A Story Worth Living

Mark has a story to tell and he wants to tell it quickly. The gospel attributed to Mark is the shortest of the four gospels and almost has a rushed sense to it. 

This is helped by Mark's use of a phrase that is often omitted in translation for more natural reading: "and immediately" (Gk. kai euthus):  

"and immediately Jesus went into the wilderness....and immediately they leave their nets and follow him....and immediately his fame spread" and on and on. 

The frantic pace of gospel leads to such an abrupt ending, that the early church felt the need to add to it, attempting to bring the work to a more satisfactory completion.  Two attempts were made at this, but the most natural ending is the original in 16.8.

The original ending leaves the reader on the edge of their seat, waiting for the next act to unfold. But the next act is not to be read, it is to be experienced. The reader is to live out the next act. 

Nero

Many feel the tempo of Mark reflects the situation of his readers, who were more than likely Roman Christians who had experienced persecution under Nero.

The themes within the gospel of conflict, and failure to side with Jesus during trials, also give credence to this theory.

Mark is a perfect gospel for the overly busy individual who doesn't have time to read the Bible. But if one were to make time, the best way to read Mark is straight through.

That is where the humor, irony, tension, and passion, come together most potently, all in an attempt to convince the reader that this story is worth telling. And even more, that this story is worth living.