How to Study the Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

Nicole Unice

When Life Feels Off-Kilter: Go Back to the Gospels | A Bible Study on Mark 1

February 9, 2026 ● 22 min

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Today I’m taking us into Mark 1, because sometimes life gets a little off-kilter—and when it does, I really believe we need to return to the basics and refocus on who Jesus is. Mark is the shortest and most action-packed Gospel, and it’s such a powerful place to start (or start again), especially if you’re feeling spiritually disoriented or overwhelmed by all the competing voices around you.

In this first chapter, we watch the story move fast: prophecy fulfilled, John the Baptist preparing the way, Jesus baptized, Jesus tested in the wilderness, and then Jesus stepping into ministry—calling ordinary disciples and bringing wholeness everywhere He goes. And by the end of the chapter, we land on this stunning moment where a man with leprosy asks, “If you are willing…” and Jesus responds, “I am willing.” That’s the heartbeat of this episode: Jesus is willing to cleanse, heal, forgive, and restore. The question I want to leave us with is: Am I willing to come to Him?

What We Will Cover in Our Study of Mark 1 -

A clear overview of Mark 1 and how quickly it introduces Jesus’ identity, authority, and mission.
Understand why Mark opens with Old Testament prophecy and what that signals about Jesus as Messiah.
See the purpose of repentance as a heart-level “turning” that prepares the way for Jesus in our lives.
Notice the pattern: affirmation → wilderness → ministry (Jesus is declared beloved, then tested, then sent).
Learn what discipleship looks like in Mark: ordinary people called to follow Jesus up close.
Recognize Jesus’ authority in real-life categories: spiritual oppression, sickness, fear, and isolation.
Catch the significance of Jesus touching the leper: compassion over ceremonial distance; holiness moving toward suffering.
Walk away with a personal invitation: Jesus is willing—will I bring my need to Him?