INTRODUCTION
(Read: Mark 1:1-13; Acts 12:12; 15:38-40; Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11)
Introduction: The gospel of Mark is thought to be the first
of the gospels to be written. It is the shortest, consisting of 16 chapters. The aim of
this book seems to be to present Jesus as the Wonder Worker, the powerful person - since
the Romans respected power. It seems to be written for the Roman people, basically. Others
have said: "Jesus The Wonderful - The special emphasis of
Mark is the Superhuman Power of Jesus, demonstrating His Deity by His Miracles. Omits most
of Jesus' Discourses. Narrates things Jesus Did rather than things Jesus Said. Seems to
have had Gentile readers in mind." (Halley's Bible Handbook, p. 418 ) "Nature
and Purpose of Mark's Gospel. This is the briefest of the four Gospel's It is a narrative
of dynamic movement and action, 'straightway' and 'immediately' being used more than 40
times. It presents Jesus acting rather than speaking. It is slanted not to the Jews as is
Matthew, but the Roman world, giving a portrait of Jesus as the powerful Son of God whose
word was law in the natural as well as the supernatural realm. The paradox is that this
strong Son of God is Servant of man, Saviour, Ransomer ( Mk. 10:45)." ( Unger's Bible Handbook, page 493
). Key word (s). In Matthew, the key word was "fulfilled,"
in Mark there seems to be two: "Straightway"
and "Immediately." Some examples:
1. "Immediately" (Mark
1:31): " And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted
her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them."
2. "Straightway" (Mark 5:42): "And straightway the damsel arose, and walked;for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were greatly astonished." Key Idea and Aim: Romans were impressed with the concept of POWER, Rom. 1:16-18: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;"
2.Let us notice passages, and the immediate context, to be impressed with the main point: Mark 10-12: "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion."
Questions:
1. How did Mark begin his biography of Jesus?
2. What does he say is "written in the prophets"
(Cf. Isa. 40:3; Mal.3:1)
3. Who, in fact were the prophets looking forward to, being guided by the Spirit of God?
4. What two things did John do, according to Mk. 1:4)?
5. How successful was John in getting the people to respond to his message of preparation
(v. 5)?
6. What was John's dress and diet/food (v.6)?
7. What was the center of John's message, according to Mk. 1:7-8)?
8. Where did Jesus come from and what was done to Him (Mk. 1:9)?
9. What happened "straightway" as Jesus
came "up out of the water"?
10. And "immediately" what happened to
Jesus, according to Mk. 1:12-13)?
