THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD’S SON MARK THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD’S SON

MARK: THE BOOK Shortest of the 4 Gospels Many believe it was the first Gospel written A Gospel for Gentiles (always explains Jewish customs & Aramaic words) “The Gospel In a Hurry” – emphasis on action (“immediately” used 42 times; covers period before Jesus’ public ministry in only 13 verses) Shows slowness of The 12 to comprehend Jesus’ significance Emphasizes what Discipleship is – and what it isn’t

WHO WAS MARK? Cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10) Accompanied Barnabas & Paul on 1st Missionary Journey, but soon left (Acts 13:13) Paul & Barnabas parted ways over taking him on 2nd MJ (Acts 15:36-40) Paul later had a much higher opinion of Mark (Philemon 24, Col. 4:10, 2 Tim. 4:11) Later associated with Peter in Rome – P. calls him “my son Mark” (1 Pet. 5:13) Early tradition says Mark wrote what Peter preached. If so, Gospel of Mk. contains first-hand testimony about Jesus

MARK: MAIN THEME Presents Jesus as the all-powerful “Son of God” 1:1 & 15:39 bracket the story of Jesus: “This man was the Son of God!” More emphasis on Jesus’ miracles (power over nature, evil spirits, sickness, death) & less on His teachings than in other Gospels. Example: only 5 parables Demonstrates what it means to follow a crucified & risen Messiah

LESSONS FROM MARK: 1. Jesus is God’s ____________ & is therefore absolutely _______________. 2. There is no force on earth that is equal to the _______________ of Christ. 3. Following Jesus means _________ self & taking up our own ___________. 4. Even committed followers of Jesus sometimes ________________.

MARK: KEY VERSE “This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.” Mark 9:7