We are embarking on a journey through Mark starting this Sunday. Each week I'll post here some background material on the chapter we are covering in worship the coming Sunday. Three of our adult Sunday school classes and our youth classes are covering this study too. Our prime resource is Mark for Everyone by N.T. (Tom Wright). Our goal here is to know Jesus through Mark.
Snapshot introduction to Mark:
1. Most Biblical scholars agree that Mark was the first Gospel recorded. It is dated between the years 64-68 AD. There are indications within Mark (13:5-23) that date it to the time of The Roman Emperor Nero's intense persecution of Christians which happened about 64 AD. The Jews revolted against Rome (their occupying authority) between 67-70. The revolt was put down and the temple in Jerusalem destroyed. In Mark Jesus emphasizes a great deal the hardship of the disciples. It would make sense given these historical occurences.
2. Most Biblical scholars agree that Mark was a source for Matthew and Luke. I encourage you to draw some of those parallels in your own study.
3. Mark does not contain the birth story of Jesus. Therefore, there is no incarnation, virgin birth here. It also does not contain the experience in the temple at age 12 recorded in other Gospels.
4. Mark begins with John the Baptist and the prophecy of Isaiah that announces the one who will prepare the way for the Messiah. John the Baptist plays a critical role here by proclaiming this "good news." He begins with baptism and the need for repentance of sin. He proclaims the good news of the forgiveness of God.
5. John the Baptist points the way to Jesus "who is more powerful than I..." John has been baptizing with water but Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit
The following is a brief outline of Chapter 1 - we will walk our way through these on Sunday August 10th -
Verses 1-8: The Proclamation of John the Baptist
Verses 9-11: The Baptism of Jesus
Verses 12-13: The Temptation of Jesus
Verses 14-20: Beginning of Jesus' ministry and calling the first disciples
Verses 21-45: Exorcisms, Healings and Preaching
I sense great urgency with the Gospel of Mark. This is a Jesus who moves and calls and heals. This is a Jesus whose power marvels and whose life changes the lives of others.
*Next week we'll break down Chapter 2 a little more specifically than I have chapter 1. I wanted first to share some background on Mark's Gospel as a whole.
*Attend Sunday school to learn more and come to worship this Sunday
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
The CREED class had a great discussion this morning. We found it interesting that Jesus asked the man He healed of leprosy to keep quiet about the miracle. (Mark 1:40-45) Everyone in our class had great input and I was wondering what everyone else thought. Thanks!
That is one of the real mysteries of Jesus. Biblical scholars call it the Messianic Secret. It happens again later in Mark. I plan to give some real attention to that in a sermon. I want spoil sermon here (hee hee) but I encourage you to do some probing around about "The Messianic Secret" in Mark.
Post a Comment