Gospel of Mark

I wanted to give some history about this book before we begin, because I simply didn't know anything to tell you. I went to look through some materials I have here at home. I also used the internet to see what I might find on the writer of the Gospel of Mark. I also wanted to confirm my findings were true before I began. I really didn't know much about the writer or the historical setting of the Book of Mark at all. So what an awesome blessing for me to do some research and learn so much more about God's Word.

The Book of Mark was written by John Mark around A.D. 60. Mark (his Roman name) and John (his Jewish name) was not an eyewitness of the life of Jesus. But he is a close companion of the apostle Peter, who passed on the details of his association with Jesus to John Mark. Whereas Matthew wrote his Gospel to a Jewish audience, Mark seems to target Roman believers. He uses Latin, the language of the Romans, for certain expressions as he writes his Gospel in Greek. Mark describes time according to the Roman system, and carefully explains Jewish customs and omits the traditional Jewish genealogies as found in Matthew. Mark presents Jesus as the Suffering Servant. He focuses more on Jesus' deeds than His teachings. He demonstrates the humanity of Christ and describes His human emotions, His limitations as a human, and ultimately His physical death.

Many have asked the question, "Why four Gospels? Couldn't the story of Jesus have been given in one book rather than four?" The apostle John goes the other way and ends his Gospel with the observation that if all that Jesus had done and said had been written down, "even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written" (John 21:25). Each of the Gospel writers gives the story of Jesus from his perspective and for his particular intended audience. As a result, each Gospel contains distinctive material. Taken together, the four Gospels form a complete testimony about Jesus Christ.

Life Lessons from Mark:

Opposition to your beliefs should not keep you from continuing to carry on the work of God has called you to do.

Follow Christ's call and seek a life of self-denial and personal sacrifice.

Jesus came to serve, and you should desire to follow His example.
From the book, "The Bare Bones Bible Handbook" by Jim George.

One of the key verses from the Book of Mark is:

Mark 10:45 "In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people."


This information I found from Max Lucado in the Devotional Study Bible.

Mark's perspective comes from his association with Peter, the disciple who becomes the chief spokesman for this new religious movement. In Mark, the Lord is presented as an active, compassionate, and obedient Servant who constantly ministers to the physical and spiritual needs of others. At the same time Mark clearly shows the power and authority of this unique Servant, showing Him as no less than the Son of God.


I look forward to the days ahead reading God message through the Gospel of Mark. Jesus asked His disciples two questions in the eighth chapter, "Who do people say I am?" Then He asked them, "But who do you say I am? These are good questions for us to think about as we begin.

So let's get started...

Mama Barb