Reflections on Mark's Gospel - Mark 1:10

The Descent of the Spirit

The activity, the baptism, continues with this verse. Jesus has just submitted to John's baptism and been identified with his community, those who are longing for the coming of the kingdom and the Messiah.

Mark writes, "as he came up out of the water". There is an interesting juxtaposition within the verse between "αναβαινων" and "καταβαινον" at the end. As they were coming up out of the water, the Spirit was coming down into (according to Edwards, but the word is "επ" + accusative = 'on' or 'onto') Jesus.

As the baptism was completed, the heavens were torn apart (quite a strong Greek word, stronger than "opened" which is how Matt. and Luke render it), and the Spirit descends. The other occurance of this verb is in Mar_15:38-39 when the temple curtain is torn in two, and there it is accompanied by the centurion's declaration - a similar emphasis on the true identity of the Jesus. So, according to Edwards, the appearance of the word bookends the ministry of Jesus with an emphasis on his identity as the Son of God.

The arrival of the Spirit is a significant eschatalogical moment. There was a belief in Second Temple Judaism that the Spirit had departed with the final great OT prophets, such as Malachi. There was writing (The Testament of Levi 18:6-8, Testament of Judah 24:1-3)) that used these very similar words to link the Spirit's return with the arrival of the Messiah. Following the apparent abandonment or rejection of his people, the return of the King, accompanied by his Spirit, even in the form of a servant, should not be underemphasised.

This should also lead us to contemplate the nature of Jesus' ministry on earth. As we learn in the very next verse, he is the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity. Yet, he needs the annointing of the Spirit in order to mark the beginning of his ministry. Why? As Jesus lived and ministered on this earth, he did so as a true human, with all the limitations that sinless flesh imposes. He did not draw on the resources he had available as deity, otherwise he would have voided his claim to be tempted in every way as we were. Instead, he operated in the power of the Holy Spirit, just as we are expected to.

And notice that, although the splitting of the heavens is described as forceful, the coming of the Spirit is described as "like a dove" - gentle, soft, peaceful. The ministry of the Spirit is powerful, but not violent.