Mark

I. First impressions

1.1)What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

As the book of Nelson's has described (p.283), the book of Mark was written for the audience of Romans. 

1.2)What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

According to the Nelson's book, the book of Mark is technically anonymous.  But, the clear testimony of the early church fathers is that this book was written by John Mark(p.316, Acts 12:12)

1.3)Main themes, repeated ideas and main idea:

The main theme is Jesus is the authoritative Son of God as 16:19 "When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God's right hand."
And, the word "immediately" was used many times(2:8,4:16,5:42,6:27,6:45,8:10,13:7,14:43,14:72,16:8) to emphasis the importance of believing the Son of God.

1.4)What is the primary reason this book was written?

To make Romans understand Jesus is the authoritative Son of God.

II. Theme Tracing

2.1)What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God? & 2.2)What does this book show you about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

In 14:36, Jesus said,"Abba, Father," he cried out, "everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."  Here we can find what the true faith is. The true faith is to surrender all the things to God, and want God's will to be done.  And, like this, when we pursue God's will only, we can be redeemed.

III. Application

3.1)Personal application:

In 16:15-16, Jesus told His disciples, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned." I felt that this verse is uncomfortable to both parties of the speaker and the listener because it may be heard like a threat. But, the more important thing is it's the most urgent thing because if someone refuses to believe will be condemned and nobody know when that time will come to him. Moreover it's Jesus' order to us who believe in Jesus.
 3.2)Point of Passion Assignment

Until now, I have hesitated to share the gospel with unfamiliar people. But, it was Jesus' commandment for us, not the optional task. So, I have to be strong and courageous, and do my best to let them know Jesus and accept Him.    -end-