Week Five

Dec 31

By now you have read enough of the Gospel of Mark to know the writing style is completely different than that of Matthew’s. Because much of it is written in short action packed vignette type scenes, some scholars think this gospel may have been used to act out in plays. Imagine what it would be like to watch these scenes being acted out on an ancient stage in a whole other culture and time. It might be easier to see our lives in the text if we can visualize a scene.

Another important factor about this gospel is the number of times the Greek word euthys is used, 42 to be exact — more than any other gospel or anywhere else in the New Testament. In the NIV, the word is translated as “immediately” 41 of those times. Although the first time it is used in Mark 1:3 it translated “straight.” Do you remember the verse? “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight (immediate) paths for him’.”

There is so much sense of immediacy in Mark’s gospel. As you read this week, consider that sense of urgency and ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight into what was behind that when it was written. Then ask, ‘where should I have a sense of urgency and immediacy?’. Are there things I haven’t seen that the Lord is doing RIGHT NOW? Immediately? Straight away? How can I join Him? Where am I in today’s great story of the best news ever?

You can reach me at mrightmire@crnaz.com