RESOURCES / BIBLE READING
A seven-day Bible reading plan
Explore Jesus through seven short passages from the Gospel of Mark. Each reading includes context, questions and a small next step. Read at your own pace: seven days is a guide, and you can take longer. The plan is available without registration.
How to use the plan
Open a Bible or follow the link to the World English Bible British Edition. Read the selected verses, then the surrounding paragraph. Write one observation and one question. You can respond in prayer if you wish. If a passage is unfamiliar, use our beginner reading guide.
Day 1: Jesus invites people to follow him
Read Mark 1:14–20. The link opens the full chapter; find the verse numbers shown here.
After John is taken into custody, Jesus announces God’s kingdom and calls his first disciples. Notice the connection between his message and the invitation to follow him.
Notice: What does Jesus ask people to do? What changes for Simon, Andrew, James and John?
Reflect: What would you like to understand about Jesus before deciding how to respond?
Try: Write one question you want to carry into the rest of the week.
Day 2: Forgiveness and the authority of Jesus
Read Mark 2:1–12. The link opens the full chapter; find the verse numbers shown here.
Friends bring a paralysed man to Jesus. His words about forgiveness cause a dispute, and the story asks readers to consider his authority. The scene is about more than physical healing.
Notice: Why do the scribes question Jesus? How does he respond?
Reflect: What does this passage suggest about the relationship between Jesus, forgiveness and God?
Try: Read the whole encounter before drawing a conclusion from one sentence.
Day 3: A difficult question in a storm
Read Mark 4:35–41. The link opens the full chapter; find the verse numbers shown here.
After teaching beside the lake, Jesus crosses it with his disciples. The storm exposes their fear and leads to a question about who he is.
Notice: What do the disciples say before and after the storm?
Reflect: Which question about trust or fear would you like to bring to God?
Try: Write an honest sentence of prayer. The story is not a promise that following Jesus prevents every crisis.
Day 4: Jesus attends to people in distress
Read Mark 5:21–43. The link opens the full chapter; find the verse numbers shown here.
The account of Jairus and his daughter is interrupted by a woman seeking healing. Read both encounters together and notice the attention Jesus gives to people in the crowd.
Notice: What does Jesus say and do for each person?
Reflect: What can you learn about how he treats people who are afraid or overlooked?
Try: Consider one way to listen carefully to someone today. These particular events do not guarantee the same health outcome for every reader.
Day 5: Greatness expressed through service
Read Mark 10:35–45. The link opens the full chapter; find the verse numbers shown here.
Jesus has spoken about his approaching death. James and John ask for places of honour, and he teaches the disciples about service and the purpose of his own life.
Notice: How does Jesus’ description of greatness differ from the disciples’ request?
Reflect: Where might you value status more than serving another person?
Try: Choose a small act of service that respects the other person’s needs and wishes.
Day 6: The cross at the centre of the story
Read Mark 15:21–39. The link opens the full chapter; find the verse numbers shown here.
Jesus is crucified after his trial. Mark describes mockery, darkness, Jesus’ cry, his death and the centurion’s response. Read slowly and make room for questions.
Notice: What reactions to Jesus does Mark describe?
Reflect: How does this account connect with Jesus’ words about giving his life in day five?
Try: Record a question about why Christians understand the cross as central to God’s love.
Day 7: The announcement of resurrection
Read Mark 16:1–8. The link opens the full chapter; find the verse numbers shown here.
Women go to the tomb after the Sabbath and hear that Jesus has risen. The account includes both an invitation to tell the disciples and a fearful response.
Notice: What are the women expecting, and what do they hear instead?
Reflect: What would you like to explore about the Christian hope of resurrection?
Try: Choose your next step: read Mark from the beginning, ask a question or talk about what you have discovered.
Choose your next step
You can continue reading Mark, explore a question about Jesus or ask ANCC about current Bible-study options. If you would like to meet the church, the first-visit guide gives practical details for Leeds.