THE GOSPEL OF MARK
The gospel of Mark is a fast-paced and powerful record of the life of Jesus. Mark moves in his narrative from one event in the life of Jesus right to the next. He provides proof that Jesus is God's Anointed, the Messiah. Mark pushes his readers to a decision about accepting or rejecting the truth of who Jesus is.
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THE BAPTISM OF JESUS
There are a few scenes recorded in the Bible that I wish I could have been there to see. One of those scenes is the baptism of Jesus.
OUR GREATEST NEED
When Jesus had returned to Capernaum from His short Galilean ministry, word of Jesus was spreading rapidly to the point where crowds were pressing Him from all directions.
OLD AND NEW
There is a new time, a new beginning, the kingdom of God has come. It is like a couple who is newly married, there is a new life, a new beginning.
HEARING
Despite some critics and those who have questioned Him (ref. 3:7) multitudes continue to gather to Him. Again, in chapter 4, Mark brings to our attention that multitudes are still following Him.
WHO IS JESUS
Toward the end of chapter four of Mark’s gospel, we read of Jesus calming the storm. Continuing to read through chapter five, we read of several other miracles Jesus performs.
URGENCY OF THE GOSPEL
Several times, I have mentioned Mark’s gospel is an urgent gospel. Mark has a message to share about the Messiah. In chapter 6, Jesus shares this sense of urgency concerning the message of the kingdom. However, not everyone is willing to listen.
Traditions and Habits
We all have routines and traditions. It may be something as simple as brushing our teeth in the morning. Even this simple task is a tradition, a habit. In Mark 7, Jesus is questioned about traditions.
Finding Faith
As we enter chapter 7, yes, it is still about the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, but Mark is also revealing the glory of Christ. The teaching and miracles recorded through chapter 10 are accounts, in part, designed to help us understand the glory of Christ
Lessons of a Fig Tree
We all have routines and traditions. It may be something as simple as brushing our teeth in the morning. Even this simple task is a tradition, a habit. In Mark 7, Jesus is questioned about traditions.
The Vineyard
Through Mark’s gospel one of the themes introduced is the kingdom of God (ref. Mk. 1:1; 14). Part of understanding Mark’s account is understanding the good news of the kingdom: God’s rule and reign on the earth. However, as we move along in the narrative, we begin to see that Jesus’ view and understanding of God’s kingdom is not what many understood or expected God’s kingdom to be.
Questions For Jesus
The religious leaders do not provide an answer to Jesus' question. They are in a bit of a trap. If they were to say John's baptism was from heaven, then the obvious question would be, "Why then did you not believe him?" (ref. Mk. 11:31). If they were to say John's baptism was from man, not from God's authority or heaven, they feared what the people might do because they saw John as a prophet of God. So, they do not answer Jesus' question.
When Will This Happen?
The religious leaders do not provide an answer to Jesus' question. They are in a bit of a trap. If they were to say John's baptism was from heaven, then the obvious question would be, "Why then did you not believe him?" (ref. Mk. 11:31). If they were to say John's baptism was from man, not from God's authority or heaven, they feared what the people might do because they saw John as a prophet of God. So, they do not answer Jesus' question.
Anointed
In (Mk. 14), we read of another significant shift in the narrative of Mark's Gospel. From this point, Jesus will not be speaking and teaching publicly. Mark will not record any more miracles. Here is a shift to the final steps in the mission of Jesus, the mission to the cross.
Waiting
In Mark 15, the narrative of Mark’s gospel shifts to the foot of the cross. Jesus is mocked, the Messiah has been led to Golgotha, they have stripped His clothes and beat Him. Hung on the cross, after Jesus breathed His last breath, He was taken down. His body wrapped in fine linen laid in a tomb that hewed out of rock. A stone was rolled against the opening of the grave to seal it shut.