The Gospel of Mark

Throughout the season of Epiphany we will join with The Good Book Club as we journey
through the Gospel of Mark. Mark is our namesake so this study seems appropriately fitting.
• Thursday evenings January 7 though February 11 from 6:30 to 8:00. via Zoom.
• Gather for some fellowship (bring your dinner if you’d like).
• Begin with a short video that sets the stage for the week’s readings
• Share in discussion and reflections.
• Conclude with the service of Compline.
• A list of the daily readings is on the next page.
• If you would like a head start, check this overview of the Gospel of Mark, created by the Bible Project check: https://youtu.be/HGHqu9-DtXk

About the Gospel of Mark— This is the Gospel appointed for Year B in the Revised Common Lectionary. Mark is the earliest and shortest of the four gospels. St. The following is taken from a two-page introduction to the Gospel of Mark developed by Forward Movement.

If you like the sparse literary style of Earnest Hemingway, you’ll love the Gospel of Mark. The shortest of the four gospels, Mark is a just-the-facts approach to telling the stories of Jesus as miracle-worker and Messiah. Mark doesn’t begin with an account of Jesus’ divine birth but instead dives right in with the start of Jesus’ public ministry, his baptism by John the Baptist. In the first chapter alone, we read of his baptism, temptation in the desert, selection of his disciples, and several healing stories. Mark doesn’t add much context or reflection on the actions (or even very many adjectives): the gospel reads like a slide show presentation. Jesus heals many at Simon’s House. Next slide. Jesus preaches in Galilee. Next slide. Jesus cleanses a leper. Next.

Coupled with this succinct writing style is a clear message: Jesus is the Messiah. Viewing
Mark as a three-act play, the first chapters reveal the miracles and preaching of Jesus to the crowds, then his transfiguration and teaching among his disciples, and finally the crucifixion, the ultimate expression of the suffering servant. Interestingly, early versions of the Gospel of Mark end with the women fleeing the empty tomb. But a longer ending, likely added sometime in the second century, includes the resurrection, commissioning of the disciples, and Jesus’ ascension. This could well be the first instance of the ultimate Director’s Cut.

Our study is part of a larger study, The Good Book Club, sponsored by Forward Movement and partner organizations from across the Episcopal Church.
• To learn more about The Good Book Club check out https://www.goodbookclub.org/
• For the daily readings (with links) check https://www.goodbookclub.org/readings/
• Many other resources are available. Check out https://www.goodbookclub.org/
resources/

To participate in this Bible Study, contact Lisa Bell-Loncella at etbell57@gmail.com in advance of the study to obtain the Zoom meeting ID and password.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Mark’s is closed for in-person worship and study.