Introduction to Mark

The Gospel of Mark abruptly opens by proclaiming the good news of Jesus the Messiah (Mark 1:1). The story depicts Jesus and the kingdom of God that He announces as advancing against both worldly powers and supernatural forces. While the disciples consistently struggle to understand His mission, Jesus proceeds unflinchingly toward the cross. Along the way, He calls those who would follow Him to take up their own crosses (8:34–38).

Background

The Gospel of Mark is attributed by early church fathers to John Mark, whose mother was a prominent member of the early church in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12). In the first century, it was not unusual for some Jews to have a Hebrew name (“John”) as well as a Greek one (“Mark”). Mark joined his cousin Barnabas and the Apostle Paul on their initial missionary journey (Acts 12:25; 13:5; Col 4:10). Somewhere along the way, he had a falling out with Paul, but they apparently reconciled in later years (Acts 15:37–40; 2 Tim 4:11; Phlm 24). Mark also is associated with the Apostle Peter’s ministry in Rome (1 Pet 5:13, where “Babylon” is generally understood to be a metaphorical reference to Rome). According to early Christian tradition, Peter told Mark all about Jesus’ earthly ministry, and Mark put these accounts in writing.

Among the four Gospels, Mark is likely the earliest. It might have been written even before Peter’s execution in Rome in the mid-60s ad. Because of Mark’s connection to Peter, the Gospel could have been addressed initially to the church in Rome. The Gospel may also have been written not long after the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in ad 70.

Structure

Mark is the shortest Gospel, and its repeated use of language such as “immediately” or “soon” gives the narrative a sense of urgent action. The fast-paced narrative is depicted in two major sections. Roughly the first half of this Gospel (Mark 1:1–8:26) details Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. The rest of the book (8:27–16:8) focuses on Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem and the events of His final week before His death: His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, actions in the temple, the Last Supper with His disciples, arrest, and death on the cross. This is followed by news of Jesus’ resurrection (16:1–8). In both major sections, Mark emphasizes God’s power, which becomes evident as the kingdom of God arrives through Jesus’ presence. At the beginning of the second half of the book, Peter proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah (the Christ)—this is the thematic center of the book and what the entire book’s message depends upon (compare 1:1).

Outline

• Jesus’ ministry in Galilee (1:1–8:26)

• Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem (8:27–10:52)

• Jesus’ actions in Jerusalem (11:1–13:37)

• The plot to kill Jesus (14:1–15:47)

• Jesus’ victory (16:1–8)

• The longer ending of Mark (16:9–20)

Themes

In Mark, the good news of God’s kingdom has come in the person of Jesus (1:15)—but this kingdom looks different from the one that most Jews were anticipating. Instead of coming as a conquering military hero, Jesus brings about the kingdom as He humbly serves others—going even to the point of dying for humanity. In light of this unexpected development, a major theme of Mark’s Gospel is the so-called “messianic secret.” During the majority of His ministry, Jesus alludes to His true identity as the Messiah, the Anointed One of Israel, all the while commanding His disciples and most people not to speak openly about His identity. Jesus also often teaches His disciples separately from the crowds. When He does address the masses, He speaks in parables (4:10–20). Only during His trial does Jesus make it clear publicly that He is the Messiah, the Savior that the Jews have been anticipating (14:61–62). Jesus seems to do this to wait for the appointed time—the right time—to tell the world of His identity.

The advancement of God’s kingdom throughout Jesus’ ministry leads Him to clash with political and religious authorities who do not recognize what God is doing (4:11–12). This opposition leads to Jesus’ crucifixion—but He is victorious through His resurrection (ch. 16).

Jesus teaches that the only way to follow Him involves self-sacrifice (8:34–38). In order to live as members of the kingdom of God, we must humble ourselves, just as He did (10:42–45). Since this way of living is such a stark reversal of most people’s values, Jesus’ disciples have a hard time grasping it—just as we often do (8:17–21). But the way of the cross is the way of the kingdom of God, and it is open to those willing to listen to Jesus.

Further Reading

Women in Mark’s Gospel

Mark, Gospel of CLBD

John Mark CLBD