Each of the four Gospels opens in a distinct way that provides direction for readers as the Gospel begins its story of Jesus. Mark begins with a straightforward announcement that opens the story and at the same time declares one of the Gospel’s central themes, “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). Mark informs the reader right from the start that the story of Jesus will be the story of good news (“gospel”). Mark moves
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