Life was not easy for Christians in the first century. Jesus, the one whom they proclaimed was the promised Messiah, had come and gone, yet they had not experienced the "golden age" of God's kingdom they had expected. Rome was still in firm control of Israel and most of the known world. Christians were facing increasing persecution for their beliefs. Things were supposed to be better now that God's kingdom had been ushered in by Jesus on earth. So why were they still enduring so much suffering

In the midst of these questions and doubts, a man named Mark appeared to write his account of the life and ministry of Jesus. In penning his Gospel, he proclaimed without apology that Jesus was indeed the Messiah and the Son of God-the fulfillment of Israel's hopes who had indeed ushered in God's reign. Although things looked bleak for his followers right now, they could be certain the foundation of their faith was secure and they would receive an eternal reward if they remained faithful to their Lord.

Each study in the NIV Application Commentary Resources series employs a three-step process to help you understand both the historical meaning of a biblical text and its relevance in modern times. The original meaning section reveals the questions and concerns the author was addressing. The past to present section then explains what significance the original audience would have found in the passage and what significance you can find in it today. Finally, the questions that accompany each section will help you specifically apply the author's words and teachings and find meaning in them for what you are facing in your life.

Lessons:

The Messiah Arrives (Mark 1:1-45) Who Speaks for God (Mark 2:1-3:6) Fruitful and Unfruitful Soil (Mark 3:7-4:20) Fear and Faith (Mark 4:21-6:6a) The Training of the Twelve (Mark 6:6b-56) Unclean (Mark 7:1-8:21) The Unexpected Mission (Mark 8:22-9:29) The Right Question (Mark 9:30-10:52) The Fruitless Tree (Mark 11:1-12:27) What Matters Now (Mark 12:28-13:37) Betrayal (Mark 14:1-72) End and Beginning (Mark 15:1-16:8)