The Gospel of Mark

Characteristics of Mark’s Gospel

There is nothing mentioned in Mark about Jesus’ birth or early childhood.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus’ first act of ministry is to receive 'a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins'.
Pilate is portrayed as indecisive – contrary to the historical evidence we know about him as a ruler.
A third of the gospel is devoted to the Passion.
When Jesus is arrested his disciples abandon him - at his crucifixion some women look on from a distance.
Mark’s Gospel is the shortest gospel in the canon.
Mark’s Gospel is the oldest of the existing gospels.
Mark’s Gospel is meant to be read aloud, and as a whole story, rather than read quietly.
The oldest manuscript of Mark has his story ending at 16:8. This is a very abrupt ending. Later editors of the gospel added the final verses to help close the story.

For comprehensive information about the gospel, see The Gospel according to Mark, by Felix Just, S.J.

Focus on the meaning.
Read the text: Really read the story with the students, don't just rely on your own past knowledge or children's versions of the story, but really read the text directly from the bible.
Don't teach something that will have to be untaught when the students are older. Stay true to the text.

List characters and characteristics of those within the passion.
Sequence the events of the passion within Mark's gospel
Hghlight the key words/phrases.
Create a plot profile.
Complete a character map.
Familiarise the students with the biblical referencing system.
Retell the passion narrative from different points of view.
Study the historical/political background of the passion narrative.
Study the story of the woman anointing Jesus' feet Mk 14:3-10 - discuss/research cultural codes, gender codes of the time and why this was so unconventional for period of Jesus. What impact does this story have?