As we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark, we notice a shift. Jesus moves from healing and calling disciples to teaching in a way that flips expectations, through stories, symbols and redefinitions of what it means to follow Him. In this section, Jesus begins to make it clear: He didn’t come to patch up the old system. He came to usher in something entirely new.
Through the wisdom of guest speakers, we explore what this “New Thing” looks like, and how it changes the way we fast, pray, rest and live.
Week One – Why Didn’t Jesus’ Disciples Fast?
Scripture: Mark 2:18–22
Speaker: Mike Kelsey
Pain Point Answered: Why does Jesus sometimes answer my prayers differently than I expect?
When Jesus is questioned about fasting, His response isn’t direct. Instead, He gives a metaphor about new wine in old wineskins. Pastor Mike Kelsey insightfully unpacks the deeper meaning behind Jesus’ words, while revealing how our spiritual expectations often need to be reshaped to make room for something better: the abundant life Jesus offers. When our prayers feel unanswered or misaligned with God’s timing, it may not be rejection… it may be transformation.
Week Two – What Is the Sabbath?
Scripture: Mark 2:23-3:6
Speaker: Dr. Megan Fate Marshman
Pain Point Answered: Is following Jesus supposed to feel restrictive?
When Jesus heals on the Sabbath, the religious leaders are furious. But Jesus is doing more than performing a miracle; He’s redefining what the Sabbath should mean to us. In this powerful message, Dr. Megan Fate Marshman shares how the Sabbath was never meant to burden us, but to bring us back to wholeness. Instead of a checklist, it’s an invitation to restoration. Jesus doesn’t break the rules; He fulfills the heart behind them.
Week Three – What’s Your Spiritual Gift?
Scripture: Mark 3:7-19
Speaker: David Nasser
Pain Point Answered: Do I really belong in the story God is telling?
In choosing His disciples, Jesus doesn’t look for the polished or prestigious. He calls a group that’s messy, diverse and altogether ordinary. David Nasser unpacks this powerful moment to remind us that proximity, not performance, is what Jesus wants most. Our witness is impacted by our “withness”. You don’t need a platform or a pedigree. Jesus is simply asking, Will you come close?
Week Four – How Are You Loving Others Like Christ?
Scripture: Mark 3:20-35
Speaker: Laurel Bunker
Pain Point Answered: Why is loving people so hard, even in the Church?
When Jesus redefines family as “those who do the will of God,” He expands the understanding of community in a radical way. In her loving way, Laurel Bunker challenges us to consider whether we’re building bridges or drawing lines. Loving like Christ requires humility, forgiveness and a heart open to being changed. We cannot claim to follow Jesus without letting that love reshape how we treat one another.
Week Five – What If the Mission Was Never Up to You?
Scripture: Mark 4:1-20
Speaker: Scotty Smith
Pain Point Answered: Why do I feel the need to strive for perfection?
Through the Parable of the Sower, Jesus paints a picture of kingdom growth that relies not on our performance, but on His power. In this message, Scotty Smith reminds us that the Gospel is never about striving; it’s about surrender. Growth takes root in hidden places. Even when we can’t see it, God is at work.
Week Six –What If the Smallest Thing You Do Matters Most?
Scripture: Mark 4:21-32
Speaker: Dave Stone
Pain Point Answered: Is my life making any difference?
Jesus uses tiny images like a lamp or a mustard seed to reveal massive Kingdom truths. Dave Stone shows us how even the smallest act of obedience can have eternal significance. In God’s hands, small is never insignificant. You don’t need to be impressive; you just need to be faithful. The harvest comes when we’re willing to plant the seed.
To Sum It Up:
Jesus didn’t come to adjust our old systems; He came to do a New Thing. This section of Mark invites us to rethink the ways we fast, rest, love, trust and serve.
So where is Jesus inviting you to live differently today?
What if the new thing He’s doing starts in the soil of your heart?
We start a brand new section of Mark next week. For more reflections and resources on this series, visit crosspoint.tv/mark.
Download the Gospel of Mark resource guide for reading plans, podcast recommendations and tools for deeper study.