Introduction to Mark
Today’s Truth
This book is one of the first accounts of the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The earliest historical traditions available link this book to a Christian scribe named Mark, or John Mark, who was a coworker with Paul and a close partner with Peter. In fact, an ancient church historian named Papias recalls that Mark had collected all the eyewitness accounts and memories of Peter, shaping them into this account.
But Mark did not randomly throw the account together. He has very carefully designed this story of Jesus. In the first line, Mark makes his claim about who Jesus is: “The beginning of the good news about Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God” Mark 1:1. What’s interesting is that this is the only time Mark says what he thinks about Jesus. For the rest of the book, he hopes to influence you by simply putting Jesus’ actions and words in front of you and showing you how other people react to him.
The Big Idea : The suffering, crucified, and risen Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God. God’s love and upside-down Kingdom were revealed when Jesus died for the sins of the world.
Discussion Questions
- What are the key themes introduced in the opening chapter of the Gospel of Mark, and how do they set the tone for the rest of the book? What can you do to overcome this obstacle?
- What can we learn about the disciples from their immediate response to Jesus' call? How does this reflect the nature of discipleship in Mark?
- Why do you think Mark begins his Gospel with the ministry of John the Baptist rather than the birth of Jesus?
Application
The ultimate purpose and theme of Mark is to present and defend Jesus’ universal call to discipleship. Mark returns often to this theme, and as the narrative unfolds he categorizes his main audience as either followers or opponents of Jesus. Discipleship for Mark is essentially a relationship with Jesus, not merely following a certain code of conduct. Fellowship with Jesus marks the heart of the disciple’s life, and this fellowship includes trusting him, confessing him, taking note of his conduct, following his teaching, and being shaped by a relationship to him. Discipleship also means being prepared to face the kind of rejection that Jesus faced.
