A Survey of the Gospel of Mark: Introduction

This is not a proper commentary in the likes of Mathew Henry or John MacArthur. It is an attempt to teach the basics of the book, while underscoring certain principles that this author feels is bedrock for the contemporary Christian. It is by no means authoritative, and as with any of the writings you see posted here (and anywhere else for that matter) it should be tested against the Holy Word of God itself.

This is also meant to be a basis for discussion, so please don't be afraid to post questions or comments, or even concerns. I will also include references and/or a reading list for those who wish to delve deeper into the topics covered.

Introduction

The Gospel of Mark is focused more upon the miracles of Jesus rather than his direct preaching to the Israelites. One might ask why then is this book included among the gospels, if it is basically a reiteration of the other three? There are at least two good reasons, one has a historical basis, and the other is spiritual.

Historically speaking, Mark fills some of the gaps of the other gospels by detailing more of His miracles. More than likely, Mark received much of his information from the apostle Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles. Mark himself was not, but we can assume that his information is quite good, given his relationship to the early burgeoning church in Palestine. Mark was the nephew of Barnabas, the missionary who traveled with Paul throughout Asia Minor. Acts 12:12 shows us that the early church gathered at his mother’s house to pray.

Spiritually speaking the Gospel of Mark gives us a window into a.) the character and humanity of Jesus, and b.) the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, which was of special import to the Jews at that time. The Jewish Messiah had to come in a certain way according to the Old Testament prophets. One of the obstacles Jesus faced was that the Jews had their own ideas of how those prophecies should be fulfilled. In effect this book attempts to show exactly how Jesus fulfilled these prophecies, and how they are a testament to His deity.

Jesus Christ is God, which can be shown in each of the gospels separately. But each has its own way of transmitting this message. All of the gospels work together in harmony to give us a greater, more believable, and accurate account of the life of Jesus.

May God bless the study of His Word.

New Look, New Year

Welcome to the Fireside Study! We are starting the year with a new look and a new format. Timely commentary will now come weekly, and subject matter may vary as we will have guest writers as well. I hope you enjoy the changes. We look forward to sharing thoughts of foundational Christian living in the new year!

Armchair Quarterback

I recently read a popular Christian book about spirituality from a non-Christian perspective. I didn’t care for it too much, and I decided to list the reasons why so that I could potentially tell others why the book was bad. But as I wrote I found that many of the reasons that I listed were actually a direct reflection upon me and my own walk with the Lord. I saw what the author was trying to do, which was provide another perspective for those curious about Christianity. He did it in his own way, and though I don’t agree with its presentation, my thoughts went to Romans 14:4,

“Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he
stands or falls; and stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”

It is enough that I proclaim the gospel as given in the Holy Scriptures, with no addendum, and with no excuses. It is the perfect Word of God. And it is the same Word that was with us from the beginning, and it is the same Word that today is reaching to the farthest places of the earth, piercing hearts, and bringing repentant men and women to Jesus.

But then the Lord turned the mirror back toward me.

If I disagreed with this book so much, where was my book? If I believed that God had given me insight then why haven’t I shared it on such a high level as this book? In reality, I was nothing but an armchair quarterback to this author’s pro bowl performance (so to speak).

The challenge for me and for all of us who see a need within the Body is go forth boldly and proclaim the Word of the Lord, both by our words and our deeds. That’s it. That is what it all boils down to. There will always be things we disagree with, and there will always be chances for us to learn. Let’s all pray that the Lord would use us to shape our world and bring the lost to Him.