Christological Plan
Let Mark's own fast-moving portrait of Jesus govern the preaching movement from start to finish.
Christ-centered Plan for Mark
Let Mark's own fast-moving portrait of Jesus govern the preaching movement from start to finish.
- Series Type
- Christ-centered Plan preaching approach
- Sermons
- 6 planned movements
- Outlines
- 6 preparation guides
- Formation
- 0 pastoral aims
Sermon Sequence
- 1Sermon 1 Mark 1:1-3:35
The Beginning, Baptism, and Authority
The opening movement presents Jesus as the urgent good news, the Spirit-anointed Son, and the one whose authority confronts darkness.
Prayer for this passage
Father, we stand amazed that the long-promised One has truly arrived, that Jesus Himself is the beginning of Your gospel and the fulfillment of all prophetic hope. Yet we confess that our hearts often resist the repentance John proclaimed, clinging to our own ways rather than preparing the path for Your kingdom to reign in us. Transform us by the Holy Spirit so that we turn from sin and make ourselves ready, that Christ might have the full governance of our lives. We surrender ourselves to Him as Lord and Savior, trusting that His coming marks not merely a moment in history but the decisive arrival of Your saving power in our midst.
- 2Sermon 2 Mark 4:1-5:43
Parables, Storm, and Mercy
Jesus teaches the kingdom in parables, rules the storm, and shows mercy to the unclean and afflicted.
Prayer for this passage
Lord, as I hear your word proclaimed, search my heart and remove the hardness, the shallow soil, and the choking thorns that would prevent your kingdom word from taking root in me. Make me good soil—receptive, deep, and free from the distractions that compete for my allegiance—so that I might bear fruit thirty, sixty, or even a hundredfold. I surrender my heart's condition to you, trusting that you alone can prepare it to receive and multiply what you speak.
- 3Sermon 3 Mark 6:1-8:26
Mission, Bread, and Blindness
The sending of the Twelve, the feeding miracles, and the blind healings expose both Jesus' provision and the disciples' slow understanding.
Prayer for this passage
Father, forgive me for the times I have let familiarity breed contempt for Your authority, seeing only the carpenter's son instead of recognizing Your power at work in my life. Break through the unbelief that blinds me from truly receiving what You offer, and grant me faith that pierces beyond what I think I already know about You. Guard my heart from the pride that assumes I understand who You are, and awaken me daily to the wonder of Your person and the reality of Your works. I surrender my preconceived notions and commit to believing in Your revealed authority, not because of signs alone, but because You are truly Lord.
- 4Sermon 4 Mark 8:27-10:52
Confession, Cross, and the Way of the Disciple
Peter's confession, the first passion prediction, and the demands of discipleship center the book on the suffering Messiah.
Prayer for this passage
Father, I confess with Peter that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah you sent, yet I recognize how easily my understanding of what that means falls short of your redemptive purpose. Teach me to follow not the messiah I imagine, but the suffering servant you have revealed, trusting that his death and resurrection accomplish what my limited expectations never could. I surrender my misconceptions about who Jesus is and what his kingdom demands, committing myself to walk in the way of the cross that he has charted before me.
- 5Sermon 5 Mark 11:1-13:37
Royal Entry, Temple Judgment, and Watchfulness
The royal entry, temple confrontation, and apocalyptic discourse prepare the church for judgment and readiness.
Prayer for this passage
Lord, as I witness Your Son riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, I am humbled by the paradox of a King who comes not with force but with gentleness, fulfilling ancient promises while riding toward the cross. Forgive me for the times I have expected You to work through power and prominence when You have always chosen the way of humble obedience and redemptive sacrifice. I surrender my desire for a Messiah of my own making and submit myself to Jesus as He truly is—the promised King whose kingdom is not of this world. Help me follow Him with the same faith as those who laid branches before Him, trusting that His apparent weakness is the very means of my salvation.
- 6Sermon 6 Mark 14:1-16:20
Passion, Resurrection, and Commission
The arrest, trial, death, empty tomb, and commissioning close Mark with suffering, vindication, and mission.
Prayer for this passage
Father, I marvel that while the chief priests and scribes plotted in darkness to seize and kill Your Son, You were sovereignly fulfilling the redemption of all people through that very death at Passover. Forgive me for the times I fear human opposition and forget that no conspiracy can thwart Your purposes. I surrender my anxieties to Your supreme authority, trusting that You work all things—even the schemes of the wicked—toward the salvation of Your people.
About This Series
Let Mark's own fast-moving portrait of Jesus govern the preaching movement from start to finish.