Bible Snapshots

In Mark’s Gospel, a suggested overriding sentence to describe the narrative could be - His wonderful works prove Him. 

Scholars suggest that Mark’s Gospel is the earliest record to find its way into the cannon of scripture. It is the shortest gospel, and unlike Matthew or Luke has no reference to the nativity. Some have suggested that Mark’s gospel is really about the death of Jesus. It's a passion narrative with an extended introduction, some people would say. Mark tells the story by thinking about the death and letting all the events that lead up to that death move toward it and through it.

So is the sentence - His wonderful works prove him - a fitting description.  An analysis of the gospel determines that Mark emphasises Jesus’s deeds over his words (as compared to the other Gospels). With Miracle stories taking up a greater part of the total book and are told in greater detail. As a consequence Jesus’s teaching takes up a less of the total book and is told in less detail.

Perhaps this is why many suggest that Mark's gospel message can be summed up in one verse, “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45).

Many titles of the Lord include the word servant - servant king, servant Messiah, servant Lord. This is one of Jesus' deepest identities - he is among us as one who serves. Watch him in the gospel teaching his disciples to be like him, one who serves others in love. He teaches this to each of us in prayer.  

Being a servant or slave seems repulsive to the modern mind. In quiet prayer today may we  think of how we might give quiet, unrecognised or unrewarded service to those around us not announcing it or seeking recognition.

So let us learn how to serve

And in our lives enthrone Him

Each other's needs to prefer

For it is Christ we're serving

This is our God, The Servant King

He calls us now to follow Him

To bring our lives as a daily offering

Of worship to The Servant King. Amen

Graham Kendrick