The Gospel of Mark is often considered the first Gospel written, and scholars tell us that it was written about 70-75 A.D.
A Gospel to the Persecuted
This was after the first major persecution in Rome under Nero. It also is after the Temple was destroyed in the Jewish rebellion of 70 A.D. Mark is writing to people who are being pushed out of Judea and into the dispersing Roman Empire. He is writing to those who already live away from Jerusalem, but believe that Jesus is the expected Messiah.
A Gospel of Preservation
Most believe that Mark is writing down the account of Jesus from Peter and others to preserve the first hand witness’ stories. The rising persecution and the death of several more well known Christians likely inspired the writer to take time to write down his account of the life of Jesus.
Jesus had promised to return, but witnessing the original apostles and Paul start to face trial and death likely made them aware that Jesus’ return was still some time off. If the church as a whole was to persevere they would need to know all they could about Jesus.
In preserving the account of Jesus scholars also teach us that it is likely Matthew and Luke pulled some of their account from Mark, and expounded to the purpose of their Gospels. This is the reason their are several similarities in these three Gospel accounts.
A Gospel of Purpose
Mark is writing to a church in turmoil, on the run at times, and in need of something to share quickly with others who didn’t know the account. Mark’s Gospel is the shortest of the Gospels. It flows with a seemingly hurried flow moving from point to point quickly. It is leading to the point of the death and resurrection.
Mark is less worried about details than quickly establishing Jesus as the Messiah. He shows his power over darkness, sickness, nature, and death. Then he spends the last third of the book showing the last days and the death and resurrection of Jesus, as conquering Christ.
His focus and purpose is clear. Mark is here just as he states in the first words to tell us about who the Christ is.
A Gospel of the People
Mark does show confrontations with the pharisees and teachers. However, his greatest focus seems to be to show Jesus as compassionate and caring. He shows how Jesus was willing to touch the untouchables like the lepers. He demonstrates how Jesus gave dignity to others by speaking and healing women and speaking to children. He shows that Jesus wants the common person to understand the message he gave, as he spoke in simple language and stories to teach at a level all would understand.
A Gospel for today
We can relate to the hope of Christ found in the Gospel of Mark in our lives today. The Deep Treks daily devotional podcast has been walking through the elements of who Jesus is, as we lead up to the Easter season this year. It is a great study to remind us of how Christ came for us and cares for each of us and our needs today. If you want to know more of Mark’s Gospel you can link to the podcast below.
https://open.spotify.com/show/2XlboF1Ps896udQwMnXQ78?si=df655120a0834382
Blessings on the journey,
Dan Shipton
DG Shipton 
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