoming children. Help us make room for them too.
Day 5: Jesus came to serve and give His life
Read: Mark 10:35-45
Jesus answers a request for places of honor by teaching His disciples about service. His giving of His life is central to the passage.
Talk: How is Jesus' idea of greatness different from the disciples' request?
Pray: Jesus, thank You for giving Your life. Teach us to serve with humility.
Day 6: Jesus dies on the cross
Read: Mark 15:21-39
Mark describes Jesus' crucifixion, His death, the torn temple curtain, and the centurion's response. Read slowly and allow honest questions.
Talk: What does the centurion say about Jesus?
Pray: Jesus, thank You for giving Yourself for sinners. Help us understand Your saving work.
Day 7: Jesus is risen
Read: Mark 16:1-8
The women find the stone moved and hear that Jesus has risen. Mark also records their fear and amazement.
Talk: What news are the women given, and what are they told to do?
Pray: Jesus, thank You that You are risen. Help us respond to You with faith.
For younger children and difficult days
Reading aloud and listening count as participating. You may stop after the passage, ask only one question, or let a child draw. An adult may preview the crucifixion passage and choose age-appropriate words without losing its meaning. Nobody needs to produce a polished answer.
After the seven readings
Ask, “What did we learn about Jesus? What question do we still have?” Then return to Mark 1 and read the Gospel in order. Keep a prayer journal page nearby if you would like a place for those questions.
Explore more readings about Jesus · Read: What Is the Gospel?
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Original guidance and prayers by Modern Burlap. Scripture references point to the Bible; prompts and reflections are not Bible quotations. Free for personal and family use. Share this resource page with someone who could use it.