The Gospel according to Saint Mark is the shortest and probably the first written. It vividly tells Jesus' actions and leads to the key question: who is this man? The answer comes at the foot of the cross.
AuthorSaint Mark, disciple of Saint Peter
DateAround AD 65-70
AudienceChristians in Rome, mostly non-Jews
🎯 Learning objective
Understand the message of Mark, its historical setting and its place in the history of salvation.
🏛️ Historical context
According to tradition, Mark gathered Peter's preaching in Rome, during Nero's persecution (AD 64), when Christians needed to understand the meaning of the cross.
🔙 Background
It inaugurates the literary genre "gospel": "The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (1:1).
🧭 Structure of the book
Chapters 1-8: ministry in Galilee; who is Jesus?
Chapters 8-10: the way to Jerusalem and predictions of the passion
Chapters 11-16: Jerusalem, passion and resurrection
⭐ Key events and teachings
1Jesus' baptism and temptations in the desert (ch. 1)
2Miracles and healings that reveal his power
3Peter's confession: "You are the Christ" (8:29)
4"If anyone would come after me, let him take up his cross" (8:34)
5The Transfiguration (ch. 9)
6The centurion: "Truly this man was the Son of God" (15:39)
🏷️ Main themes
Jesus' identityDiscipleshipThe crossFaith and fearThe messianic secret
📖 Verses to memorize
Mark 1:15And saying: The time is accomplished and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel:
Mark 8:34And calling the multitude together with his disciples, he said to them: If any man will follow me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Mark 9:23And immediately the father of the boy crying out, with tears said: I do believe, Lord. Help my unbelief.
Mark 10:45For the Son of man also is not come to be ministered unto: but to minister and to give his life a redemption for many.
Mark 16:15And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world and preach the gospel to every creature.
💭 For reflection
Who is Jesus for me today?
What cross is Jesus asking me to take up to follow him?
The shortest Gospel and probably the first to be written. With a lively, fast-paced account, it shows Jesus as the Son of God who heals, casts out demons and calls people to follow him, and whose identity is fully revealed on the cross.