The Gospel According to Mark introduction 

I will begin my study today with a brief outline. I have already done this, so I will simply give you an idea of the notes I already have.

Just a quick note: I am not a theologian.  So this is just how I see it and I'm bound to make mistakes. I do appreciate any input but also remember that I am just saying things as I see them.  

1. Vital statistics:

Author: John Mark. Barnabas' cousin. Peter was probably also involved in the writing of this Gospel. Mark was under his influence. Many believe this Gospel to be a collection of Peter's memories. 

Date written: probably anywhere between 55 and 65AD with the later dates the most likely)

Purpose:  To present the person, work and teaching of Jesus

Original audience: Roman Christians. 

Special features: 

 - probably the first Gospel of the four 

 - Records more miracles than any other Gospel and more miracles than sermons. 

 - Presents Jesus as a suffering servant who would become King

 - It's the most chronological Gospel 

- Intended to also encourage struggling,  suffering believers

2. A drama in 3 parts:

The Gospel of Mark is all about action. It reminds of the old saying: "actions speak louder than words." Jesus doesn't just say who He is, He demonstrates it throughout the Gospel. 

The following outline is based on the Bible Project's presentation of Mark.  I will be using that as a guide. I think it makes a lot of sense. There are three parts here. All of these point to a conclusion that I will hint at now and then and which I will come back to once we get to the closing summary. The exact beginning and ending in terms of chapter and verse is not the point. It's just seems to me to be the most logical point of departure. 

● The first part  (Chapter 1 - 8:1 26) is here called "In Galillee: Who is this Jesus?" All of this take place around Galilee. Jesus, His core message and His ministry are presented. It leaves the reader with no doubt about His identity. It also focuses on how different groups of people react to His arrival and His teachings. There's also a lot about the calling of the disciples and the beginning of their training. 

● Part 2 (Chapter 8:27 - 10) we will call "On the Way: What it means for Jesus to be the Messiah".  At first this still takes place around Galilee but towards the end we are heading for Jerusalem. Again, the response of the disciples and other groups is also featured.  Once it is clear to the reader/listener who Jesus is, it also becomes clear that most of the people around Him have a deep misunderstanding about what the Messiah would look like and what His mission is. Jesus challenges their way of thinking and turns their whole world upside down. He makes it clear that the Messiah has to suffer. And not only that but that faith, humility, serving, selflessness, etc are the keys to Godly success, in contrast to worldly success. The disciples,  religious leaders and general public respond either with fear, ignorance or anger. 

● Part 3 Chaper 11 - 16) can be called: " Jerusalem: How Jesus fulfills His calling as the Messianic King." Jesus arrives in Jerusalem. In this part He asserts His authority,  but still remains humble (e.g a royal entry on a donkey.) He also confronts and debates the leaders, and then the vital moments around Jesus crucifixion, resurrection and His final words to His Disciples. 

Something I think that is important to note is that it is important for us to put ourselves in the shoes of the people as they appear here. Regardless of their attitude or actions, it is important to understand their point of view, even if it is wrong. At this time, they had been occupied by Rome for a long time. It was 400 years since they had prophetic input. And yet they anticipated that a great prophet or the Messiah would come soon. It is clear thst Jesus was not who they expected.  There are some interesting ironies here. 

So that's the outline. I hope you enjoyed it. We dive into part 1 later.