The Life of Jesus in Mark: Identity
The Life of Jesus in Mark: Identity
Major Roy Johnson
USA Southern Territory
From the opening of the Gospel According to Mark, we might think that Mark was an impatient man, as he wastes no time with lengthy genealogies, purpose statements, salutations, accounts of Jesus’ nativity and childhood, nor does he propound on the theological significance of Jesus as John does. Instead, he simply bursts out of the starting gate with the central idea of his gospel - the identity of Jesus - and moves on with a sense of immediacy from one scene to another to describe who this “Christ the Son of God” (1:1) is. While Jesus is identified by many titles in Mark’s gospel - the Holy One of God (1:24); the bridegroom (1:19); Lord of the Sabbath (2:28); Son of the Most High God (5:7); the Nazarene, and the Son of David (10:47); the “Son of Man” (2:10) was Jesus’ favorite name for Himself. It was only used by Him and of Him. It’s a title used 84 times by Jesus in the four Gospels, 14 times in the Gospel of Mark, and is found only on the lips of Jesus. The significance of this term is that it is the only title applied to Jesus that stresses both His humanity and His divinity. This makes Him uniquely qualified to be the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). As the God-Man, He stands as the only One capable of bringing mankind to God, and God to mankind. No wonder Mark was in a hurry to tell his readers about Jesus, the Son of Man!
Mark highlights at least four occasions in which Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and the Son of God are revealed.
His Baptism -
The Unveiling (Mark 1:9-11)
Even though many were coming to be baptized by John (1:5), focus quickly turns to one who was identified as being mightier than John, and One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit instead of water. The uniqueness of this One is revealed by the opening of the heavens, the alighting of a dove, and the revelation of His unique relationship with the Father expressed by the words, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased. Jesus does not become the Son of God as a result of the baptism, but the words confirm the fact that He is and always has been the Son. All three of these actions are acknowledgements of God’s favor with Jesus, and call to remind us of three Old Testament passages with messianic implications: Genesis 22:2; Psalm 2:7; and, Isaiah 42:1.
His Transfiguration -
the Confirmation (9:1-13)
The deity of Jesus is confirmed again by three actions: the unveiling of Jesus’ glory through His radiant clothing and the Shekinah or cloud on the mountain; the attestation of Elijah and Moses; and once
again, through the voice expressing the unique relationship between the Father and the Son. Anyone familiar with the Torah in Mark’s day should have easily recognized the similarity between what happens here, and what occurred on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19). The presence of Moses and his conversation with Jesus is the proclamation that Jesus is the “greater prophet” who would come and is thereby an endorsement of Jesus’ messiahship as the One who would lead the second exodus. Elijah also serves as a confirmation that he was active in the ministry of John the Baptizer, and that the fulfillment of all things had arrived as a result. The stage was now set for the completion of Jesus’ mission.
His Testimony -
The Affirmation (Mark 14:61-62)
This is the moment that everyone had been waiting for, as throughout His ministry Jesus avoided the claim of messiahship, and even discouraged others from speaking about it (8:29-30). But now, He could no longer dodge the question. Caiaphas, the High Priest, laid down a simple “Yes” or “No” challenge before Jesus. He knew the hour had come when He had to move toward the Cross - this is what He came to do - and He responds with the truth: “I am.” He acknowledges that He indeed is the long-awaited Messiah, and quickly identifies Himself as the “Son of Man.” He immediately supports His claim to messiahship by referring to Psalm 110:1 and Daniel 7:13 - two messianic passages. There is now no further questions about His identity, as He has affirmed it publicly.
The Resurrection -
The Substantiation (Mark 16:1-7)
The identity of the Messiah had always been a question ever since it was presaged in the protoevangelium of Genesis 3:15; the prophecy of Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-19); the promise of a sign to Ahaz (Isaiah 7:14); the Servant referenced in Isaiah 42; and, Psalms 2, 8 and 110. With the arrival of Jesus, even those closest to Him struggled to understand who He was. Ironically, it’s the demons who understand His identity right away (1:24, 34; 3:11; 5:7). Jesus has to take His disciples on a journey to Caesarea Philippi in order for them come to know who He is. This is the climax of Jesus revelatory ministry with them disciples, as they finally grasp who He is. It’s only in the light of the Cross and the resurrection that Jesus’ Person and mission can truly be understood.
Our Corporate Prayer
Dear Lord, We thank You for You revealing Yourself through Christ. How could we truly know You without Him? How could we know the way of salvation, how could salvation even exist without what He has done for us? Thank You for Jesus, our Savior. In His precious name we pray. Amen.
Our Worldwide Prayer Meeting
Bangladesh Territory
Thinking it Through
There are many opinions today about who Jesus was and is. Why is it important that we have a clear understanding of who He is? How important is it that you share that with others?
Notable Quotables
Jesus is always Himself. He creates His own categories. He Himself gives the. light by which He can be known. - General Frederick Coutts
The beautiful hymn, "Fairest Lord Jesus" brings praise to the Lord we have been reading about. Enjoy this arrangement of it.