Outline Of Mark’s Gospel Message
A summary of the book of Mark as recorded in ‘The Bible Brief’ Bible summary book
WHEN:
Most likely between A.D. 55-60
WHO:
Traditionally ascribed to Mark
PEOPLE & PLACES:
Jesus; The Twelve Disciples; John the Baptist; Bartimaeus; Herod; Pilate
Nazareth; Gethsemane
SOUND-BITES:
And a voice came out of the heavens: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” (Ch.1:11)
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.” (Ch.6:4)
Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them. (Ch.14:10)
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. (Ch.16:15-16)
THE MESSIANIC LINK
He is ‘The Holy One of God’ in Mark 1:24
The ‘Suffering Servant’ of Mark 10:45
The ‘Son of God’ in Mark 15:39
MARK SUMMARY:
Chapter one introduces us to John the Baptist, and the baptism of Jesus himself, then goes straight to the wilderness experience; after which Jesus returns and appoints fishermen Simon and Andrew as his first followers.
The first demon is cast out in chapter 1, followed by miraculous healings of many kinds in the subsequent chapters. Chapter 4 sees the parables of the sower and the Mustard seed, as well as Jesus taking control over the seas. In chapter 6 he feeds the five thousand and in chapter 8 the four thousand.
Mark continues by illustrating the miraculous nature of Christ’s ministry, which culminates in his betrayal by Judas (Ch.14:45), crucifixion and resurrection (Chaps.15,16). The book finishes on the ascension of Christ to the right hand of God, and the Apostles preaching the Word with signs and wonders following.
NOTES & QUOTES:
The book of Mark promotes the ‘Suffering Servant’ aspect of Jesus ministry, and he exhorts us to follow His example in that regard (Ch.10:45). This is perhaps an aspect of Jesus ministry that most of us are not too keen on – if truth be told!
The fact is however that whilst I am not into self-immolation in any way – nor is it called for – there is an argument for suffering alongside those we are trying to help, before we can truly empathise with their situation.
Jesus was not afraid to get his hands dirty, when it came to His ministry; nor was he afraid of what people said – even the religious leaders of the time. He led by example, and exhorts us to do the same.
If we desire to be ‘great’ in God’s kingdom, then we must be willing to serve in this one (Ch.10:44).
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Gospels Summaries: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John