Reading Notes: Gospel of Mark

As a Christian, it was awesome to have the option to read the Gospel of Mark for this class. There were several awesome stories and parables in Unit A. First and foremost, Mark, Chapter 1, features John the Baptist. He is said to be "clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and honey." I thought this was a pretty interesting visual description of John as he was foretelling Jesus' coming.

The next thing that caught my eye was just the craziness of the quantity of miracles performed by Jesus. Without even mentioning how incredible the acts were. So many people healed of afflictions like diseases, blindness, muteness, and paralysis. He even raised a young girl from the dead. It always amazes me when Jesus walks on water, but my favorite part about it is how it seems like no big deal that He is just strolling across a raging sea. The disciples were astonished, but Jesus was confused at why they were all so surprised. It made me chuckle. 

Beyond all the crazy miracles that Jesus had already performed, He also fed thousands of people with a couple baskets of fish and bread. Five thousand people had been following Him around when Jesus and the disciples determined the people were probably really hungry! They had five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus blessed the food and dispersed it to the masses of hungry followers. When all was said and done they had twelve baskets of fish and bread. I am no mathematician, but I am pretty sure that is more food than they started with. Even if it was less food than they started with, they still spread it over FIVE THOUSAND people. I can almost eat five loaves of bread and two fish when I go to Red Lobster (Have you ever had those cheddar biscuits? They are to die for.). Anyway, the magnitude of this miracle is fascinating to me. The greatest thing about it is the fact that He does it again two chapters later. 

I am thankful for the inclusion of the Bible in this class. As a Christian student it makes me happy to see my faith included in classes - even if it is in "Mythology and Folklore".

Jesus feeding 5000 - Flickr.com

The Apostle Mark, The Gospel of Mark, Mark Ch. 1-9