Mark

1.     First Impressions

·       What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

The book of John is the shortest of all the gospels and is filled with action. It is clearly not written to a Jewish audience and often alludes to Roman customs. This book is written to the Roman believers. They would have been able to associate better with the fast paced style of writing and relate to Jesus portrayed as a man of action in Mark. The Roman Empire had begun to persecute Christians and so this gospel is an encouragement and reminder to the believers of who God is and the definite reason it is worthwhile to endure the hardship they were faced with for the sake of Christ. There are several mentions to persecution in Mark which is very relevant for the original Roman reader.

In Mark 15:21-22 the author makes reference to the man who helped carry the cross as the father of Rufus who is later also referred to in Romans 16:13.

·       What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The book of Mark does not identify its author and therefore it is impossible to be certain. However, according to the early church fathers the book was written by John Mark. He and his family played a large role in the early church in Jerusalem. Mark went with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey and he was also Peter’s translator. It is thought that much of this gospel was written with the help of Peter. There are many references to boats and water throughout Mark which would make sense if Peter had an input in the writing since he was a fisherman.

·       What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea?”

Throughout Mark, Jesus is portrayed as the obedient servant and teacher. He is a man of action and the book builds up from no one knowing who Jesus is to the ultimate revelation of Him being the Messiah. The Miracle in 8:23-25 is a symbol of the way people could not clearly see who Jesus was and then suddenly their eyes were opened. The key verse in Mark is found in Mark 10:45 where it says, “For even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

I would say Mark is a fast paced account of the servant Jesus who came to save not only Jews but Gentiles alike.

·       What is the primary reason this book was written?

Mark is said to have been the first gospel. The book is written to document the story but more than that to share Jesus, who he is and what He had done. Mark is written to the Romans who were beginning to be persecuted and thus the gospel is one which would have encouraged them and been a reminder of what they believe and that it was worthwhile to suffer for Jesus who suffered all for them.

2.     Theme Tracing

·       What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

As with the other Gospels Mark shows us much about the character and nature of God but focus’s and reveals him more in the light of an obedient servant as seen in 10:45.

Among many others, Mark reveals Jesus as compassionate (1:41/6:34) and good (10:18). He is God of impossible (10:27) and Lord over all (2:28/ 24:34). Jesus does many miracles in Mark and is seen to be a healer on many occasions. He is often spoken of and addressed as the teacher (4:38/5:35/10:17/10:35/12:14/12:19/18:32). We see that God acts; he doesn’t sit around waiting but is stirred to action by the Spirit and in compassion for people. He longs after our hearts and blesses those who stand firm in their faith in Him no matter what.

·       What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Mark shows us some of the ministry that Jesus did as well as His death and resurrection. There is a prominent focus in Mark on the miracles done. The author is showing the Roman and other readers that God is a powerful servant. His ultimate will is restoring the relationship He can have with man. He does this by redeeming many people through healing and of course through the cross. Mark 16:16-18 instructs us to go into the entire world and preach the Good news to everyone and it continues on with all the miraculous signs that will accompany those who believe. This is a large part of the redemption we see in Mark:  Signs and miraculous from believers to reveal God’s glory and a spread of the knowledge of God leading to an increase in the kingdom.

3.     Application questions

Personal application:

 I found faith interesting in Mark. We always use this word…Faith! However I have gotten to see it differently in reading Mark. I see faith as one of the only things God requires of us to amaze us, to do miraculous and to see change. I haven’t seen faith as the opposite to fear before but in Mark 5:36 Jesus says to Jairus: don’t be afraid. Just have faith. For me Mark 11:22-26 is a passage explaining what God is after, what does He want from us? He wants us to have faith, to pray and to forgive. This puts in a place where we solely rely on Him and love other even if they’ve wronged us. It is not new revelation but an amazing reminder. Mark also just reminded me of persecution. We have nothing to fear in life because when it goes well we praise God and when we are persecuted (judged or criticized) we can still praise God for the honor of enduring hardship for His sake. It is amazing what we can accomplish without fear and with faith!

·       Point of Passion:

Of all the gospels it is in Mark that we most see Jesus portrayed as the Teacher. He is addressed as this and is repeatedly said to be teaching (4:38/5:35/10:17/10:35/12:14/12:19/18:32). There is the much we can learn about teaching by looking at the character of the man who was the perfect teacher. He was patient and compassionate but spoke up and against sin.  He taught with authority and lived his teaching wholeheartedly.  We can also see from the passage in Mark 10:13-16 that education must not hinder the spiritual and moral development of a person but rather build them up in these areas.