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"Mark - The Roadrunner
Gospel"
"The
Servanthood of the Savior"
The Gospel of
Mark was probably the first Gospel to be written.
Most biblical scholars agree that it was penned between
A.D. 65-70. Mark, (or "John Mark") the author, was a
close personal friend of both Peter and Paul; his
writing appears to be based on Peter's account of the
life and times of Jesus Christ.
This gospel was
written for Gentile readers in general, but specifically
for the Romans. Several things about the book
substantiate this claim:
(1)
Old Testament
quotations and allusions are very few;
(2)
Aramaic expressions are
interpreted, and Jewish customs are explained;
(3)
The swift style,
characterized by the word "straightway", would
especially appeal to the Romans who were more interested
in deeds than words.
Mark depicts
the servanthood of the Savior. This is why there
is no genealogy in the prologue - "servants" need not be
introduced in that way. The very first picture we
received of Christ is that of the humble servant
kneeling in the water before John the Baptist. Jesus is
not seen here as the King of Matthew's Gospel,
the Man of Luke's writing, nor the Son of God
according to John's Gospel - Jesus is the Divine
Servant in Mark.
Concerning Mark's style, J.S.
Baxter says:
"He (Mark) wants us to see Jesus at work. It is as
though he says, 'Look! What Jesus did proves what He
was. What He did proves what He was. What He
wrought authenticates what He taught. The mighty
works verify the startling words. Watch Him at work, and
marvel at this supernatural Wonder-worker! That
will convince you!'" (Quoted from: Explore The Book, pp.
189-190)
Donald Guthrie
says, "The vividness of the style gives the impression
of a quickly moving drama with the cross at its
climax." (New Testament Introduction, p. 53)
Mark's Gospel is
one of action, candor and picturesque portrayals.
Though it is the shortest of the four Gospels, it
contains many of the most detailed descriptions of Jesus
Christ and the people to whom He ministered.
Let's pray that
this exciting series will be used of God in our church
for the furtherance of His kingdom in our hearts. You
are invited to be reading the Gospel of Mark
during the next weeks and months in preparation for each
message. |
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