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Introduction: Historical Background
Overview: For this series of messages, we have chosen to focus on Jesus’ piercing question to His disciples in Mark 8, where He asks, “Who do you say that I am?” This is a fundamental question that every person must ask as they consider giving themselves to His Lordship. Throughout our journey in the Gospel of Mark, we will look at the question “Who is this man?” as we find it answered in the many miracles and parables we will study along the way.
The Gospel of Mark is a book of action. It is the story of Peter’s journey with Jesus as told to John Mark. It is a fast-moving story of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem and the cross. This is a unique book because at least forty-two times Mark uses the word “immediately”, or one of its synonyms, showing Mark’s passion to reveal Jesus in control and on the move. Mark records only one long teaching of Jesus, and that doesn’t come until chapter 13. He also records only four parables, while describing eighteen miracles. In this little book we read a powerful story that compels the reader to get off the sidelines and get into the game! |