| Spending time in the Scriptures Mark | by A. Kimber | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Having considered Matthew's Gospel last month, with all its long passages of teaching we now come to something quite different. With Matthew we were given Jesus’ teachings, but Mark tends to concentrate on His miracles. Mark's Gospel also has a real sense of urgency and purpose, moving quickly from scene to scene, frequently using such terms as immediately and straightway, perhaps this is due in part to the fact that there are only 16 chapters and so Mark works with great pace and conciseness. Much of the first three gospels is similar but the way it’s presented is often different, as I said above, Matthew will often provide the point and extended discussions around the miracles but Mark simply presents them, and it’s likely he did this to present Jesus to an audience who had never seen Him, an audience who would realise that Jesus was God’s Son simply by reading of these wonderful works. One obvious difference is in their introductions, whereas both Matthew and Luke give long introductions to Jesus’ birth and upbringing, Mark begins by taking us straight to John the Baptist’s ministry and how that Jesus came to him to be baptised. Having spent three verses telling us of Jesus’ baptism he then tells us in two verses of Jesus’ 40 days temptation in the wilderness. This is the style that Mark maintains, giving the Ministry of Jesus a furious pace which is unique in the gospels. Largely the Gospel of Mark presents similar events to those contained in Matthew, there are a few additions though, one being the feeding of 4000 with seven loaves. Mark also takes care to show us how that many of the evil spirits that were cast out sought to reveal Jesus as the Son of God, again all these things contribute to the picture that Mark is builds up supporting Jesus’ claims to be the Son of God. One thing that struck me is the way that Mark often seeks to keep the disciples anonymous in their actions before the Lord. Matthew will often name the disciple who asked a question or made a particular point but Mark seems to prefer to concentrate on the Lord’s response than the disciples’ unbelief, failings and indecision. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading Marks account, if you want be in awe once again at our Saviour then read in wonder of the power He displayed and how that there can be no doubt that He truly was everything He claimed to be. As the shortest of the Gospels it’s a good and simple read and you can read it easily in a couple of hours. Have a go and wonder once again at our Lord. Key verses Mark 1:12 And immediately the Spirit driveth Him into the wilderness. Mark 3:11 And unclean spirits, when they saw Him, fell down before Him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. Mark 8:34 And when He had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let Him deny Himself, and take up His cross, and follow me. Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
All quotes are from the King James version of the Bible unless otherwise specified. | ||||||
Christ in all the Scriptures
Dare to be a Daniel