Study 1 - Introduction
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The book we are going to be studying is called Mark's gospel, but it is really titled in the verse above, which is the first verse of the book. Another part of the bible tells us that this good news is for everyone whether they listen or not, "I will bring good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10). This is not a fairy story but real news based on facts related by people who were there at the time. It is true.
Mark does not attempt to give great detail and this is the shortest of the four gospels. This is no mere biography but good news for you the reader.
Good news
How is this good news? Because of this one extraordinary man - Jesus Christ the Son of God. The name Jesus means Saviour (Matthew 1:21). Christ means Messiah or appointed (also anointed by God) - the one promised for over 4000 years in the Old Testament. He is called the Son of God because He was more than just a man - He was also God.
He lived in a completely different way to anyone the people of the time had seen before (Mark 2 :12) or anyone has seen since (as I 'm sure you'll agree as you read). And yet He clearly did not come to live life as only an example. Mark shows that he came to serve (Mark 10:45). He predicts his own terrible death (Mark 8:45 and again in Mark 14: 32-42) and even in the middle of this awful suffering he is in total control. Why? Because there is a purpose to it all which directly involves you and me.
What did Jesus do? How much power has he got? Why did he die? Is there any hope for us? What is real Christianity?
All these questions are answered in this book. Mark is not telling us about religion or what we can or cannot do. He's telling us about life; he's got good news if we are willing to listen. Are you listening?
Time to think
- Who is Jesus?
- What is the good news?
If you have any questions during or after completing this study please email Us