On Your Marks

The Beginning

The gospel of Mark has drawn me to Jesus for over two decades now.

I remember reading it from beginning to end one Easter by the Yarra river in Warrandyte, Melbourne.1 This was my introduction to Mark as a manifesto for discipleship.2 I wholly own my passion for Mark, and unapologetically read and reread it, again and again. Ched Myers’ commentary on Mark, Binding the Strong Man: A Political Reading of Mark’s Story of Jesus, has been my main guide, along with many other commentaries. I hope this online space can produce a similarly impactful experience for you too!

In addition to reading Mark yourself, I invite you to read Myers commentary along with it. Part One of Myers book, Text and Context, is about 100 pages long. It is an excellent read. I couldn’t recommend reading it more highly.

I know everyone won’t read it, though, so provide some written notes below, along with some audio and video, to stimulate deeper engagement with Mark, whether you’ve read Myers’ introductory thoughts, or not. Let’s get into it.

PART ONE: TEXT AND CONTEXT

An Introduction to Mark

Aaa

References
  1. This passion for Mark, if I understand correctly, traces back to Ched Myers, who influenced Athol Gill (Whitley College), both of whom I’ve never met. Athol Gill had a direct influence on many Whitley and Salvation Army staff and students. Chris Warren was one of these people who directly influenced me.
  2. Chris used to carry a paper copy in his back pocket