Geok Hock Tan

Mark's Choice of Stories Geok Hock Tan

It is commonly believed that Jesus' ministry lasted roughly three years. That approximates a thousand days. Yet Mark relates only about fifty events prior to Passion Week. Even if those events took place on separate days, it would still mean Mark covers only fifty days or five percent of Jesus' ministry. It cannot be that Jesus did nothing significant on the other days. The apostle John said that if everything Jesus did were written down, the world would not have sufficient space for the books. So why did Mark choose these fifty-or-so stories? Why did he not include more spectacular miracles like the raising of Lazarus? Or remarkable teachings like the Sermon on the Mount? This short commentary tries to answer these questions. It concludes that Mark wants to provide guidance for believers at various stages of maturity. Therefore although the subject matter should interest all serious students of Mark, technical language is kept to a minimum so that this commentary can also be used for personal study and reflection.