This introduction to Mark's gospel emphasizes the good news concerning the inbreaking Kingdom of God as announced and spearheaded by Messiah, Jesus. Signs and Wonders attend. The crucifixion and resurrection ensure. Go tell the Good News! It's time!

2. THE GOSPEL OF MARK – “GOOD NEWS”
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the
Messiah, the Son of God… (Mark 1: 1)
Mark’s Gospel is the earliest of the Gospels. Probably about 70 A.D.
Point-of-View = a gentile (non-Jewish) audience in mind. It is believed to
have been written to edify believers more than to convince
unbelievers.
Early church met in homes, etc. Mark is a “grassroots” gospel as
contrasted to John which has a more philosophical flavor. Written
during the time of Nero’s rabid persecution of Christians.

3. THEMES
The themes of Mark’s “Good News” about Jesus:
• Jesus as Jewish Messiah (stated, not argued, right away)
• Jesus in action (no genealogy or birth story – starts at John the Baptist
• It’s time! God is intervening in current events in Israel!
• Jesus, the Miracle Worker
• The struggle of the disciples to grasp Jesus’ message and other
evidences of their human foibles
• Jesus is rejected by the Jews and crucified by the Romans
• The tomb is empty
• The Great Commission

4. JESUS AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD
The “Day of the Lord” as described by the inspired
prophets:
• God will break in and impose His rule (Kingdom,
Authority)
• Miracles (“signs and wonders”) will take place as
evidence this is taking place
• The enemies of God (both demonic and human) will be
subsumed, displaced, and judged
• This will be spearheaded by the arrival of the Messiah
- “Suffering Servant” (Isaiah)
- Lord of All

5. GOOD NEWS!
1. The “Good News of the Kingdom” compared to the “Good
News of Eternal Salvation”
- There is crossover
- One emphasizes eternity, the other God’s power breaking
into the Now.
- The miracle of New Birth compared to the Signs and
Wonders of the Kingdom
- The emphasis on our triumphant Messianic Deliverer
versus our Savior from hell and heavenly destination