January 29
Mark 1: Introducing Jesus . . . the Good Authority
Genesis 30; Mark 1; Esther 6; Romans 1
Mark is sometimes thought of as the “Action Figure Jesus” gospel, since the action moves at a quick clip. After all, in only the first chapter, Mark records John the Baptist’s ministry, Jesus’ baptism and temptation, the beginning of his ministry and calling his disciples, healing, preaching and more healing.
We also see his repeated use of the word “immediately.” “And immediately he . . .” When we say this word, we mean “Two seconds after that . . .” But it’s likely Mark means something more ambiguous, like, “Then” or “After that . . .” As you read Mark, imagine someone telling you a dramatic (true) story around the campfire with energetic fervor . . . And whenever Mark says “Immediately,” it’s like the storyteller saying, “And AFTER THAT - Can you believe it? - he . . .”
Now, because Mark moves at such a quick clip, it’s important to ask, “What does the entire picture of this chapter portray about Jesus?” He is greater than John the Baptist and baptizes with a superior power (8). He is the lord or authority over temptation - which is amazing enough (12) - and also over men (16-20), the spiritual realm and its beings (21-28), and the diseases of the human body (29-34). He is full of authority, which he wields for our good.
Thus he teaches with authority. Like today, people then had no shortage of teachers and influencers. Technology only increases the number of voices. And like today what they did not have was authoritative teachers. This sets Jesus apart and causes his fame to spread (27-28).
But Jesus knew his mission, and it was not to become famous. Fame would only be a by-product and a hindrance. Thus Jesus’ wants to keep things a secret (44), which fickle humans cannot abide (45), making his mission more difficult.
So what was Jesus’ mission? Mark does not tell us that yet. But there are hints. Jesus’ teaching can be summarized as:
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
A kingdom is the sphere of authority of the king, for the good or ill of his people. The proper time has passed, and now the king is come to man to establish his kingdom, the sphere of his authority. And that sphere of authority is good: it frees and brings life and healing. The way into that kingdom is to turn from one’s old way of living (repent) and shift the weight of one’s faith from oneself or anything else onto the story of this king - the “gospel,” or “good news.” Indeed it is good news that someone with this kind of authority has come for us, to give us his kingdom.