Overview: Gospel of Mark

Gospel of Mark: Kingdom Invasion

Week #1: Overview

VIDEO INTRODUCTION

ASSIGNMENT

his week, your assignment is to read the entire Gospel of Mark in one sitting (or no more than two or three). In Jesus’ first recorded discourse, he says:  “The time has come.  The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news.” The kingdom of God is central to Jesus’ message, and yet today it is a phrase we seldom use and many of us would probably have a hard time defining the term.

• How would you define the kingdom of God? Kingdoms generally require a king and a realm (a place or people to rule over). How does this apply to the kingdom of God?

• Do you think this kingdom is present, here and now, or something in the future?  Is it both? Do you have any thoughts?

If you have a hard time answering these first two questions, it’s OK. You are not alone. The rest of our study questions will generally be easier than trying to define a sweeping term like “the kingdom of God.” 

As you read the Gospel of Mark in large chunks this week:

Ø      Try to see how the kingdom of God is described and played out.

Ø      Look for other major themes.

Ø      Try to catch the flow of the story and record impressions you have.

• What stood out to you from reading the entire Gospel of Mark this week?

BLOGGING

The following questions will be posted on-line for comments:

• Do you have any idea what the kingdom of God is, or at least, some of its characteristics. Share your thoughts here . . . .

• What stood out to you from reading the entire Gospel of Mark this week?