The Art of the Opening Scene
First impressions are everything. In storytelling, a riveting opening scene fascinates audiences from the start and compels them to stay engaged. It sets the stage for the narrative, introduces key characters, establishes the setting, and builds suspense by hinting at the story’s ending.
In last week’s message, Pastor Ben focused on the first 13 verses of Mark Chapter 1 - the opening scene to the most expressive of the four Gospels. Mark is clearly a storyteller. His writing style is fast-paced, dynamic, and event-filled. Originally written to inspire first-century Roman Christians under persecution, Jesus is the action-hero of Mark’s narrative - a Servant of God constantly on the move. A man whose actions, teachings, and miracles revealed his identity - the one, true son of God.
As we embark on an eight-month long journey into this Gospel, let’s take a look at how Mark masters the art of the opening scene.
Mark Employs a “Hook”
A hook is essential for grabbing attention immediately. Mark wastes no time engaging the audience, pulling them in to learn more. In his opening line, Mark announces Jesus as the Son of God - Christ (Christos), “the anointed one” or “Messiah,” who has conquered evil and come to save the world (v: 1.1). The rest of his book is designed to awaken the Romans out of their spiritual slumber, proving without a doubt that Jesus is divine.
Mark Introduces Key Characters
Hundreds of years earlier, the prophet Isaiah had predicted that John the Baptist and Jesus would come. John the Baptist is the God-appointed messenger who will prepare the way of the Lord (v. 2-3). This Old Testament flashback gives context to the story and helps the audience form a strong connection with the characters. Important Roman officials of the day were always preceded by an announcer. When this messenger arrived, people knew someone of prominence would soon arrive too. John the Baptist’s mission was to announce the arrival of Jesus Christ, the most important man to ever live. Mark knew the Roman Christians would be captivated by the messenger who paved the way for Jesus and his ministry.
Mark Establishes the Setting
Isaiah also prophesied this messenger’s primary ministry location as being in the wilderness. Mark’s story quickly unfolds in the wilderness - an unpopulated desert with John preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (v.1:4). John the Baptist was an eccentric but purposeful man, with his appearance, actions, and the environment all expertly highlighted by Mark. In stark contrast to the opulent lifestyles and legalistic practices of the Roman royal rulers, John dressed in clothes made of simple camel hair and a plain leather belt, ate a diet of locusts and wild honey, and preached in the middle of nowhere, free from modern-day distractions (v.6). Curious crowds flocked to witness God’s promised, albeit hippie, messenger first-hand. Upon arrival, conviction overtook curiosity. John may have led a humble lifestyle, but he preached with boldness. His task and message was simple: prepare people to accept Jesus as God’s son by confessing their sins and publicly show the new direction for their life through baptism.
Mark Builds Suspense and Hints Toward the Story’s Ending
Mark continues his dynamic opening by pivoting to the baptism of Jesus. Jesus is perfect, sinless, and blameless, he doesn’t need to be baptized, yet it’s the perfect opportunity for Mark to ratchet up the drama and drive home his foundational message.
Jesus’s baptism was a revelation of the Trinity. As Jesus came out of the water, the heavens were torn open, the Father spoke, and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus (v.10-11).
The vivid picture of the heavens being torn open foreshadows how Jesus would completely tear down the barrier between us and God (v.15.38). Not stopping there, Mark continues the intrigue by sending Jesus into the wilderness, a spiritual place of wandering, hardship, and testing, and also a physical reminder that Jesus suffers in our humanity. Jesus can compassionately care for our every physical and spiritual need.
As we launch into this deep study of Mark, give thanks to God for how this book illuminates the beauty and glory of Jesus in such a dynamic and personal way. Meeting Jesus daily in the Gospel - without a veil - allows us to behold his glory.
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” (2 Cor 3:18)
~ Originally from PA, Jennifer Korinchak became smitten with the Lake Norman area back in the early 2000s. She has lived here since 2014 and has been attending Life Fellowship with her husband Nate, and son Caleb since 2020.