The Gospel of Mark

Mark’s gospel—presumably, the first in chronological order—focuses on the identity Jesus Christ. The writing is distinctly biographical in genre in that it seeks to preserve the history and teaching of its central figure, Jesus Christ. Mark’s portrayal of Jesus is inherently filled with tension. Although Jesus is clearly human, nonetheless, he exercises divine authority over nature and other spheres of human existence. As the reader comes to terms with Jesus’ identity, it is clear that Mark highlights his character as fulfilling the role of Isaiah’s suffering servant. Just as God had called Israel to reflect his character, so too must Jesus’ followers reflect his character, particularly in self-denial and cross-bearing discipleship.