Where should you begin?
If you want to explore the life and teaching of Jesus, our suggestion is to start with Mark. Work through a short section at a time, keeping your place rather than opening at random each day. The plan below starts with its first chapter.
You can read in a printed Bible or online. Choose a translation whose language you can follow comfortably, and keep using it while you get your bearings. When a phrase is unclear, comparing another translation can give you a useful question to investigate.
A routine you can repeat
- Choose a time and place. Try setting aside ten minutes. Treat this as a starting point you can adjust, rather than a rule.
- Read once for the whole scene. Note the people, the setting and what happens. Then reread anything that caught your attention.
- Write one observation and one question. Include the verse number. A notebook full of honest questions is a useful companion to reading.
- Choose a next step. You might reread the passage, talk it through with someone, or return tomorrow to the next section.
Your first week in Mark
Keep Mark 1 open (World English Bible) as you follow this plan. These are suggested daily portions; take more time with any section you want to revisit.
Mark 1:1–8
Notice how the opening introduces the story.
Mark 1:9–13
Write down what happens and what you want to understand better.
Mark 1:14–20
Pay attention to what is said and how people respond.
Mark 1:21–28
What questions do the people in the passage ask?
Mark 1:29–34
Follow the changes in place and the people present.
Mark 1:35–39
Notice the movement between solitude and being with others.
Mark 1:40–45
Reread your notes. Which question would you like to explore next?
Three questions to bring to any passage
- What do I actually notice in the text?
- What is unclear, and what context would help?
- What response or further question does this reading invite?
Separate your observations from your assumptions. If a passage raises a difficult question, read the surrounding section and ask a trusted Bible study leader or consult a source that explains its reasoning. You don’t need to settle every question in one sitting.
Keep going at a manageable pace
If you miss a day, return to where you stopped. At the end of the week, look back at your notes before choosing your next passage. You can continue in Mark or try a focused story study, such as our prodigal son guide and reflection questions.