February 21, 2013 -- Mark 1

February 21, 2013 – Mark 1

 

Note: Very strong tradition tells us that Mark (known as John Mark in the Bible) wrote this Gospel while in Rome under the influence of the apostle Peter. The uniqueness of Mark's Gospel is in the "action" orientation of these sixteen chapters. It is the briefest of the Gospels and tends to move from event to event rather quickly.  Note how often Mark uses words and phrases such as “as soon as, at once, at this, and immediately” in his writing.

Mark does not begin his gospel with the birth of Jesus.  Why might that be?  Is the story of Jesus’ birth important to you?  Why?

 

1:1   The word gospel literally translates as “good news”

The name “Jesus” means “God saves”

“Christ” means “anointed one”  (the One set apart to be the Messiah)

 

What is the “good news” that Mark wants to tell his readers?  How has it been good news in your life? - focusing more on the things that Jesus did than what Jesus taught (which the other three Gospel writers did in greater detail).

 

1:4-8               What was the role of St. John?  How can one tell that he knew his place?  What is our place in proclaiming the Gospel?   How do people sometimes forget their place?

 

1:9-12:             Why was Jesus baptized?  Why does the Holy Spirit immediately lead Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan?  Is there any significance to the number 40?

 

1:14-20            The disciples left everything behind to follow Jesus.  Have you ever left anything behind in order to answer Jesus’ call to discipleship?

 

1:21-34            Why were the people amazed at Jesus’ teaching?  How was it different from other teachers?  How does Jesus back up His teaching in the things that He does?  Do you think there is such a thing as demon-possession today?

 

1:35                 Notice that Jesus takes time to pray between healing and teaching.  What does this teach you about dealing with the busyness of your life?  When do you take time to go off to a solitary place to be with God.

 

1:45                 Note what happens when people did not heed Jesus’ call to “keep silent” about some of His miracles.  Jesus knew what his mission was and did not want to be dissuaded from it.  What is your “mission” as God’s servant?  What might dissuade you from it?