September 3, 2023 - Mark 1:1-13

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                                                                                                 September 3, 2023

Introduction to the Gospel of Mark

By Wayne Gaeddert

1. The author of Mark did not identify himself, however, early church fathers believed Peter shared the contents of this gospel with John Mark who wrote about what the apostle Peter had taught him about Jesus’ three years of ministry.

2. Mark was not an eyewitness or a disciple of Jesus.

3. John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas. Col. 4:10

4. Mark is possibly the first of the four gospels to be written. Various scholars date the writing of this gospel between 50 AD and 70 AD. An early date in the mid 50’s is most probable.

5. The format of Mark’s gospel is a narrative, however, the storyline is not chronological. It is a collection of events throughout the 3-year ministry of Jesus.

6. Mark's gospel is the shortest, 16 chapters with 678 verses.

7. Mark 1:1 is the theme of the book:

 “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

8. Chapter outline:

I. Chapters 1-9 Miracles and Jesus’ teaching about the kingdom of God.

II. Chapter 10 The final trip to Jerusalem

III. Chapters 11-16 Activities of the final week, trials, death, burial, and resurrection.

9. More than one-third of the Gospel of Mark is devoted to the last week of the life of Jesus.

10. John Mark was a companion of Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey, but John Mark deserted and returned to Jerusalem. Acts 13:13

11. As Mark wrote, he explained Jewish customs so that Gentiles would understand the context.

12. Mark used the words, ‘immediately’, ‘straightway’, or ‘at once’ to connect one event of Jesus’ life to the next.

13. Many scholars believe Mark's intended audience was the Roman house churches.

14. Mark’s purpose was to summon people to repent and respond in faith to the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ (the Messiah), the Son of God. Mark 1:1, 15

15. Mark 1:1-13 is the prologue (The introduction used to get your attention and draw you into the rest of the story).

16. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the synoptic Gospels which means ‘seen together.’ Many scholars believe other Gospel writers relied on Mark’s Gospel as they wrote.

17. Link to an overview of the Gospel of Mark: (9.5 minutes long)

https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/mark/

First Baptist Church of Osawatomie does not own or claim any rights to any part of this video.

All rights and copyrights belong to the authors and creators of this video.

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                                                                                                 September 3, 2023

Mark 1:1-13

Lessons Learned

by Wayne Gaeddert

1. John the Baptist was the last Old Testament prophet.

2. John the Baptist provides the bridge between the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament.

3. There had been 400 years of silence from God before John the Baptist.

4. Baptism was common in Israel for Gentiles who wanted to embrace Judaism.

5. The number 40 in the Bible:

·        Rained 40 days/nights. (Noah)

·        40 years of training in the desert. (Moses)

·        40 years of leading Israel in the wilderness. (Moses)

·        40 days/nights Moses was on the mountain receiving the 10 commandments.

·        After 40 days the spies returned from the Promised Land.

·        Israel was 40 years in the wilderness.

·        Elijah went 40 days on the food provided.

·        Jesus was tempted for 40 days.

·        40 days between the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Acts 1:3

6.  Mark begins his gospel by identifying Jesus as the Son of God (1:1), and also notes in chapter 15 that the Gentile Centurion in charge of the crucifixion of Jesus concluded that Jesus was the Son of God (15:39).

7. John the Baptist preached a message declaring that repentance, rather than sacrifice, was necessary for the forgiveness of sins.

8. Mark’s description of John the Baptist was to identify him as the Elijah that Malachi 3:5 said would come.

9. John the Baptist was a humble man, understanding that he was ‘second fiddle’ to the one who would follow after him.

10. Those baptized by John recognized they were sinners and needed forgiveness.

11. John the Baptist recognized that being baptized by the Holy Spirit, which impacted the soul, was more powerful than the water baptism he performed.

12. John the Baptist’s clothing resembled that of Elijah. 2 Kings 1:8

13. Jesus had no sins to repent of when he came to be baptized by John the Baptist but affirmed his work and message by coming to him to be baptized.

14. The Trinity was present at the baptism of Jesus.

 Jesus—Holy Spirit (a dove)— Father’s voice from heaven

15. The Jordan River is approximately 20 miles from Nazareth, the home town of Jesus.

16. Immediately after Jesus was baptized, the temptation period in the wilderness began.

17. Temptation is a spiritual battle.

18. Temptation tests your resolve to obey God.

19. The temptation of Jesus demonstrated His dominion over the enemy Satan.

20. Jesus’ life without sin would be meaningless had He not been tempted in all points as we are.

21. Times of testing follow spiritual high points to validate your spiritual resolve.

22. When you are being tested and tried, remember, “… the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” John 4:4b

23. A kingdom is ruled by a king.

24. The ‘kingdom of God’ (v15) is ruled by Jesus, the Messiah.

25. Jesus said repentance and believing the gospel (good news) were conditions for being part of the kingdom of God.

26. Application:

·        God wants to use you to prepare the way for others to believe in Jesus.

·        We can believe that Jesus truly is God’s Son because we have the testimony of those who heard God’s voice from heaven declare Him to be so.

·        The source of temptation is a supernatural force of evil that Jesus conquered. Therefore, by the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we can also have victory over temptation.

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Cor 10:13 ESV