MARK SPEAKS OF GOD'S TOUCH

"TO MINISTER" Key verse, Mark 10,45

Read this little Gospel to learn more.

Mark, called John Mark, was Barnabas' nephew. His mother was one of the Mary's around Jesus, however the two men weren't brothers. Mark fell sick on a mission with Paul and later joined another team. Paul later learned to value Mark after his first disappointment.

We can see, from his Gospel, Mark as an observing, sensitive and loving person.

Mark was to Peter as Luke was to Paul. (Mark-Peter/ Luke- Paul)

This Gospel is small, covering only the seven years of Christ's ministry. Written between 57 and 63 A.D.

Mark's emphasis is Christ the Servant, elevating deeds over words.

Traditionally this Book has been pictured as an Ox. Man's servant. Contrast this with the Lamb, the Crown, And The Son.

Mark omits most of the teachings of Jesus. Most of the parables, the Good Shepherd, The Lord's prayer, the lost sheep, lost coin and the lost son.

However Mark tells us what other gospels leave out! The detail of the Ministry of Jesus' hands. Remember, the Evangelists claim to be on site witnesses. "We have seen and heard and handled Him."

Let me now direct your attention to a very few verses from Mark. You may not see Jesus in quite the same way again. While researching this material I further appreciated Jesus and loved Him a little more. This could happen to you. Remember the Holy Spirit is our Interpreter.

Think now of the picture you remember of Jesus with children.

Perhaps in your Bible or at Sunday school as a child, or something by Cecil B. DeMille. Can you describe such a scene where mothers brought children to Jesus? READ 10:13-16, THIS is how Mark saw Jesus. Not only a touch on the head or a sweeping gesture over the group, "Pax Vobiscum." But like the Good Shepherd, lifting the lamb and carrying it in His arms. I wrote cradled there, literally it says," Folded into His arms." He still says------------

You can imagine how those mothers loved Jesus!

The safest place there ever will be?

Courtesy of Grace R.

This is why Mark wrote his gospel and why I ask you to read it today.

GOD LOVES YOU.

This is not an oddity or an idea pulled out of context.

I have noted many references where only Mark has added Jesus' special touch to the story.

This is a similar scene. The Disciples are competing for greatness at Capernaum. Mark 9: 33-37 if you were to pose a scene for a camera or paint an illustration for this passage, would you put a child in Jesus arms? Would the child's arms be around His neck? (If a child puts up its arms to be picked up, and you do, expect a hug!)

WOULD YOU EMBRACE GOD?

Over and over, only Mark writes that Jesus ::::::::::::

Took her by the hand, lifted her up, and the fever left.

Healing a leper, Marks adds, moved with pity.

Jarius's daughter, Mark says Talitha cumi, little girl

At Jericho blind Bartimaeus is told, take heart He is calling for YOU.

When the donkey is borrowed for Jesus for Palm Sunday, "and will send it back immediately."

The blind man that Jesus healed privately, only Mark tells of this one-on -one interchange. And the follow up by the Master Physician.

Mark extends the healing of the epileptic boy to say," but Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up and he arose."

There are others.

Note: All four gospels include the crucifixion, resurrection and the second coming. ("Their individual threads, together, form the fabric of our faith.")

"To better know Christ and knowing him, Love Him."

Thus we please the Father.

Paradox: Only when we act like Humans do we look like God.