Day 1: Introduction to Mark (Mark 14:43-52)
Today’s Passage: Mark 14:43-52
Have you ever been “selected” to do something that you weren’t thinking of doing, or had thought about it and was intimidated, or outright did not want to do it at all? Maybe you even wanted to run away.
Most of us have. Try and find one of those moments in your mind.
Why do I bring this up?
Most scholars today think Mark’s Gospel was the first one written—put yourself in Mark’s shoes.
I can picture a group of people saying, “Hey we need to write down who Jesus is—Mark you should do it!” Once that idea is given voice, then everyone agrees.
As Mark sat down to put pen to paper, what must it have been like for him to be the first one to write down Jesus’ story?
In reality, I have no idea what lead to Mark writing this Gospel. And yes, I believe the Holy Spirit inspired Mark to write this Gospel. At the same time though, as it was most likely the first one written, my imagination is having a bit of fun.
In many ways it makes sense for Mark to be the human God’s Holy Spirit worked through to create this masterpiece.
While there are different opinions about who this “Mark” is, many scholars believe he is John-Mark of Acts 12:12, 12:25, 15:37-39, Colossians 4:10,2 Timothy 4:11, and Philemon 24. He knew Jesus, Paul and Peter. I often wonder if John-Mark is the young man who ran away naked in Mark 14:51-52?
Given that experience and exposure, it is no wonder that God worked through this person to lay down on paper the first account of the Gospel.
I love all the Gospels. In years past I have written about John and Luke. Next year I will dig into Matthew with its distinctly Jewish background.
I’m starting this year with Mark, and his Gospel is cool.
Mark does not get hung up with detailed historical and geographical detail. And his post resurrection material about Jesus is slight (we will dig into that detail a bit later). You will notice his repeated use of the word “immediately”.
Mark’s Gospel is always pushing us forward. He is driven to drive us to a deeper understanding of following Jesus.
Come, let’s read this Gospel together and see where Mark, where God, might take us.
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