The shortest of the four Gospels, and probably the earliest, Mark brings us to Jesus Christ (Christ means Messiah, or the Anointed One) without much fanfare and lengthy introduction. Tradition has it that Mark got much of his material from the apostle Peter, with whom he was closely associated (1 Peter 5:13). This is supported by scholarly examinations of the Gospel itself. It portrays Jesus as a man of action and focuses on His deeds more than His words. In the words of New Testament scholar
A. T. Robertson, it “throbs with life and bristles with vivid details”.¹

The Gospel can be divided into two major sections, with Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah in Mark 8:27–30 serving as a hinge. The first part, which we will cover in this book, introduces Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah, and more importantly, the Servant King. It shows what it takes to be God’s obedient servant, by tracing the work of Jesus as it develops among needy humanity. In the process, His compassion, authority, power, and sense of mission are demonstrated.

Overall, Mark’s Gospel challenges readers to respond to its message: trust in the Servant King, believe He is the Son of God who is the Messiah, and faithfully follow Him all the way.

The Structure of Mark 1–8

1:1–13

An introduction to the Son of God

1:14–3:6

Jesus’ early ministry

3:7–6:6

Jesus’ later ministry

6:7–8:30

Jesus’ revelation of His identity and mission