Series Introduction: Jesus was truly human, as well as truly divine (Philippians 2:5–11). He is the one who shows us what true humanity looks like. Jesus came that we might have life, and life to the full (John 10:10). For a long while, I thought that meant a full life after I die. However, the more I learn about Jesus and his mission, I see that he came to model a flourishing life on earth, that continues into eternity. Christianity is not merely a set of beliefs, or even just a set of behaviours based on beliefs. It is a way of life, but more than that, it is a way of becoming. Over the next 14 days we will examine the Gospel of Mark, to see how Jesus shows us what it means to become a flourishing human being.
Reflection: Human flourishing begins with repentance
Mark is identified widely as John Mark (mentioned in Acts 12–15), who met Peter as he came out of prison, and accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys. He is believed to be Mark, cousin of Barnabas, affirmed by Paul (Colossians 4:10 and 2 Timothy 4:11), and commended by Peter (1 Peter 5:13). Although he was not an eyewitness of Jesus’ life, it is accepted that Mark is capturing Peter’s account of Jesus.
The book begins with Jesus identified as the Messiah, the anointed one, who Isaiah outlines as bringing flourishing to every area of our lives (see Isaiah 61). Both John the Baptist and Jesus start their preaching with a call to repentance. The Greek word used is metanoia, which means a new way of looking at the world. Literally it means a changed mind and heart. It is a fundamentally different way of understanding God, yourself, other people, and the world. No wonder the immediate response to repentance was baptism, with the whole body washed clean.
Jesus adds that the context for this new way of seeing is that the kingdom of God is drawing near. This is truly good news. Jesus is ushering in a new era which changes our way of seeing our relationship with God and the world. It is a new way of understanding how our story is linked with God’s big story of creation, fall, Jesus’ coming, looking forward to the new creation.
As well as repenting, Jesus tells us to believe – but this is not merely saying “yes” in your head. With all relationships, belief is linked to trust. We are to say to Jesus: “I believe in you. I trust you with my whole life.”
Are you trusting Jesus with every area of your life? Does faith change the way you see everything?
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for sending John the Baptist, who prepared the way for King Jesus to come and establish his kingdom on earth. Thank you for the invitation to perceive differently. Help me to be washed clean of everything that might distract me in my relationship with you, and help me to focus my heart on loving you in every area of my life. Amen.