Back to Course

The Gospel of Mark

  1. Lesson One
    Servant of God, Servant of All (Mark 2–7)
    18 Activities
    |
    2 Assessments
  2. Lesson Two
    Good News and the Son of God (Mark 1, 8–9, 11–12, 15, 16:1–8)
    14 Activities
  3. Lesson Three
    Second Exodus (Isa 40–41, 61, Jer 31)
    15 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  4. Lesson Four
    Prophet and Son of Man (Deut 18:18, Dan 7:13–14, Mark 10, 13–14)
    14 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  5. Lesson Five
    Author and Audience
    14 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  6. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment

As we prepare to watch Mark paint a portrait of Jesus highlighting comparisons with Old Testament prophets, let’s begin with an exercise that will enhance our appreciation of the detail Mark will go to emphasize these similarities. 

Gospel writers present different aspects of Jesus’ messianic character. They do so by emphasizing parallels with Old Testament figures such as prophets. Mark focuses on details that recall Moses’ encounter with God on Mt. Sinai. In comparing Exodus 24:16 and Mark 9:2, Mark records a seemingly insignificant detail that would connect Moses and Jesus in the minds of Jews familiar with their Bible. It happened “after six days” (cf Ex 24:16).

Mark 9 reinforces the connection between the Transfiguration and Moses at Mt. Sinai. See just how clear that connection is in the next exercise.