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Because Jesus did not want to attract crowds of people who were more interested in seeing wonders than in listening to His message, He sometimes told people whom He healed not to tell anyone about it. Instead of honoring Jesus’ request, a man whom He healed of leprosy spread the news everywhere. The result was Jesus could no longer travel openly. Crowds gathered wherever people heard Jesus was there. Throngs of the ill clamored for healing.

In chapter 2, verses 1 through 12 of his inspired account of Jesus’ ministry, Mark records one of these incidents. “When he entered again into Capernaum after some days, it was heard that he was at home. Immediately many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even around the door; and he spoke the word to them. Four people came, carrying a paralytic to him. When they could not come near to him for the crowd, they removed the roof where he was. When they had broken it up, they let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” But there were some of the scribes sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak blasphemies like that? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you reason these things in your hearts?
Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Arise, and take up your bed, and walk?’ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I tell you, arise, take up your mat, and go to your house.” He arose, and immediately took up the mat and went out in front of them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!””

Scripture tells us very little about the man who was paralyzed. We do not even know his name. However, there must have been something very special about him to inspire such love and loyalty in his four friends. Think about it. Would you be willing to destroy another man’s property in order to bring one of your acquaintances to a doctor? If the crowd was so dense you couldn’t reach the doctor, wouldn’t you wait until the doctor came out of the house to ask him to heal your loved one? These men would not wait. No doubt breaking through the roof made a great deal of noise. No doubt people shouted at them, demanding to know what they were doing. No doubt the crowd around Jesus was upset by the dirt and debris which fell on them. None of these things deterred these men from accomplishing their purpose. The shouts and anger of the crowd meant nothing to them. It did not matter to them that they were liable for the expense of repairing the roof. They kept on until the sick man lay in front of Jesus.

Another remarkable thing about the paralytic’s friends is their faith. They had no doubt that Jesus could heal the man. They had no doubt that Jesus would heal him. Their only question was how to bring their friend to Jesus’ attention. When they accomplished this, it was their faith which moved Jesus to grant their wish.

This illustrates an important aspect of faith. Faith must prompt us to act on our convictions. Otherwise faith is of no use. In this incident, if Jesus did not know about the man how could He heal him? It would have done no good at all if the mens’ conviction that Jesus could heal their friend did not move them to bring him to Jesus. James writes, “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17 NIV)

If the men’s method of bringing their friend to Jesus was unusual, Jesus’ response was also unusual. They came for healing. Instead, Jesus forgave the paralytic’s sins. This brought immediate condemnation from the teachers of the law who were present. They quite rightly asked the question of who, except God, has the ability or the right to forgive sins. The answer, of course, is that no one besides God can do so. However, this raises an even more important question: If only God can forgive, then who is Jesus? Is He merely a man? Or is He something more? The teachers of the law were certain that Jesus was only a man. Therefore, they came to the conclusion that He blasphemed when He forgave the paralytic’s sins.

Jesus’ next action challenged their assumptions about Him. The teachers of the law had not voiced their objection aloud. It was in their hearts that they accused Jesus of blasphemy. Even though they remained silent, Jesus knew what they were thinking. This should have alerted them that perhaps their conclusion that Jesus had spoken blasphemy was not correct. While it is true that men cannot forgive sins, they cannot read another person’s thoughts either.

To settle the matter, Jesus pointed out that it is just as impossible for a man to heal a paralytic as it is to forgive his sins. If Jesus could do one, then why should there be any question about His ability to do the other? Then, Jesus healed the paralytic with a command.

The healing was instantaneous. There was no long period of gradual recovery. There was no need of physical therapy. The man did not need to learn to walk again. Jesus spoke and his ability to stand was restored. His muscles regained their strength. He could not only walk without assistance, he could also pick up an awkward load and carry it out of the house without difficulty.

This incident helps us understand why Jesus performed miracles. He did not do it to amaze people. He did not do it to create a following. Though Jesus did heal and relieve suffering, that was not His primary purpose for the miracles. Instead, He used the miracles to inform and teach. In a previous incident He healed a leper as a testimony about Himself to the priests. In this incident Jesus used the healing to show the teachers of the law who He was. Yes, Jesus was a man. He was subject to the same problems, emotions, temptations, difficulties and stresses as any other human being. Yet, He also was much, much more than a man. In Jesus, we see the divine nature. The Apostle Paul writes that, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” (Colossians 1:15 NIV)

When the people saw what Jesus did, they praised God. What is our response? What is our opinion of Jesus? Will we accept that He is God, come down in human form or, like the teachers of the law, will we accuse Him of blasphemy?

Most leaders, including religious leaders, crave popularity. The bigger the crowds which come out to see them, the better they like it. However, Jesus was not like an ordinary politician or religious leader. After Jesus drove a demon out of a man at a place of worship in Capernaum, the entire town brought their sick and those who suffered from demon possession to Jesus for healing. Jesus healed them yet also tried to distance Himself from the crowds who sought Him out.

In chapter 1, verses 35 through 39 of his inspired account of Jesus’ ministry, Mark writes, “Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there. Simon and those who were with him searched for him. They found him and told him, “Everyone is looking for you.” He said to them, “Let’s go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason.” He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.”

From a human perspective Jesus’ response when Simon and his companions told Him that everyone was looking for Him seems very strange. Wasn’t Jesus God’s prophet? Hadn’t God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power in order to be the King of the Jews? Then why would He turn His back on those who were seeking Him and go elsewhere?

The key to Jesus’ actions is to understand the purpose for which He came. Jesus’ purpose in coming was not to heal the sick or even to cast out demons. It is true that many years later the Apostle John would write, “…The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” (1 John 3:8 NIV) However, healing people or casting out a few demons would not accomplish this. Illness and demon possession were only symptoms of the devil’s work. In order to destroy the devil’s work, Jesus would have to destroy the devil. This would cost Jesus His own life. Speaking of Jesus another Scripture says, “…he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:14-15 NIV)

Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection through which He would destroy the devil still lay in the future. In the present Jesus said that His reason for leaving Capernaum was so that He could preach elsewhere. Preaching, not healing, is why He came.

Earlier, in this same chapter, Mark tells us what Jesus’ preached. His message was, “…The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15 NIV) By means of His preaching Jesus prepared the hearts of people for the coming of God’s kingdom – the time when the devil’s work would be destroyed. He traveled throughout the province of Galilee preaching this message in the Jewish places of worship.

If Jesus reason for coming was not to heal or cast out demons, then why did He do it? Why did Jesus perform miracles at all? An incident which Mark records points us toward the answer. In verses 40 through 45 he writes, “A leper came to him, begging him, kneeling down to him, and saying to him, “If you want to, you can make me clean.” Being moved with compassion, he stretched out his hand, and touched him, and said to him, “I want to. Be made clean.” When he had said this, immediately the leprosy departed from him and he was made clean. He strictly warned him and immediately sent him out, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anybody, but go show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.” But he went out, and began to proclaim it much, and to spread about the matter, so that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was outside in desert places. People came to him from everywhere.”

From this incident we learn that Jesus did not perform miracles simply to amaze people or to draw crowds. On the contrary, Jesus did not want those whom He healed going about spreading the news. Crowds of thrill seekers would only get in the way and hinder His ministry of preaching and preparing people’s hearts for the coming of God’s kingdom. Why, then, did Jesus heal? One reason is that He had compassion. When He saw people in need, He wished to help them. If Jesus truly was from God, how could He not show God’s love to people? The leper begged Jesus to heal him. How could Jesus not respond?

A remarkable thing about this miracle is that Jesus touched the man who had leprosy before He healed him. According to the Law of Moses, lepers were unclean. The Law says, “The person with such an infectious disease must wear torn clothes, let his hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of his face and cry out, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ As long as he has the infection he remains unclean. He must live alone; he must live outside the camp.” (Leviticus 13:45-46 NIV) By touching the man, Jesus not only restored his health, Jesus also restored the man’s social position. With His touch Jesus demonstrated that He no longer regarded the man as an outcast – someone who was only fit to live apart from everyone else.

We can view what Jesus did for the leper as a metaphor for what Jesus does for us today. The Apostle Paul writes that at one time we were, “…without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:12-13 NIV) Like the leper do we have the faith that Jesus can and is willing to heal us?

This incident reveals another reason Jesus performed miracles. He told the leper to show himself to the priests and offer the sacrifices the Law of Moses instructed, as a testimony. Jesus did miracles not to create a spectacle but to authenticate His message. He did what He did through the power of God. Therefore, His message also was from God. Later, Jesus would tell the people, “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.” (John 14:10-11 NIV)

Some people like to boast and brag about what they would do if they were in a position of authority. “If I were in charge I would fix this problem; I would clean out the corruption in that department; I would make sure that the trains run on time!” Yet, the same people who talk like this are often ineffective and incompetent in the areas where they do have some authority. In areas where they have no personal responsibility they can tell others what they ought to do, yet are paralyzed by doubt and indecision in their own lives.

It is the same way in spiritual things. People who have no responsibility for the consequences of decisions are quick to voice their opinions about how the church should be run. Some who will not use their talents to benefit others are quick to criticize those who do. Others want the honor and recognition of being leaders, yet shun the responsibility that falls on leaders. However, the Apostle Paul reminds us that, “…the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” (1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV)

One of the things people noticed about Jesus is that He spoke differently than other religious teachers. Not only did Jesus speak with authority, He also demonstrated that He had the right to say the things He did.

In chapter 1, verses 21 through 34 of his inspired account of Jesus’ ministry Mark writes, “They [that is, Jesus and His disciples] went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught. They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes. Immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, saying, “Ha! What do we have to do with you, Jesus, you Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” The unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!” The report of him went out immediately everywhere into all the region of Galilee and its surrounding area. Immediately, when they had come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. He came and took her by the hand and raised her up. The fever left her immediately, and she served them. At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to him all who were sick and those who were possessed by demons. All the city was gathered together at the door. He healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons. He didn’t allow the demons to speak, because they knew him.”

Mark writes that people were amazed at Jesus’ teaching. Unlike the scribes (or as other translations say, ‘teachers of the law’), Jesus spoke as one having authority. Who were these “teachers of the law”? Through the prophet, Moses, God entered into a covenant relationship with the Jewish people. The Covenant granted the people blessings and privileges. It also bound them to follow certain regulations and rituals. These blessings, privileges, regulations and rituals are all described in what we call the Law of Moses. The teachers of the law interpreted the Law of Moses and told the people how to live according to the Law. To justify what they told the people they depended on what other scholars said. “Rabbi so-and-so says this.” From other passages of Scripture we know that Jesus did not depend upon the interpretations of other men. Instead, He would say, “You have heard that is was said… But I tell you…” (See Matthew, chapter 5.)

No doubt the people were not only amazed at how Jesus taught, but also by what He taught. In verse 27 Mark writes that the people recognized that Jesus’ teaching was new. They had not experienced anything like it before. What made Jesus’ teaching new? The Law emphasized external behavior. For example, it prohibited murder and adultery. Jesus taught that in order to please God it is not enough to merely refrain from murder and adultery. We must also refrain from the internal thoughts and attitudes which result in murder and adultery – that is, hate and lust.

The other thing which made Jesus’ teaching new is that He demonstrated by His use of power His authority to teach. Earlier Satan had tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Now, a man who was under the control of an unclean spirit confronted Jesus in public, in a place of worship. The spirit, speaking on behalf of itself and others, inquired about Jesus’ intentions and whether Jesus had come to destroy them. The spirit not only knew who Jesus was, that is, the Holy One of God, but also that Jesus had the power to destroy. From this we learn an important lesson. Jesus’ teaching has the power to destroy the work of Satan. In fact, this was the purpose of Jesus’ ministry. The Apostle John writes, “…The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” (1 John 3:8 NIV) If we are being oppressed by evil spirits, if we are under the influence of the devil, if Satan is at work in our lives, it means that we are not obeying Jesus’ teaching as we should.

Jesus commanded the spirit to be quiet and cast it out of the man. The people were amazed when the evil spirit obeyed.

Jesus not only had power over unclean spirits, He had the ability to heal illnesses. When Jesus left the place of worship He went to the house of Simon and Andrew. There He healed Simon’s mother-in-law. Later that evening the whole town brought their sick to Jesus. He healed them all and drove out many demons.

Mark writes that Jesus would not allow the demons to speak because they knew who He was. Jesus was from God; He did not need and would not accept the endorsement or attestation of who He was from the Devil. However, this raises a question. If even the demons know and confess that Jesus is the Holy One of God, shouldn’t we also confess that He is? If we deny that Jesus is God’s Holy One, doesn’t that make us even worse than the demons?

We can claim that we belong to a particular faith, but our claim is meaningless unless our faith changes the way we live. To put it another way, if we do not act and live according to the teaching of the religion to which we say we belong, our religion is merely external – we do not have faith.

When Jesus began His ministry, He did not look for people who would merely give Him lip-service. Instead He sought those who had enough faith to follow even though it meant giving up their previous way of life. In chapter 1, verses 14 through 20, of his inspired Gospel, Mark writes, “Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Good News of God’s Kingdom, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.” Passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you into fishers for men.” Immediately they left their nets, and followed him. Going on a little further from there, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them, and they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.”

The main purpose of John the Baptist’s ministry was to prepare people for the coming of Jesus. John faithfully completed this task. Once he baptized Jesus and proclaimed that Jesus was the One whose coming he had announced, John’s work was accomplished. He had already completed God’s purpose by the time King Herod put him in prison. It was John’s faithful service that made it possible for Jesus to begin His ministry so successfully.

Jesus began His ministry by proclaiming the same message John the Baptist did, “The kingdom of God is near.” (See Matthew 3:2). To say that the kingdom is near implies that the coming of the king who will rule over the kingdom is also near. In the minds of the Jewish people to whom both John the Baptist and Jesus spoke, this meant that the coming of the Christ, that is the One God would anoint to rule over His people, was near. In chapter 1, verse 10 of his Gospel, Mark writes that God’s Spirit descended on Jesus at His baptism. From other Scriptures we know that God anointed Jesus with the Spirit to be King over God’s people. By preaching that the kingdom of God was near, Jesus was saying that in a very short time, God would reveal Him, that is Jesus, as the promised Christ, God’s King.

Jesus not only told people the kingdom was near, He also told them what they should do to prepare themselves for its coming. He told them to repent and believe. What does it mean to repent? The basic meaning of the word Mark uses is “to change one’s mind.” However, repentance includes much more than revising our thoughts. We act on the basis of what we think. Therefore, to repent includes not only changing how we think but, also, changing what we do. It means that we adopt a different course of action. In view of the coming of God’s kingdom, we cannot live the way we did before. We must think and act in ways which are in harmony with God’s kingdom. Just as we must live according to the laws of the country where we reside, if we want to be included in God’s kingdom we must live and act according to God’s standards.

However, outward conformity to God’s standards is not enough. There are many who live or act in a certain way because that is what is expected of them, but in their hearts they are not convinced. In contrast, Jesus told people they must also believe the good news. Why is the coming of God’s kingdom good news? It is good news because, as the Scripture says in another place, “…it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16 NIV) To put it another way, it is through God’s anointed King, that is Jesus, that we can be reconciled to God. If the kingdom had not come, more importantly if God’s anointed King had not come, the separation between us and God because of our sins could not be overcome.

Jesus not only preached, He recruited others to help Him carry out His ministry. Among the first Jesus asked to follow Him were two sets of brothers. These men were fishermen. Jesus told them He would make them fishers of men. Mark writes that Jesus called these men, and they immediately left their nets and followed Him.

This is true. However we know from other accounts that their decision to follow Jesus was not as sudden and abrupt as it seems from what Mark writes. We know that at least two of these men, Andrew and John, were already disciples of John the Baptist. They heard John proclaim that Jesus is “…the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NIV) They had already talked with Jesus and heard His teaching. They had already witnessed Jesus perform the miracle of turning water into wine during a wedding feast (John 2:1-11). So, their hearts were already prepared when Jesus called them. Having listened to John, they were willing to listen to the One who John proclaimed was the Messiah.

What Mark points out is that there is a cost to following Jesus. Simon and Andrew owned their own fishing business. Jesus did not offer them a bigger or better boat. Jesus did not offer them a better market for their fish. Jesus did not even offer to match the income they received from their business. No, in order to follow Jesus they had to leave their business, their income and security behind. The only thing Jesus promised them is that He would make them fishers of men. Simon and Andrew had enough faith that they immediately left their nets and followed. What about us? Do we have enough faith to follow Jesus even if it means the loss of our business, property and income? Will we follow Him even if it costs us our livelihood?

There may be another cost to following Jesus, as well. James and John not only left their business, Mark writes that they left their father. Sometimes we have to make a choice between our family and following Jesus. What is more important to us: Doing what God’s anointed King asks of us, or pleasing our relatives? Are we willing to follow even if our family is opposed?

How do we know that someone is qualified to fill a particular position? If we are thinking about hiring someone to do a particular job, what assurance do we have that he has the ability to perform it? For many positions we will want to know what credentials a person has. If a man claims to be an engineer we will ask to see the document which certifies that he meets all the qualifications and standards an engineer must pass. In addition, we will examine the character of a person we consider hiring. For example, a person may be an extremely qualified accountant; he may have all the proper credentials, but we will not allow him to handle our business accounts if we know that he is a thief.

The same concerns are valid in spiritual things. We do not want to entrust our souls to someone who is not qualified. What qualifications does Jesus have? In the inspired Gospel which bears his name, Mark declares that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God. On what basis does Mark say this? In chapter 1, verses 9 through 13, he writes, “In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Immediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. A voice came out of the sky, “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Immediately the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness. He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals; and the angels were serving him.”

It is clear from this passage that Jesus did not appoint Himself to His position, nor did He claim titles which did not belong to Him. At Jesus’ baptism God gave two unmistakable proofs of His approval. The first is that heaven opened and the Spirit descended on Jesus. The prophet Isaiah yearned for God to reveal Himself to the people of his day. “Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down,” (Isaiah 64:1 NIV) This is exactly what God did at Jesus’ baptism; He rent the heavens and had His Spirit descend on Jesus. Later, Jesus was able to say that He fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me…” (Luke 4:18-21 NIV)

By means of the Spirit’s descent on Jesus, God visibly and publicly anointed Him to His position. Later, the Apostle Peter had this to say about this: “You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached – how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power,” (Acts 10:37-38 NIV)

The second sign of God’s approval of Jesus was a voice which came from heaven. God not only said that He was pleased with Jesus, He also proclaimed that Jesus is His Son. This is a fulfillment of Psalm 2, verse 7, “I will proclaim the decree of the Lord: He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” (NIV) Many people are greatly offended that one of Jesus’ titles is “Son of God.” However, that is what God, Himself, called Jesus. Who are we to contradict God?

Before going forward it is necessary to answer an important question. Earlier, Mark wrote that John’s baptism was one of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4). Scripture is very plain that Jesus never sinned. In fact, if He had sinned, He could not have become our Savior. Why, then, did Jesus submit to John’s baptism? One answer is that John’s baptism was one of repentance. To repent is to turn away from a course of action. By His baptism, Jesus was publicly turning away from His prior life and accepting the role and work God anointed Him to carry out. At His baptism Jesus died to His life as a carpenter. From then on His life would have a new direction.

Having God’s approval does not mean that we will not encounter trouble or difficulties. Having God’s Spirit does not mean we will never have to face evil. Immediately after His baptism, the Spirit sent Jesus into the wilderness. There, Satan tempted Him for forty days. During Moses’ time, God called the nation of Israel His “son” (Exodus 4:22). He then led the nation into the wilderness where they wandered for forty years. One of God’s purposes for this was to test and refine them. “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what is in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” (Deuteronomy 8:2 NIV) God’s “son” Israel, failed the test. Jesus, God’s Son, passed it.

Why would God make His Son suffer in this way? It was a necessary part of His preparation for the work God sent Him to earth to do. The writer of Hebrews says this about Jesus, “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of salvation for all who obey him…” (Hebrews 5:8-9 NIV)

Mark does not elaborate, but we know from other accounts that one of the things Satan questioned was whether Jesus really was the Son of God. He told Jesus to prove it by performing miracles. Jesus refused. Later, Jesus would indeed prove His divinity and that He came from God by performing miracles. However, He would do nothing at Satan’s prompting. Instead, He always listened to and did His Father’s will.

Jesus overcame every temptation by quoting Scripture. From this we get an insight into Jesus’ character. God’s holy word was ingrained so deeply into His being that He could withstand anything which was contrary to it. Perhaps one reason we find it difficult to withstand temptation is that we have not absorbed God’s word into our beings as we should.

Mark writes that during this forty days of being tempted by Satan, Jesus “…was with the wild animals; and the angels were serving him” (Mark 1:13) At Jesus’ baptism, God anointed Jesus to be King. Later Jesus said, “…All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18 NIV) The Apostle Paul writes that, “…God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,” (Philippians 2:9-10 NIV) Here we get a glimpse of Jesus’ authority and position. The wild animals did not flee from Him. Angels attended Him. Have we acknowledged Jesus as our King?

The Bible tells us that, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1 NIV) After God completed His work of creation, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 NIV) Unfortunately, man soon destroyed the perfection of God’s creation. Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. Through their disobedience sin entered the world. Sin brought death, misery and ruin with it.

God could have wiped out mankind as well as all that man has disfigured. Instead, because of His great love for man, God decided to provide us a new beginning. Mark begins the inspired Gospel which bears his name this way: “The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1) It is appropriate for Mark to begin his book this way because the new beginning God gives man centers around the person of Jesus Christ.

Who is this person through whom God grants us a new beginning? His name is Jesus. The name “Jesus” means the “salvation of God.” It is through Jesus that God brings salvation to all of us.

Jesus is not only God’s salvation, Mark declares that He is also the Christ, that is, the Messiah. This is not Jesus’ surname, but a title. It means “the anointed One.” In Jewish tradition prophets, priests and kings attained their positions by being anointed with sacred oil. We know from other Scriptures that God appointed Jesus to all three of these roles. Jesus is God’s prophet because He received His message directly from God and spoke on God’s behalf (John 14:49-50). God appointed Jesus as His high priest to offer the ultimate sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:11-12). Jesus is king because God has given Him all authority (Matthew 28:18). Instead of using sacred oil, God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power (Acts 10:37-38).

Mark not only calls Jesus the Messiah, he also refers to Him as the Son of God. How can Jesus be God’s Son? Jesus clearly possessed a body of flesh and blood while God is spirit. Therefore, Mark cannot mean the term “Son of God” in a physical sense. In fact, the Scriptures never use it in that way. Instead, Scripture uses the word “Son” to describe Jesus’ spiritual relationship to God. Jesus is the embodiment of God’s character. In another place Scripture says that Jesus, “…is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV) It also says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible…” (Colossians 1:15-16 NIV) Jesus displayed God’s character and attributes so perfectly and exactly that He could say, “…Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father…” (John 14:9 NIV) Therefore, it is entirely appropriate to call Jesus “God’s Son.”

It is also worth noting that Jesus did not have a physical father. For this reason also it is appropriate to say that God is His Father.

Why is the message contained in Mark’s Gospel “good news”? It is good news because it declares that people truly can have a new beginning. We can be saved from the consequences of our sins by means of the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Peter said to the religious rulers of his day, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NIV) For those oppressed by sin it is certainly good news that Jesus can deliver them!

How did this good news come to us? In chapter 1, verses 2 through 8, Mark writes, “As it is written in the prophets, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you: the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord! Make his paths straight!’” John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins. All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins. John was clothed with camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. He preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen. I baptized you in water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.””

John prepared the way for the coming of Christ in two important ways. First, he baptized people. This means he immersed them completely in water. The Jewish people had practiced ritual cleansing for thousands of years. For example, before worshiping at the Temple in Jerusalem people would immerse themselves in a ritual bath. However, the baptism John gave was different. Instead of a person immersing himself, John immersed him. By doing this, John taught that salvation is not something we can obtain by our own efforts. Salvation comes from outside ourselves.

Also, John for the first time, associated this ritual cleansing with death. This is evident from the Greek word “baptism” itself. The Greeks associated this word with such things as drowning or a ship being swallowed by the waves (see Brown, Collin, Editor, The International Dictionary of New Testament Theology Vol. 1, Zondervan Publishing House, 1975, Baptism p. 144). This association with death is also evident from the purpose for John’s baptism. It was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. To repent means to turn away from a course of action and go the other way. If we want God to forgive our sins, we cannot continue as before. We must die to our previous actions and way of life. Those who repented and submitted themselves to John’s baptism had open hearts, ready to accept the Savior.

The second way John prepared people for the coming of Christ was to proclaim His coming. As great as John was, someone much greater was about to make His appearance. For many hundreds of years, God’s prophets proclaimed that God would send a Savior. However, their prophecies always pointed to some time in the distant future. John, however, proclaimed that the Messiah was near at hand. No doubt this message gave hope to many. It made them eager to listen to Jesus when He came. The Apostle John describes an incident toward the end of Jesus’ ministry, “Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus.” (John 10:40-42 NIV)

Shortly before He left this earth and ascended into heaven, Jesus told His disciples, “…All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)

Jesus’ disciples took His instructions very seriously. They remained in Jerusalem as Jesus commanded them until the Holy Spirit empowered them. Then, in the power of the Spirit, they began boldly proclaiming to all that Jesus is the Savior through whom God redeems mankind from sin.

Right from the beginning, thousands responded to this message and became dedicated followers of Christ. On the first day, alone, the Apostles baptized 3,000 people from fifteen different countries or provinces. In a little while, the number of men in the city of Jerusalem who believed grew to 5,000 (Acts 4:4). At the start, everyone who became a follower of Christ was Jewish.

At first, the common people had a high regard for this new faith. In time, incited by their religious leaders, their attitude changed and they began to persecute the followers of Christ. No doubt one reason for the persecution is the nature of Christ’s teaching. The Apostle John explains, “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” (John 3:20 NIV) Jesus told His disciples, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also…” (John 15:18-20 NIV)

The persecution led to two important developments. The first is that most of the followers of Christ fled from Jerusalem. The Bible records that for a while none of the believers remained in Jerusalem except the Apostles (Acts 8:1).

The second important result of the persecution is that the new faith spread even more rapidly. Those who left Jerusalem told others about Jesus wherever they went. Some even began to speak to people who were not from a Jewish background. As a result, a great number of people, both Jews and non-Jews believed and began to follow Christ in places such as Antioch in Syria (Acts 11:19-21).

Several years later, when the church in Jerusalem was strong once again, another persecution broke out. This time, instead of targeting church members, the authorities struck at the Apostles whom Christ chose to carry on His work. King Herod executed John’s brother James. When he saw that this pleased the people he arrested Peter and intended to kill him, too. God miraculously opened the prison and allowed Peter to escape. However, this made it necessary for Peter to go into hiding (Acts 12:1-17).

All of these events presented the church with a tremendous difficulty. How was it to teach and train the many, many thousands of new believers who were scattered in many places far from Jerusalem, many of whom did not have personal knowledge of Jesus’ life and work? In addition to the numerical and geographic problems, James’ death made it clear that those who knew Jesus and His teaching the best, would not live forever. How could the church preserve Jesus’ teaching and instruction once the eyewitness were no longer available?

One answer to these problems was to write the teaching down. Luke records, “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.” (Luke 1:1-2 NIV)

The Bible does not tell us where Peter went when he fled from King Herod. He would not have been safe anywhere in Palestine where Herod ruled. One church tradition says that Peter traveled to Rome and stayed there until Herod’s death a few years later. Though Peter apparently knew some Greek, it was not his mother tongue. So, he took a young man named Mark along with him to act as his interpreter. The believers in Rome asked Mark to write down Peter’s teaching to preserve it for them. Peter allowed Mark to do so. After Herod’s death Peter and Mark returned to Jerusalem. From there Paul and Barnabas took Mark with them to Antioch in Syria. Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 12:25, 13:5).

Many years later, near the end of his life, Peter wrote to the followers of Christ, “…I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.” (2 Peter 1:15 NIV) In light of this it is quite possible that Peter encouraged Mark to organize and write out the notes he had taken of Peter’s teaching. Church tradition says that in addition to serving with Peter, Paul and Barnabas, Mark traveled to Egypt to tell the people there about Christ. While at Alexandria he compiled and wrote out in final form, the book in our Bibles which we know as the Gospel of Mark. (See Robinson, John A.T., Redating The New Testament, The Westminster Press, 1976, pp. 107-114.)

The Apostle Matthew wrote his account of Christ’s life primarily for those from a Jewish background. Mark wrote for those who were not Jewish. He explains Jewish customs and ideas for his readers. His language is not polished. He wrote for the common, working-class man of the street and marketplace. Though he recorded some of what Jesus said and taught, Mark does not explore difficult philosophies, instead his focus is on what Jesus did. He shows Jesus as the model whom we should follow in the way we live. Mark does not record the events of Jesus’ life in the order in which they occurred. Instead the book is organized around Jesus’ teaching of sacrificial service to others. “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:43-44 NIV)

In summary, Mark shows that the message of Jesus is for each one of us, no matter what our background or how humble our birth and circumstances.