Mark

What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

       The original readers were Roman Christians who were probably under the persecution of Nero. The author explains customs of the Jews making it clear that he wasn't writing to a Jewish population (7:1-4). They were under a lot of persecution if they were living under Nero and must have been incredibly discouraged and fearful of their present situation. 

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

       The author, we believe is actually Peter. Mark is believed to be Peter's translator and simply wrote what Peter wanted to be written. We know a little about Peter. He was often quick to speak and was rebuked by God more than once (9:5). His name is Simon and Jesus called him Peter (3:16). Peter was a fisherman and Jesus called him to leave his work (1:16-17). Peter's gospel is the shortest of all the others which goes well with Peter's personality. He doesn't waste much time with colorful words, but simply says what he's thinking and somethings speaks without thinking. He shows himself in a negative light which give further evidence that he is the true author. Usually other people don't write so negatively about someone else, but Peter writes these things about himself.

What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

      More than any other gospel, this gospel shows Jesus as one who suffered and who can relate to the Christians in Rome as they suffer. The author uses a form of the word suffer 8 times in the book of Mark. Above everything else Jesus came to meet the people where they're at, in their suffering, in their despair (8:31). Jesus wanted to challenge the people in their faith (9:19). The word faith appears as much as the word suffer does (8 times). Sometimes Jesus praises their faith and works miracles because of it and other times he rebukes people for not having faith.

Summary: Because Jesus suffered he is with those who suffer for his sake to encourage, strengthen and give endurance.

What is the primary reason this book is written?

      The primary reason this book is written is to bring encouragement to the church in Rome. They needed faith in their time of persecution and they needed a push to keep moving forward with the gospel though their lives were on the line. Jesus gave his life for them and so they could give their lives in return for the furtherance of the gospel.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      An incredible truth about God's character is that he came as a servant. He says that if anyone desires to be first, he must make himself last (9:35). Jesus came as a lowly baby from a poor family. He didn't wear fine clothing and exult himself by his appearance. Jesus lived out what he taught. When he said to take up your cross and follow him he was ready to take up his cross and be crucified himself. He never asked anyone to do something that he did not do first. Jesus is the ultimate example of practicing what you preach and demonstrated for us what it means to be last.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      One of my favorite parts about Jesus ministry is when he was forgiving people of their sins before he died on the cross for them (2:1-5). He didn't make a sacrifice for them at the temple, but he just said that they were forgiven. Though his plan was fulfilled on the cross it was still being worked out as he was living on the earth. Of course the redemptive plan can be seen in Jesus death on the cross and ultimately in his resurrection (16:9).

Personal Application

      Endurance is the word that has stuck out to me in Mark. Endurance to push through passed what I think I am able to do. Endurance to take on criticism, to take on mocking, to endure through tough circumstance, to endure through times of prayer when I am falling asleep, to endure in the memorization of scripture, to endure through the study of the word, to endure in the encouragement of others, to endure in loving others, to endure in all things. Because Jesus endured the cross and he endured through mockery and beatings for me.

Point of Passion (Bronx, NYC)

      Though you suffer you are not alone. Though you are weary you are not alone. Though no one cares and no one seems to want to help you are not alone. God sees and Jesus has suffered and is suffering with you. As you cry out in your darkest moment your voice doesn't fall on deaf ears. Put your faith in the one who sees even when nothing seems to be changing. God doesn't promise to make our circumstances change, but if you will put your faith in him you will change the way you view your circumstances. Give thanks to the one who paid it all for you and made a way for you to enter into an eternity of perfection with no more tears or pain. You have a hope that one day it will be gone and a hope that today God is with you and is walking next to you. He will pick you up when you fall and will be a refuge for you when you are weak.