Resources and Reflections for the Gospel of Mark

Background on the Gospel of Mark

The Gospel of Mark is one of the four canonical Gospels of the New Testament, and it is believed to have been written by John Mark, a companion of Saint Peter. This Gospel is known for its fast-paced narrative style and its emphasis on the actions of Jesus, rather than his teachings. In this post, we will explore some of the key themes and messages of the Gospel of Mark and what they mean for Catholics today.

One of the central themes of the Gospel of Mark is the identity of Jesus Christ. Mark opens his Gospel by declaring that Jesus is the Son of God, and throughout the narrative, he shows Jesus performing miracles and demonstrating his divine power. However, Mark also portrays Jesus as a human being who experiences emotions such as compassion, anger, and sadness. This portrayal of Jesus as both divine and human underscores the Catholic belief in the Incarnation, the idea that Jesus is fully God and fully human.

Another key theme of the Gospel of Mark is the importance of discipleship. Mark emphasizes the need for those who follow Jesus to take up their cross and follow him, even in the face of persecution and suffering. This message challenges Catholics to examine their own commitment to following Christ and to be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the Gospel.

Mark also emphasizes the importance of repentance and forgiveness. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus calls people to turn away from their sins and to believe in the good news of the kingdom of God. He forgives sins, heals the sick, and offers hope to those who are marginalized and oppressed. This message is particularly relevant in today's world, where many people are struggling with feelings of guilt and shame. The Gospel of Mark reminds us that no matter what we have done, we can always turn to God for forgiveness and healing.

Finally, the Gospel of Mark emphasizes the importance of faith. Mark portrays the disciples as struggling to understand who Jesus is and what he is doing, but as they witness his miracles and hear his teachings, their faith grows. This message challenges Catholics to deepen their own faith and to trust in God's plan, even when it is difficult to understand.

Below you will find more details on each section of of the Gospel of Mark, along with links to additional resources.

The Sections in the Gospel of Mark

The Gospel of Mark follows a clear progression from the beginning of Jesus' ministry to his death and resurrection.

• "The Beginning of Jesus' Ministry" (Mark 1:1-13), Mark introduces Jesus as the Son of God and describes his baptism and temptation in the wilderness.
• "Jesus' Galilean Ministry" (Mark 1:14-8:26), focuses on Jesus' teaching and miracles in Galilee, including his parables of the kingdom, healings, and feeding of the 5000. This section of the Gospel of Mark also includes Jesus' prediction of his death and Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ.
• "Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem" (Mark 8:27-10:52), chronicles Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, where he will be crucified. This section includes important teachings on discipleship, as well as healings and miracles, such as the healing of a blind man and the raising of Lazarus.
• "Jesus' Ministry in Jerusalem" (Mark 11:1-13:37), describes Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem and his confrontation with the religious leaders. This section of the Gospel of Mark includes the triumphal entry, the cleansing of the temple, and important teachings on the greatest commandment and the coming of the Son of Man.
• "The Passion Narrative" (Mark 14:1-15:47), details the events leading up to Jesus' death, including his betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion.
• "The Resurrection Narrative" (Mark 16:1-8), recounts the discovery of Jesus' empty tomb by the women who had followed him and the announcement of his resurrection by an angel.

Section 1: The Beginning of Jesus' Ministry (Mark 1:1-13)

The first section of the Gospel of Mark, which covers Mark 1:1-13, introduces key themes and characters of the narrative and sets the stage for Jesus' ministry.

• "Introduction" (Mark 1:1-3): This section declares that Jesus is the Son of God and quotes a prophecy from Isaiah about John the Baptist preparing the way for the Lord. This establishes Jesus' divine identity and the importance of John's role in paving the way for him.
• "The Ministry of John the Baptist" (Mark 1:4-8): This part highlights John's baptism of repentance and his proclamation that one greater than him is coming. This emphasizes the idea of repentance and prepares the way for Jesus' message of the kingdom of God.
• "The Baptism of Jesus" (Mark 1:9-11): This marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, as he is baptized by John and receives a divine affirmation of his identity as God's Son. This event demonstrates Jesus' obedience to the will of God and the importance of baptism as a symbol of repentance and new life.
• "The Temptation of Jesus" (Mark 1:12-13): This section shows Jesus being tempted by Satan in the wilderness for forty days. This demonstrates Jesus' humanity and his resistance to temptation, as well as setting the stage for his ministry of healing and deliverance from evil.

Resources for the Gospel of Mark 1:1-13

• What Are You Waiting For? (Mark 1:1-8)
• Baptized as Beloved Children (Mark 1:7-11)
• Repent and Believe (Mark 1:12-15)

Section 2: Jesus' Galilean Ministry (Mark 1:14-8:26)

The second section of the Gospel of Mark, which covers Mark 1:14-8:26, focuses on Jesus' ministry in Galilee and the surrounding regions. This section can be further divided into several subsections that highlight different aspects of Jesus' ministry:

• Early Galilean Ministry (Mark 1:14-3:6): This section highlights Jesus' teaching and healing ministry in Galilee, including his call to repentance, his healing of a leper, and his confrontation with religious leaders over Sabbath observance.
• The Parables of the Kingdom (Mark 3:7-4:34): Jesus teaches in parables, using stories to explain the nature of the kingdom of God. He also demonstrates his power over nature by calming a storm on the Sea of Galilee.
• Miracles and Teachings in Galilee (Mark 4:35-6:6): This section includes several miracles, such as the healing of a demon-possessed man and the feeding of the 5000. It also includes Jesus' teaching on the true nature of defilement and his rejection in his hometown of Nazareth.
• The Sending of the Twelve (Mark 6:7-13): Jesus sends out his disciples to preach and heal in his name. This marks an important turning point in his ministry, as he entrusts his message to his followers.
• The Death of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29): This section recounts the death of John the Baptist at the hands of Herod Antipas, highlighting the conflict between John's message of repentance and the corruption of those in power.
• More Miracles and Teachings in Galilee (Mark 6:30-8:26): This section includes several more miracles, such as the healing of a deaf man and the feeding of the 4000. It also includes important teachings on the nature of true discipleship and the significance of Jesus' identity as the Messiah.

Resources for the Gospel of Mark 1:14-8:26

• Abandon Your Nets (Mark 1:14-20)
• The Divine Authority of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:27)
• Who Has Authority? (Mark 1:21-28)
• I'm Healed. What's Next? (Mark 1:29-39)
• How Can I Get Clean? (Mark 1:40-45)
• Planting Seeds of Faith (Mark 4:26-34)
• What Are You Afraid Of? (Mark 4:35-41)
• Rescue Me (Mark 5:21-43)
• Unwelcome (Mark 6:1-6)
• Who’s Your Buddy (Mark 6:7-13)
• Slow Down (Mark 6:30-34)
• Lip Service (Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23)
• Be Open (Mark 7:31-37)

Section 3: Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem (Mark 8:27-10:52)

The third section of the Gospel of Mark, which covers Mark 8:27-10:52, details Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, where he will be crucified. This section can be further divided into several subsections that highlight different aspects of Jesus' ministry:

1. Peter's Confession and Jesus' First Prediction of His Death (Mark 8:27-9:1): Jesus asks his disciples who they think he is, and Peter confesses that he is the Christ. Jesus then predicts his death and resurrection for the first time, setting the stage for the events to come.
2. The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13): Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain, where he is transfigured before them and they see Elijah and Moses. This event reinforces Jesus' identity as the Son of God and prepares the disciples for the trials that lie ahead.
3. Jesus' Teaching on Discipleship (Mark 9:14-50): Jesus teaches his disciples about the true nature of discipleship, emphasizing the need for humility and sacrifice. He also warns against causing others to stumble and encourages them to be salt and light in the world.
4. Jesus' Teachings on Marriage and Wealth (Mark 10:1-31): Jesus teaches about the importance of marriage and divorce, and warns against the dangers of wealth and material possessions. He encourages his disciples to trust in God rather than earthly treasures.
5. Jesus' Third Prediction of His Death (Mark 10:32-45): Jesus predicts his death and resurrection for the third time and rebukes James and John for their desire for positions of power in his kingdom. He emphasizes the importance of servanthood and sacrifice in following him.
6. Healing and Teaching in Jericho (Mark 10:46-52): Jesus heals a blind man in Jericho and teaches about the power of faith.

Resources for the Gospel of Mark 8:27-10:52

• Get Behind Me Satan (Mark 8:27-35)
• Ups and Downs (Mark 9:2-10)
• Litany of Belief (Mark 9:24)
• First or Last (Mark 9:30-37)
• Better Together (Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48)
• Little Children (Mark 10:2-16)
• For Love or Money (Mark 10:17-30)
• King of the Hill (Mark 10:35-45)
• A Welcome Sight (Mark 10:46-52)

Section 4: Jesus' Ministry in Jerusalem (Mark 11:1-13:37)

The fourth section of the Gospel of Mark, which covers Mark 11:1-13:37, focuses on Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem during the final week of his life. This section can be further divided into several subsections that highlight different aspects of Jesus' ministry:

1. The Triumphal Entry (Mark 11:1-11): Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey to the cheers of the crowd, fulfilling prophecy and proclaiming himself as the Messiah. This event sets the stage for the conflict to come between Jesus and the religious authorities.
2. Jesus' Cleansing of the Temple (Mark 11:12-19): Jesus overturns the tables of the money changers in the temple, condemning their corruption and challenging the religious leaders' authority. This event highlights Jesus' zeal for God's house and sets the stage for his confrontations with the religious authorities.
3. Jesus' Teachings in the Temple (Mark 11:20-12:44): Jesus teaches in the temple and engages in debates with the religious leaders, challenging their understanding of the Scriptures and their motives. He also teaches his disciples about the coming judgment and the importance of loving God and neighbor.
4. The Olivet Discourse (Mark 13:1-37): Jesus delivers a prophetic discourse on the coming destruction of the temple and the signs of the end times. He warns his disciples to be alert and faithful, and encourages them to endure persecution and suffering.

Resources for the Gospel of Mark 11:1-13:37

• Best Ever (Mark 12:28B-34)
• Give It Your All (Mark 12:38-4)
• Armor of God (Mark 13:24-32)
• Be Watchful! Be Alert! (Mark 13:33-37)

Section 5: The Passion Narrative (Mark 14:1-15:47)

The fifth section of the Gospel of Mark, which covers Mark 14:1-15:47, recounts the final hours of Jesus' life, from his betrayal to his crucifixion and burial. This section can be further divided into several subsections that highlight different aspects of Jesus' suffering and death:

1. The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus (Mark 14:1-52): Judas agrees to betray Jesus to the religious authorities, and Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. He is then taken before the Sanhedrin and condemned to death.
2. Peter's Denial and Jesus' Trial Before Pilate (Mark 14:53-15:20): Peter denies Jesus three times, and Jesus is taken before Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate finds no fault in Jesus, but ultimately bows to the pressure of the crowd and sentences him to death.
3. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (Mark 15:21-41): Jesus is crucified outside the city walls of Jerusalem, mocked and jeered by the onlookers. He dies on the cross and is buried in a tomb.
4. The Burial of Jesus (Mark 15:42-15:47): This section describes the burial of Jesus after his crucifixion. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, goes to Pilate and asks for Jesus' body. He then wraps it in a linen cloth and places it in a tomb, where it is guarded by a large stone.

Resources for the Gospel of Mark 14:1-15:47

• What Does Amen Mean? (Mark 14:12-16, 22-26)
• Where Have You Been? (Mark 14:53-15:20)

Section 6: The Resurrection Narrative (Mark 16:1-20)

The Resurrection Narrative in the Gospel of Mark (Mark 16:1-20) describes the discovery of the empty tomb by three women who had followed Jesus during his ministry. When they arrive at the tomb, they find that the stone has been rolled away, and a young man dressed in white tells them that Jesus has risen from the dead. The women are afraid and flee, but the message of the angel sets the stage for the joyful news of Jesus' resurrection to be spread throughout the world.

Resources for the Gospel of Mark 16:1-8

• The Empty Tomb (Mark 16:1-8)
• Spreading the Gospel to the Whole World (Mark 16:15-20)