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The Gospel of Mark
- Written by John Mark, an early disciple from Jerusalem and companion of Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey.
- Close to Apostle Peter, and believed to have written the gospel as preached by Peter at Rome.
- Theme-Man�s Servant-Savior. Twofold purpose of Christ-on one hand, service; on the other, salvation. Compassion for mankind the unifying factor.
- Abundant examples of Christ�s works and service and 18 recorded miracles.
- Purpose-to interpret the significance of Christ�s works to the Roman audience. He uses Latin terms and explains Jewish customs unfamiliar to Romans.
Overview of Mark
- Jesus� baptism and temptation
- Jesus� ministry in Galiee-
- Selection of disciples
- Healing of paralytic man-uses this as a demonstration of his authority to forgive sins, an authority that makes him equal with God.
- Early reaction to Jesus sets in among Pharisees that would eventually lead to his death.
- Accounts of more miracles and teaching, while opposition continues to grow.
- Jesus� ministry in Judea and Jerusalem
- Disciples mistakenly interpret his advance to Jerusalem as a prelude to his earthly glory, even though he has spoken of his coming death.
- Jesus corrects their ideas and ambitions and points to himself as a model of servant-leadership.
- Though he enters Jerusalem like a king, he would shortly die as a criminal.
- Jesus� death and resurrection
- Betrayal leads to arrest, trials and crucifixion
- Sunday after crucifixion found tomb empty and Jesus risen.
Important highlights
Mark records two statements by Christ that claimed his deity: Authority to forgive sins and Lord of the Sabbath. He also manifested foreknowledge of his death and resurrection.
Jesus described his death as a ransom in place of many. Came to be known as substitutionary atonement-he substituted himself as the object of God�s justice so that many (those who believed in him) could be set free from the guilt and power of sin.
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