CONCENTRATED GOOD NEWS MARK'S GOSPEL

There are four accounts of Jesus’ life in the Bible and Mark’s is the shortest. Reading it is the quickest way to meet Jesus. It’s the most concentrated form of the Christian Good News! It will help you to think like Jesus and to learn what it means to be His friend and follower. This outline walks you through Mark’s Gospel so that Jesus can challenge you to Christian commitment.

THIS EXTRA COLUMN…..……..highlights key aspects of the challenge that Jesus lays before you and points out the steps you may need to take in response. In this most action-packed Gospel you can take action yourself to invite Jesus to change your life as He has changed so many others.

The Gospel of Mark was probably written by the John Mark mentioned in Acts 12.12 who is believed to have worked closely with Peter, Jesus’ right-hand man. His book, which probably reflects Peter’s account of Jesus’ life, could be divided into chronological sections like the other Gospels, but in this case let’s follow the personal journey that the author wants to take us on:

1). Introducing You to the Life of Jesus Chapter 1.1-32). Meeting Jesus Chapter 1.4 – 3.123). Listening to Jesus Chapter 3.13 – 4.344). Watching Jesus at Work Chapter 4.35 – 6.65). Working with Jesus Chapter 6.7 – 8.306). On the Road to Jerusalem with Jesus Chapter 8.31 – 10.527). Hearing His Final Teaching Chapter 11.1 – 13.378). Witnessing His Last Acts Chapter 14.1 – 16.89). His Resurrection Life and an Introduction to Yours! Chapter 16.9-20

1). Introducing You to the Life of Jesus Chapter 1.1-3

Chapter 1.1-3 is the shortest introduction of the four Gospels. The common starting point for them all is the ministry of John the Baptist and his baptism of Jesus, but each one begins differently. Mark's introduction simply and boldly declares:

"The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God."

Then he offers Jesus' ‘credentials’ by quoting the prophets Malachi (5 th Century BC) and Isaiah (8th Century BC) who foretold His coming (Mal. 3.1 and Is. 40.3) in the Old Testament. Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament, and the quote from Isaiah is from the opening verses of the section containing his famous Servant Songs that point directly to the promised Messiah.

THE EXTRA COLUMNMark doesn’t beat about the bush! Jesus claimed to be God’s Son and the unique Christ (Messiah) sent by God. This is tremendous Good News for everyone. This action-packed Gospel will walk us through His words and actions that prove this to be true. But for now, be assured that Jesus isn’t just a random person who suddenly stood up and made claims for Himself. People from the past history of God’s dealings with humanity said that He would come.

2). Meeting Jesus Chapter 1.4 – 3.12

The first half of Mark’s Gospel outlines the work of Jesus up to the moment, literally right at the centre of the book, when Peter declares his belief that He is the Christ (8.27-30). In this entire first half, we will meet Him, listen to Him, watch Him at work, and work with Him – alongside His first disciples. In short, we’ll ‘Walk with Him.’ And we’ll get to know Him.

THE EXTRA COLUMNSo yes, it even took His right-hand man Peter until chapter 8 before he recognised Jesus for who He is! Jesus expects no one to take blind steps of faith without evidence. It’s vital to look closely at Jesus’ life, work and teaching to see if what He claims is true.

PREPARING HIMSELF FOR THE JOB

In chapter 1.4-13, we meet Jesus for the first time, before His work in Galilee begins, and as in the other Gospels, it’s John the Baptist who introduces us to Him. While John is already “preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” he says someone is coming who will "baptise with the Holy Spirit." When he baptizes Jesus, a voice from heaven tells us who He is:

“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

And then a time of prayer and heart-searching prepares Jesus for the task ahead. (1.4-13)

THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD

In chapter 1.14 – 3.12, the first disciples meet Jesus when He starts….

“….proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said ‘The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!’”(1.14-15)

Peter, Andrew, James and John (author of John’s Gospel) left their family fishing business to begin their apprenticeship with Jesus immediately. He tells them they will become “fishers of men!”(1.16-20). They see people amazed by His teaching, they hear demons call Him “the Holy One of God,” and they see Him heal people (1.21-34). After praying, He tells them He’s come to preach not just to heal - but then they see His compassion as he heals a man with leprosy. And they find that everywhere they go Jesus is recognised – and crowds flock to be healed! (1.35-45)

But as He heals a paralysed man (2.1-12), religious teachers are shocked by what Jesus says:

“Son, your sins are forgiven … the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”(2.5)

He calls Levi to follow him, even though no-one wants to know him because he’s a despised tax collector (2.13-17). This man was also known as Matthew, and one day he wrote Matthew’s Gospel, so we’re glad he joined! Then Jesus is questioned about His religious life and says He’s come to bring something completely new! He also questions the way the Pharisees treat the Sabbath day (2.18 – 3.6) – and there is the first suggestion of death threats…

“Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.”(3.6)

But the crowds still couldn’t get enough of Him! (3.7-12)

THE EXTRA COLUMNJesus might be the one who will pour the very Spirit of God into human lives but He also lived a very human life with very human challenges. He had to spend time in prayer strengthening His own resolve to do what God wanted doing. His proclaiming of the Good News can be summed up in His very first command…

“Repent and believe the Good News!”(1.14)

‘Repenting’ – thinking again about yourself, and turning away from bad attitudes and actions – is the ‘way in’ to the Good News for everyone. And the Good News is that God is near, within arm’s reach, just waiting to flood into your life! But this message wasn’t welcomed by all, and it wasn’t long before the death threats came. Search your own heart before you rashly decide to follow Him!

3). Listening to Jesus Chapter 3.13 – 4.34

And now Jesus chooses His twelve apostles - and Mark takes us to join them! We should notice the first reason why He chose them: “He appointed twelve – designating them apostles – that they might be with him….” (3.13-19). Before they listen to Him teaching, He’s going to show them what it might mean “to be with Him.”

NEW ALLEGIANCIES AND A NEW CALLING

In chapter 3.20-35, Jesus hears that His family are coming to take Him away because they think “He is out of his mind.” Then He clashes once again with the teachers of the law who say “He is possessed by Beelzebub (the prince of demons).” And when His mother and brothers arrive to take charge of Him, He says…

“’Who are my mother and my brothers?’ Then he looked at those seated around him and said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.’”(3.33-35)

THE EXTRA COLUMNDeciding to go through with being God’s Messiah completely changed Jesus’ friendship circle and family relationships. Some thought Him mad, others thought Him bad, and obeying God became His first priority above everything else in His life.This will also be true for all who choose to follow him.

In chapter 4.1-34, we listen to Jesus’ first systematic teaching - and it’s all about how His message will be received, how it is to be preached, and how it will have its effect.

The parable of the sower is both a picture of what just happened to Jesus as He preached the Good News, and a warning that when we share the gospel we can expect rejection, five-minute conversions, and followers who slowly fade away – but huge harvests in some lives! The parable of the lamp tells us that we must still make sure the light of this message shines out. The parable of the growing seed tells us not to expect instant results. And the parable of the mustard seed tells us size doesn’t matter when you’re sowing seed because the kingdom that grows from it is always big!

And to mix our metaphors as Jesus did, this is what it’s like to be “fishers of men!”

4). Watching Jesus at Work Chapter 4.35 – 6.6

The authority and power of Jesus is now further demonstrated by the way He deals with four particularly extreme and dramatic circumstances. We can watch with His disciples…

RAW POWER

He calms a flash storm on the lake as they make a crossing in the boat. “They were terrified and asked each other, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!’”(4.35-41)

On the other side of the lake, outside of Israel, He heals an extremely violent and demon-possessed man. He had been so uncontrollably dangerous that “When the people saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind, they were afraid … and began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.”(5.1-20)

And in one short walk, He heals a woman of an illness that had made her an outcast for most of her life, by the touch of the corner of His cloak - and then He raises a young girl from the dead! “At this they were completely astonished.”(5.21-43)

Despite this tremendous power and authority, and despite the fact that His fame had gone ahead of Him, we find Jesus is still rejected by many people in His own home town. It’s the parable of the sower all over again! (6.1-6)

THE EXTRA COLUMNThe ability of the seed of God’s message to become Good News depends on the soil it falls into according to the famous Parable of the Sower. Are you ready to receive it?

If you still doubt Jesus, here is the evidence that eventually convinced Peter. He controlled the weather. He brought healing to a man ravaged by evil and madness. He healed a desperately ill woman by the touch of his cloak. And He raised a small child from the dead.

Of course, if Jesus really is God, you would expect this of Him!

5). Working with Jesus Chapter 6.7 – 8.30

With this very realistic teaching and experience behind them, Jesus then sends the twelve disciples out to do as He has done. This was not a spectator sport! They were to work with Him!

"They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them." (6.7-13).

While they're away, we're told in a 'flash-back' about John the Baptist's execution. Another sober warning to would-be followers of Jesus - including those of us reading Mark’s Gospel – that becoming associated with Jesus and His cause can get you killed! (6.14-29).

When the disciples return from their mission, Jesus tries to get away quietly with them to talk over their experiences, but the crowds press in on them. He ends up teaching the people and then including His disciples in the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand: “You give them

something to eat!” And then, after taking some more time out for prayer, He walks on the water back across the lake - only to find more people clamouring for attention! (6.30-56).

MORE OPPOSITION AND MORE TRAINING BEFORE THE PENNY DROPS!

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law continue to dislike the way Jesus doesn’t take traditional religious observance very seriously. They particularly attack Him over ritual cleanliness and ritual washing. He immediately points the finger at their hypocrisy. They’re obsessed with being clean on the outside, while at the same time they find clever ways around obeying the important laws - and they’re frankly filthy on the inside! (7.1-23). In the course of this clash, Jesus makes clear what ‘thinking again’ about ourselves and repenting will mean…

“’Are you so dull?’ he asked. ‘Don’t you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him ‘unclean’? For it doesn’t go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body.’ (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods ‘clean.’)

“He went on: ‘What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean’. For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.’” (7.18-23)

While attempting to get away from it all in the seaside city of Tyre, Jesus has His rest disturbed by a Greek woman from Syro-Phoenicia. She’s desperate about her daughter at home who is demonized, and she wants His help. Jesus jokes with her because she is a ‘despised’ gentile who might expect to be rejected by a Jewish rabbi like Him! But no! Even Gentile faith is rewarded by Jesus. And “she went home and found her child lying on a bed, and the demon gone.”(7.24-30)

The disciples who see this also see Him heal a man who is deaf and almost completely dumb. Jesus can make the deaf hear and can enable those who have nothing sensible to say, to speak clearly. In more ways than one!

“People were overwhelmed with amazement. ‘He has done all things well’ they said. ‘He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.’”(7.31-37)

Again Jesus challenges His disciples to work with Him in feeding people, and again He gives them a few loaves with which they feed many thousands (8.1-10). While still talking about bread, He warns them about the effects of religious hypocrisy and political scheming, and tries to make them understand that only what comes from His hands will truly feed people, and will never be exhausted. (8.14-21). And finally, He has to heal a blind man in two steps, because sometimes understanding and ‘seeing the light’ also comes in stages! (8.22-26)

AT LAST…

At last the big question, at last the key moment, at last the turning point, at last the moment of decision for all who read Mark’s Gospel!

“Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, ‘Who do people say I am?’

They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ ‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’

Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ.’

Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.”(8.27-30)

THE EXTRA COLUMNBecoming a Christian and going on to live a Christian life is as much of a ‘journey’ today as it was for the first disciples. They were introduced to Jesus, they listened to Him, watched Him and worked with Him. And they saw others encounter Jesus and still reject Him!

But then they had to confess their faith in Him.

We too will come to Christian faith in stages and with struggles – but it will always include repenting and believing the Good News, and acknowledging who Jesus is.

6). On the Road to Jerusalem with Jesus Chapter 8.31 – 10.52

But making that confession of faith was only step one. The warning to tell no-one about Him was Jesus’ way of preparing them for a shock! Yes, He is the Christ. But Messiahship is not what they think. They must learn to think Christianly, especially about this. And Jesus pulled no punches…

“He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed

and after three days rise again.

“He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside to rebuke him.But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. ‘Get behind me, Satan!’ He

said. ‘You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.’

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will

lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.’”(8.31-35)

THE EXTRA COLUMNAfter the turning point when Peter recognises who Jesus is, the disciples have to start another journey - of understanding.

They must learn that Jesus hadn’t just come to teach but to die.He teaches them He has come to die.He prepares them for His death.And still to their clueless amazement - He goes to His death!

But as good Jews they should have known that the Scriptures teach that repentance can only be met by forgiveness if blood is spilt. That is the measure of the seriousness of the sin that is in us.In the Old Testament, acceptance by God was temporary and depended on the regular killing of a lamb at the Passover Festival. Now, as Passover approaches, Jesus will become the Lamb and secure an enduring forgiveness for those who…

“Repent and believe the Good News.”

And the Good News of God is that He Himself, in His Son, chose death so that we could be forgiven and enter His kingdom!

Chapter 8.31 - 10.52 takes us on the spiritual as well as the physical journey towards Jerusalem and Jesus’ saving act on the Cross. And of course, the talk He gave about denying ourselves, taking up our cross and saving our life by losing it for Him, means that this part of the journey isn’t a spectator sport either. Where Jesus walks we must be prepared to follow…

THE GLORIOUS JESUS

But to strengthen us for this journey Jesus gives us a glimpse of His true self, in company with His closest disciples - a glimpse of His glory that’s come to be known as The Transfiguration. Six days after Peter’s confession, Jesus takes Peter, James and John for a walk in the mountains.

“There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus …. Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: ‘This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!”(9.2-7)

Staggeringly, the supreme representatives of God’s law and God’s prophets, Moses and Elijah, stood and spoke with the transfigured Jesus! For the rest of their lives these men would remember this and witness to what it means. In fact, Peter refers to it directly in his second letter (2 Peter 1.16-18). On this journey to Jerusalem, Jesus teaches about His suffering and death five times in total (8.31-32; 9.12; 9.31-32; 10.32-34 and 10.45), but we can never forget that it was this glorious Son of God who was to do the dying! (9.2-13)

THE FAR FROM GLORIOUS APOSTLES

Throughout this journey to Jerusalem, Mark doesn’t hide the fact that all these disciples that Jesus had chosen were struggling and were deeply flawed.

When they came down from the mount of transfiguration they found the rest of the disciples failing to help a man whose son had been demonized from childhood (9.14-29). Before Jesus delivers the boy, the father expresses what must be in the heart of many a would-be disciple:

“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”(9.24)

When they were walking back to Capernaum He overheard the disciples talking about which one of them was the greatest! (9.33-37). Good grief! But we’re all challenged by what Jesus says:

“If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”(9.35)

When they saw someone they didn’t know driving out demons in the name of Jesus, they stopped him “because he was not one of us.” (9.38-41). What?!

And later on, James and John went to Jesus and asked Him to give them the most important places in His coming kingdom! (10.35-45). I don’t believe it!! Nor could the rest of the disciples! But Jesus simply gives them – and us – sober instruction:

“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even

the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”(10.42-45)

THE CHALLENGE OF BEING HIS DISCIPLE

And Mark shows us in chapter 9.42 – 10.31, in the teaching of Jesus, what it will really mean to follow Him. The vigorous rejection of sin (9.42-50), the personal honouring of the marriage bond (10.1-12), a childlike trust in God (10.13-16), and giving up everything for Him (10.17-31). Apart from that, it’s easy.

Jesus’ words could not be clearer…

A vigorous rejection of sin. “If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off…”(9.42-43)

A personal honouring of the marriage bond. “At the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female’. ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”(10.6-9)

A childlike trust in God. “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”(10.15)

Giving up everything for Jesus. “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. …. I tell you the truth, no-one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields – and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”(10.25, 29-31)

I WANT TO SEE!

Mark brings us to the end of this journey to Jerusalem by telling us about Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus was a blind man who made an utter nuisance of himself to everyone, until they made Jesus stop and give him his sight (10.46-52). There may be more significance for us in these final words than meets the eye!

“’What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him. The blind man said, ‘Rabbi, I want to see.’ ‘Go’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.”(10.51-52)

THE EXTRA COLUMNChoosing to follow Jesus is a simple one-off decision and also a continuous life-long commitment. It is life-transforming. And in a mysterious way, like Bartimaeus, it’s something that Jesus has to do for us, but which we also have to ask for.

And as the journey to Jerusalem has shown us, Jesus doesn’t want us to enter into this decision blind!

7). Hearing His Final Teaching Chapter 11.1 – 13.37

The rest of Mark’s Gospel tells us about the final week of Jesus’ life – and what followed.

On Sunday He enters Jerusalem like a king, but on a donkey not a war horse. This has become known as Palm Sunday because palm branches were spread on the ground ahead of Him (11.1-11). On Monday He goes to the Temple and throws out everybody using Temple worship to make money (11.12-19). On Tuesday, as He walks into the city from Bethany, He gives us an ‘acted parable’ of the fruitlessness of Jewish religion (11.20-26). The rest of the day is spent giving His final teachings and confronting serious opposition from ‘the powers that be.’ (11.27 – 13.37).

RESISTANCE AND OPPOSITION

Jesus confronts Money, Religion and Power as He approaches the climax of His life and ministry - because they are the common preoccupations of human beings. They are all entrenched in Jerusalem. And in His teaching, He regularly refers to the Old Testament…

As He clears the Temple, He also teaches (11.12-19): “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isaiah 56.3-8)

As they see the withered fig tree (11.20-26), He teaches about faith and forgiveness: “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”(11.24-25)

As His authority is questioned by religious leaders who refuse to acknowledge their hypocrisy (11.27-33): “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”(11.33)

In the parable of the tenants (12.1-12), He uses the form of a parable to tell the story of what God’s people have done, and are about to do to Him: “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this , and it is marvellous in our eyes.”(Psalm 118.22-23)

As the authorities try to catch Him out over taxes and loyalty (12.13-17): “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”(12.17)

As the liberal Sadducees try to catch Him out because they didn’t believe in the resurrection of the dead (12.18-27): “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?... God said, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’(Exodus 3.6) ‘He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.’ You are badly mistaken!’”(12.26-27)

As He was asked which was the most important commandment (12.28-34): “’Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”(Deut. 6.4-5 and Lev. 19.18)

As He spoke about Himself as the Christ (12.35-40): “The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.’”(Psalm 110.1)

Finally, as He watched a very poor widow giving money to God (12.41-44), there may be more significance for us in what He says than meets the eye: “They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.”(12.44)

THE VERY LAST THINGS

Jesus’ final teaching before going to His death declares that He is the all-powerful ‘Son of Man’ who promises to come again in power and great glory, and finally bring human history to a close. He is Lord as well as Saviour! And as a Prophet, He tells us what the future holds…

The end of the Jerusalem Temple (13.1-4). False Messiahs, wars, fear of wars, earthquakes and famines (13.5-8). Persecution for Christians, but the Gospel preached to all nations (13.9-13). The desecration of the Temple with people fleeing Jerusalem (13.14-23). And a time when the universe is dismantled and the Son of Man comes with great power and glory (13.24-27).

But only God Himself knows when He will do these things (13.28-37)

Some of this we see fulfilled in the Book of Acts, some in AD 70 as the Romans desecrate the Temple and destroy Jerusalem, some in our own day, and some has yet to be fulfilled.

“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back … What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”(13.35-36)

8). Witnessing His Last Acts Chapter 14.1 – 16.8

THE EXTRA COLUMNWe’ve met Jesus, listened to Him, watched Him at work and worked with Him alongside the apostles. We have now walked with Him to within three days of His death and heard all His teaching about Himself, and about what it will mean to follow Him.

It only remains to see Him take human sin and ingratitude ‘head-on’ and willingly go to His death to pay the price for us.

As we walk His increasingly lonely path with Him, as far as we can, watch how He lives out His teachings of love, forgiveness, meekness, humility and dependence on God … magnificently. He sets His face to do what God is asking of Him – and He does it.

“Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him. ‘But not during the Feast,’ they said, ‘or the people may riot.’”(14.1-2)

BOTH HONOURED AND BETRAYED

Mark tells us that on the Tuesday or Wednesday two significant things happened. Firstly, while Jesus was having a meal at the home of a man known as Simon the Leper in Bethany, a woman showed her love and devotion for Him by anointing His head with very expensive perfume while He was sitting at the table. This upset a number of people, but Jesus openly interpreted her actions as preparing His body for burial (14.3-9). Secondly, at about the same time…

“Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.”(14.10-11)

On Thursday, when the Jewish Passover was celebrated, Jesus got the disciples to arrange for them to eat the Passover meal secretly in an upper room in the city (14.12-16). As they ate, He told them that one of them would betray Him – they had no idea who He could mean. While they’re eating, Jesus takes some bread and wine and turns them into reminders of His coming death…

HIS BODY AND HIS BLOOD

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’ Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,’ he said to them. I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.’”(14.22-26)

This day became known as Maundy Thursday and the symbolic meal of bread and wine is now the central act of worship for all Christians – it’s called Holy Communion. After the meal, they all go out to the Mount of Olives, a garden area where they’d probably relaxed together many times before. And on the way Jesus predicts that before the night is over Peter will deny that he even knows Jesus – but of course, Peter can’t believe it.

“Peter insisted emphatically, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.’ And all the others said the same.”(14.27-31)

As the disciples doze in the cool of the evening after their meal, Jesus prays passionately as the moment of arrest and suffering approaches (14.32-42). Before He prays He tells His disciples:

“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (14.34)

Peter is one of those close enough to hear Him pray.

“’Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’”(14.36)

BETRAYED WITH A KISS AND WITH TEARS

As he was still praying, Judas appeared with an armed crowd.

“Now the betrayer had arranged a signal for them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Rabbi!’ and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him.”(14.44-46)

He’s taken back into the city, and before a hastily convened late-night sitting of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling Council, with witnesses brought in to denounce Him. But their testimonies don’t agree! Finally, the Chief Priest just asks Jesus The Big Question…

“’Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?’ ‘I am,’ Jesus said. ‘And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.’

“The high priest tore his clothes. ‘Why do we need any more witnesses?’ he asked. ‘You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?’ They all condemned him as worthy of death.”(14.61-64)

While this had been going on, Peter was following at a distance and was now out in the courtyard. And when he was recognised, he did indeed deny ever knowing Jesus (14.66-72).

“And he broke down and wept.”(14.72)

In the early hours of the morning Jesus was taken from the Sanhedrin to Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor, because only he could approve an execution.

A SECOND KANGAROO COURT

“’Are you the king of the Jews?’ asked Pilate. ‘Yes, it is as you say.’ Jesus replied. The chief priests accused him of many things. So again Pilate asked him. ‘Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of. But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.”(15.2-5)

And although Pilate tried to find a way of saving Jesus’ life, he eventually decided that it was politically expedient to give the Jewish leaders what they wanted.

“’Crucify him!’ they shouted. ‘Why? What crime has he committed?’ asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!’ Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate … had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.”(15.13-15)

THE EXTRA COLUMNThe other Gospels have a fuller account of what was said and done as Jesus was condemned to death, but Mark keeps it brief.

Very simply, the cleverest religious leaders in the land couldn’t get a conviction, so Jesus condemned Himself out of His own mouth by answering the high priest’s question truthfully! And when He could have defended Himself in front of Pilate, He remained silent.

As He’d already said: “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”(10.45)

As a condemned criminal Jesus had become a ‘non person’, so He could be humiliated and brutally treated by the soldiers in the barracks (15.16-20). In fact, He was so badly beaten that when they came to take Him out of the city for crucifixion, He couldn’t carry His cross. So they got a man called Simon from Cyrene to carry it. They took Him to the usual place of public execution and crucified Him at about 9.00am, during what would have been the morning rush hour.

EXECUTION

“It was the third hour when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘So! You who are going to destroy the temple and built it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!’ In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among

themselves. ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but he can’t save himself! Let this Christ, this king of Israel, come down from the cross, that we may see and believe.’”(15.25-32)

And of course, although He could have done, He didn’t. Even as they were speaking, He was indeed “saving others.” That’s why this day has become known as Good Friday.

DEATH AND BURIAL

So Jesus’ death was witnessed by many, some at very close quarters – as was His burial. At midday, darkness fell. At 3.00pm Jesus cried out…

“’My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ … One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink … With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.”(15.34-37)

Those who saw Jesus die included many women who had been His followers. A prominent member of the Jewish Council, Joseph of Arimathea, who had also been one of Jesus’ supporters, asked Pilate if he could bury the body. He took the body from the cross, wrapped it in linen and placed it in a rock tomb (15.42-46).

“Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.”(15.46-47)

THE EXTRA COLUMNAs always, Mark is very brief in his account where the other Gospels give us much more information.

But again, it’s very simple. Jesus’ death was brutal, indisputable and witnessed by many. It was verified by professionals, and a prominent public figure took charge of the body and placed it securely in a tomb to await full burial rites after the Sabbath day of rest.

But unlike every other human being who has ever lived, Jesus’ death was not His Last Act! And the first evidence of what He did next deserves quoting in full…

RESURRECTION!

“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after

sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’

“But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and

they were alarmed.

“’Don’t be alarmed’, he said. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is

going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’

“Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.”

(16.1-8)

This was probably where Mark’s Gospel originally ended. A dramatic finale, and possibly a clever literary device by Mark, who was well aware that his readers knew what this meant, and the life-changing impact it had had on their lives. But at some point, someone wanted to round off the story, perhaps to make the Gospel a more useful ‘evangelistic tract’…

9). His Resurrection Life and an Introduction to Yours Chapter 16.9-20

These last few verses summarise what else happened after Jesus had risen. The disciples didn’t believe the women’s story! (16.9-11). On three occasions Jesus appeared to His disciples - the first to Mary Magdalene (see Matthew 28.8-10 and John 20.10-18), then to two men on their way to Emmaus (Luke 24.13-35), and then when “he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen”! (16.12-14).

And the last few verses tell us what His followers are to do about all this….

“Jesus said to them. ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned….

“After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and

confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.”(16.15-20)

THE EXTRA COLUMNIf you are considering Christian faith for the first time or want to confirm your commitment to Him, now may be your moment! But since we’ve met Matthew and John in Mark’s Gospel, perhaps we’ll let them ‘gather round’ and speak before you respond to Jesus.

According to Matthew, Jesus prayed this: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”(Matth.11.28-29).

And at the end of John’s Gospel, he says this: “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”(John 20.30-31)

You might like to pray this prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, I know I have sinned in my thoughts,words and actions.

There are so many good things I have not done.There are so many sinful things I have done.

I am sorry for my sins and turn from everythingI know to be wrong.

You gave your life upon the cross for me.Gratefully I give my life back to you.

Now I ask you to come into my life.Come in as my Saviour to cleanse me.

Come in as my Lord to control me.

Come in as my Friend to be with me.And I will serve you all the remaining years of my life

in complete obedience.Amen.*

*(taken from the booklet “Journey Into Life” by Norman Warren)