Creative Writing 1

The book of Mark is a Gospel that contains Narrative History, Sermons, Parables, and some Prophetic Oracles.   It was written by John Mark one of the missionaries who accompanied Paul and Barnabas on mission trips; it is the shortest of the synoptic gospels and was written about 64 A.D.   The key characters of this book are Jesus Christ, His Twelve Disciples, Jewish religious leaders, Pilate, and John the Baptist.

      Mark wrote this gospel to show that the Lord Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God who was sent to suffer and to serve.   Mark was a companion of Peter in Rome and very well may have written this Gospel at the instigation of Peter who had first-hand knowledge of the things that Mark wrote about.

  The 16 chapters of the Gospel of Mark can be divided into two parts, 8 chapters each.   In the first 8 chapters Jesus is essentially traveling north and preaching until chapter 8.   In Chapter 8, Jesus is in the city of Caesarea Philippi where He asks His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” (vs. 27).   Peter replies, “You are the Christ”.   Throughout the last 8 chapters, Jesus is traveling south, back to Jerusalem; all the way to Calvary’s Cross.

  In chapter 1, there is a quick introduction of John the Baptist and his preparation for the coming Messiah.   It also includes the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan, and the temptation in the desert by Satan.   The focus quickly changes to the message and ministry of Jesus.

  In chapters 2-10, Jesus selects His Disciples, “And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him, and that He could send them out to preach” (3:14).   The rest of these passages almost completely refer to Jesus as a Servant.   It presents Jesus either teaching, healing, helping, performing miracles, blessing, feeding, challenging authority, and feeling compassion (8:2).

  Chapters 11-16 are the final chapters that declare the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ again another example of servanthood.   He is...