Mark 1

Study Guide 94: Mark 1-5 THE AUTHENTIC SAVIOUR Overview Mark’ s Gospel is the shortest of the four. In powerful prose, Mark tells story after story about Jesus. Many of the stories bear the mark of eyewitness testimony. The early church believed that Mark, a close companion of Peter, reported what Peter had witnessed, and represents Peter’ s testimony to the life of his Lord. Distinctives of Mark are explored in the introduction to this Gospel. The Gospel can be simply outlined. After a brief introduction (Mark 1:2-13), Mark links together stories around simple, clear themes.

Outline I. IntroductionMar_1:2-13 II. Jesus AuthenticatedMark 1:4-5:43 III. Jesus in ConflictMark 6:1-8:26 IV. Jesus’ InstructionsMark 8:27-10:52 V. Journey toward CalvaryMark 11-13 VI. Death and ResurrectionMark 14-16HEALING. Mark records a stream of healings in the opening chapters of his Gospel. Christians have often wondered, is there healing for us today? The Bible clearly indicates that God can heal. But in New Testament times God did not always heal even His most faithful servants (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10). When one of Paul’ s dearest friends was ill, the apostle did not “ heal” him, but rather prayed and waited for God’ s answer (cf. Phi 2:26-28). What Jesus’ healings assure us of is that, whatever our need, God cares!

Commentary The Gospels of Matthew and Luke each carefully describe the miraculous birth of Jesus, and events associated with it. In Mark, Jesus bursts on the scene unexpectedly, as He must have appeared in His own land. We meet Jesus only as an adult, launching into His ministry in a flurry of vital activity. But Mark makes sure that we do understand who Jesus is.

Authenticated by God: Mark 1:1-13Mark immediately stated that his Gospel was “ about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Quickly Mark went about marshaling his evidence. There was a man named John who appeared, baptizing in a desert area in Judea. His message, foretold in the Old Testament, concerned a Person who was to appear. And, “ at that time” Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized. Mark reported that as Jesus was coming up out of the waters after being baptized, John saw heaven “ torn open” and the Spirit of God descending on Jesus. And John heard a voice from heaven, saying, “ You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased.” Jesus was first authenticated by God Himself. And John the Baptist was the witness to that authentication. With this beginning, Mark initiates chapters intended to authenticate Jesus as God’ s Son.

Authenticated by Power: Mark 1:14-39Witnesses (Mark 1:14-20). Mark first tells us that Jesus selected 12 disciples. This was important to his story, for the disciples would serve as witnesses to the acts which authenticated Jesus as Son of God. The role of the disciples as witnesses was emphasized. After the resurrection of Jesus the eleven apostles gathered to select a replacement for Judas Iscariot. According to Peter, “ it is necessary for us to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’ s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection” (Acts 1:21-22, italics added). The disciples, who accompanied Jesus at all times, would be able to give an eyewitness account of His whole life and ministry, firmly establishing the historical roots of the faith. There was no room in early Christianity for myth and rumors. The story of Jesus was no hearsay account, based on what someone said that another person heard from a friend. What Jesus said and did was heard by thousands, but in particular there was a group of disciples who saw it all — and who in God’ s time not only traveled the world telling what they had seen and heard, but also saw to it that the story was written down accurately and carefully. It is no wonder then that Mark notes the calling of the disciples at this point in his story. He wants us to know that witnesses who can authenticate everything he has to tell were actually there. When we hear of scholars who search for the “ historical Jesus,” trying to separate strands of the Gospel report into what “ really happened” and what was supposedly added later, we need to remember that Mark takes special care to assure us that the Jesus of the Gospels is the historical Jesus. What Mark and the other Gospel writers reported is what actually happened, and their accounts are supported by the eyewitness testimony of people who were there. What was it that the witnesses saw as Jesus launched His ministry that authenticated Him as Son of God? An evil spirit driven out (Mark 1:21-28). It was Jesus’ teaching that first amazed the crowds. Mark, typically, does not tell us what Jesus was teaching: simply that He did teach. And those who heard were amazed, because Jesus “ taught them as One who had authority, not as the teachers of the Law” (Mark 1:22). In Jesus’ time anyone who wished to be recognized as a rabbi (teacher) went through a recognized process of training. He became a disciple of a rabbi, and from him learned the mass of oral traditions and interpretations which had grown up around the Law. It was common for a rabbi to refer to tradition; to discuss the notion of rabbi this and rabbi that. It was what the long dead had said that the living referred to when teaching. And then Jesus appeared. And when Jesus taught, He did not hedge His words by references to others. He spoke plainly, powerfully, as One who possessed authority on His own. The word “ amazed” here does not suggest belief. In fact, it suggests skepticism. But, Mark says, “ just then” a man possessed with an evil spirit cried out. The spirit identified Jesus as “ the Holy One of God!” And Jesus commanded the spirit to come out of him. Shrieking, the spirit obeyed. News of this act spread. Jesus gave His “ new teaching . . . with authority!” And He “ even [gave] orders to evil spirits and they obeyed Him.” Even the evil spirits who hated Jesus testified to the fact that He is the Son of God. Jesus’ disciples, and the people of Capernaum were witnesses. Jesus heals (Mark 1:29-34). The first healing Mark reported was of Peter’ s mother-in-law. But that evening, the ministry of healing was extended to the “ whole town,” which gathered at the door. This time Jesus’ power over the sicknesses that bind humanity authenticated Him as the Son of God. And again the witnesses were, first the disciples, and then the “ whole town.” Prayer (Mark 1:35-39). What was the source of Jesus’ power? The town did not know. But the disciples did. Mark tells us that “ very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up . . . and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.” Christ’ s intimate personal relationship with the Father was the source of His power. This intimacy, witnessed by the disciples, also authenticated Christ as the Son of God. From there, Mark concludes, Jesus traveled with His disciples to nearby villages, until He had traveled throughout Galilee. Everywhere He went Jesus preached, and His acts of power publicly authenticated Him as the Son of God. LINK TO LIFE: CHILDREN Mark’ s vivid stories are a favorite source of Sunday School lessons for boys and girls. In this passage we not only sense Jesus’ power, but also His need for prayer. It was Jesus’ closeness to God the Father that gave Him the strength to act as He did. Boys and girls too need to be close to God to find strength to do what is good and right. Prayer can bring them close to God, as it kept Jesus close to His Father. How can you demonstrate to children the importance of prayer? Point a flashlight at a sheet of paper held up across the room. The light will show, but dimly. Gradually bring the paper closer to the light, and note how the light seems stronger and stronger. Prayer brings us closer and closer to God, the Source of our strength. The closer we are, the stronger His light will shine in our lives.

Authenticated by Compassion: Mark 1:40-3:12 The first set of stories Mark told focused on the emotion of amazement aroused by Jesus’ acts of power. Now, in another series, Mark focused on the emotions which moved Jesus, and on the impact of His interventions on the lives of individuals. In this series we realize that Jesus truly was God in the flesh, for He showed God’ s own concern for individuals who live in bondage. The healing touch (Mark 1:40-45). Mark had spoken of the crowds. Now he spoke of individuals. The first person Mark mentioned was a leper who came to Jesus, begging Him on his knees. Leprosy was especially terrible to a Jew. More than what we call leprosy (Hanson’ s disease) was designated by this name in Bible times. The word was used of any chronic or infectious skin disease. Leprosy was serious in Israel not only because it caused physical pain, but because it made a Jew ceremonially “ unclean” (see Leviticus 14:1-57). Such a Jew could not participate in worship and was to be isolated from others in the Hebrew community. The leper who approached Jesus had very probably not known the touch of another’ s hand for years, as all around him were repelled by his disease. No wonder he was hesitant as he came to Christ and said, “ If You are willing, You can make me clean” (Mark 1:40). The leper did not question Jesus’ power. But he did question Jesus’ willingness to act for him, an outcast. Mark tells us that Jesus was “ filled with compassion.” The Greek word used here makes it clear that he was deeply moved. Jesus reached out His hand and actually touched the man! He said, “ I am willing,” and with a word cured the incurable disease. With that touch Jesus answered for all time the doubts of those who wonder if God really cares. Jesus not only met the physical need. He understood the loneliness and psychological pain this man must have experienced, and with His touch dealt directly with that inner pain. A paralytic healed and forgiven (Mark 2:1-12). The next story also focused on an individual. The man was a paralytic, brought to Jesus by friends. Confident that Jesus did care and could heal, the friends actually dug through the roof of a home where Jesus was teaching in order to bring the man to Him. Jesus, in response to this faith, announced not only healing but also the forgiveness of the man’ s sins! This was too much for some of the “ teachers of the Law” who were now listed by Mark as among the observers. These teachers were “ thinking to themselves” that Jesus words about forgiveness of sins were blasphemy, because “ who can forgive sins but God alone?” They were right, of course. Only God can forgive sin. But Jesus is God the Son! Jesus answered their unspoken objection in a graphic way. Which is easier: to tell a paralyzed man that he is forgiven, or to heal him? The answer is clear. It is far easier to speak of forgiveness. Who could possibly look into a man’ s heart to see if he was forgiven? It’ s easy to say, “ You’ re forgiven,” because who could really tell? How different to say, “ Take up your bed and walk.” Every one can see, then, if the speaker has authority! Not waiting for an answer, Jesus told the paralyzed man to get up, and walk home. “ In full view of them all,” the paralyzed man got up and walked away! Jesus’ authority as God the Son to forgive sin was authenticated by a healing that took place not just in front of Christ’ s followers, but in front of His enemies as well! Levi called (Mark 2:13-17). But is it true that there is no public evidence of Christ’ s inner work in a human life? Mark focuses our attention on yet another individual. The man was Levi, a tax collector. Tax collectors in New Testament times collaborated with the Romans and often profited by what they extorted from their fellow-countrymen. They were linked by all with other “ sinners” from various outcast classes, like prostitutes. Jesus not only called Levi to become one of His disciples, but even went to his home. There, at a party in His honor, Jesus mixed comfortably with the “ sinners” of society. The Pharisees, witnessing this, were scandalized. In response Jesus simply said, “ It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). What is significant about this story is, of course, the fact that the man called “ Levi” here is elsewhere called Matthew! He was not only 1 of the 12 disciples, but wrote the Gospel identified by his name! Jesus’ power as Son of God was authenticated not only by healing sickness and disease, but by healing the sin which infects every human being. Jesus came to call sinners. And when His touch is felt on a human life, the sinner responds by becoming a new and righteous man. Lord of Sabbath (Mark 2:18-3:6). In each of the stories in Mark 2:1-28, Pharisees or teachers of the Law have a prominent part. Why? The people of Israel were truly zealous for God. But their zeal had been misdirected. They thought that God would be pleased if they rigorously kept the details of His Law. In their focus on the details, they missed the real meaning and purpose of God’ s ancient commands. Our saying, “ They couldn’ t see the forest for the trees,” was doubly true of the Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus’ time. This theme is introduced as Jesus is asked His view on fasting. The disciples of the Pharisees and John the Baptist fasted. What about Jesus’ disciples? Did they fast too? Jesus dismissed the question, pointing out that His new wine (His “ new teaching” ) could not be poured into old wineskins. The patterns of thought and religion which characterized Israel were out of harmony with the message Jesus had to share. Two incidents demonstrate Jesus’ focus. Christ’ s disciples plucked some heads of grain as they followed Him through a grain field. This was allowed in the Old Testament Law: a hungry person could eat from another’ s field as he passed by, but could not carry anything away. But this was the Sabbath. And to the Pharisees, who classified the act as “ work,” the act seemed a violation of the Sabbath Day. Jesus dismissed their complaint. He did not point out that this interpretation was not found in Scripture but in mere human tradition. Instead, Jesus went back to the Old Testament and noted that even David, when hungry, ate of the shewbread located in God’ s tabernacle. Though this bread was supposed to be eaten by the priests alone, David was not charged with a sin because he had acted out of real need. So, Jesus explained, “ The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” In other words, God was not angered when real need drove a human being to violate a ceremonial aspect of Old Testament Law. People are more important to God than ritual observances. And this, Jesus said, He now established as One who is “ Lord of the Sabbath.” At another time Jesus found a man with a shriveled hand when He entered a synagogue. The Pharisees had apparently planted him there, intending, if Christ should heal him, to accuse Jesus as a Sabbath-breaker. Jesus confronted them. He asked, “ Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” The Pharisees had no answer — but they were unmoved. Deeply angered by the stubborn heartlessness of these men, Jesus restored the cripple. And the Pharisees “ went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus” (Mark 3:6). Mark concluded with another of his typical summary paragraphs. Jesus traveled, taught, healed, and expelled evil spirits who continued to cry out, “ You are the Son of God.” What is the significance of this sequence in Mark’ s story of Jesus? Mark wanted his readers to realize that Jesus is authenticated as the Son of God by His demonstration of God’ s deep compassion for human beings. He heals our diseases. He forgives our sins. And He shows us that what God desires is not a legalistic relationship with human beings but a relationship marked by loving concern. The love which infused the Law at its giving had been lost sight of as God’ s people thought of it as rules to follow in order to please God rather than as guidelines showing them how to love Him and one another. And the Pharisees? They were witnesses of the authenticating marks of Jesus’ compassion. And by their reaction they demonstrated to all that their approach to religion was devoid of the love that marks the character of God. LINK TO LIFE: CHILDREN Stories in this section also are children’ s favorites. Here’ s a review activity focusing on the compassion they show, and the example they give of how we can please God. On a paper plate divided into quarters, print: Touch (Mark 1:40-45); Forgive (Mark 2:1-12); Be friends (Mark 2:13-17); Help (Mark 3:1-12). Cut a picture from your curriculum to illustrate each Bible story, and paste it in the appropriate quarter. Attach a cardboard arrow with a brad, so it can be spun to point to any quarter. You are now ready to play the “ We Care!” game with your boys and girls. Remind the boys and girls of the Bible stories. Let them take turns spinning. Each is to make up a story about a person who needs to be touched, forgiven, have friends, or be helped, and tell how a child might care for that person.

Authenticated by Personal Authority: Mark 3:13-5:43 Mark began this new section with a list of those Jesus appointed as His official apostles (sent ones). He then launched into a series of stories which demonstrate that the Son of God’ s personal authority is absolutely unlimited. There is only one possible explanation for His acts and His words. False explanations (Mark 3:20, Mark 3:25). The excitement had grown in Galilee, until Jesus was constantly surrounded by crowds. Shouting, shoving people pressed so close that Christ and His disciples could not even find an opportunity to sit down and eat! These people did not try to explain Jesus: they simply mobbed this new celebrity. When His family heard, they rushed to Him. “ He is out of His mind,” was their theory. What had happened to this quiet, hard-working carpenter Son and Brother, to make Him run around the country drawing crowds! It seemed so unlike Him! The “ teachers of the Law” who came down from Jerusalem to check out this phenomenon had another theory. “ He’ s demon-possessed!” They tried to explain Jesus’ supernatural powers by saying that they were from Satan rather than God. Jesus exposed the ridiculous theory by pointing out that His powers had been used against Satan’ s minions. What ruler would start warfare between his own subjects? Only if a strong homeowner had been rendered powerless could another carry away his possessions. Jesus’ works were done in the power of the Holy Spirit, not of Satan. Only one conclusion fit the facts. Jesus is the Son of God: His personal authority as God’ s Son is the only explanation for all He said and did. Authoritative teaching (Mark 4:1-34). Now Mark gave a sample of Jesus’ teaching. The word Jesus spoke was like seed scattered by a farmer. When the word took root in “ good soil” it produced much fruit. Those who hear Jesus are likened to various soils. Some are like stony ground, on which the seed initially sprouts but cannot grow because there is no place for it to take root. Any trouble or persecution brings rejection of the Word. Others allow concern for the affairs of this life to choke out the spiritual. But on those who are “ good soil” (responsive to the Word) it produces a rich crop. This longer parable is followed by a series of enigmatic statements. Lamps are to be put on stands, not covered with a bowl. The kingdom of God grows gradually, like a planted seed. Taking in the crop awaits harvesttime. The tiniest of seeds can grow into a large garden plant. Jesus’ parables were not explained to the crowds, but “ when He was alone with His disciples, He explained everything” (Mark 4:34). The truths hidden in the parables of Jesus were understood by the disciples, and those that relate to the church are woven into the teaching of the Epistles. Personal authority demonstrated (Mark 4:35-5:43). Now, in his report of a series of miracles, Mark showed us in their ascending significance the full extent of Christ’ s personal power. Asleep at sea, Jesus was aroused by His terrified disciples when a “ furious squall” struck their fishing boat. He rebuked the storm . . . and suddenly the waters were completely calm! Jesus has power over nature. LINK TO LIFE: CHILDREN Have your boys and girls draw a picture of the favorite part of this Bible story, and talk about why they like that part. (Most will choose a dramatic storm scene.) Then ask how the disciples must have felt before Jesus awoke. How did they feel after He stilled the storm? Ask each to draw another picture: of a time when they are glad that Jesus is with them as He was with the disciples in the boat. Have each tell about his picture, and thank God together that Jesus is present when they are afraid. In the next story in this sequence Mark told how Jesus cast many demons out of a man, sending them into a herd of pigs. Jesus has power over evil spiritual beings and forces. Then Jesus was urged to go to help a dying daughter. On the way He was touched by a woman who had suffered from chronic bleeding for 12 years. She was healed simply by touching Jesus’ clothes, and confessed the faith that brought her to Jesus. Even the physical illnesses which bind us and are one of the most obvious results of the Fall submit to Jesus. When Jesus arrived at the home of Jairus, the man who had begged Him to come to his daughter’ s aid, she had died. Entering the house with the parents and the disciples, Jesus took her by the hand — and restored her to life! Jesus had power not only over sickness, but over death itself. Jesus does have personal authority. All that Jesus said and did authenticated Him as the Son of God. Those who first read Mark’ s Gospel, as we who read it today, must have been convinced. Jesus is just who Mark claimed Him to be in his first words. What we have read truly is about “ Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1).

Teaching Guide Prepare Read Mark 1-5 through quickly. What are your major impressions of Jesus?

Explore

1. When your group members come in have Mark 1:1 written on the chalkboard. Ask each to quickly read through Mark 15:1-47, and select the “ most compelling evidence that Jesus is the Son of God.”
2. Explain that Mark, like the other Gospel writers, reported what really did happen, but may sequence events to support a particular emphasis. Chronological sequence isn’ t the only valid way to organize material. Then outline the organizing principle of authentication as it functions in these chapters. Jesus was: authenticated by God (Mark 1:1-13); authenticated by power (Mark 1:14-29); authenticated by compassion (Mark 1:40-3:12); authenticated by personal authority (Mark 3:13-5:43). Together work through the first of these sections, pointing out the nature of the authentication and the importance of witnesses.

Expand

1. Break into teams to examine the other three “ authenticating” segments. Each team is to look at the nature of the authenticating words, guided by the section titles. Each is also to note the witnesses. Finally each team should try to explain just how the incidents reported are linked to each other. Do not follow up these studies by having each team report its findings to the others.
2. Have each group member select one incident from these chapters as his or her favorite. Each is then to read and reread his or her incident, and write down two or three “ lessons for living” that can be learned through it.

Apply Form teams of four. Each person should share the “ lesson for living” that he or she drew from a Mark incident that is most important to him or her personally, and explain why this lesson has personal value.