Applied expository Bible-study guide to Mark—a book that portrays Jesus in a stunningly compelling way. Mark’s fast-paced, action-packed Gospel portrays Jesus in a way that is stunningly compelling—and deeply challenging too. Join Bible teacher Jason Meyer as he unpacks Mark verse by verse. He unveils how the book fits together, marvels at important details, and highlights key themes. Most of all, he helps you to turn your eyes to Jesus—his power, his wisdom, and his compassionate heart. This accessible, absorbing expository guide is more applied than a typical commentary, making it a great resource for personal devotion, as well as useful for leading small-group studies or for sermon preparation.
Jason Meyer is pastor for preaching and vision at Bethlehem Baptist Church and associate professor of New Testament at Bethlehem College and Seminary. He daily thanks the Lord that he gets to be married to the love of his life, Cara. The Lord has blessed them with four children and they live in Roseville, Minnesota. Jason still can't get over the fact that the Lord saved him. He believes that being a Christian is the most wonderful thing in the world.
Another rich devotional read from this series. My 13 year old son and I are gradually making our way through the ‘For You’ commentaries together each morning. Though written for adults, they’re well-pitched for teens as well and the application questions at the end of each half-chapter are perfect for discussing together each morning after we read and before we pray.
(One tip for those looking to read together in this way - if you buy the physical commentary direct from The Good Book Company, the ebook comes with it for free. This allows us to sit together with one reading from the physical book and the other from the ebook.)
Meyer’s Mark 4 You is a decent devotional that enables the reader to understand Christ how Mark has intended. Elegantly, Meyer picks up on all the literacy techniques and Old Testament cross referencing that Mark uses in his gospel. Truly, Meyer helps us enter Mark’s mind and help us fall at the feet of Jesus our King.
However, coming to the final chapter, I believe Meyer enters into “Social Trinitarianism” derived from Jurgen Moltmann and makes some mistakes about the trinity where he expresses the trinity to have been have temporarily broken/separated at the crucifixion. This, I don’t believe to be biblically correct and potentially dangerous.
Definitely pick up Mark For You but be cautious when entering the chapter about the crucifixion.
Excellent commentary/study guide for the book of Mark. I've read several in this series now and find them quite helpful. Provides a decent amount of depth without overwhelming technical details.
What is the message of the Gospel of Mark? In Mark For You, Jason Meyer delivers his expository Bible-study guide to Mark—a book that portrays Jesus in a stunningly compelling way.
Face-Paced and Action Packed
In nearly 300 pages, Meyer makes the most of his words and sticks to the text. Highlighting the frequency of the word “immediately” in Mark’s Gospel, Meyer’s commentary is equally fast-paced and action packed.
Meyer explains Jesus’ teaching as seen through his stories. He shows the mystery of how the Son of God can be the Suffering Servant. And with a book that is focused on Roman Gentiles, he makes sure to give an explanation of Hebrew history and culture.
The Priority of Preaching
For example, Meyer gives us insight into the ancient world. Usually, the disciple would ask the teacher to train him. In Jesus’ case, he commands his disciples to follow him. This is shocking, and Mark wants us to feel the surprise. Jesus is not like anyone else in this world. He comes with the authority of a king.
What I was most pleased to read was how Meyer explains that Mark emphasizes the priority of preaching over healing. “Casting out demons and healing the sick function as the proof to the message of Jesus’ preaching.” This gave me insight into how to preach not just Mark but all of the Gospels, not having to explain the details of every miracle but focusing on the deliverance of his message.
Compelling and Compassionate
Meyer shows Jesus as compelling and compassionate. The two bread miracles in Mark signal Jesus’ deity and his ability to satisfy our deepest longings. With the episode on unbelief, we see that pride can sometimes prevent us from prayer and asking for help.
The end of Mark finds Meyer tackling the second coming of Christ and a call to stay awake. Meyer is pointed and reminds us of our living hope in the resurrection of Christ. This book is accessible and clear, and an excellent entry in the God’s Word For You series. It will challenge and encourage you to turn your eyes upon Jesus.
I received a media copy of Mark For You and this is my honest review.
This new installment in the God's Word for You series focuses on the gospel of Mark, going through it verse by verse in fairly short, readable sections. This book is longer than some of the others in the series, particularly since there are so many story-driven details to break down instead of just ideas to discuss, but Jason Meyer is a thoughtful, faithful guide, focusing on the meaning of Scripture and providing multiple possible interpretations for elements that are less clear or sometimes debated.
This will appeal to people who are interested in better understanding the story of Jesus at a deep, detailed level, especially if they want something written in a conversation style instead of going through an academic-style commentary. The book also includes helpful application insights for current issues, without letting any of these elements overshadow the primary meaning of the text to its original audience. I found this book helpful and encouraging, and appreciated the different cultural insights and connections to the Old Testament that Meyer included. Although I'm familiar with the content of Mark, I had never gone through it so slowly, and it helped me to see things I hadn't picked up on before.
Mark For You is a great resource for pastors who are planning to preach through the gospel of Mark, especially if they are looking for insight into how to delve deeper into some of the themes instead of just focusing on the surface-level, most obvious elements of the narrative. This would also be a great Bible study resource for groups or personal use, especially because of the open-ended and thoughtful reflection questions, and could be used for family devotions with older children.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As a mom of a toddler, I need a straightforward study to do on my own and on my phone. I feel like I hit the jackpot with this series. I’m hooked, and can’t wait to study more of the Bible thanks to this series.