As Mark begins his gospel account of Jesus, he begins with a prophecy and the ministry of John the Baptist. John the Baptist served as a forerunner, the one that announced the arrival of Messiah, the promised One, to the people. John declares that one is coming after him and he will be much greater than John. John confidently announced Jesus to the world. As believers, we can also confidently point others to Jesus, because he is the answer for our world.
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.
