Those who are beginning the “5x5x5 New Testament Bible Reading Plan” by Navigators in January will begin reading the book of Mark this week.

Mark is believed to be the first of the Gospels to be written, and the author believed to be John Mark who accompanied Paul on some of his mission journeys. Mark is the shortest Gospel yet includes many details. It is a fast-paced book and often uses words like suddenly and immediately. Mark begins with John the Baptist, the baptism of Jesus, the temptations Jesus faced when confronted by Satan, and the choosing of the Twelve Disciples.