In giving the parable of the four soils, Jesus challenges us to examine what conditions our hearts are in before God.

In speaking of the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, Jesus reminds us that all our sins can and will be forgiven by Him.

Jesus is not looking for crowds who want stuff from him, but followers who will do His will.

In plucking corn and healing a man on the Sabbath, Jesus demonstrates the true purpose of the Sabbath day.

As people notice that the disciples are not fasting, while John's disciples and the Pharisees were, Jesus points out that with his arrival everything changed.

In calling his disciple Matthew, as well as hanging out with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus demonstrates his love for all people, not just those who meet the qualifications.

Mark 2:1-12. In healing the paralytic who was let down through the roof, Jesus explains that the greatest miracle is not the healing but rather the forgiveness of sins.

Mark 1:21-45. The crowd was amazed at the teachings of Jesus because he taught as one with authority, demonstrating that He was God.

In calling his disciples to follow him, Jesus calls all of us to a life of discipleship.

In the opening words of the Gospel of Mark, we see the purpose of the writing of the book: to present the good news of Jesus.