Here is Mark’s first picture of the “Kingdom of God.” God’s teaching is present (in the synagogue scriptures were read) but this time the teaching came with power. The Old Testament, the Hebrew scriptures, spoke of miracles but now they were demonstrated. No longer does satan and his demonic force have free reign, rather it is cast out. The Kingdom of God is where God reigns and Satan is dispelled. People are set free. Life as it was intended is restored. There’s a new power at work on earth, not just “up there with God somewhere”. Even the demons proclaim that God is here.
Mark records Peter’s recollection of how Jesus would constantly tell everyone to keep quiet about the miracles. Theologians call this the “Messianic Secret”. Why would Jesus want to keep it all a secret. There are many reasons, but above it simply suffices to say that Jesus is in charge. God in Jesus has come to earth with a job to do and that job has its own purposes and its own timing. It would also fit with Jesus’ recognition that miracles get lots of short term gawkers but few life long followers.
Are you familiar with the old play on words, when a skeptic says, “God is nowhere”, the believer says, “God is now here”. This, then, is the presence of the Kingdom of God.
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