Jesus Christ
Category: Endurance in servanthood & suffering
Could avoid: Refuse the way of suffering, take an easier path.
“The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.” (Mark 8:31)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 53:3–5; Luke 24:26.
Chose: To serve and give His life as ransom.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
Cross-Refs: Philippians 2:7–8; Hebrews 9:28.
Endured: Relentless crowds, opposition, betrayal, crucifixion.
“They all condemned him as worthy of death. Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, ‘Prophesy!’” (Mark 14:64–65)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 27:30; Hebrews 12:2–3.
Why: To accomplish God’s salvation plan.
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” (Mark 14:24)
Cross-Refs: Exodus 24:8; 1 Peter 2:24.
Result: Resurrection, kingdom inaugurated, disciples sent.
“He has risen! He is not here.” (Mark 16:6)
Cross-Refs: Acts 2:24; Revelation 1:18.
The Disciples
Category: Endurance in following & learning
Could avoid: Remain fishermen, tax collectors, and ordinary workers.
“At once they left their nets and followed him.” (Mark 1:18)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 4:20; Luke 5:11.
Chose: Followed Jesus even with fear and misunderstanding.
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” (Mark 8:34)
Cross-Refs: Luke 14:27; John 12:26.
Endured: Storms, persecution, failures, confusion.
“You will be handed over to the local councils… On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.” (Mark 13:9)
Cross-Refs: Acts 4:3; 2 Corinthians 4:8–9.
Why: Believed Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God.
“But what about you? Who do you say I am? Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah.’” (Mark 8:29)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 16:16; John 6:68–69.
Result: Became gospel witnesses to the nations.
“And the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them.” (Mark 16:20)
Cross-Refs: Acts 1:8; Romans 15:19.
The Woman with the Issue of Blood
Category: Endurance in faith through suffering
Could avoid: Hide in shame, give up after years of suffering.
“A woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years.” (Mark 5:25)
Cross-Refs: Leviticus 15:25; Luke 8:43.
Chose: Reached out to Jesus in faith.
“If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” (Mark 5:28)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 9:21; Hebrews 11:6.
Endured: Social exclusion, physical suffering, financial loss.
“She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had.” (Mark 5:26)
Cross-Refs: Job 2:7; Psalm 6:2.
Why: Believed Jesus had power to heal.
“Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.” (Mark 5:29)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 53:5; James 5:15.
Result: Healed, affirmed by Jesus.
“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:34)
Cross-Refs: Luke 8:48; Hebrews 4:16.
John the Baptist (Martyrdom)
Category: Endurance in truth & suffering unto death
Could avoid: Remain silent about Herod’s sin.
“For John had been saying to Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’” (Mark 6:18)
Cross-Refs: Leviticus 18:16; Ephesians 5:11.
Chose: Boldly rebuked sin.
“Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him.” (Mark 6:19)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 14:3–4; Galatians 4:16.
Endured: Prison, threat of execution.
“So Herod had John arrested and bound and put him in prison.” (Mark 6:17)
Cross-Refs: Luke 3:19–20; Hebrews 11:37.
Why: Faithful as forerunner of Christ.
“I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way.” (Mark 1:2)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 40:3; John 1:23.
Result: Martyred, honoured as Christ’s forerunner.
“John… was beheaded in the prison.” (Mark 6:27)
Cross-Refs: Revelation 20:4; Matthew 11:11.