Matthew and Mark
Pastor Joanie I have just begun the book of Mark. Whoah!! The differences between the two gospels stand out immediately. Have you noticed them as drastically this time, too?
Here are a couple of my observations after re-reading the first chapter of Mark.
- Mark doesn’t have a birth narrative.
- Mark’s gospel assumes that we have already heard of Jesus. He does not spend time building up Jesus’ credibility like the gospel of Matthew.
- Mark doesn’t spend as much time on details…he gets straight to the point.
- Because Mark proclaims Jesus’ authority upfront, Jesus jumps right into his ministry of healing.
- Mark mentions Jesus’ teaching, but we haven’t heard specific lessons yet.
- Mark is focused so far on Jesus’ healing ministry.
- We don’t get the whole story at once…i.e. Mark tells about Jesus calling the disciples, but in the first chapter he only names four. We get the rest of the story later.
What differences have you noticed so far? What additional differences do you see? What is the significance of these differences? How is the way that Mark portrays Jesus important? How do you feel about the fact that Mark doesn’t give any detail on Jesus’ birth or background? What does this say about Mark’s original audience?
There is a lot to think about. Write down your questions as you read through the book of Mark. Notice what is going on within you as you read. Pay attention to the movement of the Spirit through your re-reading of Mark’s gospel.
If You Missed Sunday’s Sermon…
Read or listen to Serving: You Have the Power to Heal— Mark 1:29-31
God’s Words for This Week
2 Kings 5:1-14 – Then his servants approached and said to him, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he has said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean?’” So he went down and plunged himself into the Jordan seven times, just as the man of God had said; and his flesh was restored like that of a little child and he was clean. (AMP, v. 13-14)
Psalm 30–For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning. (NIV, v.5)
1 Corinthians 9:24-27– I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. (The Message, v. 26)
Mark 1:40-45 -A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. (NRSV, v. 40-42)
This Week at Hood
Wednesday, February 7, 3:30 pm–Prayer and Inspiration
Wednesday, February 7, 6:00 pm – Choir Practice
Wednesday, February 7, 6:00 pm – Young-ish Adult Small Group
Thursday, February 8, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Pastor Jason at The Cellar for Drop-In Coffee & Conversation (108 N Wilson St)
Sunday, February 11, 11:00 am – Worship
Sunday, February 11, 12:00 noon-Valentine’s Lunch for all the Ladies, sponsored by the Men’s Fellowship
Sunday, February 11, 2:00pm–Marriage Vow Renewal Ceremony
**Upcoming events
Wednesday, February 14th, 6:00 pm– Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday, February 14th, 6:00 pm– Love Wins, Children’s Mission Class
Saturday, February 17th, 10:00 am -12:00 noon–Valentine’s Tea & Tunes @ The Cellar