The Book of Mark : The second of the Gospels in the New Testament. These Gospels each have their own perspective on the identity of Jesus. Mark presents him as the servant and Son of God, and he wrote for a Roman audience.
book of mark
The Gospel according to Saint Mark is one of the first records of the life of Jesus. On this text, according to Christian historical traditions, it is linked to a scribe named Juan Marcos, who was a collaborator of Paul, according to what is written in Colossians 4:10. As well as a faithful companion of the also apostle Peter, who wrote in 1 Peter 5:13 (TLA)
13 The followers of Christ who are in the city of Rome send you greetings. They, like you, are part of the people that God has chosen. Marcos also sends his regards, whom I love like a son.
Papias, a historian of the early Christian church, also writes about John Mark. He affirms that this Juan Marcos had collected the memories and eyewitness testimony directly from his mentor Peter, a disciple of Jesus Christ. After collecting the information, Mark orders and writes what is now known as the gospel or book of Mark.
The evangelist carefully structured and organized the accounts of the life of Jesus. Mark begins the story of him making the presentation of Jesus, declaring about the identity of who Jesus was, Mark 1: 1 The New American Bible (LBLA)
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
What was Mark's idea?
Mark's main idea was to write about the gospel of Jesus and make it known to a specific audience, the Roman people. At that time it can be said that Israel was kidnapped in her own land, by the Roman Empire. But it is seen very clearly that Mark's idea was to direct his gospel specifically to the Romans. As the evangelist writes with a Roman mentality, in fact, his book does not contain many quotations from the Old Testament, due to the audience he was addressing. Mark then begins by presenting Jesus as the Messiah. And later on he makes him look like a mighty Messiah clothed in Glory.
It should be noted that the Romans were a civilization where glory and power were of great importance. That is why Marcos in this context argues his narration, in order to attract the readers. The evangelist presents Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and manages to amaze the audience about how He would come to execute his work or mission. At that point the evangelist shows Jesus as the suffering servant and Son of God.
The character of the non-Jewish accent and the clear references to Roman customs, undoubtedly determine that Mark wrote with the aim of evangelizing the Roman people. At a time when the Roman Empire persecuted Christian believers, and in this way to encourage them within the suffering of persecution.
Author and date of the Book of Mark
In none of the four Gospels of the New Testament do the authors ever sign their manuscripts, as did the scribes of some of the New Testament epistles. However, due to historical traditions, as well as testimonies of the leaders of the early church, it is known that the author of the book is Juan Marcos. Regarding this Papías historian and bishop of Hierapolis writes approximately in the year 140 after Christ, the following about the gospel:
“… The presbyter (referring to the apostle John) said this: Mark, having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down precisely what he remembered…”
On the other hand, in the year 150 after Christ, Justin Martyr, one of the first Christian apologists; he expresses himself on the Gospel of Mark as the memoirs of the Apostle Peter.
Where was it written?
Similarly, Mártir affirms that Juan Marcos wrote these memoirs while in Rome. This affirmation coincides with that expressed by primitive traditions. These customs established that Marco wrote the gospel of him being in that region of Italy, to give encouragement to the Roman Christians.
During the year 185 after Christ, Irenaeus bishop of the city of Lyon writes about John Mark as
“Mark the disciple and interpreter of Peter”
By referring to this book as Peter's preaching or gospel about Jesus Christ.
Who was John Mark, according to the New Testament?
Juan Marcos was a follower of Christ very close to the apostle Peter. This character is frequently named in the book of Acts. Where he is named as John, also called Mark, are some quotes from the book of Acts 12:12, 12:25; 15:37 p.m., 15:39 p.m. Juan Marcos was also the offspring of a wealthy lady from the city of Jerusalem. He went precisely to the house of John Mark's mother in Jerusalem, where Peter went once he was released from prison, in Acts 12:12 (NASB)
12 Realizing this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, also called Mark, where many were gathered together and praying.
The evangelist was also a collaborator of Paul and cousin of Barnabas, as the apostle writes in Colossians 4:10 (LBLA)
10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings; also Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, receive him well)
While in Acts 12:25 and 13:5 it can be read that the evangelist Mark accompanied his cousin Barnabas during Paul's first missionary journey. However Marco does not complete the trip, deserting in Perge and from there he returns to the city of Jerusalem, as it is written in Acts 13.13. Paul's annoyance about this departure from Mark can be seen at the moment that Barnabas tells Paul to take him with them on the second missionary journey, and the apostle refuses.
This friction leads to a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, followed by the separation of both. Barnabas leaving with Mark on one side embarking for Cyprus, and on the other side Paul leaving with Silas, moving through Syria and Cilicia to confirm the churches, see Acts 15:38-41.
Mark's strengthening and maturity in faith
But later, the initial fluctuation in faith produced in the evangelist great strength and spiritual maturity. He proving to be faithful to the work of Jesus, because you can read what Paul wrote in Colossians 4:10, quoted verbatim above. The apostle goes so far as to refer to Mark as one of his collaborators in the letter to Philemon in verse 24 (RVR 1960):
24 Marcos, Aristarco, Demás and Lucas, my collaborators.
Later Paul speaks to Timothy the following in 2 Timothy 4:11 (KJV 1960):
11 Only Lucas is with me. Take Marcos and bring him with you, because he is useful to me for the ministry.
This proves the spiritual maturity of Mark, approved by the apostle Paul. Maturity that perhaps reached next to the ministry of Pedro. There was a close relationship between the two evangelists to the point where Peter came to regard him as a true son (1 Peter 5:13). Pedro, then, was a key character in the life of young Marco and helped him get out of the fluctuation of his youth. Subsequently, he was able to guide him to strength and sufficient spiritual maturity to follow the call that God had on him.
Mark then acted as Peter's interpreter and scribe, recording the events heard from the apostle of Christ. Therefore, although it was written by Mark, the former bishop of Lyons is not without reason in assuring that these scriptures represent the Gospel according to Peter.
It should be noted that Mark did not write in the exact order, the stories about the messages and works of Jesus, for not having lived with him. Thus, he dedicated himself to writing according to what he heard from Pedro, without omitting anything and ordering according to the needs of his listeners.
When was it written?
Theologians and biblical critics propose that the time of writing of the book of Mark corresponds to the period between the years 50 and 70 after Christ. The upper limit of the period establishes a date before the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple in 70. This is according to the comment of Jesus where he predicts the destruction of the temple in Mark 13: 1-2
13 Leaving Jesus from the temple, one of his disciples said to him: Teacher, look what stones, and what buildings. 2 Jesus, answering, said to him: Do you see these great buildings? There shall not be left one stone upon another, which shall not be overthrown.
As for the date, from when the book of Mark could be written, some scholars think that it was surely during the cruel persecution of Christians ordered by Nero, Emperor of the Roman Empire. Such persecution began after the burning of the city of Rome, in July of the year 64 after Christ. This date is also very close to the execution of the apostle Peter.
While other theological scholars start from the analysis of the date in which the two treatises of Luke, the gospel and the book of Acts were written. Both writings evidently after the Gospel of Mark. The book of Acts was probably written around the year 63 after Christ. So this theoretical side establishes a probable period of writing between the years 50 and 60 after Christ.
Structure of the Book of Mark
In the careful way Mark organized his gospel, two types of structure or division can be found. A first regarding the place of development of the ministry of Jesus, According to this, the narration of the book of Mark can be said to be divided into three parts:
- A first part that takes place in Galilee. It represents the introduction of Jesus and the Galilean ministry of him. Mark 1:1 – 8:26
- The second part shows Jesus on the road going from one place to another. Or Jesus on the way to Jerusalem, Mark 8:27 – 10:52
- A third part, which presents Jesus already in Jerusalem. This part represents what Jesus is going to do in Jerusalem. That is the passion, death and resurrection of Christ, Mark 11:1 – 16:8
Basically these three parts can be used as the structure of the Gospel of Mark. However, in terms of the order that the author wanted to give the book. In order to express the central theme that is the identity of Jesus, it can be said that it is divided into two main parts:
Who is Jesus? This would be the first part to develop, Mark 1:1–8:26 : From chapter 1 to verse 26, Mark focuses on teaching about who Jesus truly is. It teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, emphasizing the power and glory he possessed, thus astonishing the Roman audience to whom the gospel was addressed.
What did Jesus come to do? This would be the second part, Mark 8:27–16:8 : In this second part, Mark goes on to astonish his audience even more by teaching how Jesus would carry out his work. He explains that Jesus came to give his life, to die for his own, presenting him as the suffering servant and Son of God.
Marks or key verses in the structure of the Book of Mark
If one makes that mental division when reading the book of Mark, according to those two intentions mentioned above about Who is Jesus? And what did Jesus come to do? It is important to define a key point in the first part or the first intention that Mark had in his gospel, answering the following question: What in the life of Jesus serves as a key mark to say who he is?
The baptism of Jesus
In the life of Jesus it is seen in this gospel that the baptism of the Lord is a key mark, which begins that first part, at the beginning of his ministry. Baptism is the event or starting point for Jesus to initiate his preaching ministry. Mark 1:9-11 (KJV 1960) The baptism of Jesus:
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, saying, “ You are my beloved Son ; with you I am well pleased.”
Peter's confession
Between the two parts defined above, a key point can be found in the middle of them, which serves as a connection. This key point is Peter's confession, Mark 8:29 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
29 He asked them again: But you, who do you say that I am? Answering Peter, he said to him *: You are the Christ
So Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah announced by the prophets comes to be like a kind of articulation that links the two already defined parts of Mark's gospel. Peter's confession articulates the first part of the identity of the Son of God with the second part on the mission of the Son of God.
the cross death
The event in the life of Jesus that marks the second part of the gospel, and the ministry of Jesus in Jerusalem, is obviously the passion, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Mark 15:1 (KJV 1960): 15 Early in the morning, the chief priests having counseled with the elders, with the scribes, and with the whole council, they took Jesus bound, and handed him over to Pilate.
Mark 15:37-39 (KJV): 37 And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, breathed his last. 38 And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And the centurion, who stood opposite him, seeing that he thus breathed his last, said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
Mark 16:4-6 (KJV 1960): 4 But when they looked, they saw the stone rolled away, which was very large. 5 And when they entered the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, covered with a long white garment; and they were scared. 6 But he said to them: Do not be frightened; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, the one who was crucified; he has risen, he is not here; look at the place where they put him
Basically these are the key points used by Mark in his gospel. But there is something important to emphasize in the following verses
Verses 1:10 and 15:38
In verse 15:38, Mark uses the word "Tore." That same word is used at the beginning of his gospel in verse 1:10, when referring to the heavens being opened, that word has several meanings such as: tear, open, break. In the same way, the centurion in Mark 15:38, recognizes: "truly this man was the Son of God". And in Mark 1:10, the voice of the father is manifested, saying “you are my beloved son”.
By using the same word at the beginning, when heaven declares, “This is my beloved Son,” and then at the end when the centurion, who was also one of Jesus' enemies or one of those who killed him, declares that he was innocent and says that he truly was the Son of God, the evangelist leads the audience to realize Jesus' identity, as well as his mission. This part is very interesting in the Gospel of Mark. Do you know how the Bible is structured? Read this article to learn about the different parts of the Bible and why it is structured that way.
The Gospels and the Historical Context of the Book of Mark
As is known, there is only one message of Salvation, which is the gospel of Jesus. However, the biblical New Testament contains four books that narrate the life of Christ, defined as the gospels. Then questions may arise such as: If there is only one life of Jesus, why four stories? Why does God inspire four men to write about the life of Jesus?
Questions that we can answer, understanding the following. These four men or evangelists can be related to four biographers or different reporters who follow a good news of great importance, which must be spread. That great news is the life of Jesus and his message, or his ministry carried out on earth.
The biographers or reporters will focus their story on the same life, but from different points of view. In this case four points of view, four evangelists. Thus, the four gospels make the information complete. That is, they complement the story of Christ's life on earth.
All four evangelists covered information on the life of Christ, but each focused on different historical contexts and doctrines. So each evangelist would have his style of approaching his story and aimed at a specific audience. In the same way, it is surprising to see how Jesus, still on earth, was able to inspire through his word, and later use these men as an instrument to spread his gospel. Below you can see which audience each of these men used by God focused on.
Mateo
The evangelist Matthew wrote thinking like a Jew. Therefore his account was addressed to a Jewish audience, for the Jews of his day. Matthew showed his audience, religious Jews, that what they really needed was the Messiah and not religion. He made her see the need to have a personal relationship with the Messiah, how imperative it was to know him through the scriptures. Because faith comes by hearing, hearing the word of God, therefore it was not a methodology or religion as the scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees wanted to make the Jewish people see.
Matthew writes his gospel to show unbelieving Jews that Jesus was the messiah announced by the prophets, as well as to encourage Jewish believers. Matthew's focus then on the identity of Jesus was to present the Messiah as King.
We invite you to click on this link if you want to learn more about the Gospel of Matthew , the first book of the New Testament of the Bible, written after the Gospel of Mark.
Mark
The evangelist Mark wrote with a Roman mindset. The Romans were a nation accustomed to action, with a mindset that they controlled the world. In truth, at this time they represented power, therefore the Roman people were accustomed to power and glory. In the historical context it is clearly seen that Mark's intention was to direct his message to the Romans.
One thing that can be seen in this regard is that he doesn't make many citations from the Old Testament. Since Mark is aware that the Romans are unaware of the Jewish scriptures, it was a waste of time to bring them up. He only makes a few punctual quotes from the old testament, such as the one he makes at the beginning in Mark 1: 2, about what is written in Isaiah 40: 3 (NIV)
3 A voice proclaims: “Prepare a way for the Lord in the desert; make straight in the steppe a path for our God.
However, Mark does abundantly manifest the miracles of Jesus. Showing in this way the power of God, to attract the audience. Because the Romans sought power and glory.
Mark teaches his Roman audience that more than power, man needs a Savior with the power to save him. For him it was imperative that the Romans recognize in Jesus the power and glory that he had. Which was superior to the power of the Roman empire, as well as the glory they sought. Mark's focus then on the identity of Jesus was to present the Messiah as the servant and Son of God. Fulfilling what is written in Isaiah 42:1 (NIV):
42 This is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one, in whom I delight;
Learn more about the book of Isaiah here, a book written in a time of wickedness and apostasy.
Lucas
The evangelist Luke wrote with a Greek mindset. Therefore he addressed his message to a thinking audience, the Greeks were after wisdom and knowledge. Therefore Luke teaches the Greek, the man of knowledge, that only one man could fully satisfy his mental and spiritual needs, that man is Jesus. Luke highlighted the universal scope of the gospel, presenting Jesus as the perfect God and Man. He truly the Savior of the world.
Juan
John the evangelist writes directing his message with a universal focus. In order to make the world understand through his teachings about who Jesus is and what it means to believe in him. He focused his message on all the things that Jesus did and that he did so that man would believe that he is the Son of God, the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end.
Manifesting Jesus' miracles, he confirmed that he was and is deity. His message showed that the word became flesh and dwelt in them. Miracles also established the truth that is the word of God. Confirming what was written and announced by the prophets in the Old Testament.
This is how Juan transmits his message with a mindset focused on the world. Example of this, John 1:29 (NIV):
29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world !”
Or, also, John 3:16 (NIV):
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
The evangelist John teaches that every person in any part of the world needs to know and believe in the Savior. Of the four Gospels, John's is the most selective, thematic, and theological. With his style and simple language, this evangelist manages to convey the deepest concepts of theology. John in his gospel presents the Messiah as the eternal Son of God. The one that he was, is and will be, from the beginning to the end, the alpha and the omega.
Everything is summed up in Jesus Christ
Looking at the historical context of the gospels and their audiences, the following can be seen:
The Jews sought the light : This light that the Jewish people sought, Matthew presented to them in his Gospel, quoting the word of God in the Old Testament. The word of God says: “The people sitting in darkness, on them a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2). The light that gives light to everyone came into this world; He was in the world, but the world did not recognize Him (John 1:9-11). John spoke of the fulfillment of the word in the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
The Romans were after glory and power : Mark portrays Jesus as a performer of great wonders and miracles. He showed the Romans the authority and power with which Jesus acted.
The Greeks sought knowledge : Epicureanism and Stoicism pursued wisdom and knowledge, reflecting the philosophical currents of the time. God used a man of science, Luke, a physician by profession, to teach the Greeks. These three pursuits culminate in one person, Jesus Christ. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:6 (KJV):
6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness ,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Jesus Christ.
As presented by John in his gospel, Jesus the Messiah the Savior of the world. Thus, the gospels each had their historical context and were written according to the needs of each of the audiences. Adapting the stories of the life of Christ according to those audiences.
the gospel of peter
The tradition of the early Christian church affirms that Mark was a scribe and interpreter of the apostle Peter. A great connection can be found in the scriptures between Peter and Mark, as can be seen in 1 Peter 5:13. Where Pedro considers Marcos as his son.
In addition to that, Mark in the first passages of his gospel writes about the call of Peter by Jesus, see Mark 1:16. And for the last chapters he makes mention of the message of Christ that must be given to his disciples, emphasizing Peter, Mark 16: 7
7 But go, tell his disciples, and Peter , that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.
While in the middle of the gospel, Mark introduces a key verse from the book. Which is Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, Mark 8:29. As throughout the book, Mark mentions Peter on many occasions.
The book of Mark represents the earliest records of Jesus' ministry, passion, death, and resurrection. In itself what was the life of Jesus when he was on earth. More, however, he himself, Marcos, is not mentioned as a witness. But if it shows in parallel to the life of Jesus, Peter as a witness to everything he relates in his book.
This can also be seen clearly when comparing the book of Mark with the preaching of Peter, in the book of Acts 10:36-43. The sequence of this passage takes place simultaneously with how Mark presents it in his gospel.
Characteristics and overview of the book of Mark
The book of Mark is the shortest of the gospels, it was the first record of the life and message of Jesus to be written. In fact, it is the basis of what are considered synoptic gospels. Known by this name the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Since all three cover the same information, about the events surrounding the life of Jesus. But all three had different purposes in writing them.
This means that much of the information recorded by Mark can be found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Therefore the book of Mark has the least amount of exclusive material. Some Latin terms suggest that Mark wrote for the Romans. These and other features are shown below for an overview of the Book of Mark.
Action packed narrative
Mark wrote a gospel full of action, besides being graphic and descriptive, because he wrote for a person of action, like the Roman. In this gospel, then, we find a fast and moving narrative. An example of this is the use of the historical present tense to narrate what happened. In other words, it narrates something in the present to refer to something that has already happened, and all of this also happens very quickly from one event to another.
To achieve this, an example can be cited, the use of immediately, immediately, within the word in the Greek historical present tense euthys. This Greek term is used by Mark 42 times throughout his gospel, only he does not use it in chapters 12, 13 and 16. So it is obvious that Mark has the purpose of giving the story action, movement and speed of him. .
Chronological time in days
Marcos in terms of earthly time prefers to take the narrative in days. The chronological data refers to them in days, to a greater degree than any other use of time, Mark 1:13
13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days , and was tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to him.
In addition to the expressions like in those days, days will come, etc. Some quotes from Mark regarding this can be seen at: Mark 8:2, 31, Mark 9:2, Mark 14:1, 58 and Mark 15:29
The chronological time preference in days also gives the book of Mark a sense of immediacy and rapidity. Mark therefore wastes no time and gives it that characteristic of urgency, a very particular and striking point of the evangelist.
Frequent use of the Y connector
Within the narrative of the book, Marcos uses the Y connector very frequently, to link one sentence to another. That connector in Greek is the word Kai and it appears a total of 1331 times within the gospel. In this way the writer emphasizes following one action to another. Chapter one of the book serves as an example, where repeatedly many sentences begin with the Y connector. In order to give continuity to the narrative, Mark 1:5-7
5 And all the province of Judea, and all Jerusalem, went out to him; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing his sins.
6 And John was clothed with camel hair, and had a leather belt around his loins; and he ate locusts and wild honey.
7 And he preached, saying, He is coming after me who is mightier than I, whose shoe strap I am not worthy to unloose bent over.
A speech addressed to the gentile people and not to the Jew
As mentioned above, Mark writes his gospel thinking like a Roman. He sporadically brings up quotes from the Old Testament, because most of those he writes to didn't know about it. Since they did not know the Jewish customs either, that is why sometimes when he mentions them, he makes a brief explanation of them. This indicates that the gospel was written for foreigners unaccustomed to Jewish life.
It can be seen through Mark's speech, in the second part, regarding the mission of the ministry of Jesus. That the evangelist shows the Son of man as the suffering servant of the Father, who will die to atone for the sins of his people. A people, which Mark makes it look like those who were considered outside, became inside by faith. And those who were considered to be inside became outside, for being those of the law, the people of Israel. The people who were far away are brought to experience a relationship with Jesus. All this characteristic becomes the Gentile Salvation that finally manifests the book of Mark.
Other Characteristics of the Book of Mark
Some other no less important characteristics, within the purpose that the evangelist had in expounding his gospel, are mentioned below:
- The language used is simple, because it was written for the common man. Marcos uses colloquial street expressions. Expressions that perhaps represented the style of the gospel or teaching of Peter.
- Marcos makes use of a narrative with vivid descriptions of events and people
- Galilee is emphasized as the place for the first part of the ministry of Jesus
- In the same way, he emphasizes the authority with which Jesus acted. Both in the teachings and in the miracles, he exercised everything with authority. Given this, Marcos also shows how the people responded in amazement to that authority.
- Mark focuses heavily on Satan's evil forces' challenges to Jesus and Jesus' victory over them.
- In this gospel is found an extensive account of the passion and death of Jesus. Mark focuses primarily on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Character of God in the book of Mark
The evangelist Mark, unlike Matthew, does not mention the life of Jesus before the beginning of his ministry. He also does not engage in talking about the genealogy of Jesus and his Jewish descent, as if he could be within the scope of Matthew in his gospel.
Mark then rather intends to focus his gospel on what Jesus represented. In who he was he since he was coming, so he shows Jesus as deity. He focuses on Jesus being the suffering servant of God. Just as in the actions of humility carried out by Jesus, the role of the Lord as Servant, Mark 10:45
45 For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Other characteristics of God shown by Marco are:
– God is accessible ; we have free access to the throne of grace through Jesus, Mark 15:38
38 Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
– God is one , Mark 12:29
29 Jesus replied: The first commandment of all is: Hear, Israel; the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Importance of the Book of Mark in the Bible
As mentioned before, each of the gospels has a particular purpose. Depending on the interest that the person who wrote it had or because of the historical context in which it was written. According to this in particular and to finish, it is convenient to ask us a personal question. In what particular way does the Gospel of Mark serve me?
In this sense, the book of Mark can orient, guide or help us face the society or the world in which we live. Being fully sure that Christ Jesus, he came to earth to suffer, to suffer, to give his life and die for us. In response to this atoning sacrifice, we are tasked with fully serving him. That we as his disciples should walk in his footsteps.
Knowing that it will not only be a bed of roses, that there will also be thorns, humiliation and suffering. In the same way as Jesus passed before receiving the glory. This is the great contribution that Mark teaches us with his gospel. As the apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Philippians 1:29
29 For it has been granted to you for Christ's sake, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,
Mark in his book makes us see how the nature of a true Christian should be. As a final summary of what the book of Mark represents, the following comment expressed by the Bible of the Reformed heritage is quoted verbatim on this gospel:
"Jesus the mighty messiah and son of God suffers obediently as a servant of the Lord to pay the ransom price for sins and as a model of suffering and sacrifice for his disciples to follow."