NT History and Lit Module 2

Who was the writer of the Gospel of Mark?

John Mark/Mark the Evangelist/Anonymous

What do the titles, “Christ” and “Messiah” mean?

Anointed one

What did the title “Son of God,” mean in the OT?

A messianic, kingly, and royal title. The king, the descendant of David, was the “_____ in the OT.

What is “Peter’s confession” in the gospels?

That Jesus is Christ

Centurion’s confession

He said “Surely, this is man is the “Son of God”

What is the so-called "Messianic secret?"

Although Jesus was the Messiah and Son of God, Jesus often commanded others not to make His identity known. He had a different purpose for this in each of the three contexts. Apparently Jesus did not need or want the testimony of demons in order to show himself to be God's son.

What is meant by the "failure of the disciples" in the Gospel of Mark?

The disciples slept in the Garden of Gethsamane instead of praying when Jesus told them to keep watch. They also fled when Jesus was arrested. Peter followed at a distance but ended up denying Jesus. Mark would encourage and warn us when we fail, just as Jesus did when the disciples failed.

What does the term discipleship refer?

The pattern of life expected of all those who desire to follow Jesus.

What is the significance of the term, "service," in the theology of Mark?

True followers of Jesus cannot live to satisfy their own needs and desires. They are compelled to serve. Taking a lowly position by the world's values gains honor from God, promised by Jesus. The first will be last, and the last first. This type of sacrifice and service is important because it is the way Jesus lived. He came not to be served but to serve and give His life.

 To what does the term, the "Kingdom of God," refer in the Gospel of Mark?

 It is a future, visible realm. It is the place where God's rule is recognized and unquestioned. It is a realm in which someone can eventually live and act, a place into which some people will be able to enter. This aspect of the kingdom is a future reality that will some day come in power. The Son of Man will come in great power and judge the wicked and gather the elect.

 What do the so-called, "kingdom parables," communicate in Mark?

They are metaphors or word pictures that clarify the nature of the present form of the kingdom.

To what does the "Eschatological Discourse" refer in Mark?

 The final harvest that will take place in the future when the Son of Man comes in great power and glory.

To what does the title, the "Son of Man," refer in Mark?

The title that Jesus used for Himself in describing His future coming, in the OT Daniel saw "one like a ____" coming with the clouds in heaven and receiving an eternal kingdom from the Ancient of Days. Jesus calls Himself this to emphasize his present authority on earth, in sayings that focused on His future coming in power, and in sayings that predicted His suffering, death, and resurrection.