Gospel of Mark: Reading Guide
Author:
At first, Mark was Paul's companion up until the Council of Jerusalem. Possibly the condition of a family member of Mark’s decided Paul against taking Mark with him on his next mission journey. This caused the separation of Paul and Barnabas. Mark joined with Barnabas and continued in the mission of spreading the gospel.
Tradition relates that Mark took his gospel from Peter. David Alan Black indicates the possibility that Peter went to Rome and gave talks about the gospel. Mark was there and took notes from Peter’s lectures. Peter’s lectures ended in Mark 16:8 and Mark himself wrote the last few verses to end his gospel. It’s a bit of a stretch but a possibility to suggest the gospel source.
In Mark's gospel, Peter’s perspective is seemingly supported by the narrative. Peter gets a lot more attention than the other disciples in Mark
At first, Mark was Paul's companion up until the Council of Jerusalem. Possibly the condition of a family member of Mark’s decided Paul against taking Mark with him on his next mission journey. This caused the separation of Paul and Barnabas. Mark joined with Barnabas and continued in the mission of spreading the gospel.
Tradition relates that Mark took his gospel from Peter. David Alan Black indicates the possibility that Peter went to Rome and gave talks about the gospel. Mark was there and took notes from Peter’s lectures. Peter’s lectures ended in Mark 16:8 and Mark himself wrote the last few verses to end his gospel. It’s a bit of a stretch but a possibility to suggest the gospel source.
In Mark's gospel, Peter’s perspective is seemingly supported by the narrative. Peter gets a lot more attention than the other disciples in Mark
1.
The calling of Simon (Peter) (Mark 1:16-18)
2.
The healing of the mother of Simon (Peter) (Mark 1:29-34)
3.
Simon (Peter) and company seek Jesus (Mark 1:36)
4.
Jesus appointed twelve that included
Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter) (Mark 3:16)
5.
Peter comes with Jesus to see the daughter of Jairus (Mark
5:37)
6.
Confession of Peter (Mark
8:29)
7.
Denial by Peter of Jesus' death (Mark 8:32-33)
8.
Peter climbs Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus and Peter proposes to
build 3 tabernacles (Mark 9:2-13)
9.
Peter answered Jesus, "We have left everything"
(Mark 10:28)
10.
Peter notes that the cursed fig tree is dry (Mark
11:21)
11.
Peter asks, "When will this happen?" (Mark 13:3-4)
12.
Peter says he will not depart from Jesus (Mark 14:29, 31)
13.
Peter accompanies Jesus to Gethsemane (Mark 14:33)
14.
Peter was sleeping in Gethsemane (Mark 14:37)
15.
The ear of the servant of the high priest is cut (Mark 14:47)
16.
Peter follows Jesus away to the high
priest (Mark 14:54)
17.
Peter denies Jesus three times (Mark 14:66-72)
18.
Angel sends a greeting to the disciples and Peter
(Mark 16:7)
Mark may be the young man who fled without clothes during the arrest of Jesus. (Mark 14:51-52) Amos 2:16 states that a frightened young man will flee away naked in that day. This "young fearful one" is the same word used for the young Mark.
Date:
The date the gospel was written is likely between 50 and 55. This makes Mark the second Gospel to be written after Matthew.
Mark is writing to Gentiles in Rome. They have no Jewish background; hence, no references (in Mark) to the Old Testament as in the case of Matthew. The Latin culture is more focused on action, therefore in his argument Mark focuses on the actions of Jesus and less on His speech.
Topic:
According to Rico Tice, pastor of evangelism, All Souls, London, Mark presents three issues that can be seen in all themes. These themes are:
- The identity of Jesus
- The mission of Jesus
- The call of Jesus
The presentation of the Messiah (Mark 1:1-15)
Mark indicates that his conception of the gospel is taken from Isaiah. The description of the Messiah comes from Isaiah. One has to have a fair understanding of Isaiah to understand Mark.
What would happen in the Messianic age? First, make a link to the book of Isaiah and the coming of the Messianic era. Isaiah indicates that there will be a new exodus, a new path, a new compound people from all nations. Mark deals with this issue in the beginning of his gospel. The "good news" was first mentioned in Isaiah 52:7 and Mark connected this with the Messianic era.
This relationship with Isaiah (Is. 40:1-11) continues in the preaching of John the Baptist. "Prepare in the wilderness the way of the Lord, make his paths straight" (Mark 1:3). John appears as the new Elijah (Malachi 4:5 cf. Mark 9:9-13) to baptize Jesus. In this baptism a voice from heaven said, "You are my beloved son" (Psalm 2:7 indicates that Jesus is the Son of David, see also Genesis 22:2) and "in whom My soul delights" (Isaiah 42: 1 indicated the Servant of the Lord). Thus Jesus is identified as the Messiah.
Jesus assumes the role of Israel through water (baptism and the Red Sea) and the wilderness where he is cared for by angels. There He is tempted like the Israelites in the desert. (Matthew also captures this relationship quoting Hosea 11:1 "Out of Egypt I called My Son.")
Isaiah says, "Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down!” (Isaiah 64:1) Mark says that Jesus has rent the heavens and has come down. "The heavens were opened" is "ripped" in Greek. Jesus is God himself who has rent the heavens and come down.
Jesus begins his preaching, after John is imprisoned, with the announcement that "the time is fulfilled" and the Kingdom of God is present. (Mark 1:14-15) Jesus is saying that the Old Testament prophecies were being fulfilled and the messianic era was beginning. This kingdom is connected with the messianic prophecies era (Kingdom of God) of the Old Testament.
The identification of Jesus (Mark 1:16 to 8:30)
Mark uses several methods to identify Jesus as the Messiah.
First, Jesus does miracles pointing to His divinity while at the same time fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah. Mark presents Jesus doing what Isaiah had prophesied in Isaiah 61, showing the identity of Jesus as the Messiah. In this context Jesus heals the sick (Mark 1:29-34, 2:1-11, 3:1-6), the lepers (Mark 1:40-45), the blind (Mark 8:22-26), the possessed (Mark 1:21-28, 3:20-30, 5:1-20), forgives sins thus causing opposition (Mark 2:1-11), and heals on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6) causing His rejection by the religious rulers.
Opposition as a principle of Jesus’ mission (Mark 1:27-35)
Not everyone saw the mission of Jesus in a positive light. Some began to murmur from the beginning of his ministry (Mark 1:27-28). The second complaint was that it was blasphemy (Mark 2:6-7). Then they complained that He was associating with sinners (Mark 2:13-17), he was not fasting (Mark 2:18-22), that He was breaking the law (Mark 2:24), and did not respect the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6). Jesus challenged many traditions of the people. Those who opposed Jesus also included his own family. (Mark 3:31-35)
Amidst all these activities Jesus named 12 Apostles. The 12 apostles are parallel to the 12 patriarchs. This is the beginning of a new people of God from all nations as was promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3).
Jesus also tried to put his ministry in perspective. The disciples saw that his ministry was moving from more to less, i.e. it was very popular in the beginning and opposition to His person and teaching grew. To achieve His goal, He taught in parables and His disciples began to understand as Jesus recounted several parables. These parables showed that Jesus was sowing and the result was certain though immediate results (Mark 4:1-32) were not seen.
The teaching of Jesus (Mark 4:33-34)
Mark noted the teaching of Jesus, "... spoke the word to them, as they could hear" (Mark 4: 33-34).
Sovereignty of Jesus (Mark 4:35 to 5:43) Jesus shows His sovereignty over nature (Mark 4:35-41), the devil (Mark 5:1-20), sickness (Mark 5: 25-34), and death (Mark 5:21-24; 35-43). Nothing is beyond His control.
Jesus returns to his people (Mark 6:1-6)
Jesus returns to his village to find that they doubted him. They saw that Jesus did miraculous works and made claims to divinity but they also saw that He had brothers, sisters and a mother so, “…they were offended at Him” (Mark 6:2-3). Jesus answered them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country" (Mark 6:4).
Jesus sends out the twelve (Mark 6:7-12)
Jesus always has in mind the great vision that his gospel would reach around the world. In preparation for this mission, He sent the twelve on a similar mission albeit on a smaller scale. He delegated authority and made sure His disciples were dependent on those who received their message. He also indicates that they should not stay in places where they were rejected.
The death of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29)
Herod was king in this region and was known for his violent temperament. He was also a king whose power had gone to his head and he thought he could do as he pleased. However, Herod was an immoral person. He had joined with the wife of his brother. John the Baptist had preached against this adulterous affair. This annoyed Herod’s wife with the result that John was imprisoned.
The death of John the Baptist was the prize for the dancing daughter of the adulteress. Thus we see the value of walking carefully while living in a sinful society.
Two parallel sections 6:31 to 7:36 and 8:1 to 30
A. Jesus feeds the 5,000 (Mark 6:31-44)
This section is parallel to John 6. Jesus is the bread that comes down from heaven. Thus He is presented as the second Moses.
B. Crossing the Sea and back to land (Mark 6:45-56)
C. Conflict with the Pharisees (Mark 7:1-18)
Two quotes from Isaiah: “This people honor me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6, Isaiah 29:13).
"But in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men" (Mark 7:7, Isaiah 29:13).
D. Talk about bread (Mark 7:14-23)
This is no contaminated food. All you can eat. Jesus said, "There is nothing outside a man which by going into him can defile him, but what comes from the inside of a man is what defiles him" (Mark 7:15).
Jesus leaves the Jewish opposition territories to avoid those who seek His life. He goes north to Gentile territory.
Healing (Mark 7:24-36)
The Syro-Phoenician woman (Mark 7:24-30)
A deaf and dumb man (Mark 7:31-37)
A. Jesus Feeds the 4000 (Mark 8:1-9)
The disciples did not understand Jesus.
B. Crossing the Sea and back to land (Mark 8:10)
C. Conflict with the Pharisees (Mark 8:11-13)
D. Talk about bread (Mark 8:14-21)
E. Healing (Mark 8:22-26)
Conclusion: The confession of Peter (Mark 8:27-30)
This confession of Peter is the conclusion of the identity of Jesus. The disciples realize that Jesus is the Christ. Of course, this knowledge is a gift of God, as the other witnesses of Jesus' ministry had not noticed.
End of the first part of Mark
In the second part of Mark the tone changes completely. Jesus emphasizes much that He will die and resurrect. The disciples did not believe him. Jesus also develops the theme of them being His disciples, His followers, or Christians.
Jesus declares His intention to die (Mark 8:31-33)
Jesus' response to Peter's confession is that He is going to suffer, die and rise. Peter immediately denies that this will happen. His intent to die is repeated by Jesus three times (Mark 8:31-33, 9:30-32 and 9:32-34). Each repetition is more comprehensive than the last. From this time on Jesus turns to go to Jerusalem to die.
Jesus explains what they have to do as His disciples (Mark 8:34-9)
Jesus declares that he would die and then makes the first explanation of what it means to be His disciple. Jesus tells his disciples that they will have to follow the same path he is taking. The requirements of Jesus to be a disciple or be a Christian are: 1) Deny himself, 2) Take up your cross and, 3) Taking up your cross means that we have to offer our lives to Him, up to and including death. Whatever happens, follow Jesus. Being a disciple of Jesus is the same as being a Christian (see Matthew 28:16-20). Making disciples is the equivalent of evangelizing.
The Discipleship: Lesson 1 (Mark 8:34 to 9:22)
The episodes that follow emphasize different aspects of what it means to be a disciple. First, on the mount of transfiguration, a voice from heaven confirms that Jesus is the prophet who was to come (Deuteronomy 18:15), and the disciples must listen to him.
Note: John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah. We are not expecting another Elias (Elijah).
The second event was the expulsion of a difficult demon. The disciples could not cast out the demon. Apparently they thought it was by using their own power, not realizing that it was only the power of God. "Trusting in the power of God in the sense that we imagine or have this power in our control as our provision is the same as unbelief: for this is to rely on ourselves instead of trusting God." (CEB Cranfield, Mark, Cambridge)
The second announcement of the death of Jesus and its lesson for the disciples (Mark 9:30 to 10:31)
Jesus foretells his death and the disciples begin discussing their place in the kingdom of God. They had not the slightest idea what Jesus was talking about. He then explains that being a servant is more important than being the boss.
We must not prevent others from preaching the gospel. We should not cause anyone to fall into sin.
Being servants is the opposite of the rich young man who thought himself so good but had no humility and loved this world’s goods more than Jesus.
Third announcement of the death of Jesus and its lessons for the disciples (Mark 10:32-45)
Each of these three announcements introduces wide changes and more details of the death of Jesus. The signs indicate that Jesus knew what was going to happen when he got to Jerusalem.
After the third announcement the disciples were arguing about their place in the Kingdom. Jesus indicates their importance in the kingdom was not in service and authority but in service and sacrifice.
"But among you it is not so; any of you who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first shall be the servant of all” (Mark 10:43-44).
At the end of the answer to the disciples about their importance, Jesus clarifies His mission.
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
This clarification of the book of Mark is that Jesus' mission is to die for the sins of men (Mark 10:44-45 see Isaiah 53). This is like going to serve men. The disciples must follow Jesus and become servants of others. This is the pattern for His disciples.
Jesus is going to Jerusalem to die. He knew it would happen.
Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52)
Bartimaeus is contrasted with the rich young man. Examine the text for all contrasts. Bartimaeus, who could not see, is healed by Jesus and accompanies Him to Jerusalem.
The triumphal entry (Mark 11:1-11)
Jesus acts the role of Messianic conqueror who comes in peace (on a donkey). When Jesus asks for a colt, He is fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9-10:
“Rejoice
greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, lowly, and riding on a
donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Destroy the chariot from Ephraim and the horse
from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be destroyed.
He will speak peace to the nations, and His dominion shall be from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.”
People respond singing Psalm 118:25-26, “We pray, O Lord, save us now (Hosanna), we pray, O Lord. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.” We should note that all of Psalm 118 is Messianic.
The barren fig tree (Mark 11:12-14 and 11:20-26)
Jesus is hungry and goes to a fig tree that has no fruit. He curses the tree. This is a symbolic action whereby the fig tree represents Israel (Jeremiah 8:13; 29:15-20, Hosea 9:10; Joel 1:7, Micah 7:1-7). This means that Jesus has pronounced a curse on Israel by saying, "May no man eat fruit of thee ever again." (Mark 11:14)
On the way to Jerusalem the next day, they saw the fig tree withered at its roots. Jesus tells his disciples that their prayers may have the same power as His. But they must forgive people their sins against them so that God may forgive the disciple’s sins. This indicates that the incident with the fig tree is also talking about people.
Jesus in the Temple (Mark 11:15-19)
After the incident of the fig tree, Jesus goes to the temple to find that the money changers are hard at work buying and selling. This provokes the wrath of Jesus. He shows his anger at the situation by overturning their tables and driving men and animals from the temple courts.
”Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations (Isaiah 56:7)? But you have made it a den of thieves’” (Jeremiah 7:11).
Jesus is leaving the temple as a house of God: “See! Your house is left to you desolate (Luke 13:35). In Isaiah the purpose of the temple was to be a place where all nations could come to worship God. This function was impossible before the cross. Jesus paved the way (temple) for all nations to come to God.
People respond singing Psalm 118:25-26, “We pray, O Lord, save us now (Hosanna), we pray, O Lord. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.” We should note that all of Psalm 118 is Messianic.
The barren fig tree (Mark 11:12-14 and 11:20-26)
Jesus is hungry and goes to a fig tree that has no fruit. He curses the tree. This is a symbolic action whereby the fig tree represents Israel (Jeremiah 8:13; 29:15-20, Hosea 9:10; Joel 1:7, Micah 7:1-7). This means that Jesus has pronounced a curse on Israel by saying, "May no man eat fruit of thee ever again." (Mark 11:14)
On the way to Jerusalem the next day, they saw the fig tree withered at its roots. Jesus tells his disciples that their prayers may have the same power as His. But they must forgive people their sins against them so that God may forgive the disciple’s sins. This indicates that the incident with the fig tree is also talking about people.
Jesus in the Temple (Mark 11:15-19)
After the incident of the fig tree, Jesus goes to the temple to find that the money changers are hard at work buying and selling. This provokes the wrath of Jesus. He shows his anger at the situation by overturning their tables and driving men and animals from the temple courts.
”Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations (Isaiah 56:7)? But you have made it a den of thieves’” (Jeremiah 7:11).
Jesus is leaving the temple as a house of God: “See! Your house is left to you desolate (Luke 13:35). In Isaiah the purpose of the temple was to be a place where all nations could come to worship God. This function was impossible before the cross. Jesus paved the way (temple) for all nations to come to God.
They doubt the authority of Jesus (Mark 11:27-33)
"By what authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do these things?" (Mark 11:28). Jesus responds with a question about whether John the Baptist was from God or not. The religious rulers could not answer Jesus’ question regarding John so neither does He answer them.
Jesus discloses the intention of killing him (Mark 12:1-12)
By telling the parable of Isaiah 5:1-7, Jesus reveals the intentions of the authorities to kill Him. When Jesus exposed their intentions, they seek to arrest Him.
Three attacks on Jesus (Mark 12:13-34)
The political attack: I have to pay taxes?
Religious attack: In the resurrection with whom will I be married?
The legal attack: What is the greatest commandment?
Three attacks on Jesus by the Jewish authorities (Mark 12:35-44)
How is the Lord the Son of David?
Who serves the scribes?
Who gives (love) to God; the widow who gives two coins or the rich men who give much of what they have left?
Discourse on the Destruction of the Temple (Mark 13:1-37)
Jesus proclaims the destruction of the temple. This announcement led to the question, when will these things be? The rest of the chapter is a discourse that answers this question. It is very easy to jump from the original context and make the question refer to the end of the world. But this was not the question. Jesus Himself answers the question by saying, "This generation shall not pass till all these things happen" (see Mark 13:30 Acts 1:6). Also Mark 13:26 says Jesus will come in the clouds with great power and glory, Acts 1:9-11:
"A cloud received Him and He was hidden from their eyes. As Jesus ascended, while they looked steadfastly toward heaven, there appeared two men in white robes who said, "Men of Galilee, why are looking at the sky? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:9-11).
"By what authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do these things?" (Mark 11:28). Jesus responds with a question about whether John the Baptist was from God or not. The religious rulers could not answer Jesus’ question regarding John so neither does He answer them.
Jesus discloses the intention of killing him (Mark 12:1-12)
By telling the parable of Isaiah 5:1-7, Jesus reveals the intentions of the authorities to kill Him. When Jesus exposed their intentions, they seek to arrest Him.
Three attacks on Jesus (Mark 12:13-34)
The political attack: I have to pay taxes?
Religious attack: In the resurrection with whom will I be married?
The legal attack: What is the greatest commandment?
Three attacks on Jesus by the Jewish authorities (Mark 12:35-44)
How is the Lord the Son of David?
Who serves the scribes?
Who gives (love) to God; the widow who gives two coins or the rich men who give much of what they have left?
Discourse on the Destruction of the Temple (Mark 13:1-37)
Jesus proclaims the destruction of the temple. This announcement led to the question, when will these things be? The rest of the chapter is a discourse that answers this question. It is very easy to jump from the original context and make the question refer to the end of the world. But this was not the question. Jesus Himself answers the question by saying, "This generation shall not pass till all these things happen" (see Mark 13:30 Acts 1:6). Also Mark 13:26 says Jesus will come in the clouds with great power and glory, Acts 1:9-11:
"A cloud received Him and He was hidden from their eyes. As Jesus ascended, while they looked steadfastly toward heaven, there appeared two men in white robes who said, "Men of Galilee, why are looking at the sky? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:9-11).
The passion of Jesus (Mark 14-16) Mark emphasizes the historical fact of death and resurrection. The other world religions are not based on historical facts. Paul makes the point: "If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised, and if Christ has not risen, your faith is vain and you are still in your sins. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (1 Cor. 15:12-19).
Preparations for the Passover (Mark 14:1-42) The first preparation is the plot to kill Jesus. The enemies of Jesus considered His impossible situation. They did not want the people to turn against them. Jesus is anointed in preparation for his death. Some complained about the waste of money in this act, but Jesus says this, "... she has anointed my body for burial" (Mark 14:8). Judas betrays Jesus. When the Jewish authorities heard that a disciple would betray Jesus, they offered him money. Jesus prepares his disciples for the Passover. Instructions were given to celebrate Easter. Jesus identifies the traitor as nobody knew who was going to betray them to the authorities. Jesus also indicates that it would be better if this man had not been born. Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper. Taking the words of Jeremiah, Jesus says this is, "My blood of the New Covenant", (Jeremiah 31:30-37) indicating that a new relationship was established between God and man. His blood is shed for "many" (Mark 14:24). Jesus goes to Gethsemane to surrender to authorities. His words indicate that he knew that his death was next.
Arrest of Jesus (Mark 14:43-14:72) Jesus
asks why he was treated like a thief when he has been in the Temple teaching
every day. It could be that the author of this gospel was present at the
arrest. It mentions that there is a young unnamed man who flees the scene
without clothes. Interestingly there is a prophecy which indicates that this
would happen (Amos 2.16).
Trial of Jesus The story of the Gospels always makes it clear that Jesus
was falsely accused. The witnesses were false. The first is a preliminary trial
before the Jewish authorities. They sought to make their case first, then take
Jesus to the Roman authorities. The Jews had limited authority which did not
include the right to capital punishment. Pilate put the question to the people;
Jesus, or Barrabas? They chose a murderer, Barrabas, instead of Jesus. Soldiers
mock Jesus.
The crucifixion and burial of Jesus (Mark 14:22-41) Jesus' death
describes the incredible brutality of the event. Crucifixion is one of the most painful ways
to die. One purpose of the story is to
show that Jesus died. Jesús had to day for there to be a resurrección.
Resurrection (Mark 16:1-8)
Bibliography
- David Alan Black, Why Four Gospels?, Kregel, 2001.
- CEB Cranfield, Mark, Cambridge.
- Frank Thielman, Theology of the New Testament, Life.
Walter Wessel, Gospel of Mark, Life.
"Marcos" in DA Carson, et. al., New Bible Commentary XXI Century, www.e-sword.net.
