Mark’s biography of Jesus
The writer begins with the
greatest glory of Jesus :-
“The Son of God”
- In
this title lies the greatest expression
of God represented in the person of the Son. No greater glory is seen in Jesus.
This is the one who could look up into heaven and say “Father... the glory that
I had with you before the world began.....” (John 17).
But from this point, Mark’s
gospel describes the very active servant of Jehovah. In chapter one He is the
servant promised in the Old Testament. Then He is the servant identified with a
sinning people by baptism (He did no sin, but gave His life as a ransom for
sinners). At this beginning His voice is clear – “The kingdom of God is at
hand, repent and believe the Gospel.”
As the servant of the Lord moves forward, many wondered at His miracles.
Perhaps his
greater glory lay in this – He did not claim or seek glory for Himself. Proud
humans claim the glory of success for themselves, but not the Lord Jesus. Mark,
the failing servant, highlights the frequent calls by the Lord to sacrificial
service.
For example “What
shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”
(8:6)
“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and
servant of all.”
This humility was exemplified in the Lord Himself:
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve,
and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
In one sense there was good reason to question whether He was
the Messiah – no human glory, no human credentials, no army etc, Yet His claim
to be the Messiah, the Son of God was so clear :
Mark 14:62 “I am, and
you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with
the clouds of heaven”
Wherein was the problem – they knew not the scriptures (eg
Isaiah 53) nor the power and purpose of God.
In true form to the ‘Servant
gospel’, it concludes thus – “ He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the
right hand of God.” (16:19)
Well did the prophet say “Behold My servant” (Isaiah 42)
Read it for yourself and discover the glories if the Servant
King.
johnmckee@internode.on.net
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