God of Action

The Gospel of Action: Jesus’s Authority in Mark

The Gospel of Mark is the story of a man of action. Written for a Roman audience that valued power and authority, Mark’s account of Jesus isn’t focused on long sermons, but on powerful deeds. Through a series of remarkable miracles, Mark shows us that Jesus’ authority is undeniable.

Let’s explore three key miracles that reveal his power over creation, demonic forces, and even death itself.

Authority Over Creation

In Mark 4, Jesus and his disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee when a sudden, violent storm threatens to sink their boat. While the disciples panic, Jesus is sound asleep in the stern. In their terror, they wake him, asking, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

Jesus wakes up and simply rebukes the wind and tells the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The storm stops immediately. The disciples are left in awe and fear, asking, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” This event shows Jesus’ complete authority over nature. He isn’t just a wise teacher; he’s a divine figure who can command the forces of the universe.

Authority Over Demonic Forces

Mark 5 introduces us to the Gerasene demoniac, a man so violently possessed by a “legion” of demons that no one could restrain him. He lived among the tombs, and the demons made him cry out and cut himself.

When Jesus arrives, the demons instantly recognize him and plead for mercy. They know who he is and acknowledge his authority. Jesus casts the demons out of the man and into a herd of pigs, which then rush into the sea and drown. The once-possessed man is left completely healed and restored to his right mind. This powerful miracle proves Jesus has ultimate authority over all spiritual forces of evil.

Authority Over Death

Finally, in Mark 5, we witness Jesus’ authority over death. A synagogue leader named Jairus pleads with Jesus to heal his dying daughter. On the way, news arrives: “Your daughter is dead.”

Despite the mourners and the ridicule, Jesus reassures Jairus, saying, “Do not fear, only believe.” He enters the room where the girl lies, takes her by the hand, and simply says, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” She immediately gets up and walks.

This miracle is the ultimate display of Jesus’ power. It shows he has authority not only over sickness, but over death itself—the final enemy.

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus’ miracles are not just random acts of kindness. They are powerful demonstrations of his identity as the Son of God, with absolute authority over all of creation, evil, and death. He is a man of action whose deeds speak louder than any words.