BACKGROUND OF THE GOSPEL OF MARK

The Gospel of Mark is presentation of Jesus as the Messiah not only to the Jews but even more elaborate to the Gentiles (Roman). Mark centers his presentation of Jesus as the messiah on two very important areas of His ministry – SERVICE AND SACRIFICE
His presentation of the accounts of Jesus’ ministry that started in Galilee and ended on the cross in Calvary and capped by His resurrection and ascension.
The gospel of Mark was written by John Mark, Paul’s companion when he made his first missionary journey together with Barnabas (Acts 13 :1-5). It was believed that Mark’s full name is John Mark (Acts 12:25). He was very young when he joined Paul and Barnabas in that first missionary journey and so he left them and went back home to Jerusalem.
John Mark continued joining Barnabas in missions (Acts 15:36-41). His major contribution to Christianity is the Gospel according to Mark written probably between 67 -69 AD in Rome. His experience as a companion to the apostles in mission to the gentiles helped him to write this very important book in the New Testament.
Mark 10: 17-31
The key word to understand this section of the Book of Mark is in verse 26, when the disciples asked the question “Who then could be saved?” Apparently, the central figure in this discussion among the disciples is the rich and young Jewish ruler who came to Jesus, knelt down and asked the question “what shall I do to inherit eternal life” (Mark 10: 17)? Jesus, fully aware of the Jewish Law, told him exactly God’s plan of salvation to the Jews. Take note that the Old Testament Law is God’s covenant for the nation of Israel (Malachi 4:4). Here in this account you have a young Jewish ruler, (probably a ruler of a synagogue or maybe Pharisee or a scribe) who just like Jesus, is familiar with the laws of the Old Testament scriptures. His personal assessment of himself, having followed to the letter the Jewish laws even from his youthful years was a total hypocrisy to the Man he chose to judge him. Apparently, the rich young ruler was simply seeking laud and recognition from Christ, who people believed was a prophet from God. However, seeing this hypocrisy in his heart, Jesus told him he is still a total failure because he lacks – “LOVE”. You see, “the purpose of the commandment is love, from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5). The Jewish young ruler, who is a figure here representing Israel’s failure to keep the laws of God simply because they were not doing it out of Love but because it is their duty to do so.
And so, Mark, the writer of this gospel presented this account of the rich young ruler to his Roman readers (Gentiles), in the view that we can see God’s plan for the gentiles to be grafted in the family of God. For if a man like the rich young Jewish ruler, who knows the law and keeps it, would still be deemed a failure base from God’s standard, then the question “Who then shall be saved?”
Jesus’ answer to this question is remarkable. He said (and I am paraphrasing) “If you think that salvation is no longer possible, you are mistaken because with God everything is possible” (Mark 10:27). Peter who is very Jewish, responded according to the same character that makes him really Peter. He lauds himself saying, (again I am paraphrasing) Well, how about us? We left all and have followed you Lord”?
Jesus answers him in verses 29 and 30. (paraphrase again) The road to following Jesus is difficult whether you are a Jew or a Gentile. A disciple of Jesus is characterized by the word PERSECUTION (verse 30).
Jesus concluded his lesson by saying “The first will be the last and last will be the first”. And this is in reference to the long-standing enmity between Jews and the Gentiles. See that God chose the Jews first, but they rejected God and so God turned to the Gentiles.
And so, the main point of Mark in his presentation of this account is answer to the question “Who then shall be saved” And that is one who becomes a disciple of Jesus whether a Jew or a Gentile. One who is obedient to God through Christ. One who follow God because he loves God and He loves his neighbor.
Thus, one who is in Christ!