Scripture Chp 10: Gospel According to Mark

Synoptic comes from two Greek words that mean ‘to see together’. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called 'synoptic' because there are many similarities between them in their content and the order in which content is presented.

• Passed on the faith of the Apostolic Church from a different perspective (inspired by the Holy Spirit) - each wrote to appeal to a specific audience - central to all the accounts though is 'Jesus Christ, God's incarnate Son; his acts, teachings, Passion, and glorification'.

• Good News (all Gospels proclaim) = God's plan of Salvation for the world brought to completion in the Person of Jesus of Nazareth

• The Gospel according to Mark portrays Jesus as an active healer and miracle worker, who accepts loneliness and suffering as the cost of obedience to his Father’s will.

• First to be written (somewhere between AD 65 and 75)

• Primary souce - oral preaching of Peter the Apostle

• Many biblical scholars hold that Mark’s account of the Gospel was written for Christians in Rome who were suffering persecution or under threat of persecution.

• Mark's Gospel is full of emotion and drama, with a vividness and intensity not found in the others. Why? Suffering, lack of understanding and failure, which were part of their daily lives as Christians, are part of the presentation of the theme of discipleship that is such a prominent feature of Mark's Gospel.

• True God, True Man (like us in all ways but sin)

• Fully Divine: Mark teaches that through his miracles Jesus revealed he is truly God and also gives witness to the reality of the Kingdom

• Fully Human - Jesus got angry, tired, was often misunderstood, not recognized, took children in his arms, and showed compassion for those suffering

• Mark presents Jesus launching his public ministry announcing, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news"

• Translation for Us = being a disciple requires CONVERSION

'Turning around' of one's whole life toward God - the depth of this conversion (aka cost of being a disciple) revealed when Jesus said, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me'

• Love and serve as Christ did

• Deny yourself and embrace that suffering is a part of one's service

• Reward = life filled with a peace and joy that makes one truly 'blessed

• The Risen Christ is God's great assurance that faithful disciples will share in Jesus's final victory. In other words, God will raise us up from suffering and death!

• God is the Giver and Source of Life

• God helps us carry our crosses with hope, in service to him and others, and to live the Great Commandment.