In response to those who are unable to attend my weekly Bible study on the Gospel According to MARK (Sunday’s at 10 am at Hollywood United Methodist Church), I share my thoughts and notes from the previous week’s session. While I’m not a scholar, I am an enthusiast. Enjoy!
BTW – This first blog entry pieces together the first two study sessions.
Why am I so excited about delving into MARK? As a follow-up to a recent Bible study of JAMES (“the doer”), this Gospel presents Jesus as a man of action – by what he does, not necessarily by what he says. My attention is captured by more miracles and events being recorded in this Gospel than any of the others. Plus,… I’m intrigued by firsts, as in MARK being the first Gospel written – so state numerous scholars. John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, would disagree, as he believed MATTHEW to be the first. [i] Regardless, the date arrows of origin for MARK point to the mid-50s [ii], as in approximately 1,960 years ago.
Question MARK
How many verses of MARK are quoted in the other Gospels (MATTHEW, LUKE, JOHN)?
All but 31 verses. – LIFE APPLICATION BIBLE, NIV, page 1723
So who wrote MARK? Mark, the disciple of Jesus? Nope. John Mark was the author. Although he wasn’t one of the 12 disciples, he probably knew Jesus. He also accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 12:25; 13:13). Something happened along the way and John Mark returned home leaving Paul and Barnabas to continue with their work. When Barnabas invited John Mark to join them for another journey, Paul wouldn’t have it, so Barnabas and John Mark went off on their own.
Sidenote – “Barnabas”
Paul, who was known as Saul before his conversion, was a notorious persecutor of Christians. A “mercy rule” was not in his repertoire. Paul’s pursuit of anyone of the Christian faith put many on their heels – thereby limiting the word of Jesus being spread across the land. Yet when Paul met his match on the road to Damascus and had a life-changing experience (Acts 9:1-19), fear with extreme anger against Paul still ruled the day. Who could believe this man had a change of heart and belief when he had killed so many? Through the courage of Barnabas, who was willing to risk his life to meet with Paul, did the way of reconciliation open. He convinced others that their former enemy was now one of them – an ardent believer in Jesus (Acts 26, 27).
Continuing… John Mark specifically wrote to encourage the Roman Christians and also the Gentiles – to prove Jesus is the Messiah. It was a strategic move as well, since the Roman Empire was vast (an eye-widening sheer scope of territory – http://www.bible-history.com/maps/maps/map_roman-empire.html). Travel was easy, and with a common language, word could spread fast. A significant impact could be made in an empire ruled by Tiberius Caesar in which many gods were worshiped.[iii]
And now, without further adieu…
Jesus – A Man of Action
MARK 1:1-8
This Gospel begins with “Who is this going to be about?” Right to the point, the focus will be about Jesus Christ, Yeshua the Messiah -- the anointed one. John Mark wants to grab a hold of the reader and listeners immediately. “The Son of God” is the kicker in the first verse.
Since the days of the prophet Malachi (last book of the Old Testament), a 400-year wait has been on. That’s a long wait with a lot of false Messiah’s in between. What the author does for those who have such knowledge is add more fuel to the Jesus fire when he brings up one of the greatest prophets – Isaiah – who predicted a Redeemer would come to Israel, and that a messenger calling in the desert would prepare the way for him. The quote (in verses 2 and 3) though is a compilation, taken first from Malachi 3:1 and then from Isaiah 40:3. [iv] For some, mentioning the name “Malachi” might not register, but the name “Isaiah” – that had significance.
Then we skip past the story of Jesus’ birth and plunge straight-ahead into the story of John the Baptist. Why would the author do this – skipping past angels, shepherds, magi, a virgin birth, a scheming king and chase scenes? Wouldn’t that be more thrilling? With an audience made up of Romans (appealing to Gentiles too), interest would be on the herald, the messenger who prepared the way.[v] “In ancient times, a king’s envoys would travel ahead of him, making sure the roads were safe and fit to travel on, as well as announcing his arrival.” [vi] John Mark wants everyone to know John is the envoy traveling ahead of this King (Jesus) – preparing the way.
It’s important to glean some facts about John the Baptist before proceeding further.
· To start off, he was a relation of Jesus’ (Elizabeth – mother of John – and Mary – mother of Jesus – were cousins). So there’s a family connection. Coincidence?
· Why would John choose to live in the desert? Putting this question to the study group, they responded with, “Easier to avoid distractions,” “Could get your attention,” “Better to be separated from the religious leaders,” “Brought truth to the OT prophecies.” Of course, when I think “desert,” the first image that comes to mind is something along the lines of the Mojave, which is desolate. This was not however the type of desert where John’s ministry was taking place. There were people who resided in the area, and others who were drawn there by John’s message. They wanted to be inspired and lifted out of their misery – to be given hope. Paraphrasing John’s quote in verse 8, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is mightier than me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
But I’m charging ahead and need to take us back to verses 4 through 6. John the Baptist was a life-long Nazirite (Numbers 6:2-13 explains more and it’s a head-shaker). In essence, he was dedicated by separation, which makes sense as to why he would choose to break away from the religious leaders who preferred their luxurious homes and finery. John the Baptist had ministry business to conduct and wanted nothing to stand in his way.
Question MARK
John baptized Jews. Was this a new custom?
No, it’s a ritual. “Traditional Judaism recognizes immersion for purification and for conversion to the Jewish religion.” – JEWISH NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY, page 87
“In John’s ministry, baptism was a visible sign a person had decided to change his or her life, giving up a sinful and selfish way of living and turning to God. …But to baptize a Jew as a sign of repentance was a radical departure from Jewish custom.” [vii] So, John was bucking the system, baptizing at the fords near Jericho. Not only that, he took to dressing like the prophet Elijah (2 Kings 1:8); yet another example of John distancing himself from the religious authorities.
John makes it clear in verses 7 and 8 that he’s minor when compared to the one coming – someone stronger, more powerful. Important though it was, this baptism, it only began the spiritual process. Later, the person would be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit[viii] (Ruach HaKodesh). [ix] The intrigue into the story only heightens.
NEXT…
Jesus arrives on the scene; why Jesus chose to be baptized; the sky splits open and a voice is heard; and angels and demons.
[i] THE WESLEY STUDY BIBLE, NRSV – page 1207
[ii] THE MACARTHUR STUDY BIBLE, NKJV, page 1452
[iii] A compilation from LIFE APPLICATION BIBLE, NIV, page 1723
[iv] LIFE APPLICATION BIBLE, NIV, page 1725
[v] LIFE APPLICATION BIBLE, NIV, page 1725
[vi] THE MACARTHUR STUDY BIBLE, NKJV, page 1456
[vii] LIFE APPLICATION BIBLE, NIV – page 1725
[viii] LIFE APPLICATION BIBLE, NIV – page 1726
[ix] JEWISH NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY, page 87
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