As Mark continues, the prophetic words of Jesus at the last supper with his disciples now are fulfilled in the betrayal of Judas and the denial of Peter. Jesus endures the worst of betrayals from Judas, the betrayal of a follower, a disciple and a supposed friend. Once betrayed, Jesus endures an illegal trial before the Sanhedrin. During that trial, Peter denies Jesus, as Jesus told him he would earlier that night. This passage reminds us that faithful discipleship is not about perfection; Jesus alone faithfully and perfectly fulfills the demands of God. Our duty as believers is to faithfully follow.
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.
