The second quarter of the year begins and continues with studies in the Gospel of Mark. The Gospel is characterised by the its concise biographical account of Jesus.

Secondly, the divine side of His person was very well emphasised from the start, ‘The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.’

And finally, the popular words ‘and straightaway’ and ‘immediately’ which occur so many times that it brings such a great passion to the reader that they find it difficult not to finish the book in record time.

About Mark who wrote the gospel, he was the son of Mary whose house was used by the early Church in Jerusalem (Acts12:12), and a nephew to Barnabas who was involved with Paul during the first missionary journeys (Acts 12:25).

Papias, one of the early church fathers wrote that Mark was very close to Peter, and acted as Peter’s interpreter. This made many conclude that he got the bulk of his information directly from Peter.

The study is designed to continue where we left off from Matthew’s Gospel.

Outline for Mark.

April……..Jesus: Mark introduces Jesus.

6/4       April    As the Son of God       Mk.1:1-8.

13/4                 As God                        Mk.2:1-12

20/4                 As divine teacher         Mk.4:35-41

27/4                 As the Messiah            Mk.8:17-29(Rogation)

May……..Jesus: Mark on Jesus’ Approach to life.

4/5       May     Intimacy                       Mk.1:35-39

11/5                 The Helper                  Mk.16:9-29 (Pentecost)

18/5                 The right balance        Mk.10:17-31

25/5                 The Power of love       Mk.14:1-11

June……..Jesus: Mark’s lessons on Discipleship.

1/6       June   On the foundation        Mk.8:31-35

8/6                   On true worship           Mk.7:1-23

15/6                 On ambition                 Mk.10:35-45

22/6                 On faith                        Mk.11:20-26

29/6                 On empty words           Mk.12:35-40.

For further reading:

Good commentaries on Mark.

William Barclay, The Gospel of Mark (The New Daily Study Bible Series), St Andrew Press, Edinburgh. 2001.