Summary of the Book of Mark
The Gospel of Mark is the second book in the New Testament part of the Bible. Mark was the first person to write a Gospel. A Gospel is a book that describes the life and death of Jesus. The Gospels also explain how Jesus came back to life again.
People think that Mark got his information from Peter. Peter was a friend of Jesus.
Mark’s Gospel is the shortest life story of Jesus. It is an exciting book. Jesus did many wonderful things. He cured ill people. He spoke wise words about God. And he warned about future events. The people were excited about Jesus. They followed Jesus. They listened to him. But they did not realise why God sent Jesus. They thought that Jesus would become their king. But Jesus knew the real reason why God sent him.
The rulers hated Jesus. They thought that Jesus would destroy their country. They did not care whether God had sent Jesus. They decided to kill Jesus. Jesus knew about this. But Jesus allowed these things to happen, because this was God’s plan.
When Jesus was dying, the people were very afraid. Even Jesus’ friend, Peter, denied that he knew Jesus. Even the priests insulted Jesus. Jesus’ death was a terrible death (Mark chapters 14-15).
But some important people believed Jesus, even when he died. An important soldier said, ‘This man (Jesus) was God’s son.’ And Joseph from Arimathea was bold, and he buried Jesus’ body in his own grave. But, two days later, an angel (servant of God from heaven) announced that Jesus was alive again. Later, Jesus himself met his friends. They saw that he was alive. And he told them to take God’s message to people from all nations.
Mark wrote his gospel for everyone. He did not only write it for his own people. People from all nations can become Christians.
Summary of the Book of Esther
Esther belonged to God’s special people, the Jews. Esther and many other Jews lived in the land called Persia. Persia was a long way from their own land.
The king of Persia was angry with the queen, and he sent her away. Then he searched for another wife who would be the new queen. He chose Esther.
One of the king’s chief officials, called Haman, hated the Jews and he plotted to destroy them. But Esther’s uncle Mordecai asked Esther to speak to the king to save the Jews. Although Esther was the queen, Mordecai was asking her to do a dangerous thing. People could not go to see the king if he had not invited them. But Esther did what Mordecai asked. The king was pleased with her and listened to her. The king gave to the evil Haman the punishment that Haman had wanted to give to the Jews.
The book of Esther does not mention the name of God. This is strange for a book that is in the Bible. Sometimes God seems to be silent. We might even think that he does not care about us. The writer of the book of Esther probably wanted his readers to realise that God is always in control. Although we cannot see God, he is always doing things in the world. Nobody can stop his plans. The events in the book of Esther show us that God is in control.
Summary of the Book of Romans
The Book of Romans is a letter from Paul to the Christians in Rome. Rome was probably the largest city in the world. Paul wrote the letter about the year 57. He probably wrote it while he was living in Corinth.
The Book of Romans shows us how God can save us from the punishment for our evil deeds. And the Book of Romans also teaches how we should live. Some of the important things we can learn from this book are:
- Everyone has done wrong things against God.
- God is angry about our evil deeds.
- God saves people who trust him.
- We cannot save ourselves by our own good works.
- When Jesus died, he died for us.
- God’s Spirit helps us to do what is right.
- God always loves us.
- God shows us how to live.
Summary of the Book of Job
The Book of Job (in the Bible’s Old Testament) is a long poem. The Book of Job discusses why innocent people suffer. God cares about people who suffer troubles. And God will help them, although sometimes they must be patient.
Job was a good man. But Job lost all his possessions. Job’s children died. Job became so ill that he wanted to die. But Job refused to insult God.
Job’s friends supposed that Job was ill because of his evil deeds. But Job was innocent. Then, a wise man named Elihu explained the truth to Job and his friends. And God proved to them that God is great. God also showed them that he cares. Finally, God wanted Job to pray for his friends. In the end, God made Job successful again.
God made Job successful again.