As Mark continues his gospel, he offers three accounts that all point to the inability of religion and the religious establishment to save. Religion cannot accomplish what Jesus can accomplish - it cannot redeem you. First, Mark addresses the confusion over fasting and gives the clarifications by Jesus. Mark then offers two accounts about the Sabbath and the wrong emphasis on it. Together these three accounts demonstrate the truth that religious ritual and tradition can limit your understanding and trust in Jesus and in his plan. Jesus is our only hope - Jesus is sufficient. Religious does not and cannot save.
The gospel of Mark focuses on the gospel of Jesus, who is the Son of God. Jesus is the Christ, the promised one from God. Mark refers to Jesus as the Son of Man, emphasizing his humanity and the Son of God which emphasizes his deity. The influence of Peter or the teaching of Peter is the foundation of the gospel of Mark. Mark writes to explain Jesus to unbelievers and to call believers to know him and live like him. Mark emphasizes Jesus as a servant, a quality believers should emulate. Mark also emphasizes the discipleship of Jesus. Jesus discipled his followers. Mark hopes to demonstrate the good news (gospel) of Jesus to the world, because he is the Son of God.
