Mark (Bible in 90 Days)

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Each of the four gospels is completely unique, yet impossibly the same. Men who were close to Jesus wrote down His story, each in his own style with His own perspective. Through these accounts we can see who Jesus was as He walked the earth. Knowing more about the author helps us to see who Jesus was and what He did through the author's perspective of the encounter.

John Mark (known as Mark) was not one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. However, he did accompany Paul on his first missionary journey after Jesus’ ascension. Mark’s gospel was probably the first gospel written, speaking to the Christians in Rome. The other gospels quote all but 31 versus of Mark.

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Mark’s gospel focuses mostly on Jesus’ miracles. He includes Jesus’ teachings and life story, but proves the truth of the Messiah by his actions. Reading Mark’s gospel is very fast paced because he moves with Jesus recording all of the miracles, wonders and interactions of Jesus as he travels from town to town spreading his message to the people.

Mark doesn't even include Jesus’ birth; instead, jumps to John the Baptist’s preaching. However, Mark puts much emphasis on Jesus’ death and resurrection.

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Mark sends a very important message about Jesus:

Mark 10:43-45 -- “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever want to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. Even the Son of Man came, not to be served, but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

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From society’s point of view, Jesus was not a winner. Even though he healed the sick and raised the dead he was still killed by man’s hands. However, Jesus was more than a winner, he was a servant. He died as an ultimate sacrifice for all our sins so we could have a way to heaven to spend eternity with God. That is more important than any success on earth. Mark shows Jesus, the Messiah, serving, sacrificing and saving.