Where Did Jesus Work Happen?

I’ll begin with a bit of review; and then move on into Marks account of Jesus adult life.

Mark’s Gospel is the shortest and most concise of all four Gospels.  Mark sticks to the major points in, the man, Jesus ministry.  Without mincing any words, he begins by announcing :  The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 

Then John baptized him in the Jordon when the pronouncement, came from heaven, that Jesus is God’s beloved son.  At which point Jesus is immediately lead into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  

And Jesus passed all the tests!  

And moves directly into the work to be done. He takes a walk along the beach in Galilee telling all who will listen: “the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."

The word fulfilled is important at this point.  It seems likely that Jesus is telling them that something has been accomplished.  Something major, in the history of Israel, has now happened.  It is complete!  The time that was to come, is now here with you...repent, and believe in the good news."  

It is now time to make radical perceptual shift in the way you and God move along through life together.  

It is now time to truly repent!  That is to actually turn around the direction of your life, your way of living and thinking. 

And believe!  Believe the truth of God that I (Jesus) have come to bring.

All clear words, to those of that time in history, would understand.   

So, Jesus begins!  He takes a walk along the shores of the Sea of Galilee and calls — invites — some fishermen to join him in his ministry.  

This is where we pick up the beginning of the rest of the story! 

According to Mark they just left the beach and went directly to work.  Jesus’ work!  In their dirty fishing clothes they entered the synagogue. 

21They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.(Mark 1)

Story stops here a minute for a little humor!  Which is actually not so funny!

Think about that scene a minute.  Think about  todays world where you are suppose to “dress-up” to go to church.  Right?  

These guys — in my imagination — went in their work clothes!  Clothes  that couldn’t have smelled so nice with fist oil — and probably smelly sweat — all over them. 

But do you know what?  That was the way it was in Jesus days.  The only ones who wore fine clothes were the priests!  Very much a sign of authority and status!  

Jesus worked, and move, in and among the ordinary folks, in their ordinary environment. In their ordinary clothes. That was the real life ministry when Jesus walked on this earth.  Worship was done in the synagogue and temple.  Ministry was done among the people where they lived and worked.