We are sorry to say the free The Gospel of Mark online Bible study has ended! If you’d like to view the video, individual sessions can be purchased here.
Please read the following instructions carefully because we’ve tried to anticipate your questions!
Here’s how this will work: Each week, you’ll come here to the blog and watch the video with Lisa Harper. The videos are 30-35 minutes long. Once you watch the video, we have questions for you to answer in your group or in the comments section of the post. This is available to those studying together and those going solo. Some of the questions will ask you to get to know your fellow Bible study participants and we hope these interactions will be both challenging and encouraging. After the video, we will let you know the personal study assignment to do for the next week in your The Gospel of Mark Bible study book. That’s it! The study will be seven weeks long (including this little introduction week).
A note about the Bible study videos: For The Gospel of Mark, we will leave all the videos up until May 15, 2017, allowing some breathing room for those who join in late or miss a couple of weeks. After that time, you can purchase or rent the sessions you missed here.
Here are the questions for Session 1. If you are studying in a group, use these questions for group discussions. If you are studying solo, we’d love to read your answers in the comments!
- What is your name? Where are you from?
- What drew you to this Bible study on the Gospel of Mark?
- What are some facts you already know about Mark?
- What is one goal you hope to accomplish by studying Mark?
This week, complete Week One: Aggressive Grace (pages 10-31) in the Bible study book. This Bible study is not divided up into days so you can divide it up by subheadings, if you’d like, or you can do it all in one long sitting if you choose. So grab a cup of coffee or tea, and let’s discover the Book of Mark together!
1. My name is Marissa and I am from Tomball, TX, which is right outside of Houston. I am currently taking this study at my local church and yesterday was the first session and it is starting out great. I am definitely looking forward to this study.
2. What drew me to the Bible Study on the Gospel of Mark was first, the author, Lisa Harper, she is so great and I want to learn more about Mark.
3. Some facts that I already know about Mark is how charismatic he is, how much he portrays Jesus as doer, and how most of the Gospel shows Jesus’s miracles that He performed. It’s also the shortest gospel of the four and very fast-paced.
4. One goal I hope to accomplish by studying Mark is first and foremost, to have a closer relationship to the Lord. I also would just really like to understand more of who Mark truly was and his relationship with Jesus how was the culture of that particular time as well as how did the people of that time feel about the miracles of Jesus.
Bonnie N -looking for a study for my group of girls! Thank you for always offering so many options and study of God’s word!
hi, my name is farai maguta from harare and my passion to know more about Christ, his way of life, made me to research more about Jesus up until l get to this group… Mark presents Jesus as a man whose teaching and accomplishments will bring about a new era in human history. Jesus’ initial message is, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15), Mark demonstrates Jesus’ identity and the authority he had to make some incredibly bold claims…and am hoping to go deeper into the gospel and also l had that One of the primary benefits of studying and applying the Word of God together in a community is that we allow ourselves to be exposed to one another and align our lives more with God’s Word so l would want to experience that
My name is Georgia, and I live in Illinois.
I consider myself a new Christian. I don’t really know anything about Mark yet, but I hope to change that. My goal is to get to know Jesus better and strengthen my faith.
I did this bible study on my own recently, I just finished a week ago without knowing I could do it online! What a blessing! God meets us where we are. I am just amazed at His compassion!
My name is Donna from Illinois. I am anxious to read from one of the gospels. The author is man named John Mark who wrote the gospel using Peter’s eyewitness stories. My goal is to better understand Jesus.
Hi my name is Amanda I’m from Va. I just have a desire to learn more about my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I came across this bible study and I believe it was nobody but God lead me that day. I will be getting more bible studies through life way and I can’t wait to begin.
Welcome! We’re glad you’re here.
Hello I’m Regina from middle Tennessee. I am doing this online study of the Gospel of Mark because my church started small groups ( and this particular series for the ladies group). However, I travel with my job and missed the first 3 sessions but then I saw this study on Instagram and decided I could do it this way. I did know the story of the leper but didn’t know Jesus held him first – very enlightening.
My name is Harriette – I’m from Colorado Springs, CO
I wasn’t specifically looking for a bible study of Mark, I just know that unless I’m currently in a bible study I tend to not read the bible. I like the motivation and dedication/accountability of doing a study. We finished a study at my church 2 weeks ago and I meant to start this as soon as that finished but life got in the way so I hope to just work forward and at least finish before the videos are taken down.
Other than knowing he was a disciple of Jesus and one of gospel writers I can’t say I specifically know much about Mark
One goal is to now learn more about one of our gospel writers and his perspectives of the life of Christ.
Good Morning! I am Pam from Texas. What drew me to the Bible study was a friend’s reference to the teaching of Lisa Harper. Deep in a Bible study at the time I did watch the first video and then ordered the study book. Yes, I am behind officially in the book study, but will be caught up soon. Only briefly, what I know about Mark is that it reads like a newspaper compared to the other Gospels. This meaning that it is not as elaborate in length, but straight to the point. This is much like I am, so I am even more drawn.. Thank you for allowing me to comment and join late. Blessings to all!
Hello. My name is Susan and I am from North Carolina. I was drawn to this study because I wanted to learn more about the bible and I love to hear Lisa. I don’t really know much about Mark. My goal is to learn more about the Bible and study my Bible daily.
My name is Sharon Wallace and I am from San Antonio, Texas and I currently reside in Virginia. What drew me to this Bible Study is I wanted to learn more about the Gospel of Mark. What I have learned about Mark is it is the second book of the Synoptic Gospels, he is one of the disciples of Jesus Christ, his name is John Mark, a companion of Peter, and he writes short narratives regarding the works of Jesus. My one goal for studying about Mark, I hope to accomplish is to learn more about Mark, to sit at his feet, and to see Jesus through his lens.
I am Pat Weinstein from Santa Clarita, California. It is my desire to really know the Lord because I believe that as my understanding of who He is and what He has done grows, my commitment, determination, and courage to share Him with others in the world will grow too. We have been commanded to participate in the Great Commission. This bible study is giving me great tools and a new level of understanding of the truths revealed in the Gospel of Mark so that I can go out into the world with head and heart knowledge. Lisa is a wonderful guide. We know from the daily headlines and news reports that this is a hurting and broken world, but we have the remedy to bring hope and peace back into it. We are not alone, and He has our back as we venture out into the world. Let us embrace the power and truth of the gospel and move into the world with confidence, knowing that He will equip us to do His work.
I’m from Woodbury Minnesota . My name is irene. Im an empty nester. My current children are furry, camilles my Yorkie girl. We rescued her a year and a half ago. We also have a chihuahua named carson. He is also a rescue
I’m the only believer in my family. I once had a believer in my family. My niece. Maryann. Was my Christian blessing.she died two weeks ago and I’m attending her memorial service this weekend. Who will I talk to Now? It’s going to be very lonely without my sister in christ
I’m not that familiar with Mark a n d touched by fact that this is a great Easter study
Looking forward to meeting all of you.
Irene, we are so glad you’re here! Let us know if we can help you connect to local believers in any way!
May Maryann RIP knowing she was a believer. God will bless you Irene with another sister in Christ and maybe even more now that you have joined The Gospel of Mark Bible Study with LisaHarper and the rest of us! Please e -mail me anytime you might need to vent. Or just feel the need to contact someone.
Hi!! So, talk about being fashionably late! Haha! My name is Jenni and I’m from the sticks of Nebraska. I signed up for this study because I love Lisa and I was looking for some sort of advent-type of study to do in the weeks leading up to Easter. I’m a stay-at-home mama of four, and so signing up for a regular Bible study just isn’t in the cards for me at this time. So this set up was attractive to me. Let’s see… facts about Mark… ummmm… it comes after Matthew??? It’s a gospel? Ha! Clearly I’m not overflowing with biblical knowledge. My goal for this study is to prepare my heart for the Easter season. I want to be intentional about setting apart some time to study Jesus, His life, and just soften myself towards what He did. Easter is my favorite holiday and I feel that too often we rush through it and don’t give it the attention it deserves. I want to model for my children that as the foundation of our faith, we need to give the cruxifixction and resurrection proper attention and celebration.
My name is Traci L. and I am from Indianapolis, IN. I am excited to do another one of Lisa’s bible studies, I did Malachi a couple years ago. I hope to grow in my knowledge of Christ through Lisa’s teaching.
Hello Sisters..
I’m Nancy from NE Ohio..
What drew me to this Bible Study..
I’m desperate for to be in the Living Word! I have a 5 month old nursling (plus 3 other children) so I have not been to Bible study since he was born. How I miss it! Thankful for this study so I connect with other women who love Jesus.
Facts I knew about Mark..
He was an apostle of Jesus, wrote the 2nd Gospel..
What is one goal you hope to accomplish by studying Mark?
Learn more about the Word and grow in the fruitful knowledge of the Lord.
My name is kelsie, I am from San Diego . I joined this bible study through my work. I am a teacher at a Christian school and they made us aware of this bible study so my mom and I decided to watch it together. We know that mark was one of the disciples and his main audience was the gentiles. We hope to gain a better understanding of Marks gospel through this bible study and grow in our relationship with jesus.
Hello, I just finished a small group study and was looking around this website and found this online study. I know I am a couple week late getting started, but I am excited after listening to the podcast. The Lord has moved me to this group and I can’t wait to get started.
I am Michelle. I am from Michigan. I guess I have already answered Q. 2 above. Listening to the podcast I will say I don’t know much about Mark, other than he was one of the 12 disciples. My goal with each bible study I have attended as well as this one, is and will be understanding and finding my way the Lord has prepared for me. I grew up in a Christian family, attended a parochial school, went to church every Sunday, strayed as a teenager and now allowing Him to love me!!
Hi, I’m Brenda from Flagstaff, AZ. I just joined this study and am so grateful that the lessons are still available to me. This is my first study under Lisa, and the first session was a very positive experience. I was drawn to this study because I’ve needed something to draw me closer to my Lord. I pray that I am drawn into a much closer fellowship with Jesus Christ through this study.
Hi! I’m Laura from Odessa, TX…late to the party but playing catch up! I was looking for a Lent study, and I love Lisa’s way with storytelling and Bible Study, so here I am!
I knew Mark was young and that he was credited for writing Peter’s account of the ministry of Jesus, and that his Gospel was the shortest. That’s about it…
I hope to have a deeper understanding of Mark’s/Peter’s account of Christ’s life, as well as a more profound understanding of His sacrifice and love for me.
Hi. My name is Mallory and I am from North Carolina. I was drawn to this study simply because I am working my way through studies in order to expand my knowledge. I am fortunate to work in an Christian based organization in which I can share the Word with my patients. When they ask questions that I cannot answer I always feel the overwhelming urge to throw myself back into my studies. Mark is a gospel that I know but I do not know much about Mark himself. By studying this I hope to have a better understanding of the Gospel of Mark and to be able to use this Gospel in order to teach my patients when they have questions.
Hi all, my name is Michelle, and I am from Canada. That may sound so far to some of you but we are actulaly located south of Detroit. I have never participated in an online study and it is my prayer that As I study Mark along side many of you the LORD will do a great work in our hearts. I long to know the Jesu that’s chose to deliver me and I am excited to think He may have a sister or two for me along the way. Blessings to you all,
My name is Kerri and I’m from Durant, Oklahoma. I was actually drawn to Lisa’s study of Mark a year ago, when I had finished reading in Acts and asked God what was next. He lead me to this study, but I was unable to obtain the videos. I did the study without them, but I felt like I was missing out on something in doing so. I was over the moon when I saw the add to do this online! I’m an avid student of the Scriptures, and love learning from others. My goal is finishing strong and knowing Jesus more. Isn’t that why we study? So we can know Him more and hear His voice more clearly?
Hi, I am Wanda from Winnabow, NC. What drew me to study the book of Mark. I need to get back into studying God Word. I start searching the internet to see if I can find someone teaching a class online. I knew about Mark sense of excitement . You can picture that you were there. The one goal that I hope to accomplish by studying Mark is love and encouragement that he gave to other.
my name is jennifer and I live in Florida. I am new to Bible Studies and beginning a personal relationship with Jesus. Gospel of Mark seemed like a good place to start in my journey with Christ and I am looking forward to learning more about the life of Jesus. I think this is an amazing opportunity that Lifeway offers for people who may not be able to afford costs of videos and such or even people who may wish to learn about Jesus on their own.
Hello everyone,
My name is Renee and I from Longwood, Florida. I was drawn to the Gospel of Mark as a way to learn more about the disciples. I am studying John at the present, but am curious about who Mark was and where he fit in Jesus’ walk on earth. I am looking forward to know more about Mark, his relationship with Jesus and the other disciples and to grow my own relationship with Jesus.
hello everyone, My name is Renee and I am from Longwood, Florida. I was drawn to this bible study ans a way for my friend and I to become closer to the teachings of the Lord. Mark recorded the teachings of Jesus while he was here on earth, as on of the disciples. My goal is to learn more about who Mark was and how and where he fit into Jesus’ stay on earth
Hello! My name is Kathy – I am living in Colorado with Buckeye Roots! The Bible study was emailed to me by God through LifeWay Women. I was at a point where I was not able to go to the Bible study I had been attending. When I saw the email, I forwarded it to a couple of girls from work. We are now doing the study together during lunch. My husband and teenage sons (they were drafted) are going through the study too – we are studying it together as a family “Lenten Mission”. I am excited to see what the Lord has planned to teach through this study and the following one – Redeemed.
Kathy, thanks for sharing with us! We love hearing stories of how people are doing the study with their friends and family around the world. And we love how you’re leading a group at work! Thank you!
My name is laurie from wisconsin. Saw the study on Web site. Needed to get back in the word but did not want to be in a big group from church right now. This was perfect and what I needed. A no pressure bible study I can do at my pace and at home. Thanks for having it here and so easy to access

My name is Jody and I am from Bay Village OH. I have never done a Bible Study by Lisa Harper so I am looking forward to this new experience. I am slightly behind because my book just came yesterday so I am not going to comment much at this time but dive right into the book!
My name is Laura Lemons and I am from Camby Indiana. I was drawn to this study because I am thirsty for study but short on time and energy right now. I needed a study to keep me engaged and easy to access when I could. I don’t know a lot about Mark except that he was the same person as John Mark and was Barnabas’ protégée. My goal is to keep up with the study and finish while learning more about Mark.
I am joining late but will catch up soon.
My name is Vivian and I live in Kansas City, MO area. I wanted to do this study because I work with kids Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings at church. I haven’t found a Bible study at a time I can attend. I also liked the “whenever I can sit down with the computer” aspect as my schedule often varies week to week. The only thing I could really tell you about Mark is that it is believed to be the first gospel written.
This was SO GOOD, but it lost all sound at about 25 minutes in. So sad I couldn’t hear the best part at the end I’m sure.
Weird! Try refreshing the page and skipping to the end. Sometimes that works! Sorry for the inconvenience!
Hi everybody, I am running in after class has begun because the technology part had me bound for a spell. I am Brenda Collier, and I live in Upstate New York in the very small town of Lima. I was drawn to the Gospel of Mark study, because I want to begin to do more in-depth studies of the Scriptures with the sole intent of Knowing God better. One thing I have already known about Mark’s Gospel was that it is the shortest of all four gospels, and the Peterine authorship. My goal is to come away with a better understanding of Mark’s perspective of Jesus. I believe this will be possible because we are actually looking at the message through the eyes of Peter, one who was in Jesus’ inner circle.
Hello my name isYolanda am from Chula Vista , California in the county of San Diego. I wanted to join in with the study of Mark since our Women’s study came to a conclusion for the winter. My husband and I pastor a church called Amazing Grace Christian Fellowship in Chula Vista. We are looking for a new location for the church since we don’t have our own facility we rent from Temple Beth Sholom. My goal for this study is to continue to draw closer to Jesus, stay in the word and to hear the word!
Welcome Yolanda, I am so glad to have you as part of our group. My prayer is that the Lord will indeed open the doors for you and the ministry of Amazing Grace Christian Fellowship.
Hi, my name is Angela and I’m from Copperas Cove, TX. I’m getting a late start on this bible study because my grandmother went home to be with the Lord in 23 Feb 17. I had to go to Mississippi to be with my mom and help her. I thank God for my grandmother being saved and living a life pleasing to God. I’m excited about doing this lesson. My husband and I just started a new ministry and I’m over the women’s department. I’m looking for bible studies to help our women ministry. We will meet once a month for our study group. Mark is one of the four gospels, Mark is also known as John Mark, he was not one of the disciples, he accomplished Paul on his first mission trip, Mark talk about Jesus being the Messiah and Mark doesn’t talk about the birth of Jesus like other Gospel. I hope to develop a deeper understanding about Mark.
Hi Angela, I am so sorry to learn about the passing of your godly grandmother. They are precious. As I read your post, I was captivated, because I adore godly grandmothers. Your life has been so enriched by having someone like her in your life. Her love for you and Jesus is reflected through your own example. I write this because I was stirred by how you left Texas to join your mother in Mississippi. It was probably a difficult time for your mom to lose her mother, and I am sure your presence was a great comfort for her.
Just think about this as you lead the women’s ministry at home. Because when you stand before all those women, they will be seeing more than you, they will also see the imprint left upon you by your godly grandmother. Stand, and make her proud.
Hi. Im Ebony. Im from Cambridge Md. I love studying the Word and must be quite honest I dont have too much knowledge on the Gospel of Mark. So once I received the email about this study I jumped right on it. Im so excited to learn.
Isn’t it a privilege to study the Gospel this way Ebony? As I am writing this to you, I look outside into the huge snow storm, and I just thought, as this snow in covering all around Upstate NY, it is also snowing in your backyard at the same time. I love this interaction with the group. I also appreciate the way you jumped right on in, just love it. We are going to have a wonderful time digging into God’s Word together.
Hi Brenda! Yes we are! Im a little behind but i will catch up. I think im in an area in my life that I hunger si much for the learning of God’s Word and so many darts are thrown towards me to keep me distracted from doing such. But Im determined to get through this study! Thanks for your response.
I am so excited knowing you are determined to complete this study. We will be determined together! My deepest desire is for us to be able to see Jesus clearer as He moves with the pages of Scripture, and within our lives.
My name is Brandy Metzger and I am in Hardin MT. I honestly don’t know why I was specifically drawn to the study of Mark. However, I love any study that teaches me about Jesus and brings me closer to him! That is my ultimate goal: get into the Bible more, so that I can learn more about Jesus and continue to develop that relationship with Him. I don’t know much about Mark.
hello my name is jennifer. i am from tennessee. what drew me to this bible study? i am a relatively new christian and my churchs’ women’s ministry started this bible study several months ago and i wasn’t able to finish it, and i want to finish it. i initially felt the Lord leading me into this Bible study because He wants me to get to know Him better. last year i was reading and studying the book of Acts on my own, when i was introduced to John Mark. i was curious as to why such a young person would cause a sharp rift between long time friends, Paul and Barnabas, and i wanted to get to know him better and how he was involved with church ministry. i knew that John Mark was a young person who was 1/2 Greek and of Jewish descent and traveled with both Paul and Barnabas as missionaries, building up the Church. my hope is that we all we able able to hear Him and be receptive to His very nature and understanding of who He is, and myself too, and understand how much of an impact He has on us, including how we can share that same impact, pouring into others, as Christ as poured in to us.
Hi all, I am Jana and live in the Waco, Texas area
I saw Lisa at the HeartStrongFaith conference in Dallas in February 2017. I am really wanting a closer relationship with Jesus and to know more. I let life get the in the way and want to make a new start. Mark is probably one of the books in the new testament I have not spent as much time in. I believe that all of the Bible is important and know that Lisa can get me started. I know that Mark was not a disciple but a follower and worked with some disciples.
I would like to know more about Mark and what he has for me to learn. There are many good lessons in Mark.