Gospel According to Mark

Mark’s gospel was probably written quite early, perhaps between ad 60 and 70,[1]

· No definitive internal evidence exists. The title “according to Mark” (Kata Markon) was added later by a scribe some time before a.d. 125.[2]

· External evidence is strongest from: Papias, 110-140 A.D.; Irenaeus, app. 185 A.D.; Origen, says Mark composed his Gospel “as Peter guided”; Justin Martyr, app. 150 A.D.—called Mark’s Gospel “the memoirs of Peter.” [Survey from Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 ed. Public Domain]

· The earliest known statement of this comes from Papias (ca. a.d. 110), who quoted the testimony of John the elder, probably an alternate designation for the Apostle John. [3]

· Peter seems to be Mark’s main source.

· Some believe Mark was written first and Matthew and Luke borrowed from it.

1. To make the good news accessible to Gentiles.

2. To encourage those facing persecution.

3. To defend the faith.

4. To explain the significance of the cross.

[1] Cole, R. A. (1994). Mark. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 946). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.

[2] Grassmick, J. D. (1985). Mark. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 95). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

[3] Grassmick, J. D. (1985). Mark. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 95). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

[4] Cole, R. A. (1994). Mark. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 947). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.

A. The witnesses of the Old Testament (): Mark begins his account by quoting from two Old Testament prophets.

Mark 1:1–3 ESV

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ ”

1. Malachi, who spoke of God’s messenger () (1:1–2): The messenger is John the Baptist.

2. Isaiah, who spoke of God’s message () (): The message is, “Prepare a pathway for the Lord’s coming!”

Mark 1:1–13 ESV

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ ” 4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” 12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

Mark 1:1–13 ESV

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ ” 4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” 12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

Mark 1:1–13 ESV

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ ” 4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” 12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

B. The work of the Baptist (1:4–11)

1. Malachi, who spoke of God’s messenger (Mal. 3:1) (1:1–2): The messenger is John the Baptist.

1. John baptizes the Jewish multitudes (1:4–8): People confess their sins and are baptized.

Malachi 3:1 ESV

1 “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.

Mark 1:1–2 ESV

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way,

2. Isaiah, who spoke of God’s message (Isa. 40:3) (Mark 1:3): The message is, “Prepare a pathway for the Lord’s coming!”

2. John baptizes the Jewish Messiah (1:9–11): The Holy Spirit lights on Jesus, and there is a voice from heaven, announcing God’s pleasure with him.

B. The work of the Baptist (1:4–11)

C. The wrath of the Devil (1:12–13): Jesus is tempted by Satan for forty days.

1. John baptizes the Jewish multitudes (1:4–8): People confess their sins and are baptized.

Mark 1:14–45 ESV

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” 16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. 21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. 29 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. 32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. 35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. 40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.

Mark 1:4–8 ESV

4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

2. John baptizes the Jewish Messiah (1:9–11): The Holy Spirit lights on Jesus, and there is a voice from heaven, announcing God’s pleasure with him.

What does the word gospel mean, :1?

C. The wrath of the Devil (1:12–13): Jesus is tempted by Satan for forty days.[1]

What does Jesus Christ’s names mean, :1?

What is a prophet, :2?

Mark describes Jesus "way of the Lord” as journey, :3. This way led to what? How is this similar to how a Christian begins his journey with Jesus?

How is John’s baptism different from Christ’s, :4?

What did John baptize with, :8?

Where is Jesus from, :9? How old is Jesus, ?

Was this baptism a sprinkling, pouring, or immersion, :10?

What do you think this is a parallel with, :13?

Mark 1:12–13 ESV

12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

Mark 1:14–20 ESV

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” 16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

How long before the Kingdom would start, :15?

What two actions are necessary, :15?

Do you see any similarity with this and ?

How complete is our answer to Jesus call, :18?

Mark 1:21–22 ESV

21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.

How was Jesus’ teaching different from the experts in the law of Moses, :22?

Mark 1:23–28 ESV

23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

Why is believing in Jesus not enough to save, :24?

Mark 1:29–39 ESV

29 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. 32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. 35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Why wait till sundown, :32?

Why prevent the devil from identifying Jesus, (; )?

Mark 1:40–45 ESV

40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.

Can kindness lead to persecution? Have you seen a triangle of rescuing , persecution, and victimization?

B. The preaching of the Savior (1:14–15, 38–39)

1. What he preaches (1:14–15): He preaches the Good News that the Kingdom of God is near.

2. Where he preaches (1:38–39): He travels throughout all Galilee.

C. The praying of the Savior (1:35–37): Jesus goes out into the wilderness early one morning to pray.

D. The power of the Savior (1:21–34, 40–45): Jesus heals many sick and demon-possessed people.

1. Individual healings (1:21–31, 40–45)

a. A demon-possessed man (1:21–28)

(1) The torment of the man (1:21–23): He is possessed by an evil spirit.

(2) The acknowledgment by the demon (1:24): The evil spirit immediately recognizes Jesus as the Son of God!

(3) The commandment of the Lord (1:25–26): He orders the demon to leave the man, and it does.

(4) The amazement of the crowd (1:27–28): They are overcome by the power and message of Jesus!

b. Peter’s mother-in-law (1:29–31)

(1) The suffering woman (1:29–30): She is in bed with a high fever.

(2) The serving woman (1:31): Jesus heals her, and immediately she begins to wait upon him and the disciples.

c. A man with leprosy (1:40–45)

(1) The tears (1:40): The leper falls to his knees, begging Jesus to heal him.

(2) The touch (1:41–42): Filled with compassion, Jesus reaches out and restores him.

(3) The testimony (1:43–45)

(a) What Jesus tells the man not to do (1:43–44): “Don’t talk to anyone.”

(b) What the man does (1:45): He tells everybody what has happened to him!

2. Corporate healings (1:32–34): Multitudes now flock to Jesus for healing and deliverance.[2]

[1] Willmington, H. L. (1999). The Outline Bible (Mk 1:1–13). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Willmington, H. L. (1999). The Outline Bible (Mk 1:14–34). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

Gospel According to Mark

Introduction

Outline* and Timeline

Date

Authorship

Purpose[4]

How does a Ministering Gospel start?

The Lesson

How does a Ministering Gospel start?

What does a Ministering Gospel consist of?

Questions

What does a Ministering Gospel consist of?

Proclaiming the gospel -

Questions

Teaching the truth -

Questions

Casting out demons -

Questions

Healing the sick -

Questions

Cleansing the leper -

Questions