As we reach the climactic scenes in the narrative of Mark, it is interesting that we begin to realize the drama of the story. Have you ever noticed that Biblical narratives provide great drama in a literary sense? These stories, whether they are in Genesis, Exodus, 1 & 2 Samuel, Daniel, the gospels, Acts, and in so many other places throughout the whole Bible, give us stories that are every bit as exciting and dramatic as famous stories, films, and literary works throughout history. Especially when reading the four gospel narratives, I can always feel the tension, the emotion, and the intense drama as the story comes to a climax. As Noel mentioned last week, we can see the severe mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical trauma that Jesus goes through in his last twenty-four hours, beginning with his impassioned plea to his father in Gethsemane. As the night continues, we can see the tension continue to build and build throughout the story.
However, what differentiates the gospel story and the other great stories in the Bible from famous works of literature is that these events actually happened. The reality of these events makes them all the more powerful. They’re not just tall tales, folklore, or parables. These were real people experiencing real emotions and persevering through real trials. This makes it fascinating to see how these real events mirror the traditional storytelling narratives so well, with the basic designs of introduction, conflict, plot, climax, and resolution. Perhaps the reason why people identify so well with this traditional plot structure is because God has divinely placed the essence of THE story deeply within us. This of course is the story that God has been writing since the beginning of time, the meta-narrative of all history, which is the story of God bringing his people back into relationship with him. This story begins in Eden, climaxes at the cross, and ends with God reigning with his people forever and ever. Since this story is placed so deeply within our souls, we naturally respond to any story, book, movie, or even television show that mirrors the plot narrative of THE story. It’s why we root for Luke to blow up the Death Star, why we hope Frodo can make it to Mount Doom, why we are happy for Wall-E and Eva to get back to each other, and even why we cheer for Hugh Grant to marry whatever woman he’s dating in whatever chick flick he’s in.
So when we reach the climax of the Gospel, it is natural for it to affect us in a deep and poignant way. Because this is the most important moment of the story of all stories. So how do we respond to this beautiful chapter in the story? Do we put the book down and go to bed? Or do we respond by finding OUR place in the story and play the part that God has been writing for us since the beginning of time? Because this story is continuing on today and WE are the supporting characters. May we all seek to quit trying to tell our own stories and instead take up our roles in HIS story.
-Dylan
