This Gospel was written by Mark* around A.D. 70 (NAB, 1970). Later, Matthew and Luke used his text as one of their sources for composing their Gospels. While Matthew wrote to a Jewish audience, Mark addressed his narrative to Gentiles unfamiliar with Jewish Scripture and customs.
Mark was more concerned with proving Christ’s identity as Savior and Son of God through his actions (service + sacrifice), than by his words (teaching). The service-sacrifice theme was summarized in 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus had an awareness of his messianic divine purpose and destiny (8:31), which could only be gradually realized by those in awe of the authority in which he taught (1:22,27; 6:2; 11:18) and performed miracles (2:10-12; 5:15,20,41-42; 7:37).
There were many reasons why Christ warned the apostles (8:30; 9:9), those healed (1:43-45; 5:43; 7:36) and demons (1:23-25,34; 3:11-12) not to reveal his identity to others. Only after his resurrection could his followers more fully comprehend his true identity (9:10). Until then, Christ’s mission may have been misunderstood. He did not come as a political leader nor did he intend to spark a riot or revolution, nor did he wish to be prematurely arrested by his enemies.
Although an editor later added a conclusion (16:9-20), Mark ended his Gospel on 16:8 without any mention of Christ’s post-resurrection appearances, apparently reasoning that, if people had failed to put faith in Christ after witnessing his miracles, especially his rising from the dead (16:14), then neither would they be convinced by his post-resurrection appearances. It was only after Christ’s resurrection that he commissioned his disciples to preach everywhere, and told them, he would be with them (not simply within them; 16:15,20).
After reading this Gospel, we, with the Roman centurion at the cross, should declare with amazement, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” (15:39). The Lord continues to gradually reveal himself to us through our life experiences and Scripture. We, too, are called through service and sacrifice to reveal the compassion and love of God to the world.
*Mark (a.k.a. John Mark, John; Acts 12:12,25) was a cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10). He assisted both Paul (2 Tim. 4:11) and Peter (1 Pet. 5:13) in their ministries. This Gospel is likely based on Peter’s eyewitness account to Mark, who has traditionally been credited with establishing the church in Alexandria, Egypt, where he served as its first bishop and was martyred in A.D. 68.
Walking with Jesus Series, Refl. #120, July 2025
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