MARK: WHO IS JESUS?
There is no more important question in life than this: who is Jesus?
That’s because understanding Jesus’ identity is coming to grips with the person at the centre of history, and the King of the universe. The claims Jesus makes affect all reality and every human. Mark records these claims and Jesus’ interactions with real people who ask that same question.
A man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?…I know who you are.’ (1:23)
The people were all so amazed that they asked each other,
‘What is this? A new teaching – and with authority!’ (1:27)
They were terrified and asked each other,
“Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (4:41)
“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that’s been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he’s performing? (6:2)
Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am? (8:27)
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” (8:29)
Except, Mark knows exactly who Jesus is. He tells us in the very first verse: ‘The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God’ (1:1). Jesus is God’s promised King. That’s what Mark wants us to realise too.
But he doesn’t tell us random stories about Jesus that he’s thrown together. He’s an expert storyteller, a master craftsman, and he weaves this intricate, powerful, fast paced story.
As Mark guides us, we’re asking God to use this account of Jesus’ life to do what He’s been doing for centuries: cause people to discover the answer to that question – first hand for the first time, or to rediscover in a new way – exactly who Jesus is.
