Which book's central theme is the Kingdom of God?

• A. The Gospel of Matthew
• B. The Gospel of Luke
• C. The Gospel of Mark
• D. The Gospel of John

Answer: (C)

The main concept being tested is how the Kingdom of God is the central focus of Mark’s Gospel. From the opening, Jesus declares that the time has come and the kingdom of God is at hand, inviting people to repent and believe the gospel. Throughout the narrative, Mark keeps the emphasis on the rule and reign of God breaking into the present world through Jesus—parables about the Kingdom’s growth show how something seemingly small becomes great, and Jesus’ miracles, exorcisms, and acts of forgiveness demonstrate the Kingdom’s power breaking into human life. The drama moves toward the cross and resurrection, where the Kingdom is decisively inaugurated and the mission to proclaim it to all nations is launched. This portrayal makes the Kingdom of God the governing motif of Mark’s story: a present reality Jesus invites people to enter now, with its fullness to come. Compared with the other Gospels, which also touch on the Kingdom in important ways, Mark emphasizes the immediacy of Jesus’ proclamation, the in-breaking power of the Kingdom through his deeds, and the urgent call to respond.