Mark
Overview
The gospel of Mark is unlike the gospel of Matthew or Luke. Although it gives several parallel accounts of the same events, it is much more abbreviated and lacks the Jewish context of Matthew or the depth and detail of Luke.
Mark writes to a Roman audience. He begins without a genealogy of Jesus, quotes the Old Testament significantly less than Matthew and Luke, and includes less teaching (the sermon on the mount).
Mark was NOT a disciple, but likely an eyewitness. His inclusion as an author of one of the gospels is that of God’s grace.
Mark’s Bio:
John Mark was a young man from a prominent Jewish family. His mother was a believer that held prayer meetings at her house (Acts 12:12). He lands himself on his uncle Barnabas’ missionary team and is sent out with the apostle Paul as a helper on their journey (Acts 13). Shortly into the trip however, he abandoned the team and went back to Jerusalem.
He became known as a ‘deserter’ and split the beloved missionary team Paul and Barnabas. Paul would not take him with him so Barnabas did.
John was later ‘recovered’ in the ministry by his uncle Barnabas and was restored to Paul again, being profitable to him and the ministry.
Peter seems to have taken John Mark under his wing, calling him “Marcus my son” (1 Peter 5:13). Most believe that John received his gospel material from Peter, which gives him authoritative credentials as a biblical writer.
Mark’s gospel proves that God can restore and use people that have ‘blown it’. It is no doubt out of this heart that Mark writes of his beloved Saviour, “the Son of man came… to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
Those that have blown it the most, love Jesus the most.
MARK 1
Mark 1 starts off with rapid pace, by introducing John’s ministry (v1-9), then goes into Jesus’ baptism (v9-13), and then into Jesus calling his disciples and performing miracles (v14-45). There is obviously a lot to say about these verses, as they are significant! Verse 35 sticks out, which has Jesus up “in the morning, rising up a great while before day” (v35). This is a great example of having an early morning ‘quiet time’. Jesus’ example is to regularly retreat “into a solitary place” (v35) to pray and be with His Father. We need not be legalists about timing, but we ought to retain the heart of Christ, that even amongst the business of GOOD THINGS, we ought to have regular time with the Lord in His word. Earlier is better, before the day gets started.
MARK 2
In this chapter Jesus heals a lame man (v1-12), which was really a debate over the ‘forgiveness of sins’. Jesus claims to have that power (v10), which makes the Pharisees irate. Then Jesus has dinner with publicans and sinners (v13-20) and has a dispute over religion and keeping the law (v21-28). When asked about fasting, Jesus qualifies. He is the “bridegroom” (John 3:29-31) and while He is ‘away’ (Acts 2:33-34, 1 Pet 3:22) His disciples are to fast (v20). Also, an interesting note: Jesus had a house at this time in His ministry (v15), whereas He did not at other times (Matthew 8:20). There is a time and place for everything under the sun, even a time to be homeless in following Christ (Mark 10:28-30), though it is not likely a long-term way of life for a Christian (Prov 14:1).
MARK 3
Jesus continues to exercise His authority over sickness and the Sabbath (v1-6) and over demons (v7-12). Then He calls out the twelve disciples by name (v13-21) and commissions them to preach, heal, and cast out devils (v14-15). The Pharisees increase their attack on Jesus by calling Him “Beelzebub” (v22) and blaspheming the Holy Ghost (v29). Then Jesus states the order of ‘kingdom relationships’ – those that “do the will of God” ( v35) are exalted above the earthly and familial relations we have with each other. Jesus’ following was so large that He requested boats to speak from in verse 9, see also Matthew 8:23.
MARK 4
Just like in Matthew chapter 12 Jesus was rejected and then immediately spoke in parables in chapter 13. He does the same thing here, from Mark chapter 3 to chapter 4. This chapter begins His teaching parables, starting with the sower (v2-20), the candle (v21-25), the growing seed (v26-29), and the mustard seed (v30-34). He then expounds those parables to His disciples in private (v34). Parables were a way for Jesus to teach truth to those that want it but to confound His critics. Finally the chapter concludes with Jesus exercising His authority of nature (v35-41), to the great amazement of His disciples (v41). They were terrified of the storm and His response. I am thankful for the reminder that Jesus calms the storms in our lives when everything around us is swirling around and overwhelming.
MARK 5
Chapter 5 is really made up of 2 major stories, with one interjected in the second. First is Jesus healing what a friend of mine jokingly calls the ‘crazy naked graveyard guy’ (the possessed Gadarene v1-20). So much to learn from that story about demonic possession and the absolutely cruel and evil motives of demons – they just want to kill and destroy (v13). The next story is Jesus healing Jairus’ daughter (v21-43), which is interjected by the healing of the woman with the issue of blood (v24-34). You can see the desperation of people as they are diligently seeking Jesus with their serious life issues: sickness and death. My heart breaks for Jairus receiving the news of his daughter’s passing (v35)! He did everything He could! That’s when Jesus steps in, requiring only ‘faith’ for healing, by saying “only believe” (v36).
MARK 6
In this chapter we have Jesus rejected by His own people (v1-5), which kept Him from doing many miracles there (v5). He did NOT, however, let the rejection of His own people keep Him from accomplishing the mission, as He then departs the area and sends the 12 on their first commissioned journey to preach, heal, and cast out demons (v7). The disciples were to carry nothing with them but faith and the command to find their substance in the mission. The chapter continues with a prominent narrative of John the Baptist’s death (v14-29), followed by the feeding of the 5,000 (v30-44), Jesus walking on water (v45-52), and healing the diseased in Gennesaret (v53-56).
MARK 7
Jesus has a huge contest with the Pharisees over the “tradition” of Judaism verses the “word of God” in verses 1 to 16. The controversy between Jesus and the Jews had to be interpreted to the disciples (v17-23). It is amazing how EASILY traditions and ‘new ways’ of doing things (like their interpretation of Corban), can usurp God’s plain truth. May God help us to be a flexible wineskins with a heart that honors Him (v6)! The chapter goes on to the healing of the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter (v24-30) and healing a deaf man that couldn’t speak (v31-37). After Jesus’ healings, the locals wisely conclude, “he doeth all things well” (v37). What a beautiful phrase that can only be said of Jesus.
MARK 8
In this chapter Jesus begins to ramp up the intensity in His ministry. He has already proven Himself to have power and authority over everything but death and yet they still seek a sign – which He condemns (v12). He now begins to instruct his disciples about the coming suffering that He will experience (v31), rebuking Peter (v33), and calling them to carry the cross (v34). When we read the verse about Peter ‘not savouring the things of God’ (v33) we should pause for introspection. The natural man does NOT value what God values. (1 Cor 2:14). Only the new man in Christ (2 Cor 5:17) can esteem the things of God higher than the things of the world (Heb 11:26). Lord help us to live a crucified life, not satisfied with the world so that we are not ashamed at your coming (v38, 1 John 2:28)!
MARK 9
Jesus continues to progressively get more-and-more serious about His ministry and kingdom. In this chapter we see the ‘transfiguration’ (v1-10), and the first mention of the word “hell” in Mark’s gospel, used 3x (v43, 45, 47). He again mentions His own death (v9-10), and continues to make faith a priority (v23). We can likely all relate to the man that said, “help thou mine unbelief” (v24). Much has been said about that phrase, but as we waiver in our own faith it gives us solace to know that the Lord remembers our frame, that we are dust (Psalm 103:14), and He helps us even when we struggle with faith in an important matter.
MARK 10
There is so much to say in this chapter! The Pharisees approach Jesus on the topic of divorce, to which He replies that there is only provision made for it because of sin (v5) – it was never a part of God’s plan, as Jesus teaches that marriage makes “one flesh” and should not be “put asunder” (v8-9). If divorce is made without biblical permission of adultery (Matt 19:9, 1 Cor 7:10-11), then singleness is required thereafter (v11-12). Paul also give permission for separation as it concerns a lost spouse that wants to depart as a rejection of the faith (1 Cor 7:15).
In verses 13-15 Jesus picks up little children and blesses them, and commends them to the kingdom. Afterwards is a discourse on riches and eternal life (v17-27), to which Jesus challenges the ‘rich young ruler’ to forsake all that he had. Jesus was revealing the man’s heart to him (Prov 20:5). Anyone can be saved, and this is not a call to poverty! All things are possible with God (v27), yet it is impossible to be saved if a person is unwilling to surrender all and accept Christ’s cross (v21). Beware the “deceitfulness of riches” (Mark 4:19).
MARK 11
Mark 11 shifts the ministry of Jesus to Jerusalem, which He will no longer leave. The chapter begins with the ‘Triumphal Entry’, as the King is received into the city (v1-11). Upon arrival in Jerusalem, Jesus visits the temple on the next day and famously “overthrew the tables of the moneychangers” (v15), calling them “thieves” (v17). He had zeal for God’s sanctuary and desired it to be a “house of prayer” (v17). Jesus and the disciples then walk past the fig tree that He previously cursed (v12), and He gives a discourse on praying, stressing ‘faith’ and forgiveness (v22-26). The chapter is ended with a passage I’m fond of – the Pharisee’s inability to discern John the Baptist’s ministry (v27-33). They end with the saddest of phrases, “we cannot tell” (v33). Such is the sad end of scholarship and religion without the Spirit of God!
MARK 12
Jesus opens this chapter with a parable (v1-12) to condemn the Pharisee’s and their rejection of Him (v12). Israel was well aware that they were killing the Messiah (v7) - their plot to kill Jesus was not an accidental misunderstanding of who He was. They knew they were killing the Son of God!! Jesus is then approached with tempting questions about taxation (v13-17), marriage in heaven (v18-27), and the greatest commandment in the law (v28-34). After these, Jesus asks His own question (v35) and then gives a warning to “beware of the scribes” (v38). They knew they law but could not see it clearly because of their pride and their lust (v39-40). In contrast to them, Jesus watches a widow give “all that she had” (v44) into the “treasury” (v41) and commends her. Even though she gave little, she gave more than others out of her poverty. God is not concerned about the exterior things such as ‘amounts’ like we do. He cares more about what we do with what we have.
MARK 13
In this chapter Jesus gives a discourse on then ‘end times’, when He is asked “what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled” (v4). Chapter 13 parallels Matthew 24. It is obviously regarding the tribulation, mentioning “beginnings of sorrows” (v8) and “that tribulation “(v24). During this time there will be great unrest (v7-8), persecution (v9-13), and a new world leader ordained (v14), and a difficult life for the believing Jewish elect (v15-24). After which time, Jesus will return and rapture the ‘saved’ tribulation prominently Jewish believers (v26-27), and then will wreck the world ( Rev 19). The chapter ends with ‘watching’ for the return of Christ (v35-37), which is applicable to the church age believer for the impending rapture we look forward to (1 Cor 15:52), which will precede the events of this chapter.
MARK 14
Jesus has his disciples prepare and eat the passover meal with Him, signifying the new covenant (v12-25). He goes to the Mount of Olives to pray at Gethsemane and is betrayed there by Judas (v26-52). Then Jesus is tried before the high priest and convicted to a death sentence by His own words (v62). False accusations are not what got Jesus in trouble with the Jewish leaders, it was His own words, “Art thou the Christ… And Jesus said, I am…” (v62-63). In all of this, Jesus is still in control as He willing lays His life down. (John 10:17). This chapter ends sadly with Peter’s famous denial of Jesus (v66-72).
MARK 15
This next to final chapter of Mark includes a condensed version of Jesus’ trial before Pilate (v1-15), Jesus’ being beaten and mocked by Roman soldiers (v16-20), His crucifixion on the cross (v21-32), and His death and final words (v33-44). Finally, Jesus is buried in Joseph’s tomb, as he “craved the body of Jesus” (v43). Two ladies named Mary note where Jesus’ tomb is and intend to come back after the Sabbath is over with spices (16:1). Again in this chapter the “preparation” of the Sabbath day is mentioned (v42), adding to the timeline of the crucifixion chronology. This preparation day was likely Wednesday (Mark 15:42). See notes on Matthew 27 for timeline.
MARK 16
Ah the resurrection! The cornerstone of our faith and validation to all that we believe (1 Cor 15:14)! In this joyous chapter, Jesus reveals Himself first to a woman (v9) [out of the cultural norm], and then upbraids His disciples for not believing the witnesses about His resurrection (v14). How scary it is that the Lord can work the most significant miracles of our lives, and we can miss them right in front of our face! The disciples are then commissioned to preach the gospel to “all the world… [and] every creature” (v15), which includes an interesting set of phrases listed with it – of course baptism doesn’t save! See the absence of baptism in verses like Ephesians 1:13, 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-10, etc. Baptism is the norm, however, for believers – see the great commission in Matthew 28:19-20. While the disciples were witnessing in Jerusalem after the resurrection, the Lord was “working with them” (v20). Even though our ministry may not always look or feel fancy, as we preach and serve in the kingdom, God is working with us in the Spirit!