Summer Devo (Mark)

2023

Once again in 2023, all Work Crew, Summer Staff, and Assigned Team will receive a copy of a new mission-wide devo when they arrive at camp. This summer's devo looks at the life of Jesus, the suffering servant, as portrayed in Mark's gospel. Each day includes a gospel reading plus engagement, discussion, and reflection.

The content can be used as written, or can be easily and freely adapted with alternate questions and practices to best fit you and your team of people.

The content can be scheduled in whatever way best fits your assignment length. Chapters of Mark can be combined into one day or divided into multiple days. Psalms (either those included in the book or those you choose) can be inserted at any point to slow the pace and shift the focus.

To help you plan, the devo content is here​​ (single page) and here​​ (facing page).

The vision behind the mission-wide devo is that everyone serving at our camps would have a shared focus on Scripture. Capernaum friends will receive a version specially adapted for them. Friends who serve at different camps can revisit the content when they're back home together. Field staff whose friends serve on WC or SS can work through the same content at home in real time and then process together afterwards. Mission Staff and Camp Staff who go through the devo during the summer are reminded to pray for WC, SS, and AT. You can read more about the vision in the intro letter from Newt on page 3 of the devo (in the links listed above).

Below are some ideas on how to use and adapt the devo for a meaningful discipleship experience.

Scripture Reading & Conversation

When time and place allow, read the passage aloud. To help develop active and engaged reception of the text, sometimes have everyone except the reader simply listen without following along. You’ll find helpful information about Communal Bible Reading (or Public Reading of Scripture) here.

The marginal icons (p. 7 in the devo) are intended to help readers identify major themes as they read. This practical tool offers a simple way to develop and deepen reading awareness and reflection.

Listening Prompts & Discussion

Providing prompts both before and after listening or reading helps develop awareness and thoughtfulness. Here are a few that can be used while reading Mark’s gospel:

  • Before reading
  1. Read/listen for names/titles/descriptions/actions/attitudes/emotions of Jesus.
  2. Notice how the different characters respond to Jesus.
  • After reading
  1. What is the strongest impression you have of Jesus after reading/hearing this chapter? Why
  2. What character made the strongest impression on you? Why?
  • Extras
  1. Are there any words or actions of Jesus that surprise you? Why?
  2. Which conversation/interaction of Jesus do you most relate to? Why?
  3. What is something new you heard or realized about Jesus from this reading?
  4. What character do you most relate to or empathize with? Why?
  5. Do you sense the Spirit speaking to you through this reading? In what way?

Helpful Context & Background

You can find important theological and historical background at the resource sites linked on Useful Stuff.​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Watch these two Bible Project videos for important background and narrative structure information.

Mark

Gospel of Mark Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

Important Old Testament / Inter-testament Events, Characters, & Concepts:

Kingdom of Israel, Kingdom of God, Abraham - Isaac - Jacob, priests, Messiah, anointed one, Son of Man, Moses, law of Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, prophets, prophecy, Sabbath, Pharisees, Temple, exile,

Presumed author

John Mark​

  1. travelled with Barnabas and Saul (Acts 12:25, Acts 13:5)
  2. left Barnabas and Saul early (Acts 13:13)
  3. travelled with Barnabas (Acts 15:36-41)
  4. cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10)
  5. connected to earliest Christians (Acts 12:12)
  6. close relationship with Peter (1 Pet 5:13)

Date

Early to mid 50s AD (generally agreed upon by scholars).

Most scholars believe Mark was earliest gospel to be written.

Where, Why, Who

Most scholars throughout history agree that John Mark wrote while in Rome, and was perhaps there with Peter. He may have written for several reasons: to record Peter’s eye-witness account of Jesus’ life, to encourage the Roman Christians, and most importantly to share “the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.” (1:1)

Views on the Ending

Mark 16:9-20 is identified in most Bibles as “not appearing in the earliest manuscripts.” Many people believe it was added later in order to complete the story. They argue that Mark 16:8 makes sense as the intended ending because it matches the tone, style, and purpose of the book.

Additional Resources

How Mark’s Use of the OT Contributes to His Christology​ (from the Logos Academic Blog)

Mark for Everyone (by N. T. Wright, Westminster John Knox Press)

Theology of Mark​ (from Bible Study Tools) ​

Son of God​ (video from Bible Project)​

Reading & Reflection Practices for Psalms

  • COPY​ the psalm for yourself, paying attention to words and phrases that stand out during this slowed-down process.
  • PRAY​ the Psalm:
Lord, help me to love your Word so much that I think about it often during the day and night. Help me to be like a strong tree, bearing fruit and obeying you as I grow deep roots into your love. Thank you for watching over me and guiding me. (Psalm 1)
  • LIST​ what the psalm says about God, about humanity, about God’s Word, about the world, and more.
  • ASK​ reflection questions based on the text, like this:
  1. How can I love God’s Word the way I should? ​ (Psalm 1)
  2. How can I be like a healthy tree? (Psalm 1)
  3. What kind of fruit should a follower of Jesus display? (Psalm 1)
  • REWRITE​ the Psalm for your life and circumstances
Why am I so discouraged about my friendships? Why am I so sad about things happening with my family? Why do I let these things control how I feel about life and God?
I am going to put my hope in God, knowing that he loves me and cares for me. I am going to praise him again, even when I don't feel like it, because I know he is my Savior and my God! (From Psalm 43)