Mark: Journeying With JesusEsimerkki

Mark records two major events in the beginning of his book. In Mark 4:37-41, Jesus and his followers are in a boat on the lake of Galilee. There’s a furious storm. Imagine yourself in the boat for a moment. Huge waves crashing over you. Wind like you’ve never experienced in your life. Pure fear. Jesus says, “Peace, be still.” (Mark 4:39) In just three words, the furious wind and the huge waves become calm, and still. In Mark 5:35-42, Jairus, a Jewish synagogue leader, comes to ask Jesus to heal his 12 year old daughter who is dying. A messenger later arrives with the news that the girl has died. Now imagine yourself as Jairus. All hope seems to be lost as you realize it’s too late for Jesus to come. Pure powerlessness. Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:36) What kind of a man is able to say this to a grieving father? It’s either the voice of a man who is spectacularly misguided, or the voice of one who is supremely confident of his own power. Jesus has already shown his power and authority over nature, evil spirits and illness – and he knows that he has authority over death as well. It would seem foolish and cruel coming from anyone else. And so Mark leaves us with a question: Who is this man? Even at this early stage, Jesus divided opinions. Some people were amazed by him, while others were enraged. REFLECT | Is there anything from these two historical accounts that intrigues or puzzles you about Jesus?