CHAPTER 2 :: The Gospel of Mark: a Storybook
The Bible begins and ends in Storybook form. Genesis tells us about humanity’s beginning. And Revelation has a Storybook ending with a view of eternity, resolving the flaws that happened in Eden after Adam and Eve sinned. It has a river, a tree of life, a restored garden, and renewed fellowship with God (Revelation 22:1-4).
So What?
So, what should we do with the Bible’s Storybook? Christians have puzzled about the symbolism in the story of humanity’s fall. Was there a tree? A snake? We ignore this dynamic of God’s word.
Historical and Symbolic
The details of these Stories are historical; all Scripture is. Are there symbolic elements? Yes! Bible stories, like parables, serve as instructive examples. Those stories differ from historical Stories about events, even events in Storybook form.
We usually read the literal Story without seeing the meaning the author hinted at! We miss much if we don’t see Satan behind the snake, nor the first gospel (the proto-Evangelium) in the One who will crush the snake’s head (Genesis 3:14-15).
“Rich”
In the New Testament, you wouldn’t see how Jesus and James use the term “rich.” It can sometimes mean just someone with money, but it often means prideful (James 4:1-5:6). The rich don’t need anything and are self-sufficient. Their attitude hinders them from giving up their lives to enter the Kingdom of God.
“Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”(Mark 10:23).
The rich are spiritually bankrupt, but they try to bring something to the table. They’re the Rich Young Ruler, not the widow with one coin. They’re like the hypocritical Jewish leaders with ornate robes or Herod’s temple without inner reality. They look good on the outside but are truly whitewashed tombs.
Come Lord Jesus!
Arrangement
Mark wrote his narratives using historical events. He often arranges his account as a Storybook and uses multiple stories to teach a lesson.
For Example
Jerusalem is the headquarters of the Jewish leaders. Therefore, John the Baptist, dressed in hairy garments like a prophet, demanded that the Jews repent and be baptized. He called people out from Jerusalem—away from that wayward system. Then, after Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus invited the disciples to their new headquarters: Galilee (of the Gentiles).
Grounding Our Imagination
To find Mark’s Storybook, you will need your imagination. But though Mark encourages ingenuity, he doesn’t want our visions to run wild. One guideline to ground us is that this Storybook mustn’t contradict Mark’s literal text; instead, it should complement it. The Storybook account enhances the narrative and gives it perspective.
Storybook Value
Besides enhancement, what is good about this Storybook? First, people like stories. They pique our curiosity, and it helps us to have “ears to hear.” Also, it’s powerful. Mark envisions God tearing open the heavens with the good news: Jesus is His own Son, in whom He is well-pleased. This Son reveals God and offers salvation to believers in His Name.
Knowing the Character
When actors receive a script, they must know about the person or role they might play. So, they study it to learn their lines, but then they’re only half done. They must also know their character so well that they sense what they would do, even in unscripted situations. Therefore, we must enter the character Mark uses to tell his story to see the lessons Jesus teaches.
So, what if you don’t see Mark’s Storybook? Or its value? That’s okay. The idea for Mark’s Storybook came while creating lesson and topic introductions for a Bible course. When Pastors begin their sermons, they often use a story to introduce them. In Mark’s case, his Storybook lead-in helps present his narrative. So, you can look at the Storybook sections as that type of introduction.
Notes: To be Read
Note: The Storybook presented here gives our perspective on Mark’s thoughts based on our study. These stories are speculation based on Mark’s hints. Other authors would present these accounts differently.
Note: This Storybook is NOT meant to stand alone. It is incomplete without the Scripture passage it addresses. Bible quotes are from the MEV unless otherwise noted.
