St. Mark’s Gospel is known as “the one that begins with a roar.”
The other gospels begin quietly: a genealogy, a tale of a barren woman and her husband, a sublime introduction to the Word…
Not so St. Mark. Instead, St. John the Baptist leaps out of the first paragraph, crying, “Prepare the way of the Lord! Come and seek baptism in repentance, that your sins may be forgiven!”
Immediately after John, Jesus Christ appears. St. Mark does not call Jesus the “Son of Man”; he immediately tells us that Jesus is the “Son of God.”
St. Mark the Evangelist by Emmanuel Tzanes
Throughout his account, St. Mark focuses on Jesus’ divine power and mission. He relates countless miracles of healing. He tells of harrowing exorcisms, when the expelled demons scream that here is God’s Holy One. He tells us of Jesus’ power over creation, walking on water and calming storms. He recounts Jesus’ preaching in words that reveal His divine authority and kingship.
St. Mark wants us to know very clearly that Jesus is the long-expected Messiah, the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” He carries on John’s work of announcing the Lord’s coming and the need for repentance so that we can receive Him properly.
The lion has represented kingship since time immemorial due to its strength and ferocity, its fearlessness and golden majesty. St. Mark’s Gospel is portrayed by this beast because the account emphasizes the kingship and power of Jesus, the Messiah—and don’t forget the fierce cries of St. John the Baptist.
St. Mark’s account is full of wisdom for us moderns, and The Man Who Left His Mark: How Mark’s Gospel Answers Modern Questions makes it easy to tap into his gospel’s riches. Answering 252 perplexing contemporary questions, this fascinating book—by the ever-popular Dr. Peter Kreeft—answers each one directly from St. Mark’s pithy work. On life, death, suffering, love, and everything in between, you’ll apply this unique account of Jesus’ life to your own experiences in a new and deeper way. Get your copy today!
