Anderson Hills

Jesus’ selects twelve common men—not men trained by religious elites, not scribes or Pharisees. With His chosen followers, Jesus also shows us something about the reign of God—it’s communal. Jesus calls individuals to Himself but also brings them into community with each other. The King’s people could more appropriately be known as the King’s servants. Servants of Christ voluntarily set aside their own rights in order to love, serve, and obey the will of God in Christ Jesus. Servants of Christ die to sin and fleshly desires, allowing Christ’s life to flow through them. To be a servant of Christ is to seek His will in all things.

Jesus’ selects twelve common men—not men trained by religious elites, not scribes or Pharisees. With His chosen followers, Jesus also shows us something about the reign of God—it’s communal. Jesus calls individuals to Himself but also brings them into community with each other. The King’s people could more appropriately be known as the King’s servants. Servants of Christ voluntarily set aside their own rights in order to love, serve, and obey the will of God in Christ Jesus. Servants of Christ die to sin and fleshly desires, allowing Christ’s life to flow through them. To be a servant of Christ is to seek His will in all things.

Mark recounts opposition to Jesus ranging from unbelief, to plots, to destroy and kill Him. This comes not only from Herod’s camp and religious elites, but also from Jesus’ own people. Jesus returned to His hometown of Nazareth and taught in the synagogue. Given His reputation, one would expect Him to receive a hero’s welcome. But even though He astonished the townspeople, they were also offended by him. Opposition to Jesus is also a relevant theme for disciples through the ages. Christians should expect hardships, while also knowing that our lives are in God’s hands. We can rest in His sovereign plan.

Mark recounts opposition to Jesus ranging from unbelief, to plots, to destroy and kill Him. This comes not only from Herod’s camp and religious elites, but also from Jesus’ own people. Jesus returned to His hometown of Nazareth and taught in the synagogue. Given His reputation, one would expect Him to receive a hero’s welcome. But even though He astonished the townspeople, they were also offended by him. Opposition to Jesus is also a relevant theme for disciples through the ages. Christians should expect hardships, while also knowing that our lives are in God’s hands. We can rest in His sovereign plan.

In the Gospel of Mark, there are eight parables, stories to illustrate a profound, valuable moral lesson. Jesus uses parables to reveal mysteries to His followers and to conceal truth from those opposed to Him. However, His parables are not always easy to understand. Even His own disciples often asked Jesus to explain the stories to them. Through His parables, Jesus taught that God’s Kingdom would be established through love, service, and sacrifice, and was ultimately seen in His own display of love, service, and sacrifice at the cross. People need to decide whether or not they will submit to this Servant King or reject Him.

In the Gospel of Mark, there are eight parables, stories to illustrate a profound, valuable moral lesson. Jesus uses parables to reveal mysteries to His followers and to conceal truth from those opposed to Him. However, His parables are not always easy to understand. Even His own disciples often asked Jesus to explain the stories to them. Through His parables, Jesus taught that God’s Kingdom would be established through love, service, and sacrifice, and was ultimately seen in His own display of love, service, and sacrifice at the cross. People need to decide whether or not they will submit to this Servant King or reject Him.

The question of Jesus’ identity dominates the first half of Mark’s Gospel. Jesus begins answering this question by revealing His authority and power. He has the authority to teach God’s Word, forgive sins, and call disciples. He has the power to drive out demons, heal diseases, and bring the dead back to life. The ultimate point of Jesus’ demonstrating His authority and power is for people to see who He really is, and through Him, to be reconciled with God.

The question of Jesus’ identity dominates the first half of Mark’s Gospel. Jesus begins answering this question by revealing His authority and power. He has the authority to teach God’s Word, forgive sins, and call disciples. He has the power to drive out demons, heal diseases, and bring the dead back to life. The ultimate point of Jesus’ demonstrating His authority and power is for people to see who He really is, and through Him, to be reconciled with God.

Jesus’ ministry begins and is summarized in His proclamation, “The time promised by God has come at last! The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” The kingdom of God had come near in the person of the King. It is indeed Good News, and it calls for a personal response. Beginning with these words, Jesus signals that whatever else happens, however bad things may look, the result of His ministry will be good. Jesus’ definition of the kingdom of God was different than what people expected. The Kingdom of God is not a physical kingdom. It is a transformation of heart and mind, a way of believing and living in preparation for eternity. It is about His kingship and our obedience to His rule, now and forever.

Jesus’ ministry begins and is summarized in His proclamation, “The time promised by God has come at last! The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” The kingdom of God had come near in the person of the King. It is indeed Good News, and it calls for a personal response. Beginning with these words, Jesus signals that whatever else happens, however bad things may look, the result of His ministry will be good. Jesus’ definition of the kingdom of God was different than what people expected. The Kingdom of God is not a physical kingdom. It is a transformation of heart and mind, a way of believing and living in preparation for eternity. It is about His kingship and our obedience to His rule, now and forever.