FCC YOUTHS BIBLE STUDY

A Study of the Gospel of Mark.

The first four books of the new testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are known as Gospels. The Greek word for ‘gospel’ is Euangelion, which means ‘good news’. The scholars have grouped the first three Matthew, Mark, and Luke together as the “Synoptic” Gospels. They may be set side by side and “viewed together” (that is what “synoptic” means) in a comparative way.

The Author

The Gospel of Mark is the second among the four Gospels but it is the First written gospel in the new testament. It is to believe that other gospel writers borrow the information from Mark. 90% of the Mark’s stories appear in Matthew and Luke. The author of this gospel is written by John Mark who is Not one of twelve disciples. John Mark who was of great service and help to the apostle Paul late in Paul’s life (2 Tim 4:11). Peter is believed to have been his mentor after Christ ascended into heaven. John Mark wrote his gospel from Peter’s perspective. Mark was also known as John Mark and sometimes referred to as John Marcus and was apparently the nephew of Barnabas (Act 12:25). Some Scholars have placed the date of writing of John Mark’s gospel between 55-70 AD, shortly after the death of Paul and peter.

Mark describes Jesus as the “Christ, the Son of God” (vs. 1). In our world, these terms are not too striking because we are used to hearing them. In Mark’s world, these were very shocking words! The Greek word ‘Christ’ (‘anointed one’) is a description of Jesus’ title; it is not his last name. Jesus is the ‘anointed one’ (Christ). The Greek term ‘Christ’ is the equivalent of the Hebrew word ‘Mashiach’ (‘anointed one’ or ‘Messiah’). Mark designates Jesus as Israel’s Messiah.

Mark’s gospel is action oriented and moves swiftly. It begins with Jesus’ baptism with the Holy Spirit and then it takes off! Mark uses the Greek word euthus (‘immediately’) over 40 times throughout his gospel. He places an emphasis on the immediate, purposeful work of Jesus and the Spirit through him.

Theme:

The theme that Mark draws on the most in his gospel is purity; he places the theme of purity above all.

Mark 2:1-12-Jesus heals a paralytic. Jesus deals with his impurity ... sin Israel was in bondage for years, they could not walk. God brought deliverance so they could walk.

Mark 2:15-17-Jesus dines with sinners. 4 times the term ‘Sinner’ is used. Jesus came to make the impure, pure by getting out in the midst of people, eating, dining and being around them.

The Purpose of Mark’s Gospel

1. Let by the Holy Spirit: Mark had observed the life of Jesus and his disciples so much in his youth that he must have had the conviction born in his heart. So, he was led by the Holy spirit to produce a dependable and authentic written record of the life and the work of his Lord.

2. Need for a Written Record: Mark did not only feel the leadership of the Holy Spirit, he sensed the real need for a written record of the earthly ministry of Jesus. There was ‘Oral tradition. People used to tell the story of Jesus by their lips. Mark thought the verbal story of Jesus would undergo change and distortion in the constant retelling through the years.

3. Strength and comfort for the persecuted christian: After the death of Jesus, there were a whole lot of questions asking ‘Why do God’s good servants have to die such a crucial death?’ Jesus himself being a son of God had suffered death upon a cross, How are these things be ? Many of them, friends and relatives were slaughtered with no other reason than that they were christian. The early christian needed a strong word of encouragement and explanation.

4. The Mighty works of Jesus: Mark describes Jesus as the Strong son of God. Mark’s story of Jesus is much more record of his Works than of his Words. For example the teaching of Jesus, the sermon on the mount and John 14-17 do not appear in the Mark’s gospel. Mark is more concerned with what Jesus did in his public ministry than what he said, and especially with what He did in giving himself for the sins of the world up on the cross of calvary.