Near the end of the Second Temple period a leader arose in the Galilee who announced the coming of God’s Kingdom. He called the people of Israel to turn from their sins and to place their trust in God. During his ministry multitudes answered this call, and followed him. They were transformed by the power and authority of Jesus of Nazareth.
Today his influence and transforming power continue to impact millions around the world. Despite this, he remains a puzzling figure in many cultures and nations. The Gospel according to Mark is an eye witness account of Jesus’ life. It vividly captures his teachings, deeds and power. The central question which Mark addresses in his Gospel is: Who is Jesus?
Jesus’ true identity is revealed through the demonstration of his matchless authority. He began his mission in the Galilee and proclaimed: “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”
Jesus demonstrated that the Kingdom was at hand: He taught with unparalleled authority, he cast out unclean spirits by the power of his word, he healed all who came to him, and commanded the winds and the sea. He even raised a young girl from the dead solely by the power of his word: “Talitha, kumi!”
Most of the political and religious authorities in Galilee opposed Jesus, but he was widely popular among the common people. Jerusalem, however, was the center of opposition to his ministry. In order to complete his mission he had to go up to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover.
On the way to Jerusalem he taught his disciples about the nature of God’s Kingdom and the purpose of his ministry:
“You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:42—45
Jesus commanded his disciples to serve one another, just as he served them. He warned them that he would be rejected in Jerusalem, handed over to the Romans, and crucified. For he came “to give His life as a ransom for many.” That is, he came to give his life to set us free from slavery to sin and reconcile us to God:
“For Messiah also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”
1 Peter 3:18
On the third day after his crucifixion Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to his disciples. Only in light of his resurrection did his disciples come to a full understanding of his identity and mission as the promised Messiah and Son of God.
The book “Talitha, kumi!” presents selected portions from the Gospel according to Mark which depict Jesus’ teachings, miracles, trial, death and resurrection. Each portion is followed by an explanation which explores the authority and identity of Jesus. This is an invitation to discover Jesus’ true identity and encounter his transformative power.
