Mark’s Gospel

In His Name Devotionals
MARK'S GOSPEL

The disciples were devoted followers of Jesus, but they misunderstood as evidenced by the need for Jesus to predict His own suffering and death three times as recorded by Mark in 8:31, 9:30 and 10:32. The disciples wanted a king to reign according to their agenda rather than a king that served. As Peter reflects on his life and his years of following Jesus, he seems to be saying, “Don’t miss the point of the teaching of Jesus like we did 35 years ago.” We should listen to Jesus by understanding His teaching from what He said and from what He did. How tragic it would be to follow Jesus for a lifetime and miss the point of it all.

Listen to Jesus and help the next person you meet.

The character of Jesus as described by Mark is outlined in my mind by these words:

(1) Unique—The Son of God, divine and human at the same time, a King who serves.

(2) Unassuming—Aggressively humble.

(3) Bold—Willing to take on all critics.

(4) Open—Always available to His disciples and to us.

(5) Authentic—He presented a sound message and backed it up with action.

(6) Credible—He was true to His word. His actions and words were the same.

(7) Courageous—In the garden and on the cross His courage did not falter. His will became the will of the Father.

(8) Victorious—His physical and spiritual death followed by His resurrection, was the ultimate victory over death for Him and for us.

As much as any other Bible study, Mark’s Gospel helps us see Jesus as the role model for our lives.