Day 8, Mark 1
We now step into Mark’s gospel. Thought to be the earliest gospel account to be written. Mark shows us Jesus the servant and reveals Him to be the Son of God. His gospel is written in the form of a chronicle; a collection of events like a string of 100 pearls. The account moves fast, and omits many of the details others include. One of the frequent words in Mark’s account is “immediately”!
Much of this first chapter is activity. Mark covers a lot of ground in these opening episodes of his good news. Clearly he is excited for us to see all that Jesus does, revealing His divinity and His humanity.
At this stage of his ministry, Jesus is not in a hurry to gather large crowds. Often He tells people not to spread the news of what He has done. But this is to no avail: in a nation oppressed by Roman occupation with a weakened religious system lacking power or liberty, the need is simply so great that the ordinary people can’t help passing on the word about this new teacher!
In today’s society there are many pressures and distractions. But the power of Jesus’ presence and the impact of His love in ordinary lives is still just as attractive.
Have a great day!
Mark.