After Jesus calmed the storm his disciples
say, "Who is this? Even the wind and sea obey him"
(Mark 4:41). This is the most important
question in the Gospels.
At the beginning of Mark the Answer to
this question is given. Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah (1:1).
But what do these titles mean? As well as these several other titles are also
used.
1. Common opinions are mentioned (Mark 6:14-15,
8:28).According to one view Jesus is a famous person come back to Life,
such as Elijah or John the Baptist. According to another view Jesus is a
prophet like one of the ancient prophets. According to all these views Jesus is
only a prophet.
2. The opinions of Jesus friends and
disciples are mentioned. Many call Jesus teacher or rabbi (Mark 5:35,
9:17, 10:41). The disciples also use these titles to describe Jesus (Mark
4:38,9:5,9:38, 11:21, 13:1). Though Jesus has not had a rabbi's training
they accept him as a rabbi. However, the disciples understand that Jesus is
someone greater then a rabbi. "Who is this?" they ask (Mark 4:41).
They know that a rabbi cannot perform such an action.
Near Caesarea Philippi Peter says.
"You are the Messiah" (Mark 8:29). In Peter's view Jesus is the King whom
God had promised. In saying this peter giving testimony about Jesus but he does
not understand the full meaning of Messiah.
Others too think that Jesus is a King. The
blind beggar Bartimaeus calls Jesus the Son of David (Mark 10:47,48) and when Jesus
enters Jerusalem the crowd that welcome his says "Blessed is he who comes
in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father
David" (Mark 11:9-10).
3. The opinions of Jesus enemies are mentioned. They know that Jesus
is not just a man. We are surprised that his enemies accept this point. They
have seen Jesus casting out demons. So they say that "through the ruler of
the demons he casts out demons" (Mark 3:22). Their explanation is wrong but
they know that it is not possible to do such an act though human power.
Among Jesus enemies are the unclean spirits and demons All
these also know Jesus is. They know that Jesus is the Holy One of God and the
Son of God (Mark 1:24,3:11,5:7). Though Jesus does not want to receive
testimony them their information is correct.
4. Jesus own opinion is recorded. Many
times he calls himself the Son of man. This title has several meanings.
1. In Mark chapter 2 this title shows Jesus authority: as Son
of man he exerises authority by forgiving sin(2:10) and authority over the
Sabbath day (2:28).
2. The future glory of the Son of man is referred to: he will
come in glory (Mark 8:38,13:26)
3. As Son of man Jesus must suffer and be killed (Mark 8:31,
9:12,9:31, 10:33-34,10:45).
Jesus
Knows that by suffering and being glorified he will fulfill Daniel 7:13-14
and Isaiah
53:4-5.
5. The viewpoint of the author of the
Gospel is mentioned. According to Mark Jesus is Son of God and Messiah (Mark 1:1).
These title are used many times : Son of God or simply son (Mark
1:1,1:11,3:11,5:7,9:7,12:6,14:61-62, 15:39), Messiah (Mark
1:1,10:47-48,11:10,15:26,15:32).
By using these titles Mark shows that Jesus has authority and
power which come from God. At the same time Mark knows that Jesus must suffer.
Though he is king, nevertheless he must give his life to pay the price of
redemption for many (Mark 10:45). Though he is the Son of God.
Nevertheless on only occasion is his true glory clearly seen (Mark 9:2-8).
Spiritual insight is needed to understand the truth about Jesus.
Quiz
Write Jesus Correct Title:
1.
In the opinion of the man called legion
Jesus is …………………………..of the most high……………………… .
2.
Jesus the …………………. Of ………………………,must
suffer many things die on the cross.
3.
Jesus the …………….of ……………………. ,enters
Jerusalem riding on a donkey.
4.
The
centurion can see that Jesus was the ………………………of……………………………. .
5.
Jesus the ………………………….of ……………………………………
,will come with power and glory.
True or False?
1.
While Jesus is on earth he must suffer
many things.
2.
While Jesus is on earth he is a powerful
king.
3.
Jesus is a king who servers.
4.
Jesus is the Servant of the Lord who gives
his Life.
5.
Jesus is both David's Lord and David's
son.
