4 :35-5 :43. Miracles and the Kingdom of God
In this section there
are four detailed accounts of miracles. Miracles are an integral part of Mark's
gospel. They are acts of divine power which manifest the rule of God in his
world and the divine love and salvation which he offers to mankind That Jesus
did not want people to follow him just because they saw or heard of his
miracles is made clear by the commands that his powers must not be publicized.
The miracles were not to be misunderstood just as spectacular deeds. In all the
miracles there was manifestation of God's saving and creative powers. In the
miracles of exorcism and healing he restored to health and active life those
who had been insane, diseased, crippled and handicapped in many ways. In the
miracles not related to healing, there were particular manifestations of the
saving power of God. To Mark's readers the miracles of Jesus could be
understood as foreshadowing the joy and glory that was the hope of the Church
at the return of Jesus Christ in glory (l Peter I :3-5, I Corinthians IS). The
miracles pointed to eternal life, God's love and the wonder of heaven
(Revelation 21 :4). Each of the four described in 4 :35-5 :43 has its particular
significance in manifesting the presence of the Kingdom of God in the world.