The Background to the Gospel According to Mark - Henry Knapp

Kelly frequently reminds me that I’m not nearly as funny as I think I am. Often, that’s just because I have a bad sense of humor.  What strikes me as funny rarely has that same effect on others. Sometimes, however, it’s because I say something without thinking or without having the right information.

How often have you regretting doing something or saying something after you found out some necessary background? Some key piece of information shows up; and you realize what an insensitive thing you just did. I can’t begin to tell you how often I have put my foot in my mouth; saying something to someone when, if I knew just a bit more, I would have changed what I said or kept my thoughts to myself. Knowing background information often is the difference between embarrassment or not.

This spring during worship we will be working our way through the opening chapters of the Gospel of Mark. Jesus is the crux of our worship, our salvation and our lives; so spending time studying His years of ministry will be well spent. Mark is a great place to get a picture of Jesus’ life and ministry, in part because everything happens at a fast pace there.  The stories move quickly from one to another, there is a lot of drama and a lot of interaction between Jesus and His followers.

 As we begin our study, it will be helpful to have a little background.

·         Most scholars believe that Mark was the first of the four Gospels written and was used by Matthew and Luke when they wrote their own.

·         Mark was probably written within twenty-five years of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

·         The Apostle Peter is generally believed to be the source of a lot of Mark’s information.  Mark functioned as Peter’s interpreter when Peter was traveling outside of Judea.

·         The book nicely divides in half—the first eight chapters asserting who Jesus is, the last eight focusing on what Jesus came to do.

·         While the Gospel records less of Jesus’ actual teachings than the other Gospel writers, there is a remarkable emphasis on Jesus as a teacher, identifying Him as Teacher or Rabbi numerous times.

·         According to church tradition, Mark was written in the regions of Italy, primarily for an audience that was unfamiliar with Jewish tradition.

·         About when Mark was written, the first significant Roman persecutions broke out against the Church. Many believe Mark was written to prepare his readers for suffering and even martyrdom.

 These factors, and many others, will help shape the way we understand the Gospel of Mark. Clearly, Jesus is the star of the story: a story that will clearly identify Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah of His people, the King.

 Beginning this Sunday and through the spring, we invite you to join us as we explore the Gospel of Mark together.

 1. What are the different ways “the beginning of the gospel” (Mark 1:1) might be understood?

 2. Verses 14-15 of chapter 1 will function for us in many ways as a theme verse. What is “thematic” about Jesus’ statement—“The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand”?

 3. Just scanning the section titles in the opening chapters of Mark, what characteristics of Jesus’ ministry are evident? What stands out as important to Him?

 4. Mark 8 ends with Jesus foretelling His death and resurrection. Before this the key is “Who Jesus is.” Just from the headlines, what stories are presented here that might stress that idea?

 5. After Mark 8, the story focuses on Jesus’ upcoming death and resurrection. Scanning the events which follow, which lead the reader to the cross?

 6. At the very end of Mark, chapter 16, there is some question as to the legitimacy of the final verses. Read through the chapter and try to identify what is lost or gained by the inclusion or not of the last section.

 7. The concept of Christ as King will factor significantly into our series.  Can you think of stories in the Gospels which touch upon this identification? What difference does the kingship of Jesus make in your life?