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Thoughts from Pastor Stubenrouch
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
During our Wednesday evening Lenten dinners (following Ash Wednesday,) we will be watching a video on the Gospel of St. Mark. To better prepare yourself and your family, please read it ahead of time, preferably with together with your family or loved ones. The following Overview from the Lutheran Study Bible will help you better prepare:
Author: John Mark; Date: c AD 590-60;
Places: Galilee; Judea; Nazareth; Capernaum; Tyre; Sidon; Jerusalem; Jericho; Bethany; Jordan River; Mount of Olives; Gethsemane; (see map).
People: Jesus; John the Baptist; the 12 apostles; Jesus’ family; scribes; Pharisees; Herodians; Herod Antipas; Mary the mother of Joses; Mary Magdalene; Mary the mother of James; Salome.
Purpose: To proclaim Jesus the Son of God, who calls disciples to repent, to believe the Gospel, and to bear the cross.
Law Themes: Repentance; political and religious opposition; uncleanness; authoritative teaching; hard-heartedness.
Gospel Themes: The Gospel; Baptism; compassion; mercy; cleansing; authoritative teaching; ransom; Lord’s Supper.
Some Challenges for Readers: Jesus as the Son of God; Jesus as Man; Hard-heartedness of people and disciples; Clean and Unclean examples; Secrecy-Jesus not wanting unclean spirits from speaking about Him and His Kingdom; Mark’s Abrupt Ending-Ch. 16:9-20 do not appear in a number of early Greek manuscripts.
Blessings for Readers: “As you read Mark’s account of Jesus’ ministry and Passion, take special note of the emphasis on discipleship and faith. Jesus tells His followers that He will suffer and will ransom them. They, too, will face suffering on account of Him and the Gospel. ; Yet, through repentance and faith, they will inherit eternal life.
When you face difficulty, cry out, “I believe; help my un belief!” (9:24). The Son of God, who ransomed you from the bondage of sin and death, will hear you in compassion and have mercy.
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