The Message of Mark

by Morna D. Hooker

For centuries, Mark was the Cinderella among the Synoptic Gospels, thought to be an abbreviation and copy of Mathew. Then it was treasured above all as a historical account, the version thought to bring us closest to the life and work of Jesus. Neither of these approaches in fact does justice to the nature of Mark as a theological portrait of Jesus.Tracing the outlines of that theological portrait is not, however, an easy task. We can see the emphases in the picture of Jesus offered by Mathew and Luke by comparing them with Mark, on whom they drew; but what came before Mark is a much more complex question. Some would say that it is almost impossible to answer. However, with great skill Professor Hooker teases out the secrets within the Gospel, and in so doing takes us once again, from a new perspective, through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as seen by one of the earliest church communities. (From the back cover)

135 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good overview of Mark's main themes. While she doesn't have an evangelical doctrine of Scripture, she treats the text with respect and raises good questions.

[Phil Whittall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This introduction to the Gospel of Mark by Morna Hooker is insightful, helpful & readable. She takes Mark on his own terms and cuts through the objections of those who are to quick to dismiss the Markan account or theology.

I did not always agree with her assessments of what Jesus was accomplishing but her down-to-earth and matter-of-fact take on it all made her challenges more, not less forceful. I particularly appreciated her short treatment of the Markan ending as being precisely what the author intended and for good reasons. Let those who have ears to hear, let them hear.

[Nacho · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief but deep commentary on the Gospel of Mark. Accessible and thorough, it presents different theories on each topic even when the author does not agree with them, which makes for a better read.