Four Gospels, One Jesus: Part 2 - the Gospel of Mark

This article is a continuation of a series about the gospels. Each article is focused on one of the four gospels in detail to provide an overview of their unique makeup and focus. This article will be on Mark’s gospel.

Mark’s Audience:

Mark’s gospel is largely directed to the Gentiles (likely Roman). He does not state this explicitly, but several pieces of information lead us to this conclusion. Mark describes Jewish customs (Mark 7:3-4) and translates certain Aramaic phrases (Mark 3:17; 5:41). He occasionally utilizes Latin terminology to describe certain subjects (Mark 12:42; 15:16). This would seem unnecessary if he were writing to a Jewish audience, but is largely understandable if the writing is aimed at a group less familiar with the Jewish system. Mark records no genealogy of Jesus, likely because it would not be significant to a Gentile population.

Mark’s Purpose / Goal:

From the very beginning of Mark’s gospel, a key thought is established: the concept of “the kingdom of God.” It is the core of Jesus’ preaching - “the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (1:15). While some will claim that this is Jesus discussing the coming of the church, this is not the central focus. The kingdom of God, at its core, concerns God’s reign and rule in the lives of His people. If it’s the kingdom OF GOD, He is the King; by comparison, His people are His subjects and servants.

Why is this such a major part of the discussion? The intended response listed in Jesus’ message communicates the situation at hand. Israel requires repentance and belief in God’s kingdom. Since the time of God’s silence at the end of the Old Testament, Israel has established a “kingdom” of their own. The religious leaders view themselves as the utmost authority. Jesus even calls them out on this exact truth: “Neglecting the commandment of GOd, you hold to the tradition of men… You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition” (7:8-9). This flawed leadership has resulted in the people turning away from allowing God to rule their lives. Jesus’ goal is to turn the people back to God’s kingdom. Along the way, He discloses that the Jewish system is going to be brought to its end due to their rebellion. The parable of the vinegrowers in Mark 12 closes with the vinegrowers, desiring to take the vineyard as their own, being destroyed by the vineyard’s true owner. In the same way, those who attempt to rule God’s kingdom as their own are going to be met with destruction (see Mark 13).

Jesus’ kingdom-centered teaching and preaching are accompanied by His example. To be part of God’s kingdom, there is a need to “deny self, take up your cross and follow Me” (Mark 8:34). Submission to God’s rule requires a willingness to give up that desire to rule self. To take up your cross is to put that self-will to death. Throughout Mark’s gospel, Jesus is shown to do just that (Mark 8:33; 14:36, 39). He offers us the example of allowing God to rule every aspect of our lives.Though this only scratches the surface of Mark’s writings, I hope that this can spark your own study of this great gospel account.