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There are different ways we can view the structure of the gospel of Mark, one being the Chiastic Structure. Mark can be read and understood in five sections which are parallel to each other. The sections are:
- The wilderness (MK 1:1-15)
- Galilee (MK 1:12 - 8:21)
- The way (MK 8:22 -11:11)
- Jerusalem (MK 11:12 – 14:52)
- The tomb (MK 14:53 – 16:20)
The purpose of the chiastic structure is to link and contrast the events which creates a deeper understanding of a theme that wouldn’t have been shown through one side. The wilderness and the tomb are linked by the same ideas and themes, whereas Galilee and Jerusalem are linked together by contrast. The way, which is the middle section, is the key to the whole gospel. These sections highlight the five portraits of Jesus.