Mark emphasises the humanity of Jesus in a number of texts, so that Christians today can find it easy, if they are in a troubled situation, to relate to Jesus. For example, in the Calming of the Storm, the storm represents a troubled moment, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let us go across the other side of the lake’, this is where he wants to be alone which is much like a human when they may be tired, ‘Jesus was in the back of the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow’ The calming of the Storm), this indicates that Jesus was tired and was in need of rest, and lastly he shows his annoyance when his disciples ask him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we are about to die?’. He answers after calming the storm in annoyance is, ‘Why are you frightened? Have you still no faith?’ Yet he has extraordinary power, Jesus teaches Christians today that if you have faith in him and pray to him, then he will guide you through a difficult time in your life and we can also relate to him. But also in Mark’s gospel, Jesus shows Christians his divine side, again in the Calming of the Storm when he actually calms the storm, only God has the powers to do this. Mark tries to interact both his human and divine sides of Jesus in all of the passages. It is key that he doesn’t emphasise just one or the other, as it could mean that he was human or that he was God with no human feeling.
Another example of how Christians can relate to Jesus is when he says to his disciples, ‘Let us rest for a while.’ The passage later says that ‘So they started out in a boat by themselves for a lonely place.’ (Both from the Calming of the Storm). These two quotations portray Jesus’ human qualities with his want to be alone. Another quotation that also portrays Jesus’ human qualities and that help Christians today relate to him is, ‘And his heart was filled with pity for them.’ He fills sympathy for those who have followed him just to hear his teachings. Jesus shows his divine side when Jesus asks his disciple, ‘How much bread have you got?’ His disciples reply, ‘Five loaves and two fish.’ Jesus manages to feed 5000 hungry people and still they leave leftovers. Only God would be able to use his powers to feed 5000 with not much food, ‘Everyone ate and had enough. Then the disciples took up twelve baskets full of what was left of the bread and fish.’ (The feeding of the 5000).
The second title I chose also has three main passages that can be represented with the title Son of God. They are The Trial before the High Priest, The Transfiguration and The Baptism.
The Baptism, although a very short passage, displays many ideas that support the worshipping of God. It shows that Jesus is the beloved. When Jesus, after being baptised by John in the Jordan, rose from out of the water, ‘He saw heaven opening and the Spirit coming down on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.”(The Baptism). There is a very important things that have happened here. Firstly, Jesus has been confirmed as the Son of God, as the messiah as all the members of the Trinity are present, and secondly, the spirit came down on him like a dove, which is significant as that shows that all three members of the Trinity are present. This is important to Christians today as this confirms to them that Jesus is the Son of God.
Jesus, through this title shows us his true identity. The Transfiguration illustrates this, ‘As they looked on, a change came over Jesus, and his clothes became shinning white- whiter than anyone in the world could wash them.’ (The Transfiguration) This clearly shows the true identity of Jesus shown in all its glory. This is important to Christians today as this passage shows Christians both his divine and human side, and also the importance to keep faith.
Lastly, both these titles have one message. The message for Son of God is that it best describes the close relationship between God and Jesus, the father and son relationship, which is used by many people today including Christians. It also best describes the worship that is vitally important to Christian today.
