In Mark 14:3-9, another woman gave what she had, that which was most precious to her, in service to the Lord. She denied herself and gave her very own costly ointment to prepare for the burial of Jesus. Even though the disciples scolded her (another opportunity lost!), Jesus protects her and puts her before them and the whole world (!) as an example of self-denying service to the Savior who sowed his gospel seed in her heart. The good soil gives freely what it has received from above.

The life of the Christian is the self-denying, Savior-adoring life. We say no to ourselves for what is best. And, yes, you are not what is best for yourself. We exchange the false glory of ourselves for the glory of Christ. Mark illustrates the self-denying servant at least eight times in his Gospel. In this final post, Mark encourages us through his own Hall of Faith.

Mark begins his Gospel highlighting his mentor’s mother-in-law as an example of a heart that has received the Word with joy and fruit. Yes, even mothers-in-law can demonstrate loyalty to Jesus! (Please know this is a joke. I also love my mother-in-law!) In Mark 1:31, Peter’s mother-in-law is ill, and Jesus heals her. Her immediate response is service. Indeed, the language used of her action was used earlier in that chapter in reference to the angels ministering/serving Jesus (1:13). Service is the fruit of the seed sown in well-prepared soil.

Later in the chapter we encounter a leper (1:40-45). He pleads for mercy from the Messiah, knowing that if Jesus is willing, he can heal the unclean man. Jesus, moved with pity, touches and cleanses the man. The man, moved with joy, rushes to the priest to be declared clean, so that he can declare to everyone what miracle had been done to him. His soil couldn’t stop sprouting the good news.

In Mark 3 we come closer to home (vv. 31-35). At this time Jesus’ biological siblings rejected Jesus as the Savior, and they were asking for their brother to come home. Jesus, the older brother and the Ancient of Days, didn’t take orders from his brothers. Instead, he told us what his true family looks like: obedient witnesses to the work of his Father. Everyone who “does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother” (v. 35). Obedience to God testifies to work of the Sower that has taken root. With fruit, there’s root.

In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus comes upon a man not unlike the leper. He approaches the man with a demon, who would cut himself, cry out in anguish, and terrify any passerby. Undaunted, Jesus rips Legion out of the man by his cutting words of grace, liberates the poor soul, and cleans his mind. With a heart full of gratitude, the sane man begs to follow Christ.

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