Articles
Astonished and Amazed at Jesus
Astonished and Amazed at Jesus
As we begin our reading of Mark, we will travel with Jesus. Mark will hurry us along from one event to another. These stories will come so fast that it is difficult to contemplate and muse on the implications that they give. Mark will record the responses of those that were there and that did have the time to digest one event at a times. Their response was often wonder, amazement, and astonishment.
While several different Greek words are translated ‘amazed’, ‘wondered’, ‘distressed’, and ‘astonished’ – they point to the same (or very similar) emotional and mental response to a situation or event.
- The people were amazed and astonished at the teaching of Jesus – Mark 1:22, 27; 6:2; 10:24; 11:18; 12:17
- The disciples were astonished at the particulars of His teaching – Mark 10:26, 32
- The people were utterly astonished and amazed at his miracles – Mark 5:20; 7:37
- Pilate was amazed that Jesus wouldn’t answer Him – Mark 15:5
- The women were amazed at the empty tomb and the presence of the angel – Mark 16:5, 6
- The resurrection was an event that would bring amazement – Mark 16:6
- Jesus was ‘distressed’ in the garden as He contemplated the coming crucifixion – Mark 14:33
- Jesus was “amazed’ (wondered NASB95) at their unbelief- Mark 6:6
A common response to this is that these first century people were ignorant, naïve, simpletons. They were sophisticated enough to tell the difference between the teaching of Jesus and that of their normal teachers. They could see when the lame walked and the blind were given their sight. They could know that the friend they buried a few days earlier was now alive and walking among them! No, they were not so ‘simple’ that they didn’t understand the basic things of life! They distinguished between the normal and that which was extraordinary. They were in awe of Jesus.
Yet, some upon seeing and hearing the same things, were incredulous! To these, Jesus was amazed at their unbelief! You are now reading the history of this Jesus. What is your response? Amazement or unbelief?
Hugh DeLong
