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THE GOSPEL OF MARK

Introduction

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.   Inspiration has seen fit to give us four different accounts of the life of Christ:  Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

1.     Each of them is alike in that they tell of Jesus’ days of earth.

2.     Each of them is different with regard to the perspective they present.

 

B.    We want to begin a series on “The Gospel of Mark.”

1.     In this lesson, we will introduce the book.

2.     In the following lessons, we will study a chapter each week.

 

C.   John Renshaw:  “A book that is well introduced is a book that is half taught.”

 

I.           THE AUTHORSHIP OF THE BOOK

 

A.   The book itself is anonymous.  No author is specifically named.

 

B.    The earliest witness to Mark’s being the author comes from a quote of Papias, an elder of the church of Hierapolis, who lived from 60 to 130 A.D.  He wrote:

 

“Mark, having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately what-     

ever he remembered of the things said and done by the Lord, but not however in order.”

 

C.   NOTE:  It is unlikely that the early church would assign the gospel to a minor figure like John Mark unless he was the author.

 

D.   Background of John Mark.

1.     John is his Jewish name; Mark is his Roman name.

2.     The son of Mary, a Christian resident of Jerusalem (Acts 12:12).

3.     He went with Barnabas and Saul to Antioch (Acts 12:25).

4.     He accompanied Barnabas and Paul on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:5), but turned back at Perga (Acts 13:13).

5.     Because of his withdrawal, Paul refused to take John Mark on the second missionary journey.  Barnabas was not of the same opinion.  They divided and John Mark went with Barnabas (Acts 15:37-40).

6.     John Mark was with Paul on during his first imprisonment (Col. 4:10; Phile. 24).

7.     During his second imprisonment, Paul asked Timothy to bring John Mark for his was profitable to him for the ministry (II Tim. 4:11).

8.     John Mark was also with Peter when he wrote his first epistle (I Pet. 5:13).

 

II.         THE OCCASION OF THE BOOK

 

A.   Time enough had passed for the gospel to permeate the Roman Empire.

 

B.    The Jewish historian Eusebius quotes Clement as saying:  “…the request of many Romans that Mark reduce to writing the preaching of Peter” (Thiessen, 145).

 

III.       THE RECIPIENTS:  Romans

 

A.   Mark begins his book with Jesus as the Son of God (Mark 1:1), not from his connection to Abraham and David (Matt. 1:1).

 

B.    The author does not appeal to the OT, except in the case of Isaiah’s prophecy about John the Baptist (Mark 1:2).  He does note that Jesus quotes from the OT several times.

 

C.   Jewish references are explained by the author since they were unfamiliar to the Roman readers.

1.     Fasting (Mark 2:18)

2.     Washings (Mark 7:3-4)

3.     The mount of Olives being “over against the temple” (Mark 13:3)

4.     The Passover (Mark 14:12)

5.     The preparation, that is, the day of the Sabbath (Mark 15:42)

 

D.   The author uses Latin expression freely in the book:

1.     Legion (Mark 5:9)

2.     An executioner (Mark 6:27)

3.     Treasury (Mark 12:41)

4.     Praetorium (Mark 15;16)

5.     Centurion (Mark 15:39)

 

E.    The Romans were impressed with power and authority.  Thus, Jesus is shown to have power, even over the hadean realm (More information will be given in the Theme section).

F.     The Romans were also impressed with action and accomplishments.  Thus, Mark’s focus is more upon the works than the words of Jesus.

 

G.   The writer is the only one to say:  “My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer” (Mark 11:17, emp. mine,vme).

 

H.   The Romans saw themselves as the servants of Rome.  This Jesus is presented by Mark as “The Servant of God.”

 

IV.        THE DATE OF THE BOOK:  Early to mid 60s A.D.

 

V.          THE OUTLINE OF THE BOOK

 

                  i.       THE PRESENTATION OF THE SERVANT (Mark 1:1-2:12)

ii.      THE OPPOSITION TO THE SERVANT (Mark 2:13-8:26)

iii.     THE INSTRUCTION BY THE SERVANT (Mark 8:27-10:52)

iv.      THE REJECTION OF THE SERVANT (Mark 11:1-15-47)

v.      THE RESURRECTION OF THE SERVANT (Mark 16:1-20)

 

VI.        THE KEY VERSE OF THE BOOK:  Mark 10:35

 

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

 

VII.      THE THEME OF THE BOOK:  Jesus, the Perfect Servant of God

 

A.   The Picture of the Servant of God

1.     The fact that He was a servant (Mark 10:45)

2.     He was a human servant:

a.  He was fatigued and fell asleep (Mark 4:38-39).

b.  He had a physical mother and brethren (Mark 6:3).

c.  He was employed as a carpenter (Mark 6:3).

d.  He was amazed (Mark 6:6).

e.  He was disappointed (Mark 8:12).

f.   He was displeased (Mark 10:14).

g.  He was angry (Mark 11:15-17).      

h.  He was sorrowful (Mark 14:34).

i.   He possessed a physical body (Mark 15:43).

j.   He was killed (Mark 15:37).

                     3.   He was a humble servant (Mark 14:36).

 

And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me:  nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

 

4.   He was an active servant.

                           a.  About 2/3 of the verses begin with “and.”

b.  The word “straightway,” the Greek “euthos,” is found 42 times and is          translated by six English words.

                                1)  Straightway (19)

                               2)  Immediately (17)

                               3)  Forthwith (3)

                               4)  As soon as (2)

                               5)  By and by (1)

                               6)  Anon (1)

c.  Great emphasis is placed on the miracles of Jesus.  Mark tells of 19  miracles and only four parables.

d.  Twice Mark reveals that in the press of events the apostles had no time

     to eat (Mark 3:20; 6:31).

5.   He was a compassionate servant.

a.   Four times it is said that Jesus had compassion on someone (Mark 1:41;      

     5:19; 6:34; 8:2).

b.   His heart grieved over the unbelief of some (Mark 3:5)

c.   He took little children into His arms (Mark 9:36; 10:16). 

6.   He was a powerful, authoritative servant.

      a.  He taught as one having authority (Mark 1:22).

      b.  He commanded even the unclean spirits, and they obeyed Him (Mark

                                1:27). 

                        c.  The Son of man had the authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:10).

                           d.  Mighty works were wrought by his hands (Mark 6:2).

                           e.  He was resurrected from the dead (Mark 16:1-8).

                     7.   He was a teaching servant.

                           a.  Mark 1:38

 

And he said unto them, Let us go into the next town that I may preach there also, for therefore came I forth.

 

                            b.  Four parables (Mark 4)

                            c. Humility, sectarianism, and offences (Mark 9:33-50)

                            d.  Divorce, little children, riches, reward, worldly ambition (Mark 10)

                            e.  Questions (Mark 12)

                            f.  Destruction of Jerusalem (Mark 13)

                            g.  He also taught men to serve (Mark 8:34; 10:42-44).

But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.  But so shall it not be among you:  but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:  and whosoever of you will be chiefest, shall be servant of all.

 

                     8.    He was a suffering servant.

                            a.  He foretold His suffering to His disciples (Mark 8:31; 9:31-32).

                            b.  He was arrested and crucified (Mark 14-15).

 

B.    The example and teaching of this Servant of God runs contrary to the thinking in our present world.

1.     The thinking of most:  “What’s in it for me?”

2.     Evolution:  Survival of the fittest

3.     Human Potential Movement:  Seek fulfillment regardless of the cost to others

4.     Feminist movement:  serving men and children oppresses women

5.     Welfare State:  I am entitled; others work and give to me

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.   Mark is the shortest of all the gospels, but it is packed with a wealth of information.

 

B.    Watching Jesus serve provides the example for our service.

 

C.   Special studies:

1.     Mark’s gospel parallels Peter’s sermon at the household of Cornelius (Acts 10:37-43).

 

Baptism and temptation (Acts 10:37-38a)

Doing good and healing (Acts 10:38b-39a)

Crucifixion and resurrection (Acts 10:39b-40a)

Great commission (Acts 10:40b-43)

 

2.     The “Messianic Secret” (Mark 1:34, 44; 3:12; 5:43; 7:36; 8:26, 30; 9:9)

3.     The ending of Mark (Mark 16:9-20) is omitted by early manuscripts.

_______________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE GOSPEL OF MARK

Introduction

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.     Inspiration has given us four different accounts of the life of Christ:  Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

B.     We want to begin a series on “The Gospel of Mark.”

C.    John Renshaw:  “A book that is well introduced is a book that is ____________ taught.”

 

I.          THE AUTHORSHIP OF THE BOOK

 

A.     The book itself is ____________________.

B.     The earliest witness to Mark’s being the author comes from a quote of ______________, an elder of the church of Hierapolis, who lived from 60 to 130 A.D.  He wrote:  “Mark, having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately whatever he remembered of the things said and done by the Lord, but not however in order.”

C.    NOTE:  It is unlikely that the early church would assign the gospel to a _____________ figure like John Mark unless he was the author.

D.    Background of John Mark.

1.     John is his Jewish name; Mark is his ________________ name.

2.     The son of ______________, a Christian resident of Jerusalem (Acts 12:12).

3.     He went with Barnabas and Saul to Antioch (Acts 12:25).

4.     He accompanied Barnabas and Paul on the _______________ missionary journey (Acts 13:5), but turned back at __________________ (Acts 13:13).

5.     Because of his withdrawal, ________________ refused to take John Mark on the second missionary journey.  Barnabas was not of the same opinion.  They divided and John Mark went with Barnabas (Acts 15:37-40).

6.     John Mark was with Paul on during his ____________ imprisonment (Col. 4:10; Phile. 24).

7.     During his second imprisonment, Paul asked Timothy to bring John Mark for his was _____________________ to him for the ministry (II Tim. 4:11).

8.     John Mark was also with _________________ when he wrote his first epistle (I Pet. 5:13).

 

II.         THE OCCASION OF THE BOOK

 

A.     Time enough had passed for the gospel to permeate the Roman Empire.

B.     The Jewish historian Eusebius quotes Clement as saying:  “…the request of many Romans that Mark reduce to writing the preaching of _________________” (Thiessen, 145).

 

III.         THE RECIPIENTS:  ______________________

 

A.     Mark begins his book with Jesus as the _____________ of ____________ (Mark 1:1), not from his connection to Abraham and David (Matt. 1:1).

B.     The author does not appeal to the ________________, except in the case of Isaiah’s prophecy about John the Baptist (Mark 1:2).  He does note that Jesus quotes from the OT several times.

C.    ____________________ references are explained by the author since they were unfamiliar to the Roman readers. fasting (Mark 2:18); washings (Mark 7:3-4); the mount of Olives being “over against the temple” (Mark 13:3); The Passover (Mark 14:12); and the preparation, that is, the day of the Sabbath (Mark 15:42)

D.    The author uses _____________ expressions freely in the book:  Legion (Mark 5:9); executioner (Mark 6:27); treasury (Mark 12:41); Praetorium (Mark 15:16); and Centurion (Mark 15:39).

E.     The Romans were impressed with ___________ and authority.  Thus, Jesus is shown to have power, even over the hadean realm (More information will be given in the Theme section).

F.     The Romans were also impressed with ____________ and accomplishments.  Thus, Mark’s focus is more upon the _______________ than the ________________ of Jesus.

G.    The writer is the only one to say:  “My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer” (Mark 11:17, emp. mine,vme).

H.    The Romans were the servants of Rome.  Mark presents Jesus as “The ____________ of God.”

 

IV.        THE DATE OF THE BOOK:  Early to mid _____________s A.D.

 

V.         THE OUTLINE OF THE BOOK

 

                        i.          THE PRESENTATION OF THE SERVANT (Mark 1:1-2:12)

ii.         THE OPPOSITION TO THE SERVANT (Mark 2:13-8:26)

iii.         THE INSTRUCTION BY THE SERVANT (Mark 8:27-10:52)

iv.        THE REJECTION OF THE SERVANT (Mark 11:1-15-47)

v.         THE RESURRECTION OF THE SERVANT (Mark 16:1-20)

 

VI.        THE KEY VERSE OF THE BOOK:  Mark _____:_____

 

VII.       THE THEME OF THE BOOK:  Jesus, the _______________  _______________ of God

 

A.     The Picture of the Servant of God

1.     The fact that He was a servant (Mark 10:45)

2.     He was a _______________ servant:  fatigued and fell asleep (Mark 4:38-39); a physical mother and brethren (Mark 6:3); a carpenter (Mark 6:3); amazed (Mark 6:6); disappointed (Mark 8:12); displeased (Mark 10:14); angry (Mark 11:15-17); sorrowful (Mark 14:34); a physical body; (Mark 15:43); and was killed (Mark 15:37).

3.      He was a ________________ servant (Mark 14:36).

4.     He was an ____________ servant:  1) About 2/3 of the verses begin with “and;” 2) The word

“straightway,” the Greek “euthos,” is found 42 times and is translated by six English words; 3)   

Emphasis is placed on the miracles of Jesus.  Mark tells of 19  miracles and only four parables: and 4) Twice Mark reveals that in the press of events the apostles had no time to eat (Mark 3:20; 6:31).

5.     He was a ____________________ servant.  Four times it is said that Jesus had compassion on someone (Mark 1:41; 5:19; 6:34; 8:2).

6.     He was a powerful, ___________________ servant:  taught as one having authority (Mark 1:22)’    commanded even the unclean spirits, and they obeyed Him (Mark 1:27); the authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:10); mighty works wrought by his hands (Mark 6:2); and he was resurrected from the dead (Mark 16:1-8).

7.     He was a ________________ servant (Mark 1:38; 8:31; 10:42-44).

8.     He was a _______ servant:  Suffering foretold (Mark 8:31; 9:31-32); Crucifixion (Mark 14-15).

9.     He was a _______________________ servant (Mark 16).

B.     The example and teaching of this Servant is contrary to the thinking in our present world.

1.     The thinking of most:  “What’s in it for me?”

2.     Evolution:  Survival of the fittest

3.     Human Potential Movement:  Seek fulfillment regardless of the cost to others

4.     Feminist movement:  serving men and children oppresses women

5.     Welfare State:  I am entitled; others work and give to me

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.     Mark is the __________________ of all the gospels, but it is packed with a wealth of information.

B.     Watching Jesus serve provides the __________________ for our service.

C.    Special studies:  Parallel to Peter’s sermon (Acts 10:37-43); The “Messianic Secret” (Mark 1:34, 44; 3:12; 5:43; 7:36; 8:26, 30; 9:9); and the ending of Mark (Mark 16:9-20) is omitted by early manuscripts.