Thelo Church

This Sunday Pastor Patt began our new sermon series, entitled “Jesus, The Humble Servant,” going through the Gospel of Mark. Join us on Sundays at Thelo Church (2800 Trotter Rd., Hopkins). Below is an introduction to Mark to prepare for the series.

Mark Sermon Series: Jesus, The Humble Servant

One of the big jokes with me as a leader is I don’t do a great job of training. I am task oriented and therefore, a “sink or swim” kind of leader. I love that I have a staff member who is will go slow with new team members. She will explain our methodology and our history and I love to watch it. I tend to consider the needed outcomes and greatly believe in the ability of those on our team, and I like jump into the work.

In a similar vein, John Mark, the author, does not waste any time. This gospel does not have the story of the birth of Jesus or even a dictation of his early life. In fact, in the very first verse John Mark introduces Jesus as the Son of God. Talk about jumping into the deep end.

You might remember John Mark from our study on Acts as he journeyed with Paul and Barnabas. He is the son of Mary (no, not that Mary) who was also a believer. Acts talks about how John Mark left Paul and Barnabas. I won’t rehash the history of Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark, but there is some drama. John Mark returns to the faith and, spoiler alert, Paul and John Mark eventually reconcile (yay)! I really love a happy ending.

Introduction to the Gospel of Mark

• Mark is believed to be written by John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas.
  • He is the son of Mary, from Acts. It is believed that the Last Supper took place in her home.
• It is the shortest of the four gospels, and it is a very fast-paced one.
  • It also makes it an excellent introduction for new Christians, as it is short, and there aren’t a lot of old testament references.
  • In addition to being the shortest of the gospels, it is also believed to be the first.
• Several commentators think that Matthew and Luke used Mark to write their gospels.
• John Mark wrote this to Gentiles living in Rome before 70 AD, likely 57-60 AD.
• Scholars believed he received most of his information from the eyewitness Peter.
• “Mark emphasizes the depths of the Lord more than His words (he records nineteen miracles, but only four parables).” (Mark A. Copeland)
• Mark’s gospel has a read time of about 90 minutes. Here is a great read if you’re heading to the beach soon.
• The story takes place between Galilee and Jerusalem.
• Major themes: being a disciple of Christ and Jesus the suffering Servant of God.

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Mark 1:1

Brief Outline of Mark

As I stated Mark was anxious about introducing us to Jesus the Messiah, his mission, and how we are to respond as a disciple of Christ.

1. Jesus’ power and authority | Mark 1 – 8
2. Jesus as the humble servant | Mark 8 – 16
   • retaining all power and authority

Love you. Let’s study, connect, and give through the book of Mark.

-Lee