A Light to the Nations

In this episode we continue our reading of the Gospel of Mark, covering Chapter 1:9-14. Although Mark had introduced his work as the Gospel of Jesus, calling him “the Christ” and “the Son of God” he qualifies both of these titles, which are parallel, by the phrase, as it is written in the prophets. Mark is telling his hearers that they cannot understand Jesus as Christ/Son of God, in just any old way, but exclusively according to Scripture, and specifically its second part, the prophets. And Mark uses both Isaiah and Ezekiel as his touchstones. Mark’s expression that Jesus “comes from Nazareth of Galilee,” as well as his mention of Jordan as the location of Jesus’ baptism connects Jesus, via Isaiah, to the mission to the Gentiles. In Mark, Jesus as a teacher, the use of parables to teach, and the title Son of Man are all connected in that they have their source in Ezekiel. 

Notes:
Isaiah 1:9
ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον - he was speaking to them the word 
Mark 3:7
Ezekiel 1:1
Mark 4:33-34
ἐγένετο - it came to pass, it happened 
ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις - in those days 
Mark 13:24-27
ἀγαπητός - beloved 
εὐθὺς - straightway, immediately 
εὐθείας - straight
רוּחַ - spirit
Ezekiel 1:7, 12

“Sing A New Song Unto Me” performed by Raphael Shaheen.
“Voodoo Who” performed by The Flesh.
Photo by Ron Lach : https://www.pexels.com/photo/orthodox-icon-of-jesus-christ-baptism-scene-10619928/