The Apocalypse of Mark - Missed Connection Series

The Apocalypse of Mark - Missed Connection Series

Introduction to Mark's Gospel and its Old Testament Roots

Today's Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship delves into the Gospel of Mark, positioning it within a broader biblical narrative that connects the New Testament back to the Old Testament. The speaker, potentially Matthew Vander Els, highlights the "Missed Connection" series, which aims to uncover these links. The Gospel of John was previously discussed, noting its subtle allusions to Israel's history, keeping the focus primarily on Jesus Christ (Yeshua).

Moving to Mark, the speaker points out its brevity compared to Matthew and Luke, and the scholarly theory suggesting Mark might be the earliest Gospel account, serving as a foundation for the others. Mark's narrative begins with a sense of urgency to proclaim the events it describes. This isn't just a simple story about a rabbi, his healing ministry, his crucifixion, and resurrection, or a new way of living out God's Torah. Instead, Mark's proclamation centers on the apocalyptic vision of Isaiah, where God's presence, new creation, and kingdom come crashing into the earth, forever changing it.

Unlike Matthew and Luke, Mark is more reserved in his overt connections to the Old Testament, similar to John's approach. The speaker explains that Mark assumes the reader already understands the overarching story and narrative of the Hebrew Bible. The story of Israel begins in slavery in Egypt, their covenant with God at Mount Sinai and the giving of the Torah. However, the speaker emphasizes that Israel's history quickly takes a downward turn, illustrated by the book of Judges, where the people lose focus on God's character. This culminates in a period where individuals believed they were serving God but acted contrary to His will. The narrative progresses through the united kingdom under Saul, David, and Solomon, reaching a peak with the construction of the Temple.

However, Israel then becomes fixated on wealth and power, mirroring Egypt, leading to exile by the Assyrians and Babylonians. Even after their return, they remained under foreign rule, experiencing oppression under the Persians, Greeks, Maccabees, and finally the Romans during the time of Jesus. This historical backdrop of repeated oppression and a longing for deliverance is crucial for understanding the scene Mark sets. When Jesus sees the people, Mark 6:34 notes their state as "sheep without a shepherd," highlighting their hopelessness after centuries of subjugation. Mark's central objective is to present Jesus as the long-awaited king, the Messiah, who will shepherd this displaced people.

Isaiah's Prophetic Prayer and Mark's Gospel as God's Answer

The teaching then shifts to Isaiah 63 and 64, focusing on a poetic, prophetic prayer expressing a yearning for God's intervention. Isaiah cries out, questioning God's apparent withdrawal and the trampling of the sanctuary by enemies. The powerful plea, "Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down" (Isaiah 64:1), encapsulates this desperate longing. The Hebrew word "kera" used here signifies a violent tearing or shredding.

The speaker clarifies that apocalyptic literature isn't about the end of the world, but rather a revealing. It's a style using explosive metaphor to unveil unseen realities. Isaiah's prayer for God to violently tear open the heavens to reveal His redemptive power sets the stage for Mark's Gospel. In Mark 1:9-11, at Jesus' baptism, Mark uses the Greek word "schizo," meaning to be shredded or ripped apart, to describe the heavens opening. This contrasts with Matthew and Luke, who use milder terms like "parted" or "opened."

This deliberate choice of language suggests that Mark specifically has Isaiah's prophecy in mind. Mark's Gospel can be seen as God's answer to Isaiah's intercessory prayer. The tearing of the heavens and the descent of the Spirit upon Jesus signify the beginning of God's eschatological work of deliverance, the return of the King to rule over Israel. This fulfills the expectations built up over centuries through the Old Testament prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Malachi about a coming king and kingdom. Despite the return from exile, the people still felt enslaved in their own land, awaiting the fulfillment of these promises: a greater exodus, a new king, and the manifestation of God's kingdom on earth.

The True Meaning of the Gospel: God's Kingdom Come

The speaker emphasizes that the gospel is "good news". However, its definition has been unfortunately narrowed down to merely saying a prayer to get into heaven. According to Jesus' own words in Mark 1:14-15, the good news is about "a time being fulfilled and heaven coming to earth. God's kingdom is here". This aligns with the Lord's Prayer: "Your kingdom come." Jesus demonstrated what it looks like when heaven invades earth, not how to escape it.

The Greek word for good news, "euangelion," is related to a verb in the Greek Old Testament announcing a military victory. Examples include the news of Absalom's death brought to David (1 Samuel 18:31 in the Septuagint) and Isaiah 52:7, which speaks of those who bring good news, proclaim peace, and say to Zion, "Your God reigns." In Isaiah 52:8, the good news is identified as "The Lord is returning to Zion".

Mark, in his first chapter, referencing Isaiah 40:3, establishes that his account of Jesus is centered on this very good news of God's kingdom drawing near. Jesus proclaims, "The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news" (Mark 1:15). In a world often perceived as dark and filled with oppression, Mark declares that God has broken through to claim victory through His kingdom.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Recognize God's Active Presence: Understand that God is not distant but has actively intervened in the world through Jesus, tearing through the barriers that separate humanity from Him.
• Embrace the True Gospel: Focus on the good news of God's kingdom coming to earth, rather than solely on personal salvation as an escape from earth.
• Pray for Enemies: Follow Jesus' example by praying for those who oppose or harm you, seeking their blessing, peace, and freedom from spiritual darkness, rather than their defeat.
• Embody Christ's Love: Strive to reflect Jesus' character in your daily interactions, becoming His representative in the world, showing love and compassion to all, even the marginalized.
• Fight Spiritual Battles Through Prayer: Recognize that the primary struggles are spiritual and engage in prayer as a powerful weapon against darkness, rather than resorting to worldly means.
• Live as Kingdom Citizens: Understand that as believers, you are already part of God's kingdom and act as ambassadors, representing His love and truth in your sphere of influence.
• Focus on God's Promises: In times of difficulty, remember the Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in Jesus, trusting in God's faithfulness and the ultimate victory of His kingdom.
• Examine Your Heart: Reflect on your own desires and whether you truly long for God's justice and kingdom to come in a way that might challenge your own comfort and privilege.
• Seek Deeper Understanding of Scripture: Like the "Missed Connection" series, actively seek to understand the links between the Old and New Testaments to gain a richer understanding of God's plan.
• Depend on God's Strength: When facing weariness and challenges, remember Isaiah 40:31 and place your hope in the Lord to renew your strength.

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