Introduction to Mark's Gospel Mark 1:40-45

Gospel reading for Sunday February 12th 2012 Mark 1:40-45

Welcome to Gospel Reflections for 2012. I will again follow the practice of reflecting on the assigned official lectionary readings for the Sunday immediately ahead. This year we will be following the readings from lectionary Year B in the three-year cycle, which predominately focuses on Mark's Gospel.

Mark's Gospel jumps right into Jesus' ministry without any Christmas narrative, so the lectionary has detoured into other Gospels for much of the last two months. We have really only just got started on the Mark readings in the last couple of weeks. The specific reading for next Sunday is the healing of a man with leprosy, but I would like to step back and take a look at the general opening to the gospel, with some background and overview comments added in.

Mark was an insignificant character in the New Testament. He was reportedly very closely associated with Peter during the early years of the church in the first century. He is first referred to a few times in the books of Acts (mainly chapters 12 and 13), as well as there being passing references in other books Colossians 4:10, Philemon 1:24, 2 Timothy 4:11 and 1 Peter 5:13. Mark's Gospel is sometimes referred to as Peter's Gospel, because it is thought that he wrote the book on the basis of the preaching of Peter. There is a roughness, vividness and a definite urgency in Mark's general style of writing. He uses the word immediately 42 times, while the word is hardly used in the other gospels. There is a strong emphasis on highlighting the authority of Jesus, which is quite evident in the opening chapter.

For me there is something quite profound in the first chapter which we can take with us into the start of a new school year: (see verses 35-39)  In the midst of extreme busyness, Jesus gets up extra early to take time out to pray. If Jesus of all people needs to do this, how much more do we need to set aside time to spend with God? What do we do when we are "under the pump" - try to catch a bit of extra sleep maybe?

The other incredible message for us as school leaders is to do with modelling. Note that Jesus does not say ..."hey common you blokes, go off and find a quiet place - you should be setting time aside to pray."  Jesus simply models! He shows by example. That's a huge part of what spiritual leadership is about - modeling - showing by example. Lutheran Schools are places where we show people Jesus. Often that is more effectively done, not by standing on soap-boxes and sprouting words - but simply by showing people Jesus through our actions.

Have a great year!

Nev