Getting Started
Mark has a nice short version of how Jesus began his ministry.
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” - Mark 1:9-15
Jesus was baptized by John. They Holy Spirit descended upon him. He went into the desert to be tempted by Satan, and then after John was Arrested, Jesus went to Galilee proclaiming the Good News.
Wow!
Short and sweet and to the point.
That's why Mark's Gospel is the shortest. He wastes no time or words.
It reads like a resume more than a story, and like a resume, it probably raised a few questions among those who heard it. The desire to hear more may be a natural reaction to the hearing of this Gospel.
So, what would the reader or teller have said?
We can look to the other Gospels for a clue, since they give us more to the story. Were they elaborations of Mark or was Mark a "Cliff Notes" version of their stories?
When we remember the stories of Jesus, we tend to combine what we have heard from several of the Gospel accounts into one story.
If we were going to go out into the world and talk about Jesus, that is what we would most likely do.
Oh, yes, there are those who can quote chapter and verse, or diagram the differences between and among the Gospels, but to the average listener or student, does that really matter?
I must admit that when I first attended Bible Study, I was impressed by the knowledge of the guys I studied with. They could quote chapter and verse and even explain various commentaries.
But what I heard was new, and it was a wonder.
Did everyone hear God call Jesus His son?
How could Jesus last forty days without water or food?
Why was John arrested?
What does it mean that the Kingdom of God has come near?
Mark gives us enough of the story for us to want to ask questions, and I think that is a good thing.
We need to be intrigued, engaged, and excited about what we are learning about Jesus and God. And if we don't have questions, we aren't interested.
Our mission as Christians, therefore, is to create interest and excitement about Jesus.
The world is dying to know.
More to come...