Page 11 - New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Jesus teaches that the only way to follow Him involves self-sacrifice (8:34–38). In order to live as members
of the kingdom of God, we must humble ourselves, just as He did (10:42–45). Since this way of living is
such a stark reversal of most people’s values, Jesus’ disciples have a hard time grasping it—just as we
often do (8:17–21). But the way of the cross is the way of the kingdom of God, and it is open to those
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willing to listen to Jesus.
Purpose
Mark 1:1 indicates that the evangelist aims to write the “gospel
concerning Jesus Messiah, the Son of God.” However, unlike John
or Luke, the author does not explicitly state his purpose for
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writing (compare John 20:31; Luke 1:4).:

The Gospel of Mark was likely written to persuade Gentile readers
in Rome that Jesus’ death on the cross—a shameful form of execution in Roman society—did not
invalidate His claims to Messiahship and deity or His proclamation of the kingdom of God, but rather
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that His resurrection, miracles, and prediction of his death vindicated His claims.
Structure
Mark has the shortest version among the Gospels. He regularly repeats the word “immediately” or “soon”
which gives the narrative a sense of urgency. Mark can easily be divided in two major sections. The first
half of this Gospel (Mark 1:1–8:26) details Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. The remaining part (8:27–16:8)
concentrates on Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem, His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, actions in the
temple, the Last Supper with His disciples, arrest, and death on the cross. This is followed by news of Jesus’
resurrection (16:1–8). In both major sections, Mark focuses on God’s power, which becomes evident as
the kingdom of God arrives through Jesus’ presence. At the beginning of the second half of the book, Peter
proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah (the Christ)—this is the thematic center of the book and what the
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entire book’s message depends upon (compare 1:1).
Brief Outline
• Jesus’ ministry in Galilee (1:1–8:26)
• Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem (8:27–10:52)
• Jesus’ actions in Jerusalem (11:1–13:37)
• The plot to kill Jesus (14:1–15:47)
• Jesus’ victory (16:1–8)
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• The longer ending of Mark (16:9–20)
Audience
Rome is the likely destination of Mark’s Gospel. Here scholars say that, “The author employs Greek
loanwords derived from Latin and expressions reflecting Latin grammar, suggesting a locale where Latin
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was spoken.” Scholars further suggest that “There are parallels between Mark and Paul’s letter to the
Romans. For example, “[H]e declared all foods clean” (Mark 7:19 NRSV) mirrors Rom 14:14: “I know and
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am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself” (NRSV).”

35 Ibid
36 Roudkovski, V. (2016). Mark, Gospel of, Critical Issues. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair
Wolcott, … W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
37 Barry, J. D. et al
38 Ibid
39 Ibid
40 Ibid
41 Ibid
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