Reading Notes: Gospel of Mark, Part A

 Biblical Reading: The Gospel of Mark (1-10)

I chose to read the Gospel of Mark because as I have mentioned time and time again, my faith is what I live my life according to. It is so important to me! I am familiar with this story, but I thought it would be a great refresher for me to read it again. The Gospel of Mark is the second of the four canonical gospels and it divulges the story of Jesus's ministry from being baptized to his death at the end until his resurrection. All of the gospels end with the tomb being empty to reveal the resurrection of the messiah.

Characters: John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, Simon, Andrew, James, Zebedee (James's father), John, Peter, man with leprosy, a paralytic, Levi, Alphaeus, Pharisees, sinners, tax collectors, David, Abithar the high priest, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddeaus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, Beelzebul (demon Lord), Satan, Legion, farmer, bleeding woman who was healed, Herod, blind man

Plot: 

The story begins with Jesus as an adult, ministering in the wildness until John the Baptist baptizes him with water. Jesus then retreats to the wildness where he is tested by Satan for forty days, but of course Jesus comes out with victory.

Jesus then travels to Gailee to collect his first disciples, Andrew and Simon. He tells them he will share with them how to fish for people and minister them and the two men drop their nets and follow him. After, Jesus performs many miracles including a man with withered hands, a paralytic, Simon's ill mother-in-law, and a leper. Everyone is afraid of Jesus and Herod's people plot how to kill him.

Jesus's ministry begins to build and build as he travels to different towns preaching the good word. This scares so people, but many decide to leave their past life and follow him. Jesus also begins preaching in parables which his twelve disciples he chose do not understand. 

Jesus's teachings continue to anger King Herod Antipas which leads to the beheading of John the Baptist. Then meanwhile Jesus continues to amaze people when he feeds the five thousand. He takes five loaves of bread and two fish and is able to feed all five thousand people. After he does this, he immediately makes his disciples get into a boat and go ahead to Bethsaida. Very early in the morning, Jesus walks on water towards them and says "Have courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 

From there he continues performing miracles and healing the sick. He feeds four thousand the same way as before as well. Finally, he teaches his disciples about his death and resurrection but they are confused. His death is predicted three times. To end this section, Jesus preaches how one must give up all his possessions to enter the kingdom of God.

Symbols:

1. The Kingdom of Heaven

2. Water, Bread, Light

3. Baptism and the Body

Major Conflict:

The public is constantly doubting, fearing, and disputing Jesus and how he is the Son of God

Bibliography:

Title: The Gospel of Mark

Author: John Mark who is a close interpreter of Peter

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