Start reading about Jesus
Before you begin
You do not have to begin with a shirt or know Christian vocabulary. Begin by reading about Jesus himself.
Mark tells us what Jesus said and did, who he is, and why his death and resurrection matter. These seven starting passages will help you follow those questions. Read at your own pace. They are an introduction, rather than a substitute for reading the whole book.
Before each reading, ask God to help you understand. Read the passage once, then read it again. Notice what the text actually says before deciding how it applies to you. It is fine to write down a question you cannot answer yet.
1. Who is Jesus, and what does he announce?
Read Mark 1:1–20.
Notice the opening description of Jesus, the Father's words at his baptism, and Jesus' announcement about God's kingdom. What response does he call for? What do the first disciples do when he calls them? Repentance and faith belong to his message; following him is more than admiring him from a distance.
2. What can Jesus do about sin?
Read Mark 2:1–17.
The people see a man who needs healing. Jesus also speaks about forgiveness, and the religious teachers recognize the seriousness of his claim. What authority does Jesus claim? Why do some people object to the company he keeps? Notice whom he says he came to call.
3. What kind of Christ is he?
Read Mark 8:27–38.
Peter correctly identifies Jesus as the Christ, yet objects when Jesus speaks of suffering, death and resurrection. Why is that disagreement so important? What does Jesus say about following him? This passage challenges a version of faith that wants his benefits while rejecting his cross and authority.
4. Why does Jesus give his life?
Read Mark 10:32–45.
Jesus again describes what awaits him. His disciples are thinking about positions of honor. Compare their request with his account of service and the giving of his life. What makes his mission different from their ambitions? His death is central to his saving work, not a failure of his plans.
5. What does Jesus say about his approaching death?
Read Mark 14:12–42.
Read the supper, the warning to the disciples and the prayer in Gethsemane together. What does Jesus say about his blood and the covenant? Notice both his deep sorrow and his obedience to the Father. The disciples' confidence in themselves does not prevent their weakness.
6. Did Jesus really die?
Read Mark 15:16–47.
Follow the account of his crucifixion, death and burial. What do people say about him? How does the centurion respond? Who sees where his body is laid? Mark describes a death and burial in history, rather than an illustration about overcoming a difficult season.
7. What does the empty tomb mean?
Read Mark 16:1–8, then 1 Corinthians 15:1–11.
What were the women expecting to find? What are they told about Jesus? Paul explains the gospel he had received and preached: Christ's death for sins, burial and resurrection, with witnesses. Christianity rests on the risen Jesus, not on a positive feeling or an inspiring memory.
Keep reading, and bring your questions
Read the rest of Mark in order, including the passages between these starting points. Ask a mature Christian or a faithful local church to read with you. You do not need to pretend you understand everything.
If you are asking what it means to turn to Christ, read The gospel of Jesus Christ, and speak with a pastor who will open Scripture with you. Completing a reading plan cannot earn forgiveness. The invitation is to repent and trust Jesus Christ himself.
Some Bibles print a note at Mark 16:9–20. The ESV flags that portion because some of the earliest manuscripts do not contain it. Do not hide the note or be afraid to ask about it. The resurrection is also taught in the other Gospel accounts and in 1 Corinthians 15; it does not depend on ignoring a manuscript question.
