Mark

What do you see in this book that tells you about the original Reader?

The directed audience in the book of Mark is primarily focused on Roman Christians who are undergoing persecution.  During this period of time the Roman empire was the dominant world power. Also compared to all the other Gospels Mark seems to leave out a number of items that the other Gospels specifically address as important to the Jewish people, whereas it was that information that wouldn't of been meaningful to Gentiles. For example: the genealogy of Christ, references to the Law, and certain Jewish customs. So in conclusion the directed audience is primarily Romans Christians.

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The author of Mark does not identify himself. Though it is believed by the early church that Mark also known as John Mark is the author. For it was Mark's house that the early church was using to meet. (Acts 12:12) Mark also accompanied Barnabas and Saul on their journeys and served as their assistant, believed to be translator. He most likely recorded the events as he saw them, so with that said these are the words of Mark but most likely from the viewpoint of Peter, Jesus disciple, because Peter travelled with Jesus and saw the events first hand.

What are the main themes and repeated ideas in the book and a one sentence summary of the "main idea"?

Jesus is portrayed as the supreme Servant in the book of Mark (10:45). Now the book of Mark can be divided up into five parts,  the Presentation of the Servant (1:1-2:12), the Opposition to the Servant (2:13-8:26), the Instruction by the Servant (8:27-10:52), the Rejection of the Servant (11:1-15:47) and the Resurrection of the Servant (16:1-20).

One main theme I see in Mark is that Jesus travelled a lot during his ministry. (1:39, 5:1;21, 6:1;32, 8:13, 10:1, etc) Now the reason behind him travelling so much is because that was one of the main reasons he came was to preach to many people.

(1:38) 

Another main theme and repeated idea is the countless times of the "laying on of hands". Now the two main events for the laying on of hands portrayed is "healing" and "blessing people".

Laying on of hands for healing:

Jesus heals a deaf and speech impediment 7:31-35

Jesus heals a blind man at Bethsaida 8:22-25

Jesus delivers and raises a boy from the dead 9:26-27

Now not all healings were done with the laying on of hands but there is something significant about it. For if there wasn't it wouldn't have been mentioned.

Laying on of hands for blessing:

Jesus holds and blesses little children 10:16

What is the primary reason this book was written?

The primary reason Mark was written was to show Jesus as the supreme Servant. (10:45) We can all learn from Jesus life and we ourselves be servants to one another.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God? 

We see Jesus' heart of compassion for his lost and hurting people. (1:41, 6:34) Also when Jesus told the paralyzed man that "your sins are forgiven" the teachers of religious law thought to themselves " What is he saying? This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!" It says in (2:8) "Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking…" this shows that Jesus is omniscient. Also Jesus teaches the importance of quiet times through his relationship with his heavenly father. (6:46)

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

Jesus himself quotes four times his death and resurrection. (8:31-32, 9:31, 10:33-34, 14:24-25)

Application

Mark 4:24-25

"Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given-and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given…"

It is said that faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by reading the word. With that said I want to know more of who Jesus is through his scriptures but I can't get the revelation on my own it is something that the Holy Spirit has to do. This verse has challenged me to get in the word more and spend time with Jesus so that I can know him more.