Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Overview: Mark 1–4

All the four Gospel accounts give us a portrait of Jesus, His mission and teaching.  Each is different in style, length, and emphasis. Of these four accounts, Mark is unique in many ways. It is the shortest and possibly the earliest account. Its narrative reflects the writer’s eye for descriptive and emotional details that are left out by the other Gospel writers. By skillfully employing literary devices such as irony and sandwich techniques, coupled with the constant use of repetitions, summaries, and recapitulations, Mark is a highly structured narrative.

Unlike Luke and Matthew who begin their narratives with events surrounding the birth of Messiah, Mark begins his account with Jesus’ public ministry. Mark leaves no doubt as to who Jesus is. In the very first sentence of his narrative he proclaims that Jesus is the 'Christ, the Son of God' (1:1). With this introduction, Mark moves quickly from one account in Jesus’ life and ministry to another, often employing the adverb 'immediately' to connect these events.

In Chapters 1–4, Mark depicts Jesus’ ceaseless activity with a sense of urgency in proclaiming the Good News. Jesus was not only the One with authority as a teacher, healer, miracle worker, and exorcist; he was the Son of Man who must suffer, be killed and rise again. Throughout these chapters, Jesus not only caused great wonder, amazement, and awe upon those who encountered Him but also drew conflict and rejection from the rest. Whatever the outcome, the Good News of the Messiah must be proclaimed.

Mark’s Good News is the announcement of not only what God is doing but who God is. It remains God's word that has power to change, transform, and bring freedom to all. May our hearts be inflamed with love and zeal for Christ and His kingdom. May we also share Mark’s sense of urgency in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.


What Drives You?
Read Mark 1:1-15

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:14-15

Mark’s Gospel portrays Jesus as a man of action during His earthly ministry. Throughout the Gospel narrative, the adverb ‘immediately’ is repeatedly used to highlight Jesus’ movement from one place to another and to narrate His actions from teaching to performing miracles. There is a sense of urgency in Jesus’ mission.

A large petroleum company in Malaysia recently ran a global advertising effort based on the theme, ‘What Drives You?’ The advertisement highlighted the petrol station as a place to be refreshed and rejuvenated before continuing the journey to achieve our short-term and long-term goals in life. The message: our long-term goals often become the driving force to motivate us to take the necessary little steps fulfil our destiny.

Mark’s Gospel provides us with a glimpse of Jesus’ earthly life characterised by travelling from place to place, teaching the disciples and multitudes, healing the sick, and performing miracles that ultimately ended in His death on the Cross and resurrection. What ultimately drove Jesus in His earthly mission is summed up in this: “The time has come…The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news” (v 15). Jesus’ mission was not one that was merely controlled by a long term goal, but was driven by the deep conviction that what would subsequently take place at the Cross would change the course of humanity’s eternal destiny forever. To Jesus, this mission must be fulfilled and there was no time to waste.

Is your mission in life guided by temporary or eternal value? What really drives you as a follower of Christ?