Who is Jesus ?

 

Themes Of Mark's Gospel

 

After Jesus calmed the storm his disciples say, "Who is this? Even the wind and sea obey him"

(Mark 4:41). This is the most important question in the Gospels.

At the beginning of Mark the Answer to this question is given. Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah (1:1). But what do these titles mean? As well as these several other titles are also used. 

1. Common opinions are mentioned (Mark 6:14-15, 8:28).According to one view Jesus is a famous person come back to Life, such as Elijah or John the Baptist. According to another view Jesus is a prophet like one of the ancient prophets. According to all these views Jesus is only a prophet.

2. The opinions of Jesus friends and disciples are mentioned. Many call Jesus teacher or rabbi (Mark 5:35, 9:17, 10:41). The disciples also use these titles to describe Jesus (Mark 4:38,9:5,9:38, 11:21, 13:1). Though Jesus has not had a rabbi's training they accept him as a rabbi. However, the disciples understand that Jesus is someone greater then a rabbi. "Who is this?" they ask (Mark 4:41). They know that a rabbi cannot perform such an action.

Near Caesarea Philippi Peter says. "You are the Messiah" (Mark 8:29). In Peter's view Jesus is the King whom God had promised. In saying this peter giving testimony about Jesus but he does not understand the full meaning of Messiah.

Others too think that Jesus is a King. The blind beggar Bartimaeus calls Jesus the Son of David (Mark 10:47,48) and when Jesus enters Jerusalem the crowd that welcome his says "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David" (Mark 11:9-10).

3. The opinions of Jesus  enemies are mentioned. They know that Jesus is not just a man. We are surprised that his enemies accept this point. They have seen Jesus casting out demons. So they say that "through the ruler of the demons he casts out demons" (Mark 3:22). Their explanation is wrong but they know that it is not possible to do such an act though human power.

Among Jesus enemies are the unclean spirits and demons All these also know Jesus is. They know that Jesus is the Holy One of God and the Son of God (Mark 1:24,3:11,5:7). Though Jesus does not want to receive testimony them their information is correct.

4. Jesus own opinion is recorded. Many times he calls himself the Son of man. This title has several meanings.

       

1. In Mark chapter 2 this title shows Jesus authority: as Son of man he exerises authority by forgiving sin(2:10) and authority over the Sabbath day (2:28).

2. The future glory of the Son of man is referred to: he will come in glory (Mark 8:38,13:26)

3. As Son of man Jesus must suffer and be killed (Mark 8:31, 9:12,9:31, 10:33-34,10:45).

Jesus Knows that by suffering and being glorified he will fulfill Daniel 7:13-14 and Isaiah 53:4-5.

5. The viewpoint of the author of the Gospel is mentioned. According to Mark Jesus is Son of God and Messiah (Mark 1:1). These title are used many times : Son of God or simply son (Mark 1:1,1:11,3:11,5:7,9:7,12:6,14:61-62, 15:39), Messiah (Mark 1:1,10:47-48,11:10,15:26,15:32).

By using these titles Mark shows that Jesus has authority and power which come from God. At the same time Mark knows that Jesus must suffer. Though he is king, nevertheless he must give his life to pay the price of redemption for many (Mark 10:45). Though he is the Son of God. Nevertheless on only occasion is his true glory clearly seen (Mark 9:2-8). Spiritual insight is needed to understand the truth about Jesus.

Quiz

Write Jesus Correct Title:  

1.      In the opinion of the man called legion Jesus is …………………………..of the most high……………………… .

2.       Jesus the …………………. Of ………………………,must suffer many things die on the cross.

3.       Jesus the …………….of ……………………. ,enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey.

4.      The  centurion can see that Jesus was the ………………………of…………………………….  .

5.      Jesus the ………………………….of …………………………………… ,will come with power and glory.

True or False?

1.           While Jesus is on earth he must suffer many things.

2.           While Jesus is on earth he is a powerful king.

3.           Jesus is a king who servers.

4.           Jesus is the Servant of the Lord who gives his Life.

5.           Jesus is both David's Lord and David's son.