Zuko Explains: “The Gospel According to Mark”

Purpose: Mid-level Leadership Training or SOS Next Level. Note: For Generation 3 producers and above or a truly "stuck" individual on one topic.

Method: Outline the hinge point and waypoints of the narrative. Ask only questions for the scripture references (SOS)!)  

Introduction:

The book of Mark is the first Gospel that was written down.  Like all the Gospels, the book’s author is anonymous; however, early tradition by founding fathers (Papias) gives the credit to John Mark. John Mark was a disciple of Barnabas, a companion to Simon Peter, and later, one of the last men standing with Paul.  According to that tradition, Mark compiled all of Peter's eyewitness accounts into the Gospel of Mark.

Unique Qualities:

A part from being the first Gospel written, Mark holds many unique qualities.

• It is the shortest of the Gospels.
• The most action-packed Gospel.
• It is written in a unique style called the Greek “Historical Present”, that is not common. People often claim that Mark was trying to make the past come alive.
• Mark’s primary audience was Roman citizens and so the book is crafted to particularly engage them.
• Mark tries to invoke immediate action and a sense of urgency into the reader. He uses the Greek equivalent to the word “immediately” (εὐθύς) 41 times (NT total = 57).
• This book is the very first Self Discovery Bible Study (SDBS) ever recorded… Mark continually poses the question “Who is this Jesus?” and lets the reader discover.
• Mark is not afraid to leave people hanging… the yeast of the Pharisees, the shorter ending, etc.
• Shows Jesus as the “suffering servant”.
• Full of secrets… seeds growing secretly, the mysterious young man fleeing naked.
• The “Messianic Secret”: why Jesus kept His identity hidden until the road to the cross.
• The hinge point of the Gospel is the road to the cross, beginning after the Transfiguration.
• Shows moments Jesus was disappointed with the disciples’ attitudes and faith (“O you of little faith”).

The basic outline of the book:

Mark sets the precedent of placing the hinge point where Jesus steps onto the road to the cross. The book can be divided into three parts:

• Galilee — Mark 1–8a (the general population asks “Who is Jesus?”) 
• On the Road — Mark 8b–10 (the disciples ask “Who is Jesus?”) 
• Jerusalem — Mark 11–16 (Jesus Himself reveals who He is)

There is obvious way points that the reader can navigate by:

• The book ends of “This is my son” (cf. 1:9-11 / 9:2-9).
• The blindness bookends of 8:22-26 and 10:46-52.
• The threefold passion predictions (8:29-38; 9:30-37; 10:32-45).
• The contrast between the Transfiguration and the Crucifixion (9:2-9 vs 15:33-39).
• The disciples ending each scene confused or afraid.
• The book ends of Mark 1:1 and the Roman Officer’s confession in 15:39.

Mark lets the reader discover major points through “intercalations” — story-within-a-story structures.

Compare and contrast the two stories in each sandwich. What is the author trying to say?

1. 3:21; 3:22–30; & 3:31–35
2. 5:22–24; 5:25–34; & 5:35–43
3. 6:7–13; 6:14–29; & 6:30
4. 11:12–14; 11:15–19; & 11:20–21

Well, that’s it. Enjoy. Take the time to SOS the book as a whole.  Zuko ending: “Any questions?… I think they got it.”