Discipleship:
There are six stories of discipleship in Mark’s Gospel. A disciple is a person who learns from a Master and spreads his teachings. In Mark’s Gospel, the twelve disciples or apostles is given to those who were disciples of Jesus. Mark presents the disciples in a harsher manner than the other three gospels. However, Mark's severe depiction of the disciples serves a powerful purpose: to teach the readers about true discipleship. He does this by telling stories of the failures of Jesus’ disciples. This includes the story of feeding the five thousand (6:45-52), where the disciples doubted Jesus in his ability to provide food for the great mass of people. Another example is at the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus, His disciple Peter had denied his association with him three times.
There are six stories of discipleship in Mark’s Gospel. A disciple is a person who learns from a Master and spreads his teachings. In Mark’s Gospel, the twelve disciples or apostles is given to those who were disciples of Jesus. Mark presents the disciples in a harsher manner than the other three gospels. However, Mark's severe depiction of the disciples serves a powerful purpose: to teach the readers about true discipleship. He does this by telling stories of the failures of Jesus’ disciples. This includes the story of feeding the five thousand (6:45-52), where the disciples doubted Jesus in his ability to provide food for the great mass of people. Another example is at the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus, His disciple Peter had denied his association with him three times.
Parables:
One way Jesus taught people was through parables. Parables are earthly stories with heavenly meanings. He used them in order to put through a message easily understood by his listeners, using terminology they could understand and relate to, such as the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-20) who had been patient and allowed the seeds to expand, was rewarded by the seeds being fruitful.
One way Jesus taught people was through parables. Parables are earthly stories with heavenly meanings. He used them in order to put through a message easily understood by his listeners, using terminology they could understand and relate to, such as the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-20) who had been patient and allowed the seeds to expand, was rewarded by the seeds being fruitful.
The Kingdom of God:
In Mark, the Kingdom of God is presented as not a political or geographical kingdom, but instead one which exist within the people of the Church who show, through their actions, their hearts are set on goodness. In Mark’s Gospel there are six parables that relate to the kingdom of God. The parable of the Seed Growing secretly (4:26-29), The Parable of the Sower (4:1-9, 13-20), The Parable of the Lamp (4:21-25), the Parable of the Mustard Seed (4:30-34), Jesus and the Children (10:13-19), The Rich Man (10:17-27) and The Greatest Commandment (12:28-34). We also read that the second coming of Christ will bring the true Kingdom of God.
In Mark, the Kingdom of God is presented as not a political or geographical kingdom, but instead one which exist within the people of the Church who show, through their actions, their hearts are set on goodness. In Mark’s Gospel there are six parables that relate to the kingdom of God. The parable of the Seed Growing secretly (4:26-29), The Parable of the Sower (4:1-9, 13-20), The Parable of the Lamp (4:21-25), the Parable of the Mustard Seed (4:30-34), Jesus and the Children (10:13-19), The Rich Man (10:17-27) and The Greatest Commandment (12:28-34). We also read that the second coming of Christ will bring the true Kingdom of God.
The Messianic Secret:
The Gospel of Mark portrays the desire of Jesus to keep His identity secret. Religion refers to this as the messianic secret. There are many instances in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus urges people not to broadcast the fact of who He is and his powers. An example is when Jesus cured the leper (Mark 1:40-45) and said ‘See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to the people.’ Jesus' desire is that we might come to know him personally. Others can tell us about Christ but no one can open your heart to Him for you. It gives the message that belief in Christ should be a personal decision.
The Gospel of Mark portrays the desire of Jesus to keep His identity secret. Religion refers to this as the messianic secret. There are many instances in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus urges people not to broadcast the fact of who He is and his powers. An example is when Jesus cured the leper (Mark 1:40-45) and said ‘See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to the people.’ Jesus' desire is that we might come to know him personally. Others can tell us about Christ but no one can open your heart to Him for you. It gives the message that belief in Christ should be a personal decision.
