Jan 30, 2024
Imagine the mystery and delight of not just hearing, but seeing the story of Jesus for the first time, almost as an eyewitness.
That's what happened to a tribe in the jungles of East Asia when missionaries showed them the Jesus film. Not only had these people never heard of Jesus, they had never seen a motion picture. Then, on one unforgettable evening, they saw it all—the gospel in their own language, visible and real.
Imagine again how it felt to see this good man, Jesus, who healed the sick and was adored by children, held without trial and beaten by jeering soldiers. As they watched this, the people came unglued. They stood up and began to shout at the cruel men on the screen, demanding that this outrage stop.
When nothing happened, they attacked the missionary running the projector. Perhaps he was responsible for this injustice! He was forced to stop the film and explain that the story wasn't over yet; there was more. So they settled back onto the ground, holding their emotions in tenuous check.
Then came the crucifixion. Again, the people could not hold back. They began to weep and wail with such loud grief that, once again, the film had to be stopped. The missionary again tried to calm them, explaining that the story still wasn't over; there was more. So they composed themselves and sat down to see what happened next.
Then came the resurrection. Pandemonium broke out this time, but for a different reason. The gathering had spontaneously erupted into a party. The noise now was of jubilation, and it was deafening. The people were dancing and slapping each other on the back. Christ is risen, indeed!
Again the missionary had to shut off the projector; this time he didn't tell them to calm down and wait for what was next. All that was supposed to happen—in the story and in their lives—was happening. (Source: Ben Patterson, "Resurrection and Pandemonium," Leadership Journal)
Can you imagine experiencing Jesus for the very first time in
such a unique and powerful way? This is Mark's goal as he writes
his account of Jesus of Nazareth; he wants his readers to be
introduced to Jesus in such a way that their lives are changed
forever.
This is one of the reasons Mark's Gospel is short, action-packed
and focused on answering this one question: Who is
Jesus? Mark knows that if his readers learn that Jesus is
King, it will provide them with someone to lead them through life.
Mark also know that if his readers understand that Jesus is God's
Son, they will be able to find forgiveness and relationship with
God. These are just two examples of how Mark strives to answer the
question: Who is Jesus?
Do you know Jesus? To see Jesus with fresh eyes, give a listen to
part three of Come, Follow, Me.