Why? Mark’s reasons for writing

1. To understand reasons why a written gospel was needed • To evaluate on the importance of writing a gospel What sort of “book” is Mark’s gospel? Why is it that kind of book? Who is it for? Why? Mark’s reasons for writing

2. Here are 5 reasons why Mark wrote his gospel. Match them up to the acronym. Re-write the headings, and make notes from the textbook for each point. **Which reasons do you think were the most important for Mark in writing his gospel ? Mark wrote his gospel to… Apostles & eyewitnesses were dying off p.21 Preserve the truth about Jesus p.21 • S • P • R • E • A • D • S Spread & Explain the good news – explain by yourself Reassure Romans – explain by yourself Encourage persecuted Christians p.21 Discipleship how to be one p.19 Second Coming delayed. P.20

3. Spread & Explain the good news of Jesus being the Son of God From faith, for faith. Explain the strange fact of a crucified Messiah. Mark wrote his gospel to… Preserve the truth about Jesus, as some people were teaching heresy - false things- about him (eg he was not really a human being, or only seemed to die) Which reasons do you think were the most important for Mark in writing his gospel ? Explain why. Which reasons have become the most important for us today? Explain why. *What reasons might you read the gospel for? • S • P • R • E • A • D • S Reassure Romans from their suspicions about Christians as enemies of the state & immoral Encourage persecuted Christians, to follow Jesus, & that they will have their reward Apostles & eyewitnesses were dying off – their teachings and stories needed to be written down, so they wouldn’t be lost Discipleship to show Christians how to be disciples & not give up, even if they deny Jesus Second Coming: The early Christians realised Jesus’ return & end of world is not yet, so there is a future – so the gospel is worth writing down.

4. Test your partner • S • P • R • E • A • D • S

5. The most important reason for Mark to write the gospel, was to encourage the persecuted Christians. Discuss. (AO2 6mks) • NO – explain importance of other reasons for writing • YES – explain several reasons why • They were being murdered by Nero at the time, losing their faith: they needed to know about • If Jesus really was the Son of God • what being a disciple means • that Jesus’ own 12 disciples found it hard to be loyal to him all the time & understand what he expected • that they would be rewarded in heaven Preserving the true teachings about Jesus was very important as Christianity was spreading fast, & the new Christians were bringing in false beliefs – or true Christianity would be lost Apostles & eyewitnesses were dying off – the stories had to get written down or might get forgotten or changed Romans were persecuting Christians and needed to understand Christians are not dangerous. This was urgent but difficult to change attitudes. In pairs, write down arguments for and against this statement, using PEE reasons In groups of 4, put together a model answer for this question Pass your paper clockwise, and give marks out of 6 with comments on another groups work Second Coming –end of the world not happening soon, so have to start recording things for future Christians

6. “Early Christians did not need a written gospel”. Discuss. AO2 , 6mks“The most important reason for Mark to write the gospel, was to encourage the persecuted Christians". Discuss. (AO2 6mks)

7. The most important reason for Mark to write the gospel, was to encourage the persecuted Christians. Discuss. (AO2 6mks) • NO – explain importance of other reasons for writing • YES – explain several reasons why Preserving the true teachings about Jesus was very important as Christianity was spreading fast, & the new Christians were bringing in false beliefs – or true Christianity would be lost • They were being murdered by Nero at the time, losing their faith: they needed to know about • If Jesus really was the Son of God • what being a disciple means • that Jesus’ own 12 disciples found it hard to be loyal to him all the time & understand what he expected • that they would be rewarded in heaven Apostles & eyewitnesses were dying off – the stories had to get written down or might get forgotten or changed Romans were persecuting Christians and needed to understand Christians are not dangerous. This was urgent but difficult to change attitudes. Second Coming –end of the world not happening soon, so have to start recording things for future Christians

8. Symbol of St Mark’s Gospel HW 1. Draw the lion of St Mark’s gospel & label the symbolic meaning of the lion, halo, wings, book. 2. Do essay corrections. St Mark is represented in art as a lion. The lion symbolizes the powerof the Evangelist's word. Also, the lion is also associated with Mark because the words with which he begins his gospelrefer to St John the Baptist: who lived and preached in the wilderness, where the wild animals roamed. Mk 1:4 “And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins”. the wings symbolize the spiritual lifting up of the heart and mind, the halo is the traditional Christian symbol of holiness. The book he is holding, represents wisdom and the peace that comes from wisdom.