During these 40 days of Lent, we will be spending our time studying the Gospel of Mark. From Wednesday evenings, to Sunday sermons, Sunday Bible class, and daily Bible readings, you will experience the Gospel of Mark in different ways. The Gospel of Mark is uniquely different from the other portrayals of Jesus told by Matthew, Luke, and John. Most specifically, Mark is unique in his intentional literary style. Most scholars agree that Mark wrote his telling of the Gospel story in a way that was to be spoken out loud to an audience. The Gospel of Mark moves quickly, his details of story are rich and vivid, and many of the verbs in the original Greek language are in the present tense - which demonstrates frenzied activity. Jesus is shown in the Gospel of Mark to be moving immediately from one city to another, from one situation to the next. Much of this narrative style does not come through when we sit and silently read to ourselves this Gospel in our modern English language. But, as you read, imagine that you are listening to this story being told by a storyteller. Listen, as the disciples and other characters are introduced to you. Hear, as Jesus speaks sternly to demons and calmly to troubled souls. Take note of the conflicts that Jesus and his enemies engage in. And finally, listen - Jesus is alive! Engage with every page of your journaling Bible during the study of Mark this Lent.