The Gospel of Mark

 

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:9-15 ESV).

 

The Gospel of Mark is thought to have been authored by John Mark between 60-70 CE while he was in Rome or Syria. It is undoubtedly the first of the Gospels to have been written. Mark was known for being an outspoken follower of Jesus who worked to convert others to Christianity, which earned him the name of Mark the Evangelist. Mark was also a follower of Jesus Christ but would likely have been in his teens when Jesus was crucified and resurrected. After the Resurrection, as the Savior's message was beginning to be spread, Mark traveled with the Apostle Paul. It is one of the most concise presentations of the Gospel.

 

Peter the Great led the Russian Empire from 1682 until his death in 1725. While he reigned, he expanded the empire into eastern Europe, initiated a cultural revolution, and built the Russian military into a formidable force. Napoleon Bonaparte was the emperor of France from 1804 to 1814. Through a series of military victories and key alliances, he expanded the influence of France throughout Europe. He changed the political structure of France and influenced the development of legal codes around the world.

 

However, Jesus was born in a small town in Judea, a nation that lived under Roman occupation throughout his lifetime. He never commanded an army. He did not travel outside of a small region stretching from Judea to Galilee. His followers were an unrefined group who lacked the courage to stay with him when he was arrested. When he died, it looked as if his influence had ended. Today, the Russian and French empires have long ago fallen from their peak of influence, but the kingdom of Jesus continues to expand. Millions gather every week to worship him. Organizations bearing his name provide relief, food, medical help, and education. His good news is proclaimed on every continent in countless languages.

 

Today we begin a journey through this often-neglected book of the Bible. I hope it will encourage you in your journey. It is full of hope and grace!