October 10, 2014
Mark 1-3
Mark, the straight-forward, no-frills gospel, has the shortest of introductions, no genealogy, and no mention of Jesus’ birth. In other words, with Mark, we hit the ground running. John the Baptist speaks of “One coming after me,” and Jesus appears for baptism. The Father says, “You are my Son...” and the Spirit sends him out to be tested by the devil. But we don’t have time to hear about each temptation; we’ll have to read Matthew and Luke for that!
Before the first chapter is over, Jesus has called disciples, driven out demons, healed many, and tried to get away to pray. If you read the old King James Version of Mark, you’ll see the word “immediately” again and again. Things move quickly in Mark. Peter’s no-nonsense approach may be the eye-witness testimony behind this gospel.
Chapter two brings more healing, more calling of disciples, and many clues as to Jesus’ identity. Here are some of my favorites:
After Jesus forgave the paralytic’s sins, the teachers of the law say, “Only God can forgive sins!” (2:7) Hmmm.
When people complain about the company Jesus’ keeps, he says, “I have come not to call the righteous, but sinners!” (2:17)
When others complain about the disciples’ eating grain on the Sabbath, Jesus’ last word on the matter is amazing: “The Son of Man is Lord, even of the Sabbath!” (2:27)
In chapter three, Jesus attracts large crowds and rounds out his 12 disciples. Here, we see the very humanness of Jesus’ mother, Mary. Luke tells us of her magnificent faith, Matthew tells us of her submission and courage, and John tells us of her part in Jesus’ first miracle. But here in Mark, Mary first appears as a doubter. She, along with Jesus’ little brothers, think, “He is out of his mind!” (3:21) They finally catch up with Jesus to “take charge of him.” When Jesus is informed of his family’s arrival, he calmly says that everyone who does God’s will is his family.
Are you a member of Christ’s family?
Your fellow pilgrim through the New Testament,
Pastor Gary
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