Jesus was clearly born to be King of the Jews, as Matthew points out.
However, the gospel was not just for the Jews; it was for the whole world.
Before Jesus would reign as King of King, He would be servant of all by
dying for mankind. Mark write of the works and authority of the One who come
not to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.
How to
Study Mark (NASB)
Mark is a fast-paced Gospel which emphasizes Jesus' works
rather than His teachings. Although Jesus is referred to as a teacher a
numbers of times, Mark shows Jesus' power and authority through the works He
does as He goes about His Father's business.
In
reading this Gospel you will notice the repeated use of the word
immediately as Mark takes his reader from one event in the life of Jesus
to another. These events and the works of Jesus show the reader Jesus' power
and authority as the servant of God and man.
Chapter
1 -13.
Read through all
of the instructions below before you begin working on chapters 1 - 13
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Although the emphasis in the
Gospel of Mark is on the works of Jesus that show His divine power, Mark
opens his Gospel by declaring the deity of Jesus Christ. He also gives
an account of the events that took place prior to and in preparation for
Jesus' ministry.
Read Mark 1:1-13 and list in your notebook the following:
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The facts that declare the deity of Jesus
Christ.
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The events that took place in Jesus' life
prior to His public ministry.
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Now read Mark chapter by chapter, and in distinctive
way mark in the text the key words: immediately, authority (power),
kingdom of God, mark every reference to the devil or demons, covenant,
Spirit, Christ (Messiah), disciples (s). (NASB).
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Record these key words on a index card and
use it as a bookmark while you study this Gospel. Mark reference
to time with a green clock so they' re distinctive.
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Double-underline in green each geographical
location, whether it is a city, a region, or a place, such as
the temple or the synagogue. Noting these will help in your
overall understanding of the events in Jess's live.
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Chapter 1-3 cover events (including healing and
miracles) that demonstrate Jesus' authority.
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As you look at each event, observe how
it demonstrates Jesus' authority, how the people respond, and
what Jesus has authority over.
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Record your insights in your notebook by
listing the event, then under that event noting how the people,
religious leaders, disciples, and others responded. For example:
Healing on Sabbath
Pharisees counsel to destroy Him
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After you have recorded these demonstrations
and responses, be sure to record the scope of Jesus' authority.
For example, next to the illustration above, you might write,
"Authority over Sabbath." Look at His works. Watch for Jesus'
power over nature, demons, disease, and so on. Ask God to show
you how this demonstration of Jesus' power declares His deity.
Also, notice how these events portray Jesus as a Servant.
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Throughout these chapter, Jesus faces the
accusations and rejection of the Jewish religious leaders of his
day. Each time the scribes, Pharisees, or Sadducees accuse
Jesus, He reasons with them. Mark that conflict in the
margin with a star.
4. Record in your notebook the main
points of Jesus' teaching. whether the teaching comes as a result of
healing, casting out demons, working a miracle, or responding to a question
from either the disciples or the multitude. Also note the response of those
who hear the teaching.
5. Look at every reference to the
kingdom of God you marked and to the following:
a) Note when Jesus increases His emphasis on the kingdom of God.
b) Underline every prediction of Jesus' death and resurrection and note how
it coincides with Jesus' emphasis on the kingdom of God.
c) Observe that in the first part of Mark , Jesus defines the kingdom of
God, and then at chapter 9 the emphasis shifts to how to enter the kingdom.
d) Compile the main teaching from Mark about the kingdom of God in
Gospels and the Kingdom of
God. Note the chapter and verses as you do this.
6. After you finish
reading and marking each chapter, record the theme of that chapter on
Structure of Mark.
Chapters 14 - 16
1. When you read
Mark's account, record the progression of events during the trial,
death, burial and resurrection of Christ in The
Arrest, Trial, and Crucifixion of Jesus Christ., and in your
notebook. Note the chapter and the verse beside each insight.
a) When you record the circumstances surrounding the resurrection of Jesus
Christ, also note any post resurrection appearances recorded in Mark. After
you do this for all four Gospels you will have comprehensive notes on
everything that took place at this time in our Lord's life.
b) As you do this, remember that because Luke gives the consecutive order of
events, it is a plumb line for the other Gospel records.
2) Complete
Structure of Mark. Fill in any
segment divisions you have seen from studying the book
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Application of Mark
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People often say that Mark shows the servant aspect
of Jesus` ministry. Although the word servant is only used four times,
Mark 10:45 says “did nor come to be served, but to serve, and to give
His life a ransom for many.” How like your Lord are you in that respect?
Would others regard you as a servant? Or do they see you as having to be
“number one”? What is it to be “number one” in God’s eyes?
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Jesus talks about discipleship in this Gospel.
According to Jesus, what is required of disciples? Can you consider
yourself a true disciple of Jesus Christ? Why? Think about Mark
8:34-36 and 10:28-31.
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Can you say with Peter, “Thou art the
Christ, the Son of the living God?” And will you listen to Him, to
Jesus, as the Father commands?
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Key Words in the NIV and KJV
| NASB ky words |
NIV related
words |
NASB key words |
KJV related
words |
| immediately |
at once, quickly, without delay,
as soon as, just as, shortly |
immediately |
as soon as, straightway |
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