Mark’s Gospel can be viewed and broken down in many different structures. One is called the Chiastic Structure, and is broken down into 5 sections.
The Wilderness (1:1-15)
This first section of Mark focuses on Jesus’ baptism after his exile in the wilderness for 40 days and nights.
Galilee (1:16-21)
This section is the second and largest section of Mark. These stories are centered in Galilee where in which Jesus preached his teachings and performed his miracles of healing. In this section, Jesus’ twelve apostles are chosen.
The Way (8:22-11:11)
The third section is ‘The Way’. It comprises Jesus’ foreshadowing of his coming death and resurrection. Also in this section, Jesus is declared the Messiah
Jerusalem (11:12-14:52)
The fourth section of ‘Jerusalem’, the stories take place in Jerusalem. In this section of Mark, we see an arising fear and questioning of Jesus amongst the people. In this section, there is also the story of the Passover. Jesus had declared himself the sacrificial lamb by offering himself to die on the cross for all of humanity. He is stressed and proclaimed as the ‘Son of God’ in this section.
The Tomb (14:53-16:20)
This final section of Mark tells of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It begins with accusation of Jesus and his arrest fated by the people. Before his crucifixion. Jesus had been tortured, punished, and mocked for supposedly claiming himself the ‘King of Jews’. Jesus was crucified on Friday, a day we acknowledge now as Good Friday. The section also includes Jesus’ resurrection three days after his death.
The Wilderness (1:1-15)
This first section of Mark focuses on Jesus’ baptism after his exile in the wilderness for 40 days and nights.
Galilee (1:16-21)
This section is the second and largest section of Mark. These stories are centered in Galilee where in which Jesus preached his teachings and performed his miracles of healing. In this section, Jesus’ twelve apostles are chosen.
The Way (8:22-11:11)
The third section is ‘The Way’. It comprises Jesus’ foreshadowing of his coming death and resurrection. Also in this section, Jesus is declared the Messiah
Jerusalem (11:12-14:52)
The fourth section of ‘Jerusalem’, the stories take place in Jerusalem. In this section of Mark, we see an arising fear and questioning of Jesus amongst the people. In this section, there is also the story of the Passover. Jesus had declared himself the sacrificial lamb by offering himself to die on the cross for all of humanity. He is stressed and proclaimed as the ‘Son of God’ in this section.
The Tomb (14:53-16:20)
This final section of Mark tells of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It begins with accusation of Jesus and his arrest fated by the people. Before his crucifixion. Jesus had been tortured, punished, and mocked for supposedly claiming himself the ‘King of Jews’. Jesus was crucified on Friday, a day we acknowledge now as Good Friday. The section also includes Jesus’ resurrection three days after his death.
Chiastic Structure:
The way these sections are linked together is shown in this diagram:
The Wilderness A
Galilee B
The Way C
Jerusalem B
The Tomb A
Sections labeled A share common themes and ideas throughout the scriptures. The sections of B have contrasting ideas, and the middle section C holds the key message of the whole gospel.
The way these sections are linked together is shown in this diagram:
The Wilderness A
Galilee B
The Way C
Jerusalem B
The Tomb A
Sections labeled A share common themes and ideas throughout the scriptures. The sections of B have contrasting ideas, and the middle section C holds the key message of the whole gospel.