Mark

Theme 1: Christ brings a new understanding of the Law and of God ‘s kingdom. Mark 1 describes how Christ fulfills the Law and the Prophets by discussing how the prophecies about him being a healer and speaking with authority. Mark 2 describes how Christ brings forgiveness to the people and frees us from the burden of the Law teaching us that the Sabbath was meant as a time for people to rest and not to be one of burden. Mark 3 teaches us that anyone who obeys Christ is part of his family and is his brother and sister, teaching that in the new kingdom it is obedience to Christ and acting rightly that brings in the kingdom and not law or ritual. Mark 4 discusses Christ calming the storm and telling them the parable of the Mustard Seed which tells us that in the new kingdom we must act in faith and obedience to Christ and tell others about him despite how small our faith is.

Theme 2 : Jesus brings a new way of life to live as a member of his family and kingdom. We are not to seek after signs but rather are to be focused on him. Christ demonstrated in his having compassion on Arius daughter and the demon posed man named Legion that kingdom living is one of having compassion on other people. As followers of Christ we have a role to play in his kingdom as seen in Mark 5 where each of the people Christ healed showed some faith in him such as Jarius who sends for Christ and asks him to heal his daughter. Mark 6 discussed how Jesus was not able to perform many miracles in his hometown as the people of Nazareth did not have faith in him. Mark 7 describes Jesus discussion of how it is our actions and what comes out of our heart that makes us unclean and thus character is important in the kingdom. Mark 8 describes Jesus teaching that in his kingdom people made sacrifices as they took up the burdens given them by Christ and followed him.

Theme 3: Humility and having a servant like attitude is a key to kingdom living. In Mark 9 Jesus teaches his disciples that the greatest person in his kingdom is the one who serves everyone. The stories of the rich young ruler and the disciples arguing about who is the greatest in the kingdom illustrate that status is not important but it is humility and serving others that is important. In his coming into Jerusalem on a donkey Christ demonstrates that his kingdom is not one that is issued in pomp and circumstance but is built upon humility. In cleansing the temple of corrupt merchants Christ shows us that God’s holiness is to be respected as we live lives in humility.

Theme 4: Christ works in history and makes his purpose of his gospel being proclaimed and taught to all people. Mark 13 discussed how there would be false Christs but that as his followers we need not be deceived. Mark 14 discusses how the prophecies concerning his arrest and trial demonstrate the Lord working in history to fulfill his plan of salvation. Mark 15 discussed how a thief dying with Jesus accepts him as Lord , receives his forgiveness and goes to heaven. This passage shows how the Lord works in the hearts of people and allows them to become his followers. Mark 16 discusses Jesus death and resurrection and his kingdom being fulfilled and us being given the task of sharing the gospel with all people.