An Intro: the Message of Mark's Gospel...

Mt. Rushmore is the iconic stone-faced sculpture of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln who each placed their own unique imprint on our country. In a literary sense, the four gospels are the Mt. Rushmore of the New Testament. While all four gospels share the same theme, they each reflect the background and individuality of their specific author.  

 ● The gospel of Matthew is written by a once-Jewish tax-collector. Matthew is systematic and precise as evidenced by his use of lists and the repeated phrase "that it might be fulfilled" which reflects Old Testament prophecies. 

 ● The gospel of Luke reflects Dr. Luke’s attention to detail. It is the first volume of a two-volume history set (the second volume being the book of Acts). While familiar with Jewish customs, Luke has a Greek background and so he presents Jesus as the Savior for both Jews and Gentiles.   

 ● The gospel of John is marked by it's emotion. He describes Himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." John’s gospel is hyper-focused on our Savior’s final week of life on Earth with the final seven chapters being exclusively devoted to these seven days.   

 ● The gospel of Mark does not carry the author’s name in the text; however, scholars universally agree that the author is John Mark, a disciple of Peter's and a companion on Paul's missionary journeys. It is interesting to note that John Mark's combined name represents two distinct backgrounds; John is a Jewish name while Mark is a Roman name. 

Mark is the shortest of the gospels and is a concise and fast-paced book that does not include any genealogies. This gospel was written for a Roman audience unfamiliar with Jewish customs; thus, when there are Old Testament references, he provides appropriate explanations.  Mark's intent is for every reader to know Jesus, the Son of God and the Son of Man. More specifically, Mark wants you to know the teachings of Jesus, and for you to worship,  love and faithfully follow Him!  

By reading Mark’s gospel, it is evident that he is writing to three distinct groups within the broad Roman audience, one of which are those who doubt Jesus’ identity. As we learn by reading Mark 1:1, Mark wants us to know and understand that Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, is the Son of God.  In the first two chapters, Mark reveals Jesus’ identity four ways: 1) At Jesus’ baptism when the spirit descends on him and the Father declares, “You are my beloved Son….” (Mark 1: 10-11); 2) Jesus announces God’s kingdom has come near, therefore repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:14-15); 3) What is it like when God’s kingdom arrives? This is answered after Jesus casts out a demon who is possessing a man and the people see that the kingdom of light overpowers the kingdom of darkness (Mark 1:21-27) and 4) that Jesus is the only true God who can forgive sins (Mark 2:4-7). 

Furthermore, this gospel is not just for pagans; it is also for the religious (Mark 8:27-29). By reading this entire gospel, we will see that Jesus, the Son of God begins in Mark 1, continues in Mark 8 and concludes in Mark 15:39. And, if Jesus is truly God’s Son, then you must believe His words, submit to His call and follow Him! Sadly, many people believe in the existence of Jesus and give mental assent to His teachings by choosing to live a moral life; however, they have never been born again! Friend, have you been born again? If you have not, this sermon series through the gospel of Mark is for you. Please join us for our journey through this profound gospel and continue to hear what Jesus teaches about truly following Him.  

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