Welcome to this new podcast, Bible Wisdom Today, and to our first book of study, the Gospel of Mark. Believed to be one of the source documents for both Matthew and Luke, the Gospel of Mark is perhaps the most important gospel despite its shorter length. In this introductory episode, we will meet Mark, the author. We will also learn about the historical context of Mark’s gospel, Mark’s writing style and the narrative structure of his book. We will also see how Mark uses this structure to communicate his theological message. In the gospel of Mark, Jesus slowly and methodically reveals who He is. He is the Son of God, who came to establish his kingdom on earth through humble suffering and calls his followers to follow him on the same road.

Narrative Structure of the Book of Mark[1]

Prologue: In the desert (1:1-15)

Galilee: On the shore (1:16-3:35). Phase 1: Secrecy

Galilee: Parables Discourse (4:1-36)

Galilee: On the lake (4:35-8:22)

Healing a nameless blind man (8:22-26)
The Journey (8:27-10:45). Phase 2: Schooling
Healing blind Bartimaeus (10:46-52)

Jerusalem: In the temple (11:1-12:45). Phase 3: Suffering

Jerusalem Discourse—The last times (13:1-37)
Jerusalem: Toward the cross (14:1-15:39) |

Epilogue: At the tomb (15:40-end)

[1] Oefele , C. (2019). "To Have or Not to Have” and its Polyphonic Meaning in Mark 8,1-22a. In Reading the Gospel of Mark in the Twenty-First Century (pp. 691–704). essay, Universität Bern. Retrieved November 27, 2024, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
352251520_TO_HAVE_OR_NOT_TO_HAVE_AND_ITS_POLYPHONIC_MEANING_IN_MARK_81-22A

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Musical excerpts from "Pour le Piano" by Claude Debussy (Public Domain) performed by your host.

In this second episode of Bible Wisdom Today, we explore the prologue of the Gospel of Mark, covering chapter 1, verses 1 through 15. We begin with an overview of the primary truths Mark seeks to present: Jesus as the Messiah, Son of God, bringer of God's kingdom, and his battle with Satan. We then discuss Mark’s thesis statement, which he places in his very first sentence: “The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” We cover each of the important words in that sentence and then turn to Mark’s introduction of John the Baptist as the forerunner of Jesus and the theological importance of Jesus' baptism and testing. We conclude with Jesus' declaration of the Kingdom of God and His call to repent and believe.

Study Questions for Mark 1:1-15

for your personal or small group use.

1. What role did John play in God’s overall plan (v. 2-3)?
2. Look up the quotations in verses 2-3 in their original Old Testament locations (Malachi 3:1; Isaiah 40:3). What do the original contexts contribute to your understanding of the meaning of these quotes?
3. John the Baptist brought a message of repentance (v. 4). How could you explain this idea to your unbelieving friend? Why is repentance the essential starting point of faith?
4. Why did people flock to hear John rather than avoid him (v. 5)?
5. If John the Baptist came to your neighborhood, with his dress, diet, and message (vv. 6-8) how do you think he would be received?
6. Why did Jesus seek to be baptized (v. 9)?
7. What do you think the tearing open of heaven, the Spirit descending on him like a dove, and the heavenly voice mean to Jesus as He came up out of the water (vv. 10-11)? As he endured his testing in the wilderness (vv. 12-13?
8. Why do you think that Mark mentions that John was put into prison (v. 14)? How does that relate to the beginning of Jesus own ministry?
9. How is Jesus’ message the same as John’s (v. 15)? How is it different?
10. Who has God used in your life to prepare the way for you to meet Jesus? How can you be used to prepare the way for your friends to meet Jesus?

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New feature announcement: Now you can easily comment on this podcast by clicking on "Send me your comments or questions" near the bottom of the episode description. This will give you the option of sending a text message or voice mail, depending on your device. This is quick and easy--and I can respond. Please let me know your thoughts

Episodes released every two weeks on Monday

Musical excerpts from "Pour le Piano" by Claude Debussy (Public Domain) performed by your host.

Jesus begins His public ministry with a splash of authority, calling his first disciples, teaching, expelling demons, and healing the sick. The crowd was amazed. He also showed his authority in more private ways by avoiding the temptation to play to the crowd and ignoring law and custom to give a leper His healing touch. Jesus willing choices to stay true to His mission challenge our own tendency to seek our own best interests.

00:00 Welcome

02:45 Authority to Call Disciples

08:39 Authority to Teach and Expel Demons

14:02 Authority to Heal

18:10 Authority to Choose His Own Priorities

22:23 Authority to Touch the Untouchable

29:42 Concluding Comments

Study Questions for Mark 1:16-45

for your personal or small group use.

1. What were some of the struggles the first disciples of Jesus may have felt when they chose to follow Jesus? What are some of the struggles His followers face today?

2. Jesus promised to make his disciples become fishers of people (v. 17). In what ways have you experienced Jesus remaking you into a different person?

3. Jesus called his disciples to be involved in His ministry right away. How does that compare with your own experience? What areas of ministry do you feel Jesus calling you to take up?

4. Why do you think Jesus started His public ministry in a synagogue?

5. What was it about Jesus that amazed the crowd (v. 27)? What does it mean to teach with authority? Where did Jesus get His authority?

6. How does Jesus’ method of healing Peter’s mother-in-law compare with His method of casting out the demon (vv. 25, 31)?

7. Mark reports the events of vv. 21-32 as happening in one day. What all happened on this day?

8. Why did Jesus not allow the demons to speak (v. 34)?

9. After Jesus’ previous day, what might be his concerns for the new day as he prayed (v. 35)? How might this affect his decision in v. 38? If you were Simon, how would you feel about His decision (v. 38)?

10. Why do you think the leper may have been unsure if Jesus wanted to heal him (v. 40)?

11. If you had been the leper living alone, separated from friends and society, how would you feel to receive Jesus’ healing touch (v. 41)?

12. Was the leper disobedient in spreading the news of his healing (v. 45)?

13. If you just got engaged, who would you tell? If you just inherited a million dollars, would you want to share your good fortune? Most of us want to tell others about good news. How excited are you to share the gospel (good news) with others? Are you so excited that you cannot possibly be quiet (v. 45)?

14. What do the actions and words of Jesus we have seen today tell us about the Kingdom of God?

15. In what ways do we see the battle between good and evil in this section of the Bible?

Send me your comments or questions. I would love to hear from you.

New feature announcement: Now you can easily comment on this podcast by clicking on "Send me your comments or questions" near the bottom of the episode description. This will give you the option of sending a text message or voice mail, depending on your device. This is quick and easy--and I can respond. Please let me know your thoughts

Episodes released every two weeks on Monday

Musical excerpts from "Pour le Piano" by Claude Debussy (Public Domain) performed by your host.