Mark

 

 

Some of the passages that are not covered here are because they also appear in Matthew therefore please refer to that section for further clarification.

 

1

 

v. 22 “amazement” A forceful word = to strike with intense amazement!

            There are two things that should be pointed out from this verse and sadly to say they are both negative comments.  Firstly, the people noted the difference in which Jesus spoke compared to the teachers of the law.  He spoke with authority and in doing so was able to captivate His audience.  An example to any teacher of the Bible that we believe in a Book of Life and it should be taught as such. 

            Secondly, however, note that the recipients while they were amazed they did not believe.  It is one thing to be impressed with doctrine and a speaker’s enthusiasm but it’s an entirely different matter for them to believe in what is being taught.  Sadly, such verse is a prime example and continues today.

Who better to interpret the scriptures than the One who wrote it? His Authority is shown clearly here.

 

2

 

v. 5 “whose faith?”

            It’s definitely worth noting the role played by the paralysed man in this miracle.  Firstly, it was they who cared about him enough to lower him through somebody’s roof.  Secondly, the man was not healed or saved by his own faith alone but also those of his friends.  It's without doubt an encouragement to those of us who have friends in need.  Christ listens to our cries for help even though the individual in question may not be crying for it. 

 

3

 

v. 6 “Herodians”

            These were a Jewish political party whose motives were to restore the line of the throne to Herod the Great.  Thus they were more than happy to join with the Pharisees in attempting to oust His position with the people, as He was a threat to their own ambitions. Not to religious purposes, but they now had a common enemy!

 

 

9

v.1 “the taste of death”

 

This passage is seen in context, which is actually in the right chronological order for once and it's fulfilment took place just 6 days later when Jesus took James, Peter and John up to the Mount of Transfiguration.  Therefore those who would not taste death, literally die, until they had seen something of the Kingdom (and the King!) were those three disciples.  They there saw the Glory of God shining through the person of their Lord Jesus Christ.  The Transfiguration was a foretaste of the coming Kingdom and Glory of God. (2 Peter 1:16 – 18)

 

13

 

v. 30 “generation”

Chapter 13 as Matthew 24 and 25 are in relation to the tribulation.  The context is Israel and the generation during that seven year period as found in the book of Revelation.  This is in relation to the second coming when Christ returns to the earth - not the Rapture.

 

14

 

v. 3 “an expensive anointing”

            While the ‘nard’, which was a precious anointment, was poured on His head, it’s also interesting that the jar used was also of value and this was broken adding to the value of the gift.

            There has been some debate as to whether the woman mentioned here is describing the same stories as those described in John and Luke.  It is thought that all three might have been separate occasions for the following reasons:

1.                  The story in Luke does not follow closely to the one here as it does not appear to be in Bethany, Christ’s feet were anointed and not His head and the actions took place in the house of a Pharisee. 

2.                  The story in John is told as occurring six days prior to the Passover whereas in Mark it indicates as occurring two days prior to the Passover.  Again His feet were anointed as opposed to His head and the anointer was Mary the sister of Lazarus.

The thought, therefore, is that the anointment of Christ could have occurred far more frequently than we imagine and while it could be argued that Christ’s comments are very similar in each account, there is nothing wrong with repetition in a lesson. 

 

16

 

v. 12 “a different form”

            This probably means another clothing, not identifiable, not recognisable for they had no idea whom this was until he brake the bread.

            Another thought too is that Jesus did have a different body after His resurrection.  Now it was more than flesh and blood as He could pass through locked doors.   His resurrection body would take another form as indeed ours will one day.