Reading: Complete overview of Mark’s Gospel (skim through all 16 chapters)
Context: What do you know about the author Mark and the circumstances surrounding this Gospel’s composition?
Mark’s Gospel is traditionally attributed to John Mark, a close associate of the apostle Peter, who served as Mark’s primary source for the Gospel content. Early church tradition indicates that Mark wrote this Gospel in Rome around 64 AD at the request of Roman converts who sought to preserve Peter’s preaching in written form. Mark had accompanied Peter for an extended period and faithfully remembered his teachings, making him uniquely qualified to record these accounts.
Mark likely wrote during or shortly after the fire of Rome in the mid-60s AD, possibly in response to the persecution of Christians. The Gospel’s emphasis on Jesus overcoming evil forces and defying imperial Rome’s power suggests a context where believers faced opposition.
Content: As you skim through Mark, what patterns do you notice in how Jesus is portrayed compared to other people in the narrative?
Throughout Mark’s narrative, he stresses Jesus’ deeds, strength, and determination in confronting evil forces, presenting a fast-paced, action-oriented account of ministry.
A striking pattern is Mark’s human depiction of Jesus, particularly evident in the Passion narrative, where Jesus experiences distress and agony, climaxing in the cry “Why have you forsaken me?” at the crucifixion. This humanity coexists with divine authority throughout the Gospel.
Mark also presents a unique characterisation of the disciples, often negatively. The disciples are portrayed as wilfully resisting Jesus’ prescriptions for discipleship. This resistance follows Scripture’s depiction of YHWH’s relationship with Israel. Mark uses their failures—especially Peter’s denial, contrasted with Jesus’ faithfulness—to instruct readers about the challenges of discipleship. The disciples’ struggles serve as both a warning and an encouragement for all followers of Jesus.
Concept: Mark opens by calling this “the beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (1:1). What does this title reveal about Mark’s purpose?
Mark opens with the declaration: “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). This title reveals Mark’s purpose.
The phrase “the beginning” deliberately echoes Genesis 1:1—”In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”—signalling that Jesus is renewing the entire world according to God’s “very good” original intent. This is the inauguration of God’s cosmic renewal project.
The dual identification of Jesus as “Christ” (Messiah) and “Son of God” establishes the Gospel’s central purpose. Christ indicates that God chose and commissioned Jesus to save humanity from sin and restore a right relationship with God. As “Son of God,” Jesus possesses both messianic authority and divine nature—He comes from the Father and is equal with the Father.
Mark’s purpose is therefore to proclaim the “good news”—that God’s long-promised Messiah has arrived to bring salvation, defeat the powers of evil, and establish God’s kingdom. The Gospel traces how this good news begins with John the Baptist preparing the way, unfolds through Jesus’ powerful ministry, and culminates in His sacrificial death and resurrection.
Conclusions: How might reading Mark’s fast-paced, action-oriented account impact your understanding of following Jesus today?
Reading Mark’s fast-paced, action-oriented account impacts discipleship today in several ways:
Realistic Expectations About Discipleship: Mark’s honest portrayal of the disciples’ failures and resistance reminds us that following Jesus involves genuine struggle and challenge. Discipleship is not effortless; even Jesus’ closest followers misunderstood His mission and failed at critical moments. This encourages believers today not to be discouraged by their own difficulties but to persist faithfully.
Jesus as the Model, Not Perfect Performance: The contrast between Peter’s denial and Jesus’ faithfulness demonstrates that Jesus Himself is the model for believers, not a standard of flawless discipleship. We follow the righteous sufferer who remained faithful through agony, not by achieving perfection but by trusting in His strength.
Urgency and Action: Mark’s rapid pace and emphasis on Jesus’ powerful deeds create urgency about kingdom priorities. Following Jesus means active participation in God’s renewal project—confronting evil, serving sacrificially, and proclaiming good news with determination and strength.
Suffering and Humanity: Mark’s emphatically human portrayal of Jesus, including His distress and forsakenness, assures believers that Jesus understands our suffering intimately. We follow One who experienced full human anguish yet triumphed, giving hope that faithful endurance leads to vindication even through the darkest trials.
Next Time
Episode Two: The Forerunner’s Preparation
Reading – Mark 1:1-15
Thank God for Mark’s fascinating gospel account. As we explore it further, trust God to allow us to see the power of the good news make a difference in our lives. Providing another reason to get the Word In so we can get the Word Out.
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
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