Dive In: Mark

Mark’s gospel, considered by scholars for centuries to be a “Reader’s Digest” version of Matthew (sort of a Matthew lite) , has finally begun to receive attention in its own right.

The gospel, an action-filled, picturesque telling of parts of Jesus’ life, is thought to be accurate but probably not in strict chronological order.

Mark was an assistant to Peter and traveled with him as the early church was being established. Some interesting things about the author: He belonged to one of the founding families of the Christian church, he was an eyewitness to Jesus’ death and resurrection, he experienced failure in his own discipleship (he abandoned Paul on his first missionary journey and probably fled when Jesus was arrested), and he was a companion of both Peter and Paul.

Why did Mark write his gospel? There are many suggestions: as an instruction book for new converts, to clearly establish Jesus as Messiah, to encourage persecuted Christians, to reveal Jesus’ influence by emphasizing his miracles.

Mark’s theme is simple: following Jesus. He writes an action-filled gospel, moving quickly from story to story, emphasizing Jesus’ works – including miracles – over His teachings. Jesus proved his clout through his actions in the book of Mark. Jesus is worth following through difficulty and sacrifice, Mark shows, because he has authority and power.

The gospel has much to say about the failures of Peter and the failures of the disciples. Yet the forgiveness and redemption of God’s supremacy shine through the narrative. Mark had failed Jesus more than once. He had special sensitivity to the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus, as did Peter, and included that insight in his gospel- an insight that would encourage some modern-day readers.

Who might be encouraged by reading Mark today?

Tomorrow, Luke.