Stapleton Books Podcast

Everyone has an opinion about Jesus—but who is He really? In Mark 3:7–35, crowds swarm Jesus for healing, demons recognize His true identity, twelve apostles are chosen to carry His message, religious leaders accuse Him of working for Satan, and even His own family struggles to understand Him. In this episode of the Stapleton Books Podcast, we explore the radically different responses people have to Jesus and His warnin...

What happens when following Jesus challenges the way you’ve always thought religion was supposed to work? In Mark 2:13–3:6, Jesus calls a tax collector, eats with sinners, refuses to follow traditional expectations about fasting, and repeatedly clashes with the religious leaders over the Sabbath. In this episode of the Stapleton Books Podcast, we explore a series of controversies that reveal the growing divide between J...

What do you need most from Jesus? In Mark 2:1–12, four men tear through a roof to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus, expecting a miracle. But before Jesus heals the man’s body, He does something even greater—He forgives his sins. In this episode of the Stapleton Books Podcast, we explore the faith that refuses to let obstacles stand in the way, the growing conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders, and ...

Mark 1:40–45 What happens when someone considered untouchable comes face-to-face with Jesus? In Mark 1:40–45, a man with leprosy approaches Jesus with a desperate request: “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus does the unthinkable—He reaches out and touches him. In this episode of the Stapleton Books Podcast, we explore what this encounter reveals about the authority and compassion of Jesu...

Mark 1:35-39

What sustained Jesus through the demands of His ministry? After an exhausting day of teaching, healing, and confronting demons, Jesus rose before sunrise and withdrew to a solitary place to pray. In this episode of the Stapleton Books Podcast, we explore the importance of prayer in Jesus’ life, the disciples’ attempt to pull Him back toward the crowds, and His determination to continue preaching throughout ...

Mark 1:21-34

What happens when Jesus confronts the forces of evil? In this episode of the Stapleton Books Podcast, we explore Jesus’ authority over demons, disease, and every power that holds people captive. From the synagogue in Capernaum to Simon’s crowded home, Mark reveals that Jesus does more than teach with authority—He commands unclean spirits, heals the sick, and sets the oppressed free. The demons know ex...

Mark 1:16–20 

What does it actually mean to follow Jesus? Jesus calls ordinary fishermen to leave behind the lives they knew and become His disciples. In this episode of the Stapleton Books Podcast, we explore Jesus’ invitation to “follow me,” what it means to become “fishers of people,” and the striking immediacy of the disciples’ response. Their story introduces one of Mark’s c...

Mark 1:1-15

What makes Jesus "good news"? Why did God send John the Baptist before the Messiah? And what did Jesus mean when He began His ministry with the command to "repent and believe the gospel"? In this episode of the Stapleton Books Podcast, we explore the opening verses of Mark's Gospel, introducing the King, His forerunner, and the message that would change the world. Join us as we discover how Mark's fast-paced Gospel begi...