Date Written: Between 55-65 CE

Author: John Mark was the author. He wasn’t one of the 12 disciples, but he is the one who went with Paul on his first missionary journey.

Setting: This takes place in the Roman empire under Tiberius Caesar. Jesus came at a time in history when the entire civilized world was somewhat peaceful under Roman rule. Travel was easy & there was a common language. The news about His life, death, & resurrection could spread quickly throughout the vast Roman empire.

Key People: Jesus, the 12 disciples, Pilate, and the Jewish religious leaders.

Purpose: To show the personhood, work, & teachings of Jesus. To show Him as the Suffering Son of Man sent to serve & not to be served.

Key Verses: For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve & to give His life as a ransom for many. 10:45

Chapter Outline:

1-1:13 Birth & Preparation of Jesus, The Servant

1:14-13 Message & Ministry of Jesus, The Servant

14-16 Death & Resurrection of Jesus, The Servant

Importance of reading Mark:

What we read: Jesus didn’t arrive unannounced or unexpected. The Old Testament prophets had clearly predicted the coming of One (Messiah), sent by God Himself, who would offer salvation & eternal peace to Israel & the entire world. Then came John the Baptist, who announced that the long awaited Messiah had finally come. Yet many rejected Him because He did not look like they thought He would look. They could not and would not see Him as their Savior.  What can we learn: Just as there were many prophecies telling of Jesus first coming, there are also many telling of His second coming. We should not be like those that rejected Him the first time He came. He is coming back. We must believe it & be ready for His return.

What we read: Jesus had all the power of almighty God. He raised the dead, gave sight to the blind, restored deformed bodies, & calmed the stormy seas. But even with all this power Jesus came to us as a servant. By giving His life as a sacrifice for sin He performed the ultimate act of service. What we can learn: We can use the life of Jesus as a pattern & an example for how to live. Just as Jesus served God & others, so should we as well.

What we read: Jesus shows His divinity by overcoming disease, demons, & even death. He had the power to be king of the earth, yet He chose to obey the Father & die for us. What can we learn: When Jesus rose from the dead, He proved that He was God & that He could forgive sin & that He has the power to change our lives. We can fully trust the One who gave His very life for us.

What we read: Jesus public ministry was to the Jews first. When the Jewish leaders opposed Him, He also went to the non-Jewish world. Roman soldiers, Syrians, & other Gentiles heard the Good News. Many believed & followed Him. His final message to His disciples was for them to go into all the world & preach the gospel of salvation. What can we learn: Jesus crossed national, racial, & economic barriers to spread His Gospel message. His message of faith & forgiveness is for the whole world. We must reach out beyond our own people to fulfill the worldwide vision of Jesus so that people everywhere might hear this gospel & be saved from sin & death.

What we read: Chapter 2 tells the story of four men who carried a man who was paralyzed to Jesus, but they couldn’t get to Him because the place was packed full of people. They dug through the roof of the house & lowered him down in front of Jesus. Mark 2:5 “And when Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” What can we learn: Jesus sees our faith. Faith will cause us to do things others won’t. Faith gets Jesus’ attention & that is when miracles happen.

What we read: Chapter 8:27-30 Jesus ask His disciples “Who do people say I am?” and then He asked “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” What can we learn: This is a question that we must settle in ourselves as well. Who do you say Jesus is? Peter’s answer was “You are the Christ”.

What we read: Chapter 9 has another story of someone who had faith, but theirs was weak. This is the story of a man with a demon possessed son. He asked Jesus to help them IF He could. Mark 9:22-24 “And it has often cast him into fire & into water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us & help us.” And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can!’ All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out & said, “I believe; help my unbelief.” What can we learn: Have you ever been at the point where you lacked belief and faith? When we believe, even a little, & ask for more faith we will be rewarded. If you struggle with unbelief, God will help you if you ask Him to. Read your Bible, pray, and spend time in His presence and He will help you.

Things to think about as you read Mark:

· Mark shows the servanthood of Jesus’ ministry. How like Jesus are you in respect to being a servant?

· As you read 8:34-38 & 10:28-31, consider what is required of disciples. Can you consider yourself a true disciple of Jesus Christ?

· Who do you say Jeus is?

Link to Video: https://youtu.be/xFTp1z6bCr8?si=T6wGYePXzvTP2Vft

Blessings,

Nichole Henson

Fullness of Joy Ministry