Mark

Mark

What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

According to the introduction to the book of Mark in the Sourceview Bible, “The book’s distinctly non-Jewish flavor and notable allusions to Roman customs make it clear that it was written for believers in Rome.”  For example, the book of Mark recorded what happened when John the Baptist confronted King Herod for marrying his brother’s wife, Herodias (see Mark 6:16-29). 

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

According to the introduction to the book of Mark in the Sourceview Bible, the author of the book of Mark is “John Mark, the son of a Jerusalem widow whose home was a meeting place for early believers (see Acts 12:12).  Mark served as Peter’s translator, so he most likely recorded the events as he heard them firsthand.  So, though Mark wrote the words, it could be said that this book is the gospel according to Peter.”  The author recorded many detailed events in the life of Jesus (His healings, His teachings, His miracles, etc); therefore, he must have been very familiar with Jesus or at least knew someone who was.

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

The book of Mark begins with “This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God” (see Mark 1:1).  Jesus is the Holy One of God (see Mark 1:24).  Jesus is the Son of God who God dearly loves who brings God great joy (see Mark 1:11).  Jesus heals the sick and casts out demons (see Mark 1:34).  Jesus preaches and teaches about the Kingdom of God.  For example, Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed planted in the ground (see Mark 4:30-32).  Jesus called His disciples to follow Him.  For example, Jesus said to Levi, “Follow me and be my disciple” (Mark 2:14).  Jesus raised the dead to life (see Mark 5:35-43).  Jesus commanded His disciples to do what He did.  In response, His disciples told people to repent of their sins and turn to God.  His disciples cast out demons.  His disciples healed many sick people (see Mark 6:12-13).  Jesus encourages people to have faith (in God) and believe (in God) explaining that “anything is possible if a person believes” (see Mark 9:23; 11:22-26).  For example, a blind man named Bartimaeus approached Jesus and said to him, “I want to see!” and Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you” (see Mark 10:46-52).  Time and time again, Jesus encourages people to have faith (in God) and believe (in God).  Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God!

What is the primary reason the book of Mark was written?

According to the introduction to the book of Mark in the Sourceview Bible, the reason the book of Mark was written was to encourage the believers in Rome who were suffering persecution under the Roman empire.  Mark wanted to share with them the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.

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

The book of Mark demonstrates that God desires to heal people.  The book of Mark records many incidents in which Jesus healed people and cast out demons.  The book of Mark reveals that God desires people to have faith (in Him) and believe (in Him) – even for the impossible!  For example, the disciples could not possibly feed 4000 people in a crowd with just seven loaves of bread and a few small fish; however, Jesus could and did with seven large baskets of food leftover! (see Mark 8:1-9).  Man cannot heal a blind man; however, God can!  Man cannot raise a person from the dead; however, God can!  Man cannot cast out demons; however, God can!  Man could not raise Jesus from the dead; however, God can and did! Jesus is the Son of God! Jesus is the Messiah King! Jesus is alive! 

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

Jesus is the Son of God.  Jesus is the Messiah King.  Jesus was crucified for the sins of mankind.  Jesus is risen from the dead!  Jesus is alive!  After Jesus’ resurrection, He told His followers, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.  Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved.  But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned” (see Mark 16:15-16).   Man can be saved if he believes and is baptized! 

Personal Application / Point of Passion

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this. . . The LORD our God is the one and only LORD.  And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’  The second is equally important: ‘Love our neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31).  My personal application for the book of Mark is to love the LORD our God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and love others as myself.  My point of passion is to teach others to do the same.