Reading Mark

While Mark is the shortest Gospel account of the four, it is most likely the earliest written, and earliest accepted account. The book is believed to have been written by John Mark, who actually has an interesting story that is woven throughout the New Testament. His mother's house in Jerusalem served as a meeting place for believers, where Mark first met Paul and Barnabas, and joined them on part of their first missionary journey. He did desert the two part way through the voyage, but was accepted back by Barnabas to Cyprus. Paul meanwhile did not accept Mark back, at least not right away. By the end of Paul's life, he did indeed welcome Mark back into the ministry, and actually praised him for his work. 

It is believed that the Gospel of Mark was actually the first written account of Jesus' ministry, most likely around late 50 or early 60 AD. This would mean that the first account of all of Jesus' miracles, sermons, and actions would have been a mere 20 years after His death and resurrection. It is also believed that Matthew and Luke wrote their gospels using Mark as a major source.

Because Mark was merely intending to write down a quick account that would serve as a refresher of Jesus' life, his aim was more on short episodes focusing on what Jesus did rather then say. However, with this focus, Mark also seems to draw a lot on the theme of suffering and persecution. 

With that in mind, a picture clearly painted throughout the book is regarding the gift of God. This certain account was written to encourage believers, and remind them what they are suffering for, which is indeed a gift from God; Jesus and the gift of salvation. The sacrifice of Jesus, the new covenant, and the chance to be redeemed in His sight is all a gift of God to His people. We didn't do anything to deserve this gift, anything to merit the present, instead it came from the grace of God, because of His undying love for us. 

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