[/caption]Even just a cursory brief speed-read of Marks Gospel will show us that it is a gospel packed with movement and activity. Throughout this gospel account we can see the Saviour travelling throughout the land being found in many different locations. Here we consider just a few of these as we consider the wonderful person of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In the Jordan - Mark 1:9-11
Here at the outset of both the gospel and the earthly ministry of the Saviour we see the Lord Jesus being baptised in the Jordan, fulfilling all righteousness as Matthews account will tell us. It is at this point that the heavens are opened and the voice of the Father proclaims "thou art my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased". What appreciation and love the Father had for the son! This was the Fathers estimation of his son, being publicly displayed. Of course man was to show his estimation later when they "set him at naught..."
In the solitary place - Mark 1:35
"And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."
It is interesting to see the times when the Saviour was alone - in the wilderness being tested of Satan, when the disciples were in the storm on the Sea of Galilee "and he alone on the land" and of course this occasion in the very first chapter of the gospel. It never ceases to amaze me to think of the Saviours perfect prayer life, his desire to be with Father alone in prayer, he who could say "I and my Father are one" and the one who "thought it not robbery to be equal with God". He was "God manifest in flesh" but he would start the day spending time alone with God in prayer. When I think of my own feeble prayer life this is surely a challenge to me! How much more should I a sinner saved by grace but plagued by the flesh need to spend time in fellowship with God in prayer!
Into his own country - Mark 6:1
Next we see the Lord Jesus coming into his own country, entering the synagogue and teaching the people. We read the passage and see that they said "From whence hath this man these things?... Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary... and they were offended at him." We remember that when the Lord Jesus came unto his own, his own received him not. And again the prophet would say that he was despised and rejected of men... He had not come to be popular, an idea that is foreign to mankind as we seek acceptance and conformity, we like to be popular!
In the way - Mark 10:34
"And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem..." Here the Saviour sets his face steadfastly to go to Jerusalem where he would be taken and crucified. He begins to tell the disciples what will happen to him, and here is an amazing thing that the Lord knew all that men would do to him, and the terrible judgement he would bear for the sins of the world, yet he was ever "in the way", ever pressing on in the pathway that was laid out for him. As we read further down this passage we see that it is while he was in the way on that road to Jerusalem coming out of Jericho that he meets Blind Bartimaeus who of course went on to follow Jesus in the way. How touching to realise that the only time we read of the Saviour actually standing still is found here in Marks Gospel, the gospel of ceaseless activity and service! And what was it that caused this unique occasion? Why it was a blind beggar in the dust of the road! We think of our own position as sinners saved by grace and surely it stirs up our heart to thanks and praise to God for his grace in saving us.
In the press - Mark 5:25-34
The Saviour was sometimes by himself, sometime with just a few and of course very often with the multitudes. On this occasion it must have been particularly bad as "much people thronged him". Here we see the incident concerning the woman with the issue of blood who came to him in absolute faith in the healing power of Christ. Her faith of course was rewarded with instant blessing as she was healed immediately. What grace and compassion the Saviour demonstrates here, and how tenderly he deals with that woman! Notice that the woman was healed and could have gone on her way without ever actually meeting the Saviour, but I love to see that the Lord Jesus sought her out and had personal dealings with her, giving her those lovely words; "daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole, go in peace" What comfort those words must have brought to that woman!
There are many other examples we could include here but the purpose of this post is just to expand on a few by way of devotional thinking, to warm our hearts towards Christ and give thanks for him on this another Lords Day.
Yours in Christ,
Mark
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