Mark is considered the earliest account of Jesus' life (dates range from 55-75 AD). It is written by John Mark. John Mark was cousin of Barnabas, the mentor and co-missionary of Paul. Mark's mother hosted the early church, and it was in her house that the disciples were gathered when Peter was released from prison. Early church historians and traditions claim he was a good friend with Peter, and most of the information gathered in this gospel was from Peter. Several accounts say that Mark was the "young man" who was following Jesus and when confronted fled away leaving his garment behind (Mk. 14:51).
Mark begins his "gospel about Jesus Christ" (literaly "good news about Jesus Christ"), by identifying Jesus as the "Son of God." The title "son" is often used of prophets who call themselves the "son of man." It is a way of associating themselves with human beings. Jesus often used the title "son of man" to describe himself as a prophet. Mark, after evaluating all the evidence calls him "Son of God." This is a singular title for Mark and one given only to Jesus in the early church. For them, it meant "of the essence of God."
In effect, this was Mark's Christmas story. God had a Son who came down to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. It is gospel or good news in that it shows not only the reality of God where we can emperically see it, hear it, touch it, but also that the God who made the millions of stars and the millions of micro-organisms can care about us so personally.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for sending your Son to us. Thank you, Jesus, for coming and showing us how to live here and to live eternally.
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