Book of Mark

John Mark, also known just as Mark, focuses his writings on Jesus Christ, whom he portrays as a servant of God. He finished this gospel book around 55-65 A.D. Mark begins his writings with the scene of John the Baptist John declares to the people that Jesus is coming and to also make His way straight. John taught about Jesus saying, 'there is one coming mightier than l,' as well as other humble statements about Him. Jesus came upon John, and was baptized in the Jordan River. Mark also noted that God and the Holy Spirit were also present during the baptism of Jesus.

Next, it's noted that Jesus is driven by the Spirit to the wilderness, where He was tempted by Satan. Soon after, Jesus began preaching about the kingdom of God, instructing people to repent, and that the kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus then calls four disciples (to follow Him). He met two, Simon and Andrew as He was walking by the Sea of Galilee. The two of them were fishermen, so Jesus told them to come after Him, and He would make them fishers of men. Going forward, Jesus came upon the other two whom He'd call: James and John.

Jesus and His disciples went to Capernaum, where Jesus taught in the synagogue. While teaching, Jesus also casted out an unclean spirit in a man. ln addition to that, He went on to heal many sick and diseased people, and cast out devils. After preaching in Galilee, Jesus did many miracles such as cleansing a leper and healing a Paralytic. Soon, Jesus came upon Levi (Matthew) and told him to, "Follow Me." Jesus had dinner with Matthew, other tax collectors, and sinners. The Pharisees and scribes noticed this and questioned Jesus" So, Jesus claimed that He calls sinners to repentance, and that the ones in good health or fortune don't need help. Those that are sick or caught in sin are the ones that need the help.

Jesus then continued to teach and heal people. Soon, Jesus called and ordained twelve total men as disciples, instructing them to preach, and giving them power to cast out devils and heal sicknesses. Mark notes next that the scribes blamed Jesus for using the power of Beelzebub or Satan to cast out devils. But Jesus countered such remarks, letting them know that Satan can't cast out himself.

Now, the Lord began teaching in parables. He first talked about the parable of the Sower, and then about a candlestick. Next, He spoke parables on the kingdom of Heaven. One of them was about the growing of seeds, the other about the mustard seed. Later that day, Mark writes, Jesus calmed a great storm that befuddled a ship, and questioned the people's faith (in hopes they would actually use faith next time). When they were finished sailing and came unto the Gadarenes, Jesus casted out an unclean spirit from a man. He questioned the name of the unclean spirit, and it answered "Legion," because of how many in number there were. The spirit asked for itself and constituents to be cast out into a group of swine. When Jesus allowed this, the swine violently ran into the sea and drowned.

Soon, Jesus sailed elsewhere and came upon crowds of people. A woman there pushed through the crowd and touched the hem of the garment of Jesus. Once she did, a couple things happened. One of them was that the issue of bleeding had dried up for a woman. Another thing was that Jesus noticed this. He told the woman that her faith made her well, and for her to be at peace. Later, Jesus was rejected when He came back to Nazareth. Being rejected in His hometown, Jesus moved on to feed five thousand people with His disciples. He accomplished the feeding from five loaves of bread and two fish.

Next, Jesus walks on water and boards the ship that His disciples were on. He calmed down the wind and put them at rest. Once Jesus and His disciples arrived in the land of Gennesaret Jesus conducted many miracles and healed sick people. After dealing with Pharisees, helping boost a Greek woman's faith, and healing a deaf mute - Jesus fed four thousand more people with seven loaves of bread and a few fish. The Pharisees then sought out to tempt and test Jesus, who didn't fall for their tricks.

Later, Jesus prophesied His own death and taught about discipleship before moving on six days later to take Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain. There, He transfigured Himself before them, in order that they may truly believe that He was the Son of God, which a voice confirmed before them. Next, Jesus cured a boy that had a demon and taught again on discipleship. He also spoke about sin, marriage, divorce, riches and the perils thereof, and sacrifices. He also blessed the children.

He once again prophesied His own death. After giving sight to Bartimaeus, Jesus and His disciples traveled to Jerusalem and unto Bethphage and Bethany. Jesus was celebrated here, before entering into Jerusalem to go to the temple. Once He arrived at the temple, He noticed merchants had tables set up doing business. Jesus overturned their tables and told them to leave. The next morning, Jesus taught His disciples about a fig tree. Soon, when they came back to Jerusalem, scribes, chief priests, and elders began challenging His authority. Jesus didn't fall for any tricks, but just moved forward to teach some more.

Next, He taught on the parable of the tenants, paying taxes to Caesar, marriage, Heaven, and the Great Commandment to love God and neighbors. Then, Jesus instructed about His Second Coming, before being anointed at Bethany by a woman with an alabaster box. The first day of unleavened bread came, and Jesus had dinner (the last supper) with His disciples. During this dinner, Jesus noted that someone would betray l-lim. Jesus instituted His body and blood. Next, Jesus foretold that Peter would deny Him three times before the cock crew twice.

Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, before being betrayed by Judas and arrested. Jesus came before Caiaphas to be judged, and then Peter denied Jesus three times as prophesied. When Pilate placed Jesus on a stage next to Barabbas (who was a murderer), Jesus was the one voted to be crucified. Therefore, Jesus was delivered over to be crucified. Throughout this stage, Jesus was mocked and beaten. Soon, he was crucified at Golgotha between two thieves also being crucified. Later Jesus cried out before God and soon gave up the ghost and died. Jesus was put into a tomb where He laid until the Sabbath, when He resurrected. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome came to check out the tomb only to find Jesus gone. A white robed young man in the tomb comforted them.

Jesus then appeared to Mary Magdalene, casting out seven devils. He appeared to a few others before coming unto the eleven disciples. There He commissioned them to 'go into all the world, preaching the Gospel to every creature.' Mark writes that Jesus was then received up into Heaven and placed upon the right hand of God. Mark concludes that the disciples went forth preaching everywhere with help from the Lord.