Alva Review-Courier -

The book of Mark is all action. Jesus is teaching; healing the blind, the deaf, the crippled; and raising the dead. He is challenged by the groups with power who don’t want anything to change. Every encounter is a time for teaching. Jesus has an unfair advantage: he knows their hearts.

Imagine the excitement. Jesus is doing things no one has ever done. Everyone with health issues was coming from miles around, not just the Jews, but all nationalities. People followed Him everywhere wanting more. His parables were difficult to understand at the time, but now that we have the whole Bible it is easier for us today.

Mark refers to some of the prophecies of Isaiah to establish who Jesus was. Jesus’ followers who were with him most of the time had to be taught all the time. People just didn’t realize that if Jesus could feed the thousands, calm the sea and cast out demons, that nothing was impossible for Him, even forgiving sins. At one point a father is seeking help for his son and says, “If you can do anything take pity and help us.” Jesus replies, “If you can?” as if to say who do you think I am? “All things are possible if you believe.” Later he sends the apostles to teach and baptize; He who believes and is baptized shall be saved.

On the cross Jesus cries out to God, “not My will, but Thy will be done.” We all should have such humility and such a heart of a servant.