Ralph Porter

© 2003

AUTHOR

    Tradition points to Mark.

    May have been saved through the ministry of Peter (1 Pet. 5:13).

         Tradition credits Peter as the source of his account.

    He is most noted as a companion of Paul and Barnabas who left them.

         Caused division of Paul and Barnabas -Acts 15.

         Paul later testified to his value -2 Tim. 4:11.

DATE

    The date cannot be definitely identified.

    Tradition placed it second in order.

    Most modern commentators accept Mark as the earliest gospel.

    It seems likely that it was written after Matthew, and perhaps even after Luke.

    Prophesies the fall of Jerusalem, with no reference to its fulfillment, indicating it was

         probably written before A.D. 70

BACKGROUND

    Since Matthew wrote, the gospel message has extended to the Gentile world. Those who

         have heard about Jesus are seeking a clearer understanding about Jesus' life and

         ministry.

    From the contents of the book, it appears that they are already familiar with much of the

         story.

              *    Jewish customs, genealogies, and other characteristics are ignored, either because

                    they were understood by the readers, or considered unnecessary.

              *    The readers did not understand Aramaic. Mark explains the terms.

    The intended readers were perhaps a mixed group, living outside Palestine.

PURPOSE AND THEME

    Mark's popular preaching style points to the two alternatives concerning Jesus.

    The purpose appears to be principally evangelistic.

               They must decide which side they will join.

                Neither side represents an easy solution!

                Those who oppose Jesus will be judged.

                Those who join Him will pay a price.

    The emphasis on the hatred of the opposition, and their attempt to destroy Him and those

         identified with Him, introduces the theme of persecution.

    The theme of the message centers on the Person and work of Christ.

         Jesus' words and works combine to demonstrate that He was the Messiah.

         Nevertheless His presence did not bring repentance; it brought opposition.

    The reader is faced with a choice:

         Recognize Jesus' claims and follow Him,

         Or, turn against Him, as the others did.

WHAT PRACTICAL LESSONS DOES THIS GOSPEL TEACH US FOR OUR LIVES TODAY?

What will YOU do with Jesus?                                                                                                             Ralph Porter

Ralph Porter

© 2003

AUTHOR

    Tradition points to Mark.

    May have been saved through the ministry of Peter (1 Pet. 5:13).

         Tradition credits Peter as the source of his account.

         His information corresponds to someone who had inside information regarding Peter's

              experience.

    He is most noted as a companion of Paul and Barnabas who left them.

         Caused division of Paul and Barnabas --Acts 15.

         Paul later testified to his value --2 Tim. 4:11.

DATE

    The date cannot be definitely identified.

    Tradition placed it second in order.

    Most modern commentators accept Mark as the earliest gospel.

    It seems likely that it was written after Matthew, and perhaps even after Luke.

    Prophesies the fall of Jerusalem, with no reference to its fulfillment, indicating it was

        probably written before A.D. 70

BACKGROUND

    The historical situation is about the same as that of Matthew.

    Since Matthew wrote, the gospel message has extended to the Gentile world.

    Those who have heard about Jesus are seeking a clearer understanding about Jesus' life

         and ministry.

    Mark writes to explain about Jesus and to force readers to make a decision about Him.

    From the contents of the book, it appears that they are already familiar with much of the

         story.

         *    Jewish customs, genealogies, and other characteristics are ignored, either because

                they were understood by the readers, or considered unnecessary.

         *    The readers did not understand Aramaic.

                   At least he couldn't assume that they would understand it.

                   Mark explains the terms that he felt he had to include..

    The intended readers were perhaps a mixed group, living outside Palestine.

PURPOSE AND THEME

    Mark's popular preaching style points to the two alternatives concerning Jesus.

         Summary question: 15:12

            "What shall I do to Him whom you call the King of the Jews?"

    The purpose appears to be principally evangelistic.

         They must decide which side they will join.

              The emphasis on rejection seems to indicate that the readers must make a choice!

              Neither side represents an easy solution!

                   If they identify with Jesus, they will have to pay a price.

                   Otherwise, they can reject Him and join the opposition.

                        Those who oppose Jesus will be judged.

                   Mark wants them to understand the implications of their decision.

    The emphasis on the hatred of the opposition, and their attempt to destroy Him and those

         identified with Him, introduces the theme of persecution.

    The book is an invitation to choose Christ and to follow Him, but it is also an explanation

         of the suffering which those who identify with Him face.

    Jesus' followers are exhorted to faithfulness and are comforted in their affliction.

    The theme of the message centers on the Person and work of Christ.

         Jesus' words and works combine to demonstrate that He was the Messiah.

         Nevertheless His presence did not bring repentance; it brought opposition.

              Nearly 40% of the book is devoted to the events related to His death.

              About half of the rest describes the growing opposition to Him.

            This is WAR!!!

    The reader is faced with a choice:

         Recognize Jesus' claims and follow Him,

         Or, turn against Him, as the others did.

ORGANIZATION

    Follows simple direct presentation of Christ's life.

    Introduction   1:1-13

         Links some of the key events in the preparation for His ministry with Old Testament

              prophecies concerning the presentation of Messiah.

    Description of Jesus' Ministry   1:14-13:37     (Majority)

         Follows geographical lines

              Ministry in Galilee   1:14-8:26

              Ministry on road to Jerusalem   8:27-10:52

              Ministry in Jerusalem   11-13

         In each phase of His ministry the role of the rejection is revealed.

    CLIMAX: Events related to His death   14-15

    CONCLUSION: Ultimate triumph at the resurrection   16

ARGUMENT

INTRODUCTION OF THE GOOD NEWS   1:1

    Mark begins with an introductory explanation of his message.

         He is about to share the good news about Jesus the Messiah.

         From the beginning he points to a key issue in the controversy between the Jews and

              Jesus: they never understood nor accepted the implications of teaching that Jesus is

              God's Son.

PREPARATION FOR MESSIAH'S COMING   1:2-8

         The story begins with the coming of the forerunner.

              In fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, John came to prepare the way for Jesus.

                   His reference to preparing the way for the Lord indicates that the One Who is

                        coming is Yahweh! (Is. 40:3)

              His message is centered on the need of the people to repent, so God could fulfill His

                   promise to bless them.

              That blessing was about to come, through the appearance of Messiah.

    Isaiah's prophecy   1:2-3

    John's ministry   1:4-6

    John's message   1:7-8

AUTHENTICATION OF MESSIAH'S PERSON   1:9-11

    When Jesus came to be baptized by John, His Person was confirmed by the descent of the

         Spirit and by the voice of the Father.

    The Father also confirms that He is God's Son.

TEMPTATION BY MESSIAH'S ENEMY   1:12-13

    He then went into the wilderness, where Satan tempted Him for forty days.

    When John's preparatory ministry was concluded, Jesus began His own ministry.

    The message of the book shows that Jesus clearly demonstrated that He was the Messiah

        but Israel refused to accept Him and opposed Him.

    It forces the reader to identify with one side or the other.

        You can't stay neutral about Jesus!

MINISTRY IN GALILEE   1:14-8:26

        This main point is first illustrated in His ministry in Galilee.

    Proclamation of the kingdom   1:14-15

         Jesus began by announcing that the kingdom was coming.

         God's people should prepare themselves by believing the message and turning back to

              God.

    Participation in ministry   1:16-20

         As He passed through Galilee proclaiming this message, Jesus chose those who should

              accompany Him and participate with Him in His ministry.

         Their willing acceptance of His call further confirmed His authority over men's lives.

    Demonstration of authority   1:21-2:28

              Jesus immediately begins to demonstrate His authority by His words and His works.

              The people were amazed--they had never seen anything like this before!   =>   2:12b

              As Jesus continues to demonstrate His unique authority, He begins to offend the

                   religious leaders.

         Authority in His teaching   1:21-22

              His teaching is distinctive because He taught as One having authority.

              He wasn't just an interpreter--He was the Author!

              He didn't need to appeal to tradition, nor to others.

         Authority over demons   1:23-28

              He demonstrates His authority over evil spirits by giving them orders and casting

                   them out.

         Authority over diseases and demons   1:29-34

              He heals those who are suffering from disease and demons.

         Authority in preaching   1:35-39

              His preaching also was distinctive.

              When the crowds began to seek Him, rather than stay with those following Him, He

                   moved on to proclaim His message among others who had not yet heard.

              He came to proclaim good news, NOT to draw big crowds to see a great show!

         Authority over leprosy   1:40-45

              The supernatural evidence of Jesus' authority continued as He cleansed a man with

                   leprosy.

              He ordered the man not to spread the word, but to go and present the required

                   sacrifices as a testimony to the religious leaders that Messiah was among them.

              Nothing like this had ever happened before!

                   It's noteworthy that in the next section the leaders were present and watching Him!

              The man's failure to keep quiet forced Jesus to stay outside the towns because of the

                   multitudes of the curious who wanted to see His works.

         Authority to forgive sin   2:1-12

                   As Jesus continues to demonstrate His unique authority, He offends the religious

                        leaders.

              The occasion   2:1-4

              The claim   2:5

                   Then a paralytic came to Him for healing, Jesus claimed the ability to do more than

                        heal the physical problem.

                   He claimed to solve the sin problem also.

              The protest   2:6-7

                   When He forgave the man's sin, He was accused of blasphemy.

              The proof   2:8-11

                   Jesus contends that the One to whom God has given authority over disease also has

                        authority over sin.

              The response   2:12

                   The amazement of the crowd because of Jesus' unusual authority is repeated.

         Authority over men   2:13-17

              Jesus speaks to a tax collector as He passes by with such authority that the man leaves

                   his profitable business and follows Him.

              Rather than be amazed at the radical change in Matthew, the leaders complain

                   because of the kind of people Jesus calls.

         Authority over tradition   2:18-22

              Additional problems arise when Jesus comes into conflict with Jewish tradition.

              His disciples are challenged because they don't fast.

              Jesus questions the practice since there is no motive for fasting at this time.

            Fasting is out of place at a wedding feast when the groom is present!

              They are trying to observe religious practices, without observing God's program to

                   see what He is doing.

              Their program doesn't conform to God's present activities.

         Authority over the Sabbath   2:23-28

              In a similar way, Jesus demonstrates that He is more important than the Sabbath.

              They are paying attention to an empty religious ritual and missing the point that

                   Messiah Him self is present.

              If He is Messiah, the Sabbath, like everything else, should be subject to Him; not Him

                   to it!

              Their eyes are fixed on the wrong things.

    Response of the people   3-8:26

              The multiple evidences of Jesus' authority force the crowd to respond.

              The leaders, aware of the need for a response, do not delay long before demonstrating

                   their opposition to Jesus.

         The trap set   3:1-5

              They set a trap so that they might accuse Him.

                   It's evident that they aren't interested in truth nor in justice.

                   When Jesus attempts to discuss the core issue, they refuse to talk.

                   All they want is a basis to accuse Him!

              It's apparent that they knew what He would do.

                   He was too concerned about people's needs to let legalism stop Him from healing a

                        man on the Sabbath.

              This event marks the beginning of the overt attempt to kill Jesus (3:6).

         The alternatives modeled   3:6-19

              Leaders' rejection   3:6

              Multitude's curiosity   3:7-10

                   In contrast to the rejection by the leaders, the multitudes followed Jesus because

                        they recognized the unique character of His works.

              Demons' submission   3:11-12

                   Even the demons recognized Who He is, and submitted to Him.

              Disciples' commitment   3:13-19

                   His disciples committed their lives into His hands.

                   He, in turn, shared His authority with them.

         The choices made   3:20-6:29

                   These alternatives had to be faced.

                   The nation began to make its decision.

              Misunderstood by family   3:20-21

                   His own family decided that He had lost His mind.

              Rejected by religious leaders   3:22-4:34

                         When the religious leaders accused Him of operating by demonic power, Jesus

                              had to deal with the real implications of their rejection.

                   Accusation of demonic power   3:22

                   Confrontation over explanation   3:23-30

                        Unity of Satanic kingdom   3:23-27

                             Their explanation is inadequate because Jesus' works clearly contradict Satan's

                                  works.