Summary It has been suggested by a number of commentators that the four gospel writers dwell on a particular aspect of Jesus' life and mission. For example, in Matthew can be seen Jesus the King. The number of parables and discourses about the Kingdom support this contention. Luke dwells on Jesus the man, and John specifically expounds Jesus as the Son of God. In Mark, Jesus is seen as the servant of God in terms suggested by Isaiah in 52:13 - 15 and 53:1 - 12. The term "Son of Man" is found fourteen times in Mark: (2:10, 28; 8:31, 38; 9:9,12,31; 10:33, 45; 13:26,34; 14:21, 62) and in at least 9 of these the clear association of the suffering servant can be seen. At the same time, there are seven occurrence of the term Son of God (or term that implies Son of God) e.g. 1:1,11; 3:11; 5:7; 9:7; 14:61; 15:39. It seems that the first and last of these set the seal for the whole of the gospel record according to Mark where in 1:1 we read "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God ". In 15:39, after Jesus crucifixion, the impressed centurion said "Truly this man was the Son of God." The two clear aspects of Jesus are demonstrated in this passage and in the record as a whole. Even the first verse itself conveys the summary of the book's message. It might be paraphrased this way: "The beginning of the good news of the kingdom of God (Matthew 9:35) preached by the one by whom God saves, the anointed, the Son of God." It is also suggested that the gospel record by Mark was the first to be written. Mark was the cousin of Barnabus and is mentioned eight times in the New Testament. His other name was John. Because there are quite a few references to the Old Testament in this record, it is suggested that perhaps it was written more for Gentiles who would, initially have less knowledge of Old Testament scriptures.

Outline 1:1 - 13 The Prologue 1:1 - 11 John the Baptist and Jesus' baptism 1:12 - 13 Jesus' temptation 1:14 - 10:52 The Ministry 1:14 - 20 The disciples called 1:21 - 3:12 In the synagogue; teaching and healing 3:13 - 35 Twelve chosen 4:1 - 34 Parables 4:35 - 5:43 Stilling the storm and other miracles 6:1 - 13 Further teaching 6:14 - 29 The death of john the Baptist 6:30 - 10:52 More teaching 11:1 - 16:20 The Crucifixion and Resurrection 11:1 - 26 Entering Jerusalem 11:27 - 13:37 Questions and answers 14:1 - 72 The approaching suffering 15:1 - 47 The trial and the crucifixion 16:1 - 20 The resurrection and ascension

Author – Mark
Time – 4 B.C. to 30 A.D.

Summary – The book of Mark describes in detail Jewish customs and is therefore thought to be aimed at a non–Jewish audience (in particular, Romans). Mark describes in very life–like terms the miracles of Jesus, and great detail is given of the crucifixion and death of Jesus. It is thought that Mark was the first of the four Gospels, probably written between 65 and 70 A.D. It is thought that the book was taken by dictation from the Apostle Peter, because some events contained in the book are unique to Peter.

Key Verse – "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many." Mark 10 v 45

Unique Features – Being originally written (as is thought) for Romans, there are very few references to the Old Testament Scriptures contained in this Gospel. Jewish words are explained (Chapter 3 v 17; 5 v 41; 7 v 11, 34; 14 v 36); and also Jewish customs (Chapter 7 v 3 to 4; 14 v 12; 15 v 42). Latin expressions are frequently used such as Legion, Centurion, etc. The Romans admired action, and this Gospel depicts the Lord as a worker.

Service Renewed – Chapter 16 v 1 to 20