Author: The Book of Mark was written by John Mark, a close companion of the apostle Peter. Most scholars believe that Mark got much of his information directly from Peter’s eyewitness accounts. So, even though Mark wasn’t one of the 12 disciples, his Gospel reflects Peter’s experiences with Jesus.

Date: Mark likely wrote his Gospel between AD 55 and 65, during a time when the early church was facing persecution—especially under the Roman emperor Nero. That’s one reason the book is fast-paced and action-focused—it was written to strengthen and encourage believers going through tough times.

Audience: Mark wrote mainly to Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians in Rome. He explains Jewish customs, translates Aramaic words, and focuses more on what Jesus did than on long teachings. That’s because his readers weren’t as familiar with Jewish traditions, and they needed to know that Jesus was powerful, compassionate, and always on the move.

Main Theme: Jesus is the Son of God and the Servant King. Mark shows us Jesus as a man of action—healing the sick, casting out demons, feeding crowds, and confronting religious leaders. But he also shows Jesus as the one who came to suffer, die, and rise again to save the world. 

Style & Structure: Mark’s Gospel is the shortest of the four Gospels. It’s fast-paced and full of words like “immediately.” There are no long birth stories like in Matthew or Luke. Mark jumps right into Jesus’ public ministry. The book is divided into two main parts:

1. Chapters 1–8: Jesus’ powerful ministry in Galilee (miracles, healings, crowds)

2. Chapters 9–16: Jesus’ journey to the cross and resurrection in Jerusalem

Key Themes in Mark:

• Jesus has power over sickness, nature, demons, and death.

• True discipleship means following Jesus, even when it’s hard.

• Jesus suffered and died on purpose—to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

• Jesus rose again, proving he is the Son of God.

Why It Matters Today: The Gospel of Mark helps us see that Jesus isn’t just a wise teacher—he’s the Son of God with real power and deep compassion. He understands suffering, and he came to save us, not just to impress us. This Gospel reminds us to follow him with boldness and faith, especially when life gets hard.

Miracles are powerful signs from God that go beyond what’s naturally possible. When Jesus did miracles, He wasn’t just doing amazing things—He was revealing who He is and what the Kingdom of God is like.

In the New Testament, one of the main Greek words used for miracles is σημεῖον (sēmeion), which means “a sign.” It’s used to describe miracles that point to something greater—just like a road sign points to a destination. Miracles were signs that Jesus really was the Son of God, and that God’s power had come near. 

Jesus performed around 37 recorded miracles in the Gospels. These included healing the sick, casting out demons, calming storms, walking on water, and raising the dead. But that’s not even the full list. The Bible tells us:

“Jesus also did many other things. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”

— John 21:25 (NIV)

This reminds us that what we read in Scripture is just a glimpse of all Jesus did—and still does.

Miracles weren’t just for back then. They’re signs for us today that Jesus is alive and still working. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” That means we can still believe for healing, provision, protection, and power—because Jesus hasn’t changed.

Miracles aren’t just stories from the past. They’re invitations to believe, to trust, and to experience God’s power in our own lives.

Miracles are possible and still happen today because God exists and He has the power to act in the world He created. If God created the universe out of nothing, which science and philosophy support, then doing something like healing a body or parting a sea is easy for Him. It’s not a stretch—it’s logical. The biggest miracle, the creation of everything from nothing, has already happened. So why would smaller miracles be unbelievable? 

Many people think miracles break the laws of nature, but that’s not true. Miracles don’t break laws—they’re just God stepping in. Think of a person dropping a pen. If someone catches it before it hits the ground, they didn’t break gravity—they just interrupted it. That’s how miracles work. God, who made the laws of nature, can interrupt them anytime He wants.

Also, miracles aren’t random. They have purpose. In the Bible, miracles confirmed God’s message or helped people in ways science couldn’t. Even today, there are countless stories of things happening that can’t be explained by medicine or science—instant healings, impossible rescues, people seeing visions that lead to real change. These aren’t just emotional stories; they’re evidence of something supernatural.

Finally, if we believe in truth, logic, and evidence, then we should be open to miracles. Just because something is rare doesn’t mean it’s not real. Miracles are rare by definition, but they still happen when God chooses to step in. If God is real—and the evidence says He is—then miracles make perfect sense.

Believing for a miracle isn’t about wishing hard or hoping something magical happens. It’s about trusting in a real and powerful God who still works today. Here’s how you can build your faith to believe for a miracle:

Know Who God Is

Miracles start with knowing God’s power and goodness. He created the universe, holds it together, and nothing is too hard for Him.

Jeremiah 32:27 – “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”

Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

God has always done miracles, and He hasn’t changed.

Stand on God’s Word

Faith doesn’t come from feelings—it comes from God’s Word. When you read stories of healing, provision, and power in the Bible, you’re reminded of what God can do.

Romans 10:17 – “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Isaiah 55:11 – “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty…”

If God promised it, He’s faithful to do it.

Pray with Expectation

Don’t just pray hoping something happens—pray believing God hears you and can move. Jesus taught us to pray with bold faith.

Mark 11:24 – “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

John 14:13–14 – “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

When your prayers align with God’s will, they’re powerful.

Fight Doubt with Faith

Doubt will try to creep in, especially when the situation looks impossible. But you don’t have to let it take over. Keep reminding yourself of what God has already done.

James 1:6 – “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

Matthew 17:20 – “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you.”

Faith doesn’t mean you never question—it means you keep trusting through the questions.

Obey God’s Promptings

Sometimes before a miracle, God will ask you to take a step of faith. Whether it’s forgiving someone, sowing a seed, or simply waiting, obedience positions you for breakthrough.

John 2:5 – “His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’”

Isaiah 1:19 – “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.”

Miracles often follow obedience.

Trust God’s Timing and Will

Even if you don’t see the miracle right away—or if it looks different than expected—trust that God is working. He sees the full picture.

Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and he will make straight your paths.”

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…”

Faith means trusting God, even when the outcome is still unseen.