The Words and Works Jesus

According to the Gospel of St Mark

What city’s flag?

Venice

What does this mean?

“Peace, to you, Mark”

Why a lion?

The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.Jerome (4 cent AD)

Lion = MarkOx = LukeMan = MatthewEagle = John

Revelation 4:7

Flying Lion = Mark

St Mark’s Basilica

Writing of book: late 60’s ADAuthor: John MarkLiterary Features: Jesus’ works vs. words; “immediately, at once”

Introduction to St Mark’s Gospel

1:1-3 – The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry1:14-6:29 – Jesus’ Ministry in Galilee6:30-9:32 – Withdrawals from Galilee9:33-50 – Final Ministry in Galilee10 – Jesus’ Ministry in Judea and Perea11-15 – The Passion of Jesus16 – The Resurrection of Jesus

Outline of St Mark’s Gospel

In the church year, Epiphany is a time for one focus: the words and works of Jesus. It is time for us to zero in on his earthly ministry. For by focusing on his earthly ministry, we see time and again one thing: he is who he says he is, the promised Savior of the ages. We grow in that understanding and knowledge. We grow in our faith in him as our Savior. Therefore the color for this season is green, a color of growth. It is the color that reminds us of our growth in Christian knowledge and living when we hear again all that Jesus said and did when he walked this earth.

Goal of this Bible Study

Mark 1:1-13

Mark 1:8 – John the Baptist

Roman emperors:Caesar Augustus (Octavian) 31 BC – 14 ADTiberius 14 AD – 37 AD (co-regent with Octavian 12-14 AD)

Palestinian rulers:Pontius Pilate 26-36 ADM. Antonius Felix 52-59 ADPorcius Festus 59-61 AD

High Priesthood: Annas = Deposed by Romans, still recognized by the Jews. His son-in-law was Caiaphas.

Luke 3:1-2

This quote is from Malachi 3:1. What does this tell us about John? God’s messengerAhead of someoneJob = prepare the way

Mark 1:2

This is from Isaiah 40:3. What does this tell us about John?A voice in the desertHis message: prepare

Mark 1:3

Mark 1:3

“baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,” what kind of baptism is this? Repentance, then Baptism, for it gives the forgiveness of sins (an adult audience)

Mark 1:4

Mark 1:6

Why did John dress this way? (Zechariah 13:4; 2 Kings 1:8)

Zechariah 13:4 On that day every prophet will be ashamed of his prophetic vision. He will not put on a prophet’s garment of hair in order to deceive.2 Kings 1:8 They replied, “He was a man with a garment of hair and with a leather belt around his waist.” The king said, “That was Elijah the Tishbite.”

Zechariah 13:4; 2 Kings 1:8

Mark 1:6

Why did John dress this way? (Zechariah 13:4; 2 Kings 1:8) This was the clothes of a prophet e.g. Elijah

Not a contrast between the power of the two different baptisms (as though those baptized by John did not receive the Holy Spirit) but between the person of John and the Person of Christ. John could only apply the outward means of water and Word; God had to do the rest. Jesus, by virtue of who he is, could directly supply the Holy Spirit.

Mark 1:7-8

Compare Mark 1:7-8 to Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16 Differences?Similarities?

Mark 1:7-8

Mark 1:7-8 After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy SpiritMatthew 3:11 I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.Luke 3:16 I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Comparison

Compare Mark 1:7-8 to Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16 Differences? Similarities?

Mark 1:7-8

Compare Mark 1:7-8 to Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16 Differences? “With fire”Similarities? Someone greater is coming; John is unworthy; Baptizing, Holy Spirit

Mark 1:7-8

Compare again Mark 1:7-8 to Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16. Notice that Matthew and Luke add “and fire.” What does this mean? (cf. Luke 3:9 & 17)

Mark 1:7-8

Luke 3:9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.Luke 3:17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Luke 3:9 and 17

Compare again Mark 1:7-8 to Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16. Notice that Matthew and Luke add “and fire.” What does this mean? (cf. Luke 3:9 & 17) Fire = symbol of judgment; Jesus’ baptism will uncover the believers and unbelievers, separate the saved from the judged

Mark 1:7-8

Mark 1:9-15 – Temptation of Jesus

Jesus had no sin; baptism is for the forgiveness of sins. Why, then, did Jesus get baptized? (cf. Matthew 3:15)

Mark 1:9

But Jesus answered him [John], “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented [to baptize Jesus].

Matthew 3:15

Jesus had no sin; baptism is for the forgiveness of sins. Why, then, did Jesus get baptized? (cf. Matthew 3:15)To show himself as obedient to the Law

“Because Jesus wished to fulfill all righteousness, because he stood there before all the world as one who was under the Law and bound to keep it. We can trace Christ’s keeping the Law throughout his entire life.” p. 137, Abiding Word

To show the importance of baptism for our lives

Mark 1:9

How are all three persons of the Trinity present at Jesus’ baptism? Father = voice from heavenSon = JesusHoly Spirit = form of dove

Mark 1:10-11

Temptation of Jesus

Why did the Spirit send Jesus into the desert?To be tempted; to show God’s power over the devilRemember the [last] three temptations Satan had against Jesus? (Matthew 4:1-11) Turn stones into bread (4:3)Throw self off the Temple (4:6)Worship the devil (4:9)

Mark 1:12-13

Temptation of Jesus

What exactly did the angels do? (Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43)

Mark 1:12-13

Matthew 4:11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended himLuke 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.

Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43

What exactly did the angels do? (Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43) Strengthen him in his missionThis showed that he is truly a man, since angels cannot strengthen God

Mark 1:12-13

What are some of the things Jesus did to show he was true God? Defeat the devil’s temptationsWhat were some of the reactions to these displays of power?Devil left him

Conclusion