What Do You Expect Following Jesus Looks Like?
We started our journey through Mark with a question, “Have you ever been “selected” to do something that you weren’t thinking of doing, or had thought about it and were intimidated, or outright did not want to do it at all?”
My imagination caused me to wonder aloud if Mark had been selected to write the first account of Jesus. Perhaps I was having a bit of fun.
Perhaps. But if you’ve come through Mark’s Gospel, then you’ve experienced his purposes.
Mark had two. First to introduce you to Jesus, and the Son of Man—Son of God. Second to show us the road to discipleship.
Mark’s Gospel does not end with grand scenes of Jesus risen. Rather it ends with the fact that Jesus is risen, and his orders to “Go!”.
Throughout Mark’s Gospel, he has always been pushing us forward. He has been driving us to a deeper understanding of what following Jesus will mean. He has been urgent about us accepting this call to both know and follow Jesus. His favorite word, “immediately”, is still ringing in our ears.
Yet we must also take hold of what we have read. How has Mark portrayed the manner in which the people believed or did not believe that Jesus was God? How has Mark portrayed the manner in which Jesus was treated? What has Mark put on the lips of Jesus when the disciples want to be the greatest?
Mark has consistently told us what the path of following Jesus looks like.
Which brings me to a short and simple question.
There is no need for a long post today. In fact, we all need some time to reflect.
Have you sensed, as you’ve read Mark’s account, that God is inviting you to take this path of discipleship? And, if you are currently on this narrow road, where is he leading you today?
Finally, if you have at some time runaway…no worries…turn back. I have a strong suspicion that the author Mark is in 14:52!