1. THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD’S SON
MARK
THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD’S SON

2. MARK: THE BOOK Shortest of the 4 Gospels
Many believe it was the first Gospel written
A Gospel for Gentiles (always explains Jewish customs & Aramaic words)
“The Gospel In a Hurry” – emphasis on action (“immediately” used times; covers period before Jesus’ public ministry in only verses)
Shows slowness of The 12 to comprehend Jesus’ significance
Emphasizes what Discipleship is – and what it isn’t

3. WHO WAS MARK? Cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10)
Accompanied Barnabas & Paul on 1st Missionary Journey, but soon left (Acts 13:13)
Paul & Barnabas parted ways over taking him on 2nd MJ (Acts 15:36-40)
Paul later had a much higher opinion of Mark (Philemon 24, Col. 4:10, 2 Tim. 4:11)
Later associated with Peter in Rome – P. calls him “my son Mark” (1 Pet. 5:13)
Early tradition says Mark wrote what Peter preached. If so, Gospel of Mk. contains first-hand testimony about Jesus

4. MARK: MAIN THEME Presents Jesus as the all-powerful “Son of God”
1:1 & 15:39 bracket the story of Jesus: “This man was the Son of God!”
More emphasis on Jesus’ miracles (power over nature, evil spirits, sickness, death) & less on His teachings than in other Gospels. Example: only 5 parables
Demonstrates what it means to follow a crucified & risen Messiah

5. LESSONS FROM MARK:
1. Jesus is God’s ____________ & is therefore absolutely _______________.
2. There is no force on earth that is equal to the _______________ of Christ.
3. Following Jesus means _________ self & taking up our own ___________.
4. Even committed followers of Jesus sometimes ________________.

6. MARK: KEY VERSE
“This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.”
Mark 9:7