Gospel of Mark Part 1: Introduction [Small Group Discussion]

Title: Jesus, the Servant of Man – An Introduction to the Gospel of Mark

Scripture Focus: Mark 1:1 – “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

OPENING QUESTION

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “servant”? How is that different from the way the world views success?

STUDY PASSAGE

Mark 1:1 – “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

BACKGROUND

The Gospel of Mark is the shortest of the four gospels and is widely believed to be the first written. It is an action-filled record of Jesus’ life, with more emphasis on what He did than on what He said. Written primarily for Gentile readers—likely Christians in Rome—it presents Jesus as the Perfect Servant who came not to be served, but to serve.

KEY POINTS

1. Author and Date

• Mark’s full name was John Mark, cousin of Barnabas (Acts 4:36–37; Colossians 4:10).

• His mother owned a large house in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12), possibly the location of the Last Supper.

• He traveled with Paul and Barnabas but abandoned the first missionary journey (Acts 13:5,13), causing a dispute between them (Acts 15:36–41).

• Later, Mark proved himself faithful, becoming a comfort to Paul (Colossians 4:10–11; Philemon 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:11) and a close associate of Peter (1 Peter 5:13).

• Written before 64 A.D., likely between the early 50s and 63 A.D.

  
  

2. Theme and Structure

• Written for Gentiles, explaining Jewish customs (Mark 7:3–4), translating Aramaic terms (Mark 5:41; 7:11), and using Roman time references (Mark 6:48; 13:35).

• Emphasis: Jesus as the Servant of Man (Mark 10:45).

• Outline:

  1. Preparation for ministry (Mark 1:2–13).

  2. Ministry in Galilee (Mark 1:14–9:50).

  3. Journey to Jerusalem (Mark 10:1–52).

  4. Ministry in Jerusalem (Mark 11:1–13:37).

  5. Suffering and death (Mark 14:1–15:47).

  6. Resurrection appearances (Mark 16:1–13).

  7. Great Commission (Mark 16:14–20).

     
     

     

     
     

3. Special Characteristics

• Earliest Gospel—almost all verses appear in Matthew or Luke.

• Shortest Gospel—661 verses (readable in ~90 minutes).

• Fast-paced—uses “immediately” over 40 times.

• Vivid and descriptive—filled with eyewitness-like detail.

• Evangelistic—begins and ends with the gospel (Mark 1:1; Mark 16:15).

  
  

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. How does Mark’s story encourage believers who have failed in the past?

2. Why do you think God chose to highlight Jesus’ role as a servant in this Gospel?

3. In what ways can the church today reflect the servant nature of Christ?

4. What do you think it means to be “useful to the Master” (2 Timothy 2:21)?

5. What is one practical way you can serve someone this week?

   
   

APPLICATION

Mark’s life reminds us that past failures do not define our future in Christ. Just as Mark was restored and became valuable in ministry, God can use us if we are willing to humble ourselves and serve. The Gospel of Mark challenges us to model Jesus—the Perfect Servant—in our homes, churches, and communities.

MEMORY VERSE

Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

PRAYER FOCUS

Ask God to make you a vessel “for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, having been prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21). Pray for opportunities to serve others with the humility and urgency of Christ.

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