Mark is widely considered to be the first written account of the life of Jesus (i.e. gospel) and likely came from the teachings of Peter, transcribed by John Mark. Roman persecution and the not-immediate return of Jesus necessitated that the earliest Christians make a written record, while the eyewitnesses were still around. In some ways, Mark’s gospel is simple – it is the skeleton onto which the other gospel writers added more details. And yet, Mark’s gospel is fast-paced and raw; it illustrates the urgency and passion of Jesus and Jesus’ work in the world. It asks the reader to put aside complacency to adopt that same sort of urgency and passion towards continuing the work of Jesus, even if it means taking up one’s cross.

By soaking in Mark’s gospel, e.g. reading it in one sitting and then making sacrifices for God’s kingdom, we will better understand some of the highlights of the book and thus of Jesus’ life. And we will focus our hearts on the simple gospel: “The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15) May we more urgently receive and share the sacrificial love of Jesus, who is not tame but is good.