The Gospel of Mark is one of the most concise and action-packed books in the New Testament, offering a vivid account of Jesus Christ’s life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Traditionally attributed to John Mark, who worked closely with both Paul and Peter (Acts 12:25; 1 Peter 5:13), this Gospel emphasizes Jesus as the suffering servant of God who came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. Written primarily for Roman believers (and unbelievers), Mark’s Gospel presents Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, whose mission was to die on the cross for the sins of humanity. This survey will explore the key themes, structure, and theological contributions of the Gospel of Mark.

Keys to Understanding Mark

• Human Author: John Mark, as mentioned in Acts 12:25 and 1 Peter 5:13. His association with Peter gives him unique insight into Jesus’ life and teachings.
• Type of Writing: Gospel/Historical Narrative. Mark’s Gospel is a fast-paced narrative that highlights Jesus’ actions and authority.
• Date of Writing: Around AD 50–55, making it one of the earliest Gospels written.
• Primary Audience: Roman believers (and unbelievers). Mark’s focus on Jesus’ power, service, and sacrifice resonates with a Roman audience accustomed to authority and leadership.
• Key Verse: Mark 10:45 — “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
• Big Idea: Jesus is the Christ, the Servant Son of God, who came to serve the Father by dying on the cross for the sins of mankind (1:1).

Outline of Mark

1. Jesus’ Ministry in Galilee (Chapters 1–8) — Who is Jesus?

Mark begins by introducing Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, where He demonstrates His divine power and provokes questions about His identity.

• Introduction by John the Baptist (1:3, 9): John proclaims Jesus as the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit, preparing the way for the Messiah.

B. Demonstrations of Power:

• In the Scriptures (1:21–22): Jesus teaches with authority, astonishing the people.
• Over Sickness (1:40–42): He heals a leper, showcasing His compassion and power.
• Over Sin: Jesus forgives sins, revealing His divine authority (2:5–12).
• Over the Sabbath (2:27–28): He declares Himself Lord of the Sabbath, challenging traditional interpretations.
• Over Evil Spirits: Jesus casts out demons, demonstrating His mastery over the spiritual realm.

C. People Debated Who He Was and Where His Power Came From:

• The Scribes (3:22): They accuse Him of being possessed by Beelzebub.
• The Disciples (4:37, 39, 41): They question His power during the storm but are awestruck when He calms the sea.
• The Nazarenes (6:1–3): His hometown rejects Him, marveling at His wisdom and miracles.
• Herod (6:14): The king wonders if Jesus is John the Baptist risen from the dead.
• Peter (8:27–29): Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, marking a turning point in the Gospel.

2. God’s Servant Must Suffer (Chapters 8–10) — What Will the Messiah Do?

This section focuses on Jesus’ teaching about His impending suffering, death, and resurrection, as well as the call to discipleship.

A. He Must Suffer, Die, and Rise Again (8:31): Jesus predicts His crucifixion and resurrection, challenging the disciples’ expectations of the Messiah.

B. All Those Who Follow Him Must Also Deny Themselves (8:34–35): Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross and follow Him, emphasizing self-denial and sacrifice.

C. Jesus Was Transfigured, Confirming That He Is the Christ and the Son of God (9:2, 7): The transfiguration reveals Jesus’ divine glory and confirms His identity.

D. Those Who Desire to Lead Must Become Servants (9:34–35): Jesus teaches humility, stating that greatness in His Kingdom comes through servanthood.

E. The Disciples Still Desired Positions of Authority (10:35, 37): Despite His teachings, the disciples struggle to grasp the upside-down nature of the Kingdom.

F. But Even Jesus Had Come to Serve and Not to Be Served. His Disciples Must Follow His Servanthood (10:43–45): Jesus reiterates His mission to serve others and give His life as a ransom for many.

3. Christ’s Death and Resurrection (Chapters 11–16) — How Does Jesus Become King?

The final section narrates Jesus’ triumphal entry, betrayal, crucifixion, resurrection, and commissioning of His disciples.

• A. Christ Royally Entered Jerusalem as the Messiah-King (11:8–9): Jesus fulfills prophecy by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, hailed as the coming King.
• B. He Asserted His Authority and Cleansed the Temple: Jesus drives out the money changers, declaring the temple a house of prayer.
• C. He Prophesied About Jerusalem’s Destruction and the Tribulation (13:1–2): Jesus warns of future trials and the end times.
• D. Jesus and the Disciples Shared the Passover and the Lord’s Supper: During the Last Supper, Jesus institutes the new covenant in His blood.
• E. He Was Betrayed and Put on Trial (14:61–62): Jesus stands before the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and Herod, ultimately being sentenced to death.
• F. He Was Mocked and Crucified as the King of the Jews: Jesus dies on the cross, fulfilling His mission to save humanity.
• G. A Roman Centurion Confessed That Jesus Was the Son of God (15:37–39): At Jesus’ death, a centurion recognizes His divine nature.
• H. Jesus Conquered Death, Rising the Third Day and Appearing to His Disciples (16:4–6): The empty tomb and post-resurrection appearances confirm Jesus’ victory over sin and death.
• I. He Commanded Them to Go and Preach the Gospel Everywhere and to Everyone (16:15): Jesus commissions His disciples to spread the good news to all nations.
• J. He Ascended Back Into Heaven to Be King (16:19): Jesus returns to the Father, reigning as Lord over all creation.

Additional Insights

• Theological Themes: Mark emphasizes Jesus’ identity as the suffering servant who fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 53). The Gospel also highlights the importance of discipleship, self-denial, and servanthood.
• Mission and Church: Mark’s Gospel underscores the universal mission of the church, calling believers to proclaim the gospel to all nations.
• Eschatology: Mark contains significant teachings about the end times, including Jesus’ predictions of tribulation, judgment, and His second coming.

Conclusion

The Gospel of Mark presents Jesus as the ultimate Servant of the Lord, who came to serve others and give His life as a ransom for many. Through its dynamic narrative, powerful demonstrations of authority, and emphasis on discipleship, Mark challenges readers to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Savior of the world. The Great Commission (16:15) serves as a fitting conclusion, calling all believers to participate in spreading the gospel message. Mark’s Gospel remains a timeless testimony to the person and work of Jesus Christ, inviting all to follow Him as Lord and Savior.