This chapter forms an introduction to the Gospel of Mark. Introductory matters addressed are its authorship, the audience, the date, the emergence of Mark in gospel studies, theological emphases (Christology, the Messianic secret, the disciples and discipleship), and an outline of the Gospel.
What is the significance of the baptism of Jesus according to the Gospels? Mark 1:9-11 relates the baptism of Jesus. Edwards considers the significance and function of this baptism in Mark. The baptism is related to the coming of the kingdom of heaven. Edwards further works out the significance of Jesus' baptism for our understanding of him as Son of God.
True spirituality cannot be found in intellectualism, emotionalism, and moralism. From Mark 1:14-15 this article shows that true spirituality can only be found in understanding the gospel message and its transforming power.
This article contains a sermon on Mark 1:21–28, on Jesus preaching and exorcising with authority.
This article provides a sermon on Mark 1:29-39, where Jesus healed many, cast out demons, and prayed early the next morning.
Interpreting figurative language is part of biblical exegesis. Mark 1:38 contains such figurative speech, called amphibologia.
This article is a sermon on Mark 2:13-17.
The Lord Jesus in Mark 3 speaks about the unforgiveable sin. This article considers in detail just what this sin against the Holy Spirit is.
This article is a sermon on Mark 3:7-21.
This article is a sermon on Mark 3:22-30, on blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
This article argues that Jesus' preaching to the crowds beside the Sea of Galilee in Mark 4:1 should be seen in the light of references in the Old Testament to the coastlands and to the mixed multitude in Exodus 12:38.
This article offers a few reasons why the Lord Jesus allowed the daughter of Jairus to die (Mark 5).
This article considers three reasons why the Lord Jesus allowed the daughter of Jairus to die (Mark 5).
This article suggests that a close reading of the Septuagint translation of Jeremiah reveals that his prophetic message influences the way Mark portrays Jesus’ words and deeds. In specific contexts in Mark’s narrative (e.g., Mark 8:17, Mark 11:17-18), where potential linkages with the Greek version of Jeremiah’s prophecy occur, the author demonstrates the potential contribution of the Greek version to the reader's understanding of Mark’s purpose.
For the Lord Jesus, there was one necessity that controlled his life. This article, an exposition of Mark 8:27–Mark 9:1, shows what it meant for Christ to do the will of God, and what Christian discipleship today is all about.
