We begin the week with the conclusion of Matthew's Gospel and then we turn to Mark.
 
Mark is like Sergeant Joe Friday (you remember Dragnet?): just the facts! His account of Jesus' life and ministry unfolds in a succinct telling and in a big-fact hurry; he uses words like suddenly and immediately as his transitions. Mark's Gospel is a short and quick read, just sixteen chapters, and focused on what Jesus did.

And what did Jesus do? He revealed his identity through preaching, teaching, and miracles. Mark is cautious in his unveiling and revealing of the Son of God; he doesn't want to overwhelm or leave anyone with a wrong impression. He dishes out the wonder and majesty of God's Son among us, spoonful by spoonful, like a gentle transition from baby food to solids.

You will notice that there is no birth narrative in Mark. He begins his story of Jesus with the proclamation of John the Baptist, and follows that narrative with the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan and his temptation. The story of the temptation concludes with five beautiful words: "the angels waited on him." (Mark 1:13) What a promise of comfort and protection!

Facebook Question

Join the discussion on the SPD One Year Bible Read-Along Facebook group page!

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the commitment to read the Bible through in one year, consider this from Martin Luther:
I want to know too. How about you?