Mark

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

From different parts of the text we can see that the reader is not Jewish and has no idea what the customs of the Jews would be, and in 12:18 he explains who the Saducees are. In Chapter 7:1-4 the author goes into detail describing the practice of handwashing, and he translates text for the reader to understand what was being said (5:41; 7:34;15:34). From the wordings and references it's believed that it was written to a Roman audience. The text is written in a very fast pace, jumping from one miracle to the next, this would relate to someone who doesn't care so much about the history, but prefers to see the miracles and the things that Jesus did. In 2:17 He talks about coming not for the righteous but the sick, the ones who know they are sinners and are in need of help; this would mean more to the Gentiles and not the Jews.

During this time, the Romans were suffering persecution from Emperor Nero and other world powers. So the text is written with a spin of encouragement, showing how Jesus suffered in the same way that they did, a particularly specific detail is in 1:13 where it says that He was out among the wild animals. Knowing that the Christians in Rome were being thrown to the lions we could see how this specific detail would be of an encouragement to them. In 14:34 it says that Jesus was crushed to the point of death.

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Mark was not one the twelve disciples (3:16-19) but because he knows first hand stories, he was obviously walking with one of them. It is said that Mark was Peter's translator and that Mark wrote the book of Mark through the first hand hearings of the stories from Peter as he did is ministry. Knowing this and seeing translations/distinctions in the text, we can gather that Mark was at least bi-lingual translating from Aramaic into Greek (5:41; 7:34;15:34). Because of this, it's like that he was likely from a wealthier family.

In his writings he translates He's very short, sweet and to the point in his retracing of events.

14:50-52 is believed to be the writer leaving his mark. The people who were there first hand would have known that and not many people would include such a quirky, small detail, but often times in early literature the person writing it would include some random detail to allude to who they are.

3. What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea?”
   
   
   A reoccuring theme in Mark is the amount of encouragment there seems to be from knowing that Jesus suffered, too. Knowing that we will face trials in this life, we will suffer, but what's to come is far greater than what we face now (8:31; 9:12; 10:38-39,45; 14:36). There are a lot of Scriptures that talk about faith- hang on, believe, have faith, faith changes things (11:22; 2:5; 5:34; 10:52; 14:37-38; 13:35-37; 16:16; 9:23-24; 11:23-24; 16:17; 4:17). Specifically in 5:36 it says, “Dont be afraid, just have faith”.

Main Idea- Jesus was a suffering servant, here to serve the people, brutally mistreated, betrayed and crucified.

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?
   
   
   Mark is written as an encouragement to suffereing and persecuted believers. It shows of the promises and miracles of the Lord, that it is real, it's worth it and there is something better on the other side. Jesus suffered just like they are
   He even warns them of the suffering and tells them to not worry about it, the Lord will give them words to speak, they just need to stand strong. (13:9-11)
   
   
   
   
5. What does this book show about the character and nature of God?
   
   
   Because Mark was written we see that God doesnt overlook those who are suffering and specifically gives them a messenger to bring them words of comfort and stories to remind them of who they believe in and that He really does exist!
   In all of the words to the Pharisees and religious teachers He answered their provoking questions but getting to the heart of the issues and leaving them dumbfounded. He doesn't just answer questions, He shows you your heart and what's lacking to cause you to answer the question!
   God truly is the servant of all, taking on human flesh, sitting with the lowest of the low, not coming in the form of a stately King or warrior who overtakes everything, but the exact opposite. It defies human understanding, and that's what God does. He defies our understanding and does things so differently that we have to sit and wonder about who He is. And because He doesn't do things by the book or by what we can comprehend it keeps us on our toes and realizing that we have to be in constant communion with Him.
   
   
   
   
6. What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?
   
   
   The obvious plan of redemption in the gospels is the crucifixion, the fulfillment of all of the prophecies and the burial and resurrection (Chapter 15 & 16). We see God's ultimate plan playing out and the restoration of hope to so many people. But, before Jesus died and the sins of the world were placed on His shoulders He was forgiving sins (2:5)! And the plan of salvation and offer of healing wasn't just for the chosen people, it was also for the gentiles (7:26;16:15).