MARKSGOSPEL

John Mark is the author of this book. He was not one of the 12
disciples, but he accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey (Acts 13: 13 ~Now when Paul and his company loosed from Pa-Phos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from the returned to Jerusalem).
This book was written to the Christians in Rome, and this is
where he wrote the gospel, between A.D. 55 and 65.
The Roman Empire under Tiberius Caesar with it's common language and excelent transportation and communication systems was ripe to hear Jesus' message, which spread quickly from
nation to nation. Mark was probably the first Gospel written. The other Gospels quote all but 31 verses of Mark. Mark records more miracles than does any other Gospel. The messages revealed take place in Capernaum, Nazareth, Caesarea, Philippi, Jericho, Bethany, Mount of Olives Jerusalem and Golgotha. The key people are Jesus, the 12 disciples, Pilate, and the Jewish religious leaders.
The key verse in this book is:
Chapter 10:45 ~ "For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many."

THIS IS THE MESSAGE OF MARK

Omitting the birth of Jesus, Mark begins with John the Baptist's preaching. Then moving quickly past Jesus' baptism, temptation in the wilderness, and call of the disciples. Mark takes us directly into Jesus; public ministry. We see Jesus confronting a demon, healing a man with leprosy, and forgiving and healing the paralyzed man lowered into Jesus' presence by friends.

Next, Jesus calls Matthew (Levi) and has dinner with him and his questionable associates. This initiates the conflict with the Pharisees and other religious leaders, who condemn Jesus for eating with sinners and breaking the Sabbath.

In chapter 4, Mark pauses to give a sample of Jesus' Teaching....the parable of the farmer and illustration of the mustard seed....and then plunges back into the action. Jesus calms the waves, drives out demons, and heals Jairus's daughter.

After returning to Nazareth for a few days and experiencing rejection in his hometown. Jesus commissions the disciples to spread the Good News everywhere. Opposition from Herod and the Pharisees increases, and John the Baptist is beheaded. But Jesus continues to move, feeding the 5,000 reaching out to the woman from Syrian Phoenicia, healing the deaf man and feeding 4,000.

Finally, it is time to reveal his true idenity to the disciples. Do they really know who Jesus is? Peter proclaims him Messiah but then promptly shows that he does not understand Jesus' mission. After the Transfiguration, Jesus continues to teach and heal, confronting the Pharisees about divorce and the rich young man about eternal life. Blind Bartimaeus is healed.

Events move rapidly toward a climax. The last Supper, the betrayal, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection are dramatically portrayed, along with more examples of Jesus' teachings. Mark shows us Jesus....moving, serving, sacrificing, and saving!
As you read Mark, be ready for action, be open for God's move in your life, and be challenged to move into your world to serve.

THE TWELVE DISCIPLES

SIMON PETER(son of John) - fisherman- Impulsive; later...bold in preaching about Jesus. One of three in core group of disciples who recognized Jesus as the Messiah: denied Christ and repented; preached Pentecost sermon; a leader of the Jerusalem church; baptized Gentiles; wrote 1 and 2 Peter.
WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT HIM: Named him Peter "rock"; called him "Satan: when he urged Jesus to reject the cross; said he would fish for people, he received revelation from God he would deny Jesus, he would later be crucified for his faith.
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JAMES (son of Zebedee), he and his brother John were called the "sons of Thunder"-fisherman - Ambitious, short tempered, judgmental, deeply committed to Jesus. Also in core group; he and his brother John, asked Jesus for places of honor in his Kingdom, wanted to call fire down to destroy a Samaritan village; first disciple to be martyred.
JOHN (son of Zebedee). James's brother and "the disiciple whom Jesus Loved" Fisherman--Ambitious, judgmental, later ---very loving. Third disciple in core group; asked Jesus far a place of honor in his Kingdom; wanted to call down fire on a Samaritian villate; a leader of the Jersualem church; wrote the Gospel of John and 1,2,3,John and Revelation.
WHATJESUS SAID ABOUT THEM: He called James and John
the "Sons of Thunder" ; said he would fish for people; would drink the cup Jesus drank, and that he would take care of Jesus mother after Jesus' death.
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ANDREW(Peter's brother),-fisherman - Eager to bring others to Jesus.....Accepted John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus; told Peter about Jesus; he and Philip told Jesus that Greeks wanted to see him.
WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT HIM: Said he would fish for other people.
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PHILIP- Fisherman--questioning attitude. Told Nathanael about Jesus, wondered how Jesus could feed the 5,000; asked Jesus to show his followers God the Father; he and Andrew told Jesus that Greeks wanted to see him.
WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT HIM: Asked if Philip realized that to know and see him was to know and see the Father
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BARTHOLOMEW--Occupation unknown, --Honest and straightforward. Initially rejected Jesus because Jesus was from Nazareth but acknowledged him as the "Son of God" and "King of Israel" when they met.
WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT HIM: Called him "a true son of Israel" and "an honest man."
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MATTHEW --Tax collector--Despised outcast because of his dishonest career. Abandoned his corrupt(and financially profitable) way of life to follow Jesus, invited Jesus to a party with his notorious friends; wrote the Gospel of Matthew.
WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT HIM: Called him a disciple.
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THOMAS (the twin)--Occupation unknown--Courage and doubt.
Suggested the disciples go with Jesus to Bethany--even if it meant death; asked Jesus about where he was going; refused to believe Jesus was risen until he could see Jesus alive and touch his wounds.
WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT HIM: Said Thomas believed because he actually saw Jesus after the Resurrection
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JAMES(son of Alphaeus)--Occupation unknown--characteristic
unknown--he became one of Jesus' disciples.
WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT HIM: -- unknown
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THADDAEUS(Judas son of James) --occupation unknown,
characteristic unknown --Asked Jesus why he would reveal himself to his followers and not to the world.
WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT HIM: - unknown
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SIMON THE ZEALOT - occupation unknown--Fierce patriotism--Became a disciple of Jesus
WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT HIM - unknown
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JUDAS ISCHARIOT--occupation- unknown- Treacherous and greedy- Became one of Jesus' disciples; betrayed Jesus, killed himself.
WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT HIM: Called him "a devil", said Judas would betray Jesus.

HERE WE ARE

When they learned that Jesus was "THEE"
The one they had waited for, you see.
They began to inquire about following him,
To be His commendante and friend.

Following Jesus to learn day by day
Listening carefully to what he had to say.
Telling others of their new found teacher,
Trying all they could do to go out and reach.

"Listen to what the Master has to say"
Became quite common as they traveled day after day.
Wanting their countrymen and families to believe,
The wondrous stories and miracles to receive.

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Countless thousands were told the great story,
Of the Love of God and His wondrous glory.
Following Jesus became a common affair,
As He would find them all waiting for Him there.

Whether on a hill or by a riverside,
Waiting to hear the message and believe it inside.
Receiving the words they had never heard,
Although there were doubters that thought Him absurd.

The story of Christ, is revealed again and again,
With all the many who followed as fishers of men.
Knowledge and wisdom in these books are revealed,
To live on for all of mankind, their souls to heal.

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So as we take this journey into what the Bible says,
Let's open our hearts and really be fed.
The truth of a lifetime lies between these pages,
And will live on in hearts of men for countless ages.

The ones who've gone before us have prayed
That the lost would come to Jesus and be saved.
The message that it gives will never fade away,
It remains for all who care to make a stay.

Living for Jesus, Oh what peace,
Nothing in this world, can give such release.
The Comforter and Healer is just a word away,
Say, "FORGIVE", and He's in your heart to stay.

Written by Shirley Barr
September 18, 2005
All Rights Reserved
References: KJV Bible,
Life Application Bible
Copyrights

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