New Testament Study Guides - ElectronicGospel

THEMES
Mark, the disciple who was probably influenced by an association with
Peter, appears to have written the earliest account, followed by Matthew, the
publican cum apostle. Matthew addresses a Jewish audience, but also pays
some attention to Gentile readers, while emphasizing the fulfillment of Old
Testament prophecies in the life of his subject.
Mark reveals the humanity of Christ, the son of God. He becomes a
savior who is grieved, compassionate, troubled and optimistic, in spite of the
resistance he discovers among his countrymen. His preferred title for the
Lord is “son of Man.”
If the Petrine influence is true, John Mark records for us the apostle’s
inspired memory of the actual Aramaic words spoken by Jesus Christ,
including the memorable, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabacthani?” (15:34).
Interestingly, the passage that most promotes Peter’s strength and
leadership is missing from this account. Matthew records the discussion of
Peter’s good confession and the Lord’s promise to construct his church upon
it, but John Mark does not.
Mark shows us that true doctrine is from God and that it does not always
match what passes for common sense or human wisdom. The miracles done
by Christ reveal and confirm his deity, even though he is somewhat uneasy
with them being promoted to a populace that was not yet ready to consider
him as such.
Sadly, Mark goes a long way to show that the stiffest resistance to
reformation, restoration and true religion will often come from very
religious people whose faith has been infected with tradition and pride. The
scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians and chief priests are all portrayed
as terribly misguided in their persecution of the band and its leader.
Mark includes an insightful perspective on what is called the “Great
Commission,” making the importance of both belief and baptism even more
clear and connected (16:15-16). He concludes with a brief announcement of
the ascension and the apostles’ obedience to their marching orders.
Mark’s account is the shortest and only seven percent of what he wrote
is unique to his record. Mark, who may have written from Rome, seems to
address a pragmatic Roman audience, and thus stresses the importance of
service, not to the state, but to God himself. It is Mark who notes how Jesus
was somewhat secretive about his identity and ministry because of the
messianic misunderstandings so prevalent among his audience.