The Book of Mark
Chapter 1 (NIV)
1The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
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5 comments:
I love how simply and directly this gospel begins. It is about "Jesus Christ, the Son of God." Amazing that Mark so explicitly states that Jesus is the Son of God. We take that statement/description so for granted now. Yet it is a title that even Jesus did not take on openly during his lifetime - because the statement was so inflammatory. He called himself the Son of Man. His ministry wouldn't have lasted one day, much less three years, if he had openly stated such a thing. It was considered extreme blasphemy. The Jewish people had such reverence for God, that they wouldn't even try to make a physical depiction of Him. He was so great, that He could not even be named. God could not be captured in carved stone or paint, or anything made by human hands. How could such an Awesome God be contained or debased in human flesh?
I truly believe it is our modern day indifference about God that is our greatest challenge. C.S. Lewis once said that one must never say that Jesus was a good man, if one doesn't believe he was the Son of God. He would then be a monstrous liar or insane. People can be blase about Jesus simply being a good teacher or prophet, but not really the Son of God - only because people are not really taking in the full meaning and consequence of such a claim. If anyone does truly meditate upon and take in the full weight of that claim, they would have to either become deeply enraged or incredibly humbled.
Amazing that Mark starts off with such a blunt, inflammatory sentence. How bold and courageous the Christians have become! This book is said to be written by John Mark, an associate of Peter. Thus this gospel is taken from Peter's sermons. It is not written in chronological order but is accurately preserved sermons of Peter that are shaped by Mark into this gospel
Finally, this statement is also puzzling to me. Honestly, I don't fully understand the concept of the trinity. Jesus is God, but also the Son of God? There is only one God, but he is made of three parts? Why only three parts? Why not an infinite number? Why not say then that we are all a part of God or that God is found in all things (leading to the worship of animals and natural objects)? The concdept of a holy trinity could be the start of a slippery slope. And why wasn't this Holy Trinity ever mentioned before in the Old Testament. The Old Testament is adament that God is only One.
I'm struck by the "documentary" tone of this first sentence. This passage appears to be written not as a letter or opinion piece but as a historical record. The approach is modest, understated, factual. We would understand if the greatest message to ever be told started in a more attention-grabbing manner. But as always, nothing speaks more clearly and loudly and compellingly than the simple truth.
The historical context in SJ's comment makes me realize and appreciate even more how much strength and courage it took for someone to write down the first sentence of this first book of the gospel. It's funny (actually, it's not funny at all really) to think that the history of mankind seems to have always been driven by men's passionate yearning for --yet absolute fear of -- the truth. The argument that CS Lewis makes regarding the secular view of Jesus is the perfect example of this. The truth is that Jesus was either right or wrong. Saying that Jesus was a good man isn't a logical option, however it remains the prevailing notion among non-believers. Clearly, people aren't wanting to face the truth.
By the way, like SJ, I'm still trying to understand all the various issues and nuances relating to the Trinity, "Son of Man," "the Word," etc.
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, (A)the Son of God. (NASB)
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (KJV)
This is the introduction as John the Baptist prepares the Way...- For all of us who believe in Christ, there is always a beginning to believe in the good news (gospel) and to live according to it. On many occasions, we go through a period of drought in our Christian lives, though we start with a lots of passion and confidence in the beginning. But we should think about what really mean s for to have begun a life with Christ - the son of God, who through His blood and His word, sets us free. We should pray every day for new passion and enthusiasm to get to know Christ more....
The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Yes! The center piece of the Bible, the main character our one and only savior Jesus Christ, the Son of God truly is the best good news for everyone! Jesus Christ is the best representation of God's love to us and no doubt that this should be the beginning of the gospel.
I too had trouble with the trinity concept. I guess I could still ask different questions regarding this matter. Before believing Jesus Christ as the Son of God, I always thought WHAT?! if Jesus is the Son of God and still God, why is he praying to himself?
What I realized now is that Jesus is God but also a human.
The way I understand it is that Holy Spirit and Jesus is part of God and used to work with us. Due to my current environment, I cant lay out my thoughts effectively. I'll definitely share my thoughts this Friday.
But Suejin, I believe questioning with a purpose to learn/understand more about God is a good thing. Because it forces ourselves to think and continue to build that relationship rather than staying in a neutral state where things become more of a mindless/heartless job/work/duty rather than building on the relationship. To me it is more dangerous when we stop wanting to know more about God.
Also, focusing back to our verse of the day, it truly was remarkable how I said the exact same thing as others in the gospel have when I received the Holy Spirit... that Jesus Christ, truly you are the Son of God.
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