Lessons from the New Testament: Mark's Gospel

Mark 1-3

Jesus came, preaching the Kingdom - but He did more than just preaching. He demonstrated the Kingdom His Word was spoken with power - the power of God. We see this in His mighty miracles which declare the coming of the Kingdom among us. The coming of God's Kingdom was a mighty victory over the kingdom of Satan. Those who walk in the will of God walk in the Lord's victory over Satan.

Mark 4-7

To read a few chapters of this Gospel is to be made aware of how extraordinary Jesus is. His teaching and miracles proclaim Him as the Son of God. Nevertheless, His power is not released where there is a "lack of faith" (chapter 6). The Gospel calls us to faith. We are to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the way of victory over the devil. This is the way of true happiness (chapter 7). Through Christ, we are able to hear the Word of God and speak the Word of God (chapter 7).

Mark 8-9

In these chapters, we see Jesus looking ahead to His death and resurrection. On two occasions, He speaks to His disciples of these events which lie ahead of Him. Following the first prophecy, He emphasizes that the way of the Cross is the way of discipleship (chapter 8).

Mark 10-11

There is, in chapter 10, a third prophecy concerning Jesus' death and resurrection. Jesus also speaks of "the cup" which He must drink. It is the cup of our condemnation. He drinks from this cup so that we might drink from the cup of His salvation. Jesus enters Jerusalem (chapter 11). He is moving steadily towards the Cross. He is going there for our salvation.

Mark 12-13

There is a seriousness about Jesus' teaching, as He speaks of His first coming, in the parable of the wicked tenants (chapter 12), and His Second Coming (chapter 13). The Christ, who was rejected by men, has become "the Cornerstone" (chapter 12). This will be clearly seen when He comes "i the clouds with great power and glory" (chapter 13). We must be ready for Him - "Be on your guard, stay awake ...".

Mark 14-16

This is the Story of Jesus. There are, however, sub-stories within it. There is the sadness of Peter and the tragedy of Judas. Supremely, however, there is the assurance of Jesus, as He faces the Cross with confidence in God. The Story of Jesus is a story of apparent defeat (the crucifixion), which turns out to be glorious victory - "Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen" (chapter 16).