1. The Gospel of Mark
John Oakes
February, 2015

2. Theme of Mark
Jesus: Messiah and Son of God: suffering servant and savior of mankind.

3. Theme Passage of Mark
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Q: What was Jesus’s purpose?
Q: Did his life agree with this mission statement?
Q: What is your purpose?

4. Short Outline of Mark
I Mark 1:1-13 Prologue: Preparing for Jesus’ ministry II Mark 1:14-8:26 Galilean ministry III Mark 8:27-16:8 (or 16:20) Passion and Death of Jesus Q: What impression does this give?

5. Transition Verse: Mark 8:31-38
As with Jesus, so with his disciples: As I will serve and suffer for mankind, so you will suffer and serve for mankind. Jesus’ purpose is our purpose Jesus’ lifestyle is our lifestyle

6. More Detailed Outline of Mark
I Mark 1:1-13 Preparing for Jesus’ ministry II Galilean ministry A. Mark 1:14-3:12 The Kingdom of God B. Mark 3:13-6:6 Jesus friends vs. outsiders C. Mark 6:7-8:26 Jesus’ mission III Passion and death of Jesus: A. Mark 8:27-10:45 Jesus, Servant of mankind B. Mark 10:46-13:37 The Son confronts the Jews C. Mark 14:1-15:47 Trial and death of Jesus D. Mark 16:1-8 Resurrection of Jesus

7. Author of Mark
Mark! (John Mark Mark 14:51) Scribe/assistant of Peter? Mark 14:51 Date: Late 40’s or 50’s

8. Style of Mark
Vivid, fast-paced, action-packed narrative, with an authoritative Jesus completely in control.

9. Style of Mark
1. Very simple Greek. 2. Fast-paced: Greek euthys immediately 42 times in Mark. Mark 1:10,12,18,20,21,23, 28,29, 30,42, Use of historical present Mark 1:21 Q: Are you a man/woman of action—with a mission?

10. Things To Look for in Mark
1. Authority of Jesus emphasized. Mark 1:25 2. People are amazed by Jesus. Mark 1:27 3. Attacks by Satan on Jesus and the disciples. 4. Jesus’ suffering, even before Jerusalem. 5. Outsiders becoming insiders 6. Apostles put in a relatively negative light. 7. Material about discipleship.

11. Literary Style of Mark
1. Topical rather than chronological. 2. Intercalation (sandwiching) 3. Triads (things come in 3s) 4. Use of irony

12. Literary Style of Mark 1. Topical, not chronological 2. Intercalation
Examples: 1: demons being cast out.
2:1-3:6 controversy/authority emphasized
4:1-34 kingdom parallels
2. Intercalation
Mark 3: rejected by family rejected by religious leaders rejected by family.
Mark 5: Jarius woman healed Jarius
Mark 11: fig tree Clears temple fig tree

13. If Mark’s material is not chronological, does this bring inerrancy into question?
Chicago Statement on Inerrancy: Article XIII. WE AFFIRM the propriety of using inerrancy as a theological term with reference to the complete truthfulness of Scripture. WE DENY that it is proper to evaluate Scripture according to standards of truth and error that are alien to its usage or purpose. We further deny that inerrancy is negated by Biblical phenomena such as a lack of modern technical precision, irregularities of grammar or spelling, observational descriptions of nature, the reporting of falsehoods, the use of hyperbole and round numbers, the topical arrangement of material, variant selections of material in parallel accounts, or the use of free citations.

14. Literary Style of Mark 3. Triads
3 boat scenes
3 predictions of his death
3 denials
4. Irony Situational (not verbal) Irony
Mark3:22f
Mark 15:31-32

15. I. Mark 1:1-13 Prologue
Malachi 3:1 Isaiah 40:3 My messenger will prepare the way… A voice crying in the wilderness…. Elijah/John The Kingdom is at hand…

16. Baptisms in the Jordan River

17. Malachi 3:1, 4:5 A bridge from the Old to the New Testament
The Kingdom of God is at hand…. The Messiah is here. Prophecy is fulfilled

18. Mark 1:14-3:12 The Kingdom of God
Mark 1: The call of discipleship
v. 18 at once… v. 20 without delay…
Q: What is the point?
Now that the kingdom of God has come, it is time for action. The things of the world are not important in the kingdom of God.

19. Mark 1:21-45 Jesus has great authority
Mark 1:21-24 v. 22 amazement v. 22 authority. 1:24 irony. The demons believe before the disciples. 1:25 vs 1:43 more irony. Demons obey but the man does not. Q: Message for us? 1:35-39 Even a powerful godly man of action needs to pray.

20. Mark 2:1-28 Jesus has great authority
Mark 2:1-12 Authority to forgive sins Mark 2:13-17 It doesn’t matter who you are, but whether you will answer the call. Mark 2:18-28 Authority even over the Sabbath/Law!!!!