You Can Read the Bible Guided Podcast

Mark 4 contains the longest sequence of teaching so far.  Again, in “sandwiched” form, Jesus presents a parable about “…a sower who went out to sow…”  Notice the setting of each segment: first, teaching from a boat to a crowd on land; later, “alone” with the twelve and a few others.  When asked for an explanation, consider Jesus’ tone when he asks, “Do you not understand this parable?  How then will you understand all the parables?”

The following sequences focus on Jesus’ power and authority, first over nature, then over the spirits, then over sickness and death.  When Jesus calms the waves, his disciples ask the question that forms the heart of Mark’s gospel: “Who is this Jesus?”  Who indeed?  Mark has already given his answer on this subject.

At the beginning of chapter 5, Jesus and his disciples arrive in the country of the Gerasenes.  Situated on the northeast corner of the Sea of Galilee, the geography here is significant.  It is pagan land, devoted to Greek culture and mythology, outside of Jewish influence. How unJewish were they? Pigs. Remember the law of Moses!  You’d never, ever, see pigs in Jewish land.  In a world that believed that gods had territories and specialties, Jesus showed His power knows no boundaries. 

In this story, as well as with the healings near the end of chapter 5, the crowd again plays a critical rhetorical role.  Some are grateful, some terrified, others amazed.   But when Jesus goes home, at the beginning of chapter 6, He faces a different sort of response: “They took offense at Him.”  Listen to their questions, and consider whether each concern is reasonable.  Listen also to how Jesus responds, both directly to his countrymen, and in the charge He gives to his disciples.  

Mark returns to the subject of Jesus’ power at the end of chapter 6, but not before sharing the troubling account of John the Baptist’s imprisonment and death.  Herod, a puppet king in the northern region of Galilee, plays a complicated role here.  He seems both to respect and detest John.  Mark is unyielding in comparing a weak, conflicted Herod to John, who even Herod knew was righteous and holy.  

Our verse for this week is John 3:19: “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.”

Mark chapters 4 through 6.  Now let’s read it!

Mark tells you what to expect from his gospel in the opening sentences.  He launches immediately into his conclusion: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Whatever you may conclude from this story, there is no doubt what Mark thinks.  The next sentence isn’t any less bold, a centuries-old prophecy of both promise and warning: Prepare the way of the Lord. 

The first narrative is spare: John appeared…baptizing…and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins…  The early dialogue, first from John, then from heaven, culminates in Jesus’ first words: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” 

You’re going to find that Mark has laid the groundwork for both his theology and his style.  The narrative is quick and sharp.  The word “immediately” is used 35 times.   Mark’s Jesus is a character of action and direction. 

In these first three chapters, the theme of authority takes shape, pivoting around the healing of the paralytic in chapter 2.  Jesus acts to heal a man by declaring “Your sins are forgiven.”  Some “scribes” who were present – these are the men who interpreted and taught the law – took issue with Jesus declaring forgiveness of sin, a role reserved by God alone.  Jesus uses the opportunity to make His point about who He is, not only through words, but more so by how those words impacted the paralyzed man.

This is the first of many “sandwiches” in Mark, where one story wraps around another.  It’s also an opportunity to highlight “the crowd” as a major character in this gospel.  Pay attention to the reactions of those around the action, and to how Mark uses this character to offset the responses of the protagonists.  

Our verse for this week is John 3:19: “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.”

Mark chapters 1 through 3.  Now let’s read it!