GOSPEL OF MARK - OVERVIEW
The Gospel of Mark was written before the other three gospels. However, it does not appear first in the Bible. Matthew is listed first to make the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament. John the Baptist was the transitional prophet who connects the Old Testament to the New Testament.
The Bible has four books about Jesus’ life. They are called "Gospels" which means "the good news." I like to call define them as "the good news of the saving power of Jesus Christ."
--- Remember this order in the Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
--- Remember the three synoptic gospels about Jesus' deeds: Matthew, Mark, Luke
--- Remember the gospel about the person of Jesus with seven "I am" statements: John
The Gospel of Mark is different from the other gospels.
...1. The Gospel of Mark was written first before the other gospels.
...2. Mark is the shortest gospel.
...3. Mark was written for the Gentiles, particularly the Romans.
...4. Mark has details about the mission of Jesus.
...5. Mark focuses mostly on Jesus' teachings instead of on His work.
...6. Jesus performed 20 miracles and healings in the Gospel of Mark.
...7. Jesus is portrayed more by what He does (miracles) than what He says.
...8. Mark shows how Jesus was rejected by His own people.
...9. Mark is a fast-paced gospel. The writer uses words that indicate rapid movement.
..10. Mark is that quick, fast, and in the hurry gospel. He uses such words as "immediately, quickly, straightway, suddenly, again, and then" about 42 times.
..11. Mark didn't take the time to include Jesus' birth. He starts at Jesus' baptism when He was 30 years old.
..12. Mark compares things using "like" and "as."
..13. Mark usually interrupts a larger narrative to insert a shorter story within it. (See Mark 5:21-43; 6:6-30; 11:12-25; and 14:1-11).
..14. Notice Mark uses colorful and personal details.
..15. Mark also writes in the present tense.
..16. Jesus is called the Son of God, but He refers to Himself as the Son of Man.
..17. Mark was written more to strengthen the faith of those who already believed, as opposed to trying to get people converted.
Mark's Parables
Mark records the least number of parables. There are no parables in the Gospel of John. The Gospel of Luke contains the largest total number of parables (24). The Gospel of Matthew contains 23 parables. The Gospel of Mark contains 8 parables.
What Only Mark Recorded
...1. Only place in the New Testament where Jesus is referred to as "the son of Mary."
...2. Mark is the only gospel where Jesus Himself is called a carpenter. In Matthew, He is called a carpenter's son.
....3. Only place the names of Jesus' brothers are named, and His sisters mentioned.
About Mark the Man
The writer of the book was Mark. He belonged to a family who lived in Jerusalem. Mark became a Christian and he joined the church there. Then he traveled to tell people about Jesus. Mark worked with both Paul and Peter.
|
|
