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Welcome to our first study in the Gospel of Mark. We will first look at who Mark is, who his audience is, and why his Gospel is important. The first chapter introduces the different pictures of Jesus that are key themes of the book. The chapter tells the story of Jesus' baptism, his testing by Satan in the wilderness, and the beginning of his ministry.
This is our second study in the Gospel of Mark. In Mark chapter 2 we encounter four specific incidents in which religious leaders question what Jesus is doing. In fact they do more than question. They are clearly critical. In their eyes Jesus is wrong. Not only is he not a good example he’s actually a bad example. Yet the bad religion of Jesus is our salvation. Let’s look now at these four events.
Welcome to our third study in the Gospel of Mark. In chapter 3 we see Jesus both facing intense pressure and using great power. All of us face opposition and conflict in our lives. This chapter helps us understand the nature of that opposition and the enormous power which Christ gives to his disciples.
Welcome to our fourth study in the Gospel of Mark. In chapter 4 Jesus expounds on the meaning of his call to discipleship. The disciples are “to be with him” and “to be sent out to proclaim his message” (Mark 3:14). In chapter five we will see the “authority to cast out demons” (Mark 3:15). In both parables and life experiences Jesus describes what it means to be with him and to proclaim his message. The descriptions given here apply to Jesus’ disciples through the ages.
Welcome to our fifth study in the Gospel of Mark. Chapter five presents several demonstrations of Jesus’ incredible power. Jesus the Victor is very much emphasized here. He overpowers demons, death and sickness. The focus here is on the tremendous healing which results from Jesus’ power. The reality of this power provides deliverance for people facing the most extreme conditions of suffering and turmoil. Jesus is not to be taken lightly. He is not to be laughed at (Mark 5:40). Through faith his victory becomes our victory.
The sixth chapter of Mark focuses on the theme of discipleship. We first see the people in Jesus’ hometown rejecting him (Mark 6:1-6). One would think they would be obvious disciples, knowing Jesus from childhood, but they are not. We then read of the first mission of the twelve (Mark 6:6-13) and the death of Jesus’ first disciple, John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29). The disciples are then given instructions to rest and later to feed the multitude who follow them (Mark 6:30-44). Their encounter with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee leaves them terrified (Mark 6:47-52). Their relationship with Jesus is still only in the beginning stages.
The seventh chapter of Mark’s gospel focuses on the incredible authority of Jesus Christ. Jesus here is revealed not only as a great teacher but as one who can actually redefine God’s Word. This chapter also sets up a strong contrast between the Jewish religious leaders who are critical of Jesus and Gentiles who readily submit to his authority.
Two central themes emerge in the eighth chapter of Mark’s Gospel. The first is a continuing revelation of the power of Jesus now with the added theme of Jesus’ necessary death and resurrection. The second is the unpredictability of Jesus. Jesus is confusing to the Pharisees and to Peter. The disciples don’t understand him. He himself does not follow a set model but commands us to take up our cross and follow him.
We have come to the midpoint of Mark’s Gospel. Mark seems very conscious of balancing his account with events from the first chapter (or opening since he didn’t write in chapters) along with foreshadowings of the conclusion. Jesus’ instruction is repeatedly addressed to the disciples who struggle greatly here to understand what is going on.
In chapter ten Mark is already beginning the account of Jesus’ death on the cross. We have here both a detailed description of Jesus’ suffering and the purpose of his death. Jesus presents here some very difficult and even troubling teachings about discipleship. The real purpose of this is to strengthen our dependence upon Christ and thereby give us both assurance and hope. The key verse of the chapter I think is v. 27, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.”
Chapter eleven shows the power of Jesus and the purpose of his coming to Jerusalem. Jesus’ coming is both a judgment and a hope. His entrance on Palm Sunday is full of the symbolism of the great kings of Israel, the Messiah and the Lord who will come again at the end of history. He comes to a Jerusalem that is spiritually a withered fig tree. Yet his authority and indeed the salvation he will bring does not depend on people understanding him or accepting him.
In chapter twelve, Jesus is preparing for the major conflict of his ministry. He has now entered Jerusalem. Here he will “be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death” (Mark 10:33-34). In Mark’s Gospel, the chief opponents are spiritual, the forces of darkness (Mark 1:13, 23-27, 3:11-12, 5:1-13, 6:7). In this chapter, these forces are represented by the religious leaders. Unwittingly, they are uniting in preparation to do the work of Satan (Mark 8:33). One of them will recognize the true authority of Jesus. The rest are simply out to get him.
In the thirteenth chapter, Jesus is asked by the disciples about the end of history. This is a topic that has fascinated people throughout history. Jesus does not give a literal timetable. What he does is describe the events that will lead up to his return in glory. As in the case of other examples of prophecy, the references are both symbolic (John the Baptist as the fulfillment of Elijah coming before the Messiah, Mark 9:12-13; Matthew 17:10-13) or general (as to Christ being in the tomb the “three days and three nights” that Jonah was in the sea monster which of course was not literally the case, Matthew 12:40). The purpose of Jesus’ teaching here is not to satisfy our curiosity, but to prepare us for faithful service in uncertain times and to give us hope and confidence.
The fourteenth chapter of Mark begins the account of Jesus’ death. It opens with Jesus’ preparations for the Passover Meal and ends with Peter’s denial of Jesus. This section includes also Judas’ betrayal, Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane and the religious leaders’ plans to kill him. For Mark’s readers, living in the time of Nero, this whole passage is a somber warning of the need to remain faithful, alert and awake in following Jesus. This same warning applies to us as well.
Mark’s gospel ends with a triumphant picture of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Mark emphasizes that Jesus chooses his fate. The activities of Pilate, the chief priests, the scribes, even the crowds, all play into God’s appointed plan. Jesus’ death goes “as it is written of him” (Mark 14:21). Mark’s Roman audience would have been well aware of all the stories of Redeemer Heroes up to and including the deified Caesar Augustus. Jesus is the ultimate redeemer hero giving his life as “a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Jesus is not portrayed here as weak and broken on the cross, but as the ultimate hero who embraces his chosen God-forsaken destiny. God the Father does not ultimately forsake him, but raises him from the grave. This event is so astounding that it inspires “terror and amazement” in those who first encounter it. The gospel message is complete. Jesus Christ is completely revealed as the “Son of God” (Mark 1:1).
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