Mark: Part 2
Strong Close
Continuing on with the book of Mark, we will be addressing the second half of this gospel by discussing the last eight chapters. In these last chapters, we see some of the most amazing miracles that Jesus has ever done and we also see some of the most bold teaching that anyone has ever taught before. Bible Study Tools says it perfectly when they state “Mark's Gospel is a simple, succinct, unadorned, yet vivid account of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing more what Jesus did than what he said.” As we discussed in our last post, the gospel of Mark is short, sweet, and to the point. Mark’s goal is not to record all the words that Jesus said, but rather all the actions that Jesus did. This gospel was written for those who say, ‘I’ll believe it when I see it.’ And while this isn’t a picture book, Mark hopes that his experiences of witnessing these amazing acts that Christ performed will be believed as he records them. As we compare and contrast the gospel of Mark with the other three gospels, it’s easy to see that Mark isn’t alone in believing that Jesus really did perform these miracles and really was who He claimed to be. As we close this book today, I believe you will see that Jesus did what only the Son of God could do. Beyond all this, we will also see why this claimed Messiah did so many signs and wonders in order to convince a doubting generation. With that said, let’s dive in.
The Transfiguration
To begin, chapter nine kicks us off with a bang with Jesus partaking in an event known as the ‘transfiguration’. Mark 9:2-4 tells us “And six days later Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus.” This is just another one of those moments where I can’t imagine anyone experiencing and not believing in Jesus. How could someone witness something this amazing and not be convinced? Especially when Jesus is visited by Moses and Elijah! Remember that in the days of the Old Testament, there was almost no one who people admired more than Moses and Elijah. These prophets were coveted men of God that everyone respected with the utmost honor. So this wasn’t just an act that would convince people who came after Christ, but it was also one that convinced others in Jesus’ day who still valued Moses and Elijah more than Jesus. To see the most prominent figures of your faith come down from heaven and confirm the deity of the person you’re skeptical about pretty much ends the debate. Again, Jesus didn’t just know when to perform miracles, He knew exactly which ones to do to eliminate all excuses for those who claim to not believe. After being on the mountain during this amazing act, Jesus comes back down and continues His teaching and parables that we see in the gospels as well. While Mark focuses a bunch on Jesus’ actions, he isn’t silent on what Jesus has to say either.
The Best For Last
In the next few chapters after this, we can see many teachings and stories that Jesus shared during His ministry. Probably one of the most famous and important teachings that Jesus teaches is the greatest commandment. When questioned about what the greatest commandment is in all of God’s Word, Jesus gives an outstanding answer. Mark 12:28-31 says “One of the scribes came up and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘HEAR, ISRAEL! THE LORD IS OUR GOD, THE LORD IS ONE; AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’ “The second is this: ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Why is this response so critical to Jesus’ ministry? Because it shows that even in the midst of doubt, hatred, and persecution, the core fruit of saving faith is love. Jesus in the middle of His ministry had many doubters and many haters who were frustrated with His claims. As a matter of fact, it’s these same people that lead Jesus to His death! But even in the middle of all of this, Jesus reminds His own followers that they are to not just love God, but love those around them. What a beautiful teaching from our suffering savior. All of this is capped off with the most amazing miracle that Jesus has ever performed. As we all know, Christ is crucified and three days later is raised from the dead.
But just look at how Mark emphasizes the resurrection of Jesus in his gospel. When Mary Magdelene and Mary the mother of Jesus show up at Jesus’ tomb, they notice something incredible. Mark 16:5-7 says “And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed. But he *said to them, “Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; see, here is the place where they laid Him. “But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told.’” Not only would this be terrifying, but this would absolutely blow your mind. Jesus has not only defeated death, but He did so in a manner that He perfectly prophesied about multiple times beforehand. This is the perfect miracle that Mark can close his gospel with because it is the greatest miracle that Jesus has performed that no one can refute. If Jesus truly did rise from the dead, then He is undeniably the promised coming Messiah. If you are someone who consistently contemplates whether or not Jesus truly is the Son of God, I encourage you to study the book of Mark and the validity of God’s Word yourself. I think you will find the Bible extremely historically accurate, and the gospels, therefore, difficult to refute.
Sources
[1] Blue Letter Bible. (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/
[2] BibleStudyTools Staff. (n.d.). Book of Mark. Bible Study Tools. https://www.biblestudytools.com/mark/
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