The Gospel of Mark contains sixteen chapters that consist of narrative history, sermons, and parables. This Gospel is the shortest of the Synoptic Gospels and was written around 64 AD. The first eight chapters explore Jesus' journey north preaching and the next eight chapters tell us about Jesus' time in the city of Caesarea Philippi. The purpose of this gospel is to show Jesus as the Messiah, sent to suffer and restore faith in humanity. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The first key theme explored in the Gospel of Mark is Jesus as the Son of Man who must suffer. There are several examples throughout the text where we see Jesus predicting his suffering, death, and resurrection: For the Son of Man also did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10 :45). In essence, Jesus addresses himself as the Son of God and lets his disciples know that he did not come to earth to be served, but came to give his life for the good of his people. Jesus continually speaks of his death and resurrection throughout Mark's gospel: And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed and after three days rise again . again (Mark 8:31). It is here that we see Jesus suffer rejection from the elders, chief priests, and scribes who do not believe that he is the Son of God. Despite being rejected by the upper class members of society, Jesus told his followers not to be ashamed of himself or his words otherwise he will be ashamed of them when he rises from the dead and returns in the glory of his Father. It is evident that Jesus had no choice regarding the suffering he would face: the Son of man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born (Mark 14:21). Here we see that Jesus had to continue throughout his life in constant suffering until his crucifixion, as he had to give his life. The next theme we encounter in the Gospel of Mark is that Jesus is the Son of Man with all power and authority. . This theme is first presented when we see the power of Jesus' healing: Now Simon's mother-in-law was sick with a fever and immediately they told him about her. And he came near, took her by the hand, and lifted her up; the fever left her and she began to serve him (Mark 1:29-31). This shows how Jesus used his almighty power to heal Simon's mother-in-law and she in turn began to serve and follow his teachings. Jesus not only cured illnesses, but also helped people who believed they were possessed by demons: that evening, after sunset, people brought all the sick and possessed to Jesus (Mark 1:32). This suggested how powerful Jesus was as he could heal people who were believed to be possessed by demons. Along with Jesus' mighty power, he also had great authority, this is seen when Jesus walked on the water: But when they saw him walking on the sea they thought he was a ghost and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But he immediately spoke to them and said: "Courage, it's me, don't be afraid" (Mk 4,49-51). This exemplifies the authority and power with which Jesus spoke as their hearts were at ease after discovering that Jesus was walking on water. Jesus, the Son of God, had the power to walk on water and also the authority to calm the disoriented people who witnessed this great act. Another great example of Jesus' authority is: Because from within, from the heart.
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