Authorship and Date Written by John Mark Follower of St. Peter Written in early 70s Image of a Lion
The Year 70 Emperor Nero on the throne Revolt in Jerusalem Romans destroy temple All Jews kicked out of Jerusalem
Roman Military = U.S.A. Navy Seals
Mark’s Audience Intense Suffering Jewish Struggling to make sense of things Believed in higher realms (Powers)
Is It Rational to Believe in Higher Powers???
10 Dimensions Explained
Mystery of Jesus’ Identity Begins with Baptism Prophet Isaiah No background or birth Proclamation
Spiritual Identity Recognized by Evil Greek Dualism Regular humans unable to recognize Jesus
What Does it Mean to Be a Follower of Jesus?
Transfiguration Chapters 2-8, Jesus doing good Chapter 9, turning point Mountain Witness another reality outside of this earthly one See outside of time Follow Jesus Jerusalem
Suffering Servant Image Earthly powers seem to have won Jesus abandoned Where is God during all this?
Resurrection Original ending unclear Jesus’ followers scattered and scared New understanding of Mark 8:34 Mark’s Message: God is with the suffering sharing in their pain