Mark For You
What is the message of the Gospel of Mark? In Mark For You, Jason Meyer delivers his expository Bible-study guide to Mark—a book that portrays Jesus in a stunningly compelling way.
Face-Paced and Action Packed
In nearly 300 pages, Meyer makes the most of his words and sticks to the text. Highlighting the frequency of the word “immediately” in Mark’s Gospel, Meyer’s commentary is equally fast-paced and action packed.
Meyer explains Jesus’ teaching as seen through his stories. He shows the mystery of how the Son of God can be the Suffering Servant. And with a book that is focused on Roman Gentiles, he makes sure to give an explanation of Hebrew history and culture.
The Priority of Preaching
For example, Meyer gives us insight into the ancient world. Usually, the disciple would ask the teacher to train him. In Jesus’ case, he commands his disciples to follow him. This is shocking, and Mark wants us to feel the surprise. Jesus is not like anyone else in this world. He comes with the authority of a king.
What I was most pleased to read was how Meyer explains that Mark emphasizes the priority of preaching over healing. “Casting out demons and healing the sick function as the proof to the message of Jesus’ preaching.” This gave me insight into how to preach not just Mark but all of the Gospels, not having to explain the details of every miracle but focusing on the deliverance of his message.
Compelling and Compassionate
Meyer shows Jesus as compelling and compassionate. The two bread miracles in Mark signal Jesus’ deity and his ability to satisfy our deepest longings. With the episode on unbelief, we see that pride can sometimes prevent us from prayer and asking for help.
The end of Mark finds Meyer tackling the second coming of Christ and a call to stay awake. Meyer is pointed and reminds us of our living hope in the resurrection of Christ. This book is accessible and clear, and an excellent entry in the God’s Word For You series. It will challenge and encourage you to turn your eyes upon Jesus.
I received a media copy of Mark For You and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.