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They thought Jesus would come again in their lifetime but once it came apparent that he
wasnt, mark decided to write the Gospel down so things would be remembered when he did
come
The people who knew Jesus and the key eyewitnesses were dying and the message would
have been lost if it wasnt written down
Beliefs about the religion were starting to be changed so the beliefs had to be written down
Christians were being persecuted so he had to give them faith
Divine inspiration
Collections of teachings: some Christian communities would have had some of the stories
about Jesus written down
The passion narrative: the events leading up to Jesus crucifixion would have been written
down because they were important
Matthews Gospel: some historians think that Matthew's gospel was written first so Mark used it
as the basis of his writing
Peter or other disciples: sources state that Mark got lots of his information from Peter as well as
the other disciples
Other eyewitnesses: Mark might have met people like Simon of Cyrene and Bartimaeus who
had known Jesus directly. He also might have talked to other Christians who witnessed events
like the feeding of the 5000
Personal experiences: Mark might have witnessed events such as the Last Supper and the
arrest of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane
Divine inspiration: some Christians believe that Mark was directly inspired by God, and
therefore everything is the Gospel is accurate and correct
The first line in Mark's Gospel This is the good news about Jesus Christ, the son of God tells us
that Jesus is the son of god, that Mark believes in Jesus and thinks highly of him, and it is good news
written by a believer for believers.
A man named Mark referred to in the Bible and early Christian tradition
Mysterious man in Gethsemane who witnessed Jesus arrest; he is only mentioned in Mark's
gospel
His mother owned the house where the Last Supper was held so perhaps Mark was in the
house at the time
Women/slaves were treated badly and discriminated against, but in Christianity, everyone is
equal
Sins can be forgiven if you are genuinely sorry for what you have done this would apply to
criminals
Outcasts will be accepted
The Romans worshipped many gods whereas in Christianity there was only one God
They were seen as unsociable because they didnt come to parties
There were rumours about how they worshipped such as they were thought to be cannibals
Blamed for bad economy because they were no longer buying offerings to take to shrines
Nero blamed Christians for the great fire in Rome
The Temptation
Happens immediately after the baptism, Jesus trying to prepare for his task. At once the Spirit sent
him out into the desert, and he was in the desert for 40 days, being tempted by Satan. He was
with the wild animals, and the angels attended him. 40 days is often used in the Old Testament to
signify a long period of time. Wild animals were often seen as demons and Satan being there meant he
was being severely tested. In the Old Testament, angels were messengers of God who brought love
and support so it represents God supporting him. This story might help Christians being persecuted as
it shows that we should trust God and he will support us. This story shows that Jesus is ready to start
his ministry, that he has authority over Satan, and that he is aware of Gods support.
Caesarea Philippi
Jesus asked the disciples, Who do people say I am? They replied, Some say you are John
the Baptist; others say Elijah or one of the prophets. Jesus asked them, Who do you say I
am? Peter answered, You are the Christ. Jesus told them not to tell anyone. He then began
to teach them about the Son of Man who would suffer and be killed but three days later he
would rise again. Peter began to shout at him for saying these things but Jesus rebuked him.
Get away from me, Satan! You do not have in mind the things of God but the things of men.
This story is important because it is the first time Jesus is acknowledged as the Messiah. It is also the
first time we hear the passion narrative. It also shows that Peter is the main disciple. Caesarea Philippi
is often called a watershed as as all of Jesus teachings became private afterwards. He needed to focus
on teaching the disciples everything before he was captured, which would have happened sooner if he
continued to teach and heal publically.
The Transfiguration
Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain where he transfigured. His clothes became
dazzling white and Elijah and Moses appeared talking to Jesus. Peter said to them, Let us put
up 3 shelters, one for each of you. The disciples didnt know what to say because they were
frightened. Then a cloud appeared and a voice said, This is my son whom I love. Listen to
him! Suddenly Elijah, Moses and the cloud disappeared and Jesus told them not to tell anyone
what had happened.
Jesus shining white represents purity and shows his divinity as he is more than just a man. The cloud
indicated Gods presence and again he spoke like in the baptism, claiming Jesus as his son. Moses
and Elijah were important figures in the Old Testament. Their presence showed that they approved of
Jesus and his teachings. Also it proves Jesus is not one of them. God saying, Listen to him was
directed at the disciples and telling them to heed what Jesus had said about his suffering.
The transfiguration is important as Jesus talking to Elijah and Moses shows his divinity, authority,
messianic status and that he has Gods support. It shows Christians that Jesus is more important than
Elijah and Moses. Also Peter and Jesus had previously had an argument, so it shows Jesus will always
offer forgiveness.
message of love. Jesus says she will be remembered throughout the world, which shows how
important women will be in the church. You will always have poor people but not me shows Jesus is
only a human being as he is being selfish, and that the disciples should listen to him, as he wont be
there much longer.
The Betrayal
Judas betrayed Jesus. This might be because Jesus wasnt the Messiah Judas was expecting.
Because Judas was a Zealot he wanted a strong military leader which Jesus was not so he was angry.
Also because the Sanhedrin offered him a reward and for the past 3 years he had lived with nothing
because he was a disciple.
Saint
Sinner
Gethsemane
They went to a place called Gethsemane and Jesus asked the disciples to sit and wait while he
prayed. He took Peter, James, and John and asked them to keep watch as he was deeply
distressed and troubled. He fell to the ground and prayed, Abba, Father, Take this cup from
me. He returned to find the disciples sleeping. He shouted at them, Watch and pray so that
you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Once more he went
and prayed but when he came back he found them asleep. Jesus returned for a third time and
told them to get up. Look, the son of man is delivered into the hands of sinners.
This is the first time we see Jesus like this: upset and distraught. He was also annoyed and worried that
even his closest disciples couldnt stay awake. Christians can relate to Jesus in the Garden of
Gethsemane because sometimes we might think we have the world on our shoulders when we deal
with stress and problems in our life. Christians being persecuted might find this story a source of
encouragement because it showed we must trust in God. Many Christians can also relate to Peter,
James, and John, as they wanted to stay awake but could not.
Disagree
Jesus Resurrection
After the Sabbath the women went to anoint Jesus body. They went to the tomb and found the
stone had been rolled away. When they entered the tomb they found a man dressed in white.
Dont be alarmed. I know you are looking for Jesus. He is raised. He told them to tell the
disciples but they ran from the tomb and said nothing to anyone because they were afraid.
It is significant that the the first people to hear the good news about Jesus resurrection were women as
it shows they were important, but like the disciples they also failed as they fled and did not tell anyone.
The man is thought to be an angel and the fact he tells them to tell the disciples shows that the
disciples were forgiven even though they abandoned Jesus.
The ascension
After Jesus had spoken to them he was taken up to heaven and sat on the right hand of God. Then the
disciples went out and preached everywhere. The Lord worked with them and confirmed their word.
The Ascension marks the end of Jesus physical presence on earth. For Christians it is the final proof
that Jesus was indeed the Son of God. Jesus became a spiritual presence in the disciples lives after
this.
No
Messiah/Christ
Means anointed/chosen one. The title has strong political and Jewish links as in the Old Testament it
was used to describe kings, especially King David. Jews ideas of the Messiah changed over time.
Jews began to think that a supernatural figure sent by God would be their Messiah. Zealots in the 1st
century hoped the Messiah would be a warrior who could help them overthrow the Romans.
Throughout Jesus life, there were men who claimed to be the Messiah to lead Zealot uprisings. Jesus
did not use and discouraged others from using this title because of the messianic secret. If Jesus had
called himself this he would have been captured and killed much quicker and would not have been able
to complete his ministry. Jews expected the Messiah to perform miracles to prove his identity, but this is
not why he performed miracles. He did so to show his compassion, Gods power, and love. If Jesus had
called himself the Messiah, people would have instantly followed him, but he wanted people to draw
their own conclusions about him. There are better titles, however, that reveal who Jesus is such as
son of God. Also many people today do not understand what a Messiah is and could lead to ideas of
status and power, which is the opposite of what Jesus is about
Son of Man
Jesus used this title the most to describe himself. Many Christians like this title because it emphasises
Jesus humanity and humility as someone we could relate to. At the same time it points to his authority
as Gods representative during his Ministry and to his future state of glory. It had no political links, so it
was not dangerous to use, but it still linked to the Old Testament. The title, however, is not important
enough to fully describe Jesus and his power. When Jesus uses the son of man, it is referring to his
ministry, suffering, and future glory. Jesus uses the title son of man in his ministry and links it to ideas
of his god-given authority. When talking about his suffering, Jesus often says son of man as it shows
his vulnerability. During the Sanhedrin trial, Jesus says they would see the son of man seated at God's
right hand, linking to Jesus future glory. For some people it would be a confusing title because it links to
the Old Testament, which not a lot of people will know about. It is also a vague title which does not tell
us about Jesus divine qualities
Son of God
Jesus does not use this title: however, Mark felt this title is important, as it shows Jesus unique
relationship with God. This title describes fully who Jesus is and how powerful. We, however, cannot
relate to it. This title is used at significant points in the Gospel such as the baptism, transfiguration, and
Jesus death. Many Christians think this is the best title for Jesus as it is not vague, has no political
links, and is not tied to a particular culture. It also shows the closeness of Jesus relationship with God.
However the son of God can be quite remote, so some Christians do not like it.
using violence or force. Some argue that it was well within his rights, although pacifists find his actions
hard to understand. It is evidence for Christians that we should stand up for what we believe in.
Jairus daughter
Jesus was by the lake when Jairus came up to him. He fell at his feet and pleaded with Jesus to
heal his daughter who was dying. While on the way to Jairus house some of the teachers said,
Why bother? Your daughter is dead. But Jesus carried on anyway. Jesus went into the house
with Peter, James, and John, where he found people crying and wailing. He said to them, The
child is not dead, but asleep. He took her hand and said, Little girl, I say to you, get up!
Immediately, she stood up and walked around, but Jesus told them not to tell anyone.
Jairus was a religious leader so it shows he had faith if he would go see Jesus. Jesus also shows he is
compassionate and gentle by how he treats the girl. Some Christians believe that the girl was just
unconscious, or it was a parable showing that death is not the end. There are many Christians,
however, who believe that because he is the son of God, anything is possible for him. This story is
important because it shows the greatness of Gods power and gives hope that there is life after death.
Unit 6 Discipleship
The calling of the first four
Jesus was walking along the shore of the lake Galilee when he saw Simon and his brother,
Andrew fishing. He told them to come with him and that he would teach them to be fishers of
men. He also called James and John, who were fishermen as well.
The story of the calling of the first four is significant because Jesus tells them he will make them fishers
of men, meaning they are not just to be his followers but also to become leaders and share in Jesus
ministry. Also they recognised Jesus authority instantly because they respond to Jesus call
immediately.
The mission
Jesus sent the disciples out in twos with only a staff and sandals. They were not to take any
food, money, or extra clothes. He told them to stay where they were welcome and if nobody
would listen in the town, they should leave and shake the dust off their feet. So the disciples
drove out many demons, anointed, and healed many sick people.
This story is significant because Jesus knew he had a short time left, so he sent the disciples out as
well. He wanted the disciples to bring only the essentials, because he wanted them to trust in God and
that he would provide after Jesus died. He also gave the disciples the authority to perform exorcisms
and heal the sick, like he could.
Peters promise
They went to the Mount of Olives, and Jesus told them that it is written, I will strike the
shepherd and the sheep will be scattered, but Peter said he would never leave Jesus. But
Jesus told him that before the cock crows twice he would disown him 3 times. But Peter denied
it saying he would even die for Jesus.
Jesus makes it clear here that his death is part of Gods plan and that he accepts it. We also get across
Peters devotion and personality in this story.
Peters denials
While Peter was in the high priest's courtyard, a woman came up to him and said he was with
Jesus. Peter denied it, saying she was mistaken. The woman said it again, but this time others
heard. Peter denied it again, but others said he must be one of Jesus followers, because he
comes from Galilee. Peter told them he did not know Jesus. The cock crowed twice, and he then
remembered what Jesus said to him. He broke down crying.
Jesus tells us that once a mustard seed was planted and that it grew larger than any other tree. The
plant was so big even birds could nest in its branches.
Mustard seed. Kingdom of God when it is small. Plant. Kingdom of God when it grows bigger.
Branches. The church and the kingdom of God growing stronger. Birds. Anyone not Jewish (shows
kingdom of God is for everyone).
This parable tells us that the kingdom of God starts small but then it grows and grows, and that it will
protect even the Gentiles.
Farmer scatters seeds. God/Jesus spreads the word. Seed on path eaten by birds. People hear the
message but it gets taken straight away by temptation/Satan. Seed on rocky ground, cant grow.
People receive the message but it doesnt sink in deep enough, so when in trouble/persecution they
give up on God. Seed on thorny ground, choked by weeds. People hear the message but are
distracted by worries/desires, so they dont carry it on. Seed on fertile ground, grows, and gives
good yield. People listen and respond to the word of God, and are in the kingdom of God.
The parable of the sower tells us that God is spreading his word and only those who accept it and
spread the message will be in the kingdom of God. Those who do not accept it, or who give up God in
times of trouble, or who are distracted by material wealth, will not be in the kingdom of God, as they
dont believe.
Jesus said it is much harder for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God then for a camel to
go through the eye of a needle. The disciples asked, Who, then, can be saved? Jesus said,
Everything is possible for God.
Jesus is trying to say that those who are rich have more barriers between them and God than those
that have nothing. He says because it is incredibly hard for rich people to reach the kingdom of God,
not many do. This story is still significant now because we have a lot more material things that could be
making a barrier between us and God.