2. The Story of Jesus The Good News of Mark Why Mark’s Gospel? 1. It was the earliest written of the Gospels. 2. It is the shortest and most concise of the Gospels. 3. It uses mostly the “actions” of Jesus to tell His story.

3. The Gospel of Mark: Introduction The Date: It was probably written sometime during the 50’s- although an exact date is uncertain. This would predate the other gospels by ~10 - 40 years. Though there were other N.T. books written before Mark, it was the first of the Gospels.

4. The Gospel of Mark: Introduction The Writer: The writer is not identified internally. Most everyone concedes it to be written by John Mark (see Acts 12:12 13:5). It was probably written from Rome. An earlier companion of Paul & Barnabas, he was shunned Paul (15:37-39 before being later “useful” to him, 2Tim.4:11.

5. The Gospel of Mark: Introduction The Content: It is a terse, clear, and pointed depiction of the historical narrative of Jesus. It is not a biography- no genealogy, birth details, early environment, or education. It does not dwell on the speeches of Jesus. It does present Jesus actively- the word “immediately” occurs some 40 times in 16 chapters.

6. The Gospel of Mark: Introduction The Principle Audience: was evidently Roman. -genealogy would have been useless. -condemnation of Jewish sects receive less play. -Aramaic words interpreted, 5:41 7:34 15:22. -Latin terms are used which are not used in other Gospels, 6:27 “executioner” & 12:42 (“cent”). -Only about 63 OT quotations/allusions as compared to 128 in Matt. & 90-100 in Lk. The Romans were demonstrative people- Mark allows Jesus to demonstrate who He was/is.

7. The Gospel of Mark #1 The Credentials of Jesus His Preparation: 1. His Way Prepared by John, 1:2-8 -was predicted by Mal.3:1 and Isa.40:3. -was proclaimed by John, 1:4-8. 2. Significance seen through Baptism John was specifically charged with two tasks: (1) prepare the way by preaching repentance and baptism; and (2) through baptism, identifying/proclaim- ing Jesus as the Christ, cf. John 1:29-34.

8. The Gospel of Mark #1 The Credentials of Jesus His Preparation: 1. His Temptation, 1:12-13 Note the sparse details: -immediately impelled by the Spirit to the wilderness; -there 40 days being tempted by Satan -with the wild beasts -angels ministered to Him. That’s all Mark gives his audience. But what should we learn from this? There are no specifics. Why?

9. The Gospel of Mark #1 The Credentials of Jesus His Preparation: 1. His Temptation, 1:12-13 Rather than fixating on the lack of specifics, ask yourself this question: “What is the point of the information Mark does give?” Mark uses the word “impelled” or “driveth” rather than “led” (as does Matthew). Why? It implies that this temptation was not of Jesus’ own volition or choice- it was however a necessary part of His Preparation and Credentials… Note Heb.2:14-18 & 4:14-16.

10. The Gospel of Mark #1 Conclusion: Mark has been described as a “just the facts” Gospel. However accurate that may be, there is a reason for it: his audience was Roman. So he gives only the pertinent details needed by his intended audience to achieve the goal of the gospel- knowledge of Jesus as the Son of God and Savior of the World.

11. The Gospel of Mark #1 Conclusion: Thus, only His Credentials to accomplish His goal are spelled out: His birth isn’t- apparently the audience knew all it needed in that regard. His early years aren’t- they didn’t play a significant part in the story. John’s Preparation & Baptism of Him are- they gave prophetic witness to who He was. His Temptation is- it was God’s preparation of Him to be like us in all things that He might be our Priest and Savior.