The reMARKable Journey Continues (Mark 4-6)

Do you ever feel anxious living in an increasingly hostile environment? Do you ever feel angry when you consider what is happening in our culture? Do you ever feel tension when you see Christianity becoming increasingly marginalized in our secular society?

Something far worse was happening to first century Christians. After Rome suffered a huge fire that was likely set by its very own emperor Nero, Christians were blamed for starting the fire. Persecution was unleashed and things became very precarious for believers. Many eyewitnesses of the incredible ministry of Jesus were being executed, so writing down what Jesus said and did became very important.

It was in this setting that Mark wrote what is known as the shortest gospel. Mark is encouraging a small group of people to continue to live on mission just as Jesus did, no matter how difficult it became. They needed to be reminded that even though times were bad, God would still work through their witness.

Just like a really good action movie, Mark’s gospel is action packed from start to finish. This is the gospel of urgency.