The Gospel of Matthew
Overview: the Story of Mark
The story of Jesus in Mark's Gospel begins immediately with an announcement (Mk 1,1) and the appearance of John the Baptist (Mk 1,4). This is followed by the baptism of Jesus (Mk 1,9) and by his temptation in the desert (Mk 1,12-13). These events are private to Jesus (the voice from the cloud speaks only to Jesus "you are my beloved son", Mk 1,11).
Jesus then goes to Galilee (Mk 1,14-15) and his ministry becomes public. He immediately calls his first disciples (Mk 1,16-20). Jesus then remains in Galilee until chapter 8, apart from a brief trip to Tyre and Sidon (7,24-8,10).
Later in chapter 8 Jesus with his disciples goes about as far north as they can get in Galilee, to Caesarea Phillippi. This is the turning point of the Gospel (Mk 8,27-9,8). From there, Jesus begins the long trip southwards to Jerusalem (chapters 9 & 10).
At the beginning of chapter 11, Jesus arrives in Jerusalem and he has several days ministry there, based in the Temple; these are described in chapters 11 and 12. Chapter 13 on the Mount of Olives presents a final discourse by Jesus.
Chapters 14 and 15 then tell of the last supper and the passion of Jesus.
The words of the centurion "Truly this man was the Son of God" (Mk 15,39) form a climax to Gospel. This gives us the third stage of the revelation of Jesus: to Jesus himself at his baptism ("You are the Son of God") (Mk 1,11), to his chosen disciples at the Transfiguration ("This is my Son, the Beloved") (Mk 9,7) and now this proclamation by a Gentile soldier.
Finally, the Gospel ends with a brief and enigmatic proclamation of the resurrection (Mk 16,1-8).
Return now to the main page so that we can move on to explore how Matthew has adapted this story of Mark.