MARK RECORDS IN RAPID SUCCESSION SPECIFIC EVENTS FROM THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST IN ORDER TO PRESENT THE GOSPEL TO A ROMAN AUDIENCE, PROVING THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, AND TO PROVIDE A PATTERN OF DISCIPLESHIP THROUGH THE MODEL OF A SERVANT, CLIMAXING IN HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION.
I. MARK RECORDS THE MINISTRY OF JESUS TO THE MULTITUDES IN ORDER TO SHOW THE PRESENTATION OF THE MESSIAH AND HIS REJECTION BY ISRAEL (1:1-8:26).
A. Mark began his gospel with the preparation and initial preaching of Jesus in order to introduce the relationship Jesus has between His kingdom and the redemption of the world (1:1-20).
1. Mark presents John the Baptist as the forerunner of Jesus, by John baptizing Him and fulfilling the prophecies found in Mal. 3:1 and Isa. 40:3. (1:1-11) showing that Jesus is the one who has come to redeem the world.
2. Mark presents a spiritual battle taking place which includes Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Satan, wild beasts and angels (1:12-13) in order to show that Jesus’ kingdom will be victorious even in the spiritual realm.
3. Mark presents the beginning of Jesus preaching ministry and the call of the first disciples (1:14-20) showing that Jesus is setting up a new community with called people.
B. Mark records a series of miracles which Jesus performed in order to authenticate the message of the Messiah and His manifestation to Israel (1:21-2:12).
1. Mark shows that Jesus has authority over unclean spirits by casting one out in a synagogue, who recognizes Jesus as the “Holy One of God” (1:21-28) in order to show that He has authority over the spiritual affairs.
2. Mark shows that Jesus has authority over physical illness by healing many people including Simon's mother-in-law (1:29-39) in order to show that He has the power to heal.
3. Mark shows that Jesus has authority over the defilement of leprosy and He maintains adherence to the Old Testament law by sending the one who was cleansed to the priest (1:40-45) in order to show that He can heal unclean persons but that He also keeps the Mosaic law.
4. Mark shows that Jesus even has authority over sin by forgiving a paralytic of his sin and provides proof of His power by also healing him physically (2:1-12) in order to show He has the power of deity as it pertains to sin.
C. Mark records the responses of Israel's leaders in contrast with those of the disciples in order that the rejection of Jesus by the nation of Israel would be recorded (2:13-8:26).
1. Mark shows the contrasting teaching of Jesus by presenting Jesus’ answers to the questions of: associating with sinners (2:15-17), fasting (2:18-22), and observance of the Sabbath (2:23-3:6) which would add to the rejection of Jesus by the nation of Israel.
2. Mark shows that great crowds would follow Jesus and that even the unclean spirits would confessions Jesus as “the Son of God” (3:7-12) which would add to the rejection of Jesus by the nation of Israel.
3. Mark shows that Jesus commissioned twelve to be leaders of His new organization which was outside the established religious institution of the time (3:13-19) which would add to the rejection of Jesus by the nation of Israel.
4. Mark shows a series of open rejection where His own people say, "He's lost His mind" (3:20-21), the scribes say, "He is possessed by Beelzebub" and "He has an unclean spirit." and Jesus seems to reject His normal family relationships (3:31-35) which would add to the rejection of Jesus by the nation of Israel.
5. Mark shows a series of parables; the soils (4:1-9), the lamp (4:21-25), the seed growing by itself (4:26-29), the mustard seed (4:30-32) which are not given for everyone to understand (4:10-12) but is only made know to a select group of people (4:13-20, 33-34) which would add to the rejection of Jesus by the nation of Israel.
6. Mark shows a series of miracles which would confirm the deity of Jesus; the stilling of the storm (4:35-41), the curing of the demoniac (5:1-20), the raising of Jairus' daughter and the woman with the issue of blood (5:21-43) all or which would confirm that Jesus is the of God which would add to the rejection of Jesus by the nation of Israel.
7. Mark shows the continuation of rejection of Jesus by; His opposition at Nazareth (6:1-13), the beheading of John the Baptist by Herod (6:14-32), the opposition from the Pharisees and Scribes and subsequent authentication (7:1-23, 8:10-21) which would add to the rejection of Jesus by the nation of Israel.
II. MARK RECORDS THE INSTRUCTIONS THAT JESUS GAVE TO THE DISCIPLES WHILE THEY WERE ON THE WAY TO JERUSALEM IN ORDER TO COMMUNICATE THE PATTERN OF DISCIPLESHIP WHICH CHRIST COMMANDED INSPITE OF EXPECTED OPPOSITION (8:27-10:52).
A. Mark records the confession of Peter in order to show that some people will realize that Jesus is the Messiah (8:27-30).
l. Mark shows that Peter confesses Jesus to be the Messiah and that Jesus confirms Peter’s confession in order that others will know that Jesus himself claims to be the Messiah (8:27-30).
B. Mark records Jesus’ announcement of His death and resurrection in order to state that Jesus knew He had a mission as the Messiah (8:31-38).
1. Mark shows that Jesus knew that He was to suffer, be crucified, and would rise from the dead in order to show that His obedience to the will of God would require sacrifice and that nothing would deter Him from His mission (8:31-33).
2. Mark shows that following Christ will be a life of sacrifice in order to set the expectations for those who will follow Him (8:34-38).
C. Mark records the transfiguration of Christ in order to bolster the faith of the disciples (9:1-13).
1. Mark shows that three of the disciples witnessed the transfiguration in order to have validity to its truth because it was witnessed by more than one person (9:1-8).
2. Mark shows that there was an understanding of a forerunner of the Christ (Elijah) and Jesus confirmed that it had already taken place in order to show that He was fulfilling Old Testament prophecy (9:9-13).
D. Mark records the healing of the demoniac son to reveal that the power of Jesus must be appropriated by faith which is displayed through prayer in order to show that a life of devotion to Christ must be maintained (9:14-29).
1. Mark shows that the disciples could not heal the demoniac son although they had cast out demons in the past in order to teach that a disciple’s relationship with Christ must be kept current (9:14-18).
2. Mark shows that Jesus could heal the demoniac boy when others could not in order to show that He is the Master and the disciples are always to remember that they are followers (9:19-29).
E. Mark records Jesus’ announcement of His death and resurrection a second time in order to emphasize that Jesus knew He had a mission as the Messiah (8:31-38).
1. Mark shows that the disciples had a lack of understanding about the death and resurrection in order to show that their understanding of Jesus would change as events transpired (9:32).
F. Mark records a set of instructions Jesus gave to His disciples in order that they would understand the principles of the Messiah and the lifestyle they were to follow as they continued to follow Him (9:33 – 10:52).
1. Mark presents Jesus’ instructions on: what it means to be great (9:33-37), who is on your side (9:38-41), the effects of sin (9:42-50), divorce (10:1-12), child-like faith (10:13-16), the problem of wealth and salvation (10:17-31), striving for places of honor (10:35-45), and the importance of perseverance and faith (10:46-52) in order that the disciples may understand the principles of following Christ.
2. Mark records Jesus’ announcement of His death and resurrection a third time to His disciples who were displaying “fear” in order to show them that He knew that He had a mission as the Messiah and it was all planed ahead of time (10:32-34).
III. MARK RECORDS THE PASSION NARRATIVE IN ORDER THAT READERS MAY UNDERSTAND THAT THE SACRIFICE OF THE SON OF GOD WAS ESSENTIAL FOR THE REDEMPTION AND SALVATION OF SINNERS (11:1-16:20).
A. Mark records Jesus entrance into Jerusalem with rejoicing and controversies in order to show that the stage for His arrest and crucifixion in Jerusalem was being set (11:1-12:44).
1. Mark records Jesus riding a colt of a donkey into Jerusalem while people are shouting praises to God in order to show that the Old Testament prophecy of Zech 9:9 is fulfilled (11:1-11).
2. Mark records several controversies that Jesus had while in Jerusalem: the cursing and withering of the fig tree (11:12-14, 20-26), cleansing of the temple (11:15-19), authority challenged (11:27-33), paying of taxes (12:13-17), Sadducees ask about the resurrection (12:18-27) and the scribes ask about the greatest commandment (12:28-34), beware the Scribes (12:38-40) and whose son is the Christ (12:35-37) in order that the stage is set for His arrest and crucifixion (11:2-12:44).
3. Mark records Jesus teaching the parable of the talents which ends with a prophecy from Psalm 118:22 about the stone which the builders rejected and then it became the chief corner stone in order to express that He was the stone which was to be rejected and yet He would be the corner stone (12:1-12).
B. Mark records the Olivet Discourse which deals with the end of the age in order that disciples will be ready for that time when it comes (13:1-37).
1. Mark records Jesus teaching on the destruction of the temple which opens up a discussion on the end of the age in order that Jesus can teach on what His disciples are to be prepared for the end of the age (13:1-4).
2. Mark records Jesus teaching on the signs of the end of the age which includes: false teachers (13:5-6), rumors of wars (13:7), earth quakes and famines (13:8), arrests – courts – floggings (13:9), betrayals (13:12), hatred (13:13) but the gospel will be preached to all nations (13:10) in order to understand what His disciples are to be prepared for in that time (13:3-13).
3. Mark records Jesus teaching on the end of the age which includes: the abomination of desolation (13:14-23), the coming of the Son of Man (13:24-27), a lesson from the fig tree (13:28-31), and a warning that no one will know the time (13:32-37) in order that those who are waiting will be watchful (13:14-37).
C. Mark records the events leading up to the arrest of Christ in order to show that Jesus still had important instructions and teachings to give to His disciples before He was arrested (14:1-42).
1. Mark shows that the fate of Jesus dying upon the cross is moving closer to its destination by: the chief priest and scribes plotting to kill Him (14:1-2), the body of Jesus anointed for burial (14:3-9), and Jesus predicts that Judas will betray Him (14:10-11) in order to show that Jesus had a predetermined goal.
2. Mark shows that the death of Christ was central to His message by instituting the Lord’s supper in order that disciples through the ages would not forget the sacrifice of Christ (14:12-25).
3. Mark shows that the hour of Christ’s crucifixion is drawing near in the fact that: Jesus predicts Peter’s denial of Him (14:26-31) and Jesus goes to the garden to pray (14:32-42) in order to show that Jesus was nearing a predetermined goal.
D. Mark records the arrest and trials of Jesus in order to show that an innocent man was delivered up as a sacrifice for the sin of the world (14:43 – 15:20).
1. Mark shows that Jesus is betrayed by Judas and when He is arrested His followers flee (14:43-52) in order to show that His predictions (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33) are coming true.
2. Mark shows that Jesus has a trial before the chief priest and the whole counsel (14:53-65) and also has a trial before Pilate (15:1-15) in order to show that His predictions (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34) are coming true (Mark 14:43 – 15:20).
3. Mark shows that Peter denies Jesus three times just as Jesus had predicted (Mark 14:26-31) in order to show the readers that Jesus was well aware of what His future (Mark 14:66-72).
E. Mark records the death and burial of Jesus in order to show that Christ suffered and died for the sin of the world (Mari 15:21-47).
1. Mark shows that Jesus endured much physical suffering and that those who crucified Him cast lots for His clothing (15:24), that He was crucified between two robbers (15:27-28), that He was mocked (15:29-32), that He felt forsaken by God (15:34), that He made one last cry and breathed His last (15:37), that the veil of the temple was torn in two (15:38) and that the centurion seeing these things made the confession saying, “Truly this man was the Son of God!" (15:39) in order to show that Jesus physically died but that miraculous events happened at His death (Mark 15:21-41).
2. Mark shows that the body of Jesus is buried in haste and laid inside a tomb was sealed with a large stone, as two women were watching, in order to confirm that Jesus had actually died and was buried (Mark 15:42-47).
F. Mark records the resurrection Jesus in order to authenticate that Jesus was indeed the Christ, the Son of God (Mark 16:1-20).
1. Mark records that the tomb is found empty and one is there to says that Jesus has arisen from the dead in order to show that His predictions (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34) are coming true (Mark 16:1-8).
2. Mark records that Jesus appears to, Mary Magdalene (16:9-11), two disciples in the country (16:12-13), and to the eleven disciples (16:14) in order to show that His predictions (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34) are coming true (Mark 16:9-14).
3. Mark records the last words of Jesus upon earth which is a commission to preach the gospel to all creation in order that the disciples will carry the message of God’s plan of salvation to the world (Mark 16:15-20).
