Mark

The humility and power of Jesus inspires faith and endurance.

The Original Reader:                                                      

Probably the Romans Christians who lived in a challenging world with increasing persecution. Mark describes Jewish customs to make points clear for the readers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

The Author:

As a young man he was together with Paul on one of his mission trips Acts 13.5 and 13, and Peter and the others early believers, visited his mother’s house in Acts 12.12. He is in other places in the Bible mentioned as John Mark. He gospel is very influenced by Peter, so some said the book could have been named Gospel after Peter.(SVB 1283) Our teacher called him the first missionary.  

Some think that Mark’s was the first Gospel written, and that Matthew and Luke utilized Mark as well as other sources. (SVB 1282)

He uses a lot of active words and rapid actions.

He probably wrote the book close to Peter’s execution. This would be after the burning of Rome but before the fall of Jerusalem. (SVB1283)                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Main Themes and repeated ideas:

Jesus is the authoritative Son of God. He is very detailed – and describes the feelings.

Describes Jesus as the obedient servant. He jumps quite fast in the book, right into the ministry of Jesus, the preaching and the miracles and very practical.

He uses the word “immediately” more often in his gospel, more than all the rest of NT together.

One sentence summary:

10.45: “For even the Son of Man came not be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The primary reason this book was written:

The book may be written to encourage the new believers, the Roman believers that were suffering persecution at this time. He wanted them to see whom Jesus was – the Messiah 8.29. He starts off his gospel right on Jesus ministry and covers his life, death and resurrection in 16 chapters.

Theme Tracing:

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

Jesus has power and authority

Eternal Son of God 1.1, Gods dearly loved Son and brings God joy!

Teacher and preacher 2.38, 4.1

He gives back dignity 5.32-34

Moved with compassion 1.41, sorry for the people 8.2

He is friend of sinners 2.13-22

He uses parables to tell his point. 4.1-34

Unique material in this Gospel 7%,

Only in Mark:

Parable of the growing seed 4.26-29

The heart of man 7.1-23                                                                                                                                                                                     

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

10.32 – He tried to explain to his disciples what was going to happen with Him.

13.2 – the temple destroyed

13.31 – His word will never disappear

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Application questions:                                                                                                                                                                                

Personal application:                                                                                                                                                                                  

I like the way the SVB put the three statements of Peter – from

1.     “You are Messiahs “ 9.29: certain in his faith

2.     “Wonderful to be here, lets build shelters” 9.5, “ Greatly distressed each one asked in turn; am I the one? “, to sometimes confused about what is central – and trying to fix it himself

3.     “ I don’t know what you’re talking about!”” He denied again “ “A curse on me if I’m lying – I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” To the time where he was so afraid of identifying with Jesus 14.66-72

He was so broken afterwards  - and I can just imaging the feeling of sorrow and shame  - but also the big emptiness he must have felt when Jesus, his friend was taken away, himself sitting there not able to do anything – and what to believe.

I pray that I will stand and dear to let me be known as a follower of Jesus when times of questioning comes – both in this time  - coming home from this school and at work, and in times to come. Just to meet my colleges and speak about the time here, reading the Bible for 3 month will require some courage.

(But I also enjoy how his story goes on – how Jesus makes him confirm His faith 3 times – and chooses to build His church on Peter. And in act we read a lot about a strong and bold man. This is written in John21.15-22)

Point of passion:

Sharing the new or confirmed revelations in this season with the Parents of teenagers/ Youth Workers in Church.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

The way God speaks about Jesus: “ You are my dearly beloved Son, and you bring me great joy” – this is the God we want our children to know and His son Jesus  - to make them want to have him as Lord in their life!

The verses in ch 8,34 is essential for me – if we wants to be his followers we must turn away from our selfish ways, take up your cross and follow Jesus. And I want to encourage the parents (and myself) on priorities- to continue to bring their fast-growing children to Jesus (9.36 and 10.13) and not to give up when they start to be able to go by themselves – but be there and support in all areas as needed. It is such a crucial time – and our kids watch our priorities.

“ And what do we benefit if you or you children gain the whole world but loses you own soul?” 8.36