Articles
Mark Presents Jesus having Power and Authority
Mark Presents Jesus having Power and Authority
It has often been observed that Mark seems to have been written to the Romans. This is predicated upon the fact that Mark emphasizes the action and power of Jesus more so than the teaching. Such would be the approach to take to any group, like the Romans, to whom “might makes right”. Jesus is shown to be the one with all power, strength, and authority.
In these opening chapters, Mark amasses the evidence of such power and authority of Jesus. He is the fulfillment of the prophecies of the OT (1:1-3). God (the Father) Himself declares that Jesus is the Son of God (1:11, cp also 9:7). Mark states that the people were amazed at His teaching for he taught them as ‘one having authority’ (1:22, 27). The demons profess that he is the Holy One of God (1:24), the Son of God (3:11). They immediately obeyed whatever He commanded of them (1:27). He has power over the physical world as he demonstrates many times by healing those who were diseased (1:34, etc.), even leprosy (1:42). He then goes even further, showing his ‘power’ to forgive sins (2:1-13, esp. vs. 10).
With all this power, Jesus uses it only for good. He is moved by compassion on those who were suffering (1:41). He is willing to be associated with those who are rejected by the religious establishment (such is the implication in Jesus day of eating with such people) [2:16].
Mark ends chapter two by explaining that Jesus is even LORD over the Sabbath (2:28).
Today, the reading of this book is simply met with skepticism and doubt by many in our society. This will have devastating consequences: “15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. (Mark 16:15-16) Which shall it be for you?
Hugh DeLong
