A Study of the Gospel of Mark

This is lesson one of the series entitled “Following Christ:  Secrets to Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark”.  This session focuses on the coming of Christ in Mark 1:1-13.

This is lesson two of the series entitled “Following Christ:  Secrets to Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark”.  This session focuses on Mark 1:21-39.  This brief section provides an excellent overview of Jesus’ two major roles of His ministry: a teacher and a miracle worker.

This is lesson three of the series entitled “Following Christ:  Secrets to Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark”.  The opening scene of chapter two is the first direct confrontation between the religious rulers and Jesus in Mark’s Gospel. The religious rulers accuse Jesus of blasphemy—a capital offense under Jewish Law. Indeed, this hostility towards Jesus’ claim of divine prerogative will escalate into a
plot to kill Jesus (see 3:6), and ultimately, it results in Jesus’ death.  Ironically, in the midst of this rejection upon the part of the scribes, Mark highlights that Jesus truly is the Christ, the Son of God. So much so, that Stein aptly notes in his commentary on this
particular passage: “The present account is one of the most important christological passages in all of Mark.” (p. 122).

This is lesson four of the series entitled “Following Christ:  Secrets to Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark”.  This session focuses on the Parable of the Sower (4:1-20).  It is not very surprising that Mark included this parable, as all four Gospels recorded the “Parable of the Sower.” The intrigue of this particular recording centers upon the “why.” Why did Mark bring the narrative to a near screeching halt in order to highlight this particular teaching? In keeping with Mark’s purpose, this study will seek to answer why Mark devoted considerable time to this theologically-rich parable.

This is lesson five of the series entitled “Following Christ:  Secrets to Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark”.  Mark departs from Jesus’ teachings to return to the various miracles. In 4:35 through 5:43, the Gospel writer will answer the question who is Jesus? The question is raised by the disciples in 4:41. The subsequent miracles will then answer this question. As Lord, Jesus has authority over nature (4:35-41), over the demonic world (5:1-20), and over disease and death (5:21-43). These three miracles comprise a set of ten individual miracles recorded between 4:35 and 8:26. This set of events verify that this Jesus truly is the Christ, the Son of God!

This is lesson six of the series entitled “Following Christ:  Secrets to Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark”.  This central section of the Gospel of Mark focuses on Jesus’ movement from his ministry in Galilee to his arrival in Jerusalem. This geographical movement carries more than a mere literal sense, as Mark utilizes this section to highlight discipleship as a journey.

This is lesson seven of the series entitled “Following Christ:  Secrets to Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark”.  This session focuses on the Transfiguration of Christ in Mark 9:2-28.  The Transfiguration is deeply embedded in the theological development of the gospels. This scene emphasizes Jesus’ identity and His glory. For Mark, “the transfiguration would provide a momentary but nonetheless significant anticipation of Jesus’ heavenly glory along with the fulness of God’s kingdom, together with God’s own legitimation of the hard words that Jesus has spoken concerning the suffering Son of Man and the character of discipleship.” (J. B. Green, “Transfiguration,” in DJB, 2nd ed., 969). The discussion following the Transfiguration and the immediate scene of the disciples’ inability to cast out a demon, further heighten the importance of the Transfiguration and the disciples’ need to know this one called Jesus.

This is lesson eight of the series entitled “Following Christ:  Secrets to Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark”.  The way to Jerusalem and the cross casts a shadow over chapter 10. Here Jesus provides a third prediction of His death, burial, and resurrection. Once again the disciples misunderstand Jesus’ mission and the kingdom of God. Contrary to their expectations, a messianic mission entailed suffering, losing one’s life resulted in gaining it, and becoming the least turned out to be the first.

This is lesson nine of the series entitled “Following Christ:  Secrets to Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark”.  This last week of Jesus’ life becomes the final confrontation. Jesus prepared His disciples for their arrival in Jerusalem. The triumphal entry, the cleansing of the Temple, and the cursing of the fig tree demonstrates that judgment looms upon Israel for rejecting her Davidic king. The basis for this inditement is that God does not seek religiosity, but faith, especially expressed in the context of believing prayer.

This is lesson ten of the series entitled “Following Christ:  Secrets to Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark”.  The focus of this study centers upon Jesus and His commitment to the Father and to His followers. His commitment is all the more amazing in light of the disciples’ lack of dedication to their Master. Even the apparent leader of the twelve, Peter, fails to fulfill his promise to stand by Jesus’ side even in the face of death.

This is lesson eleven of the series entitled “Following Christ:  Secrets to Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark”.  These two scenes are horrific as the Son of Man is handed over to His executioners. And yet, there exists an undertow that represents the purpose of God’s fulfillment on earth. Jesus’ willingness to serve as the atoning sacrifice affords Him the opportunity to be the Savior of the world.

This is lesson twelve of the series entitled “Following Christ:  Secrets to Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark”.  Theologian Gary Habermas aptly notes, “That Jesus Christ died and afterward rose from the dead is both the central doctrine of Christian theology and the major fact in a defense of its teachings.” (Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, 938). Indeed, the resurrection of Jesus is the center of the Christian faith and theology. Mark’s Gospel is no exception. Several times Mark highlighted Jesus’ prediction that He would rise from the dead (8:31; 9:9, 31; 10:34). And now . . . this has been fulfilled. “He has risen!” (16:6). He is risen, indeed!