Sunday we heard Mark on Mark. We’re beginning a series of messages on the gospel of Mark that will last us about six months or so. We learned these basic facts about the Gospel of Mark:

• It was written by Mark (hence the name), most likely the John Mark of Acts 12:12, 25; Acts 15:37-39; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:24, and 1 Pt 5:13.
• Mark was probably written in the mid-60’s (although maybe as early as the late 50’s), making it the earliest of the gospels.
• Mark can be outlined following a simple geographic progression:

1. In Galilee (1:1-8:30)
2. To Jerusalem (8:31-10:52)
3. In Jerusalem (11:1-16:8)

Beyond these basic facts, Mark explained to us the message of the gospel of Mark:

A. Jesus teaches:

1. The kingdom of God.
2. the signs of the end.
3. In such a way that people love to hear him.

B. Jesus is…

1. Son of God
2. Son of man
3. Suffering servant

C. Jesus comes to…

1. Inaugurate the kingdom of God
2. Make disciples (and enemies)
3. Die as a ransom for sinners

So why is this important? Why study the gospel of Mark? Mark (Mullery) explained with two quotes from Puritan pastor John Owen:

“Look unto the things of this world, –wives, possessions, estates, power, friends, and honour; how amiable are they! How desirable unto the thoughts of men! But he who hath obtained a view of the glory of Christ, will, in the midst of them all, say, ‘Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is non on earth that I desire besided thee,’ Ps. 73:25.” John Owen, The Glory of Christ in The Works of John Owen, Vol 1, p. 314.

“Let us get it fixed on our souls and in our minds, that this glory of Christ in the divine consititution of his person is the best, the most noble, useful, beneficial object that we can be conversant about in our thoughts, or cleave unto in our affections.” Owen, p. 312.

Categories: Monday Matters, five15 blog