Reflect

1. What is one way this video encourages or expands your understanding of the Gospel of Mark?
2. Mark designed his Gospel in three acts. Describe the setting and themes that are present in each act.
3. There were various ways people reacted to Jesus’ identity in act two. Which reaction do you relate to most and why?

Learn More

Jesus was not the king the people were expecting.

Mark’s account doesn’t shy away from the unexpected nature of Jesus’ arrival on Earth, but he also makes clear that Jesus is who he says he is: the Jewish Messiah and the son of God.

Many of the Jewish people hoped that the Messiah would come to overthrow the Romans and rule as king, but that wasn’t what Jesus did. He came to serve and to usher in God’s Kingdom on Earth. And he didn’t come in royal authority and power—he came to humbly sacrifice his life in order to save his people.

Who Is Jesus?

The Gospel of Mark is a carefully crafted story that asks the reader: is Jesus the Jewish Messiah? Mark includes specific details and story to show Jesus’ messianic authority and identity as God’s son. He’s making a case for who Jesus is, and he leaves the answer up to the reader to ponder. What will you choose to believe?