Often we read the Gospels - and most books of the Bible - in small parts. Our verse and chapter divisions, however, are a letter addition to the text and were primarily intended to enable easy reference. They were not added to break up the flow of a book. The Gospel of Mark has a subtly stated (and re-stated) goal of teaching the reader about the ‘Kingdom of God’. In our readings we learn something of the nature of the Kingdom of God through story and parable. Although these are two short passages, the entire book of Mark does the same thing! Challenge of the Week: Read through the Gospel of Mark in one sitting - as a story! What do you see differently as a result? (‘How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth’, Chapters 7-8)
