Jesus comes on the scene in Galilee as a laborer not theologian. He is a regular guy, not a social climber. And he is a local boy, not a distant media star.

Mark 1:21 through Mark 8:26 log Jesus’ ministry. There are two words that describe his ministry: word and deed. Jesus preached, taught, instructed his disciples in small group settings. He also worked miracles and showed what the power of God can do. He proclaims the kingdom has come near and then he embodies the kingdom's purpose, power and authority. But, he refused to give himself a title in these chapters. In fact, when someone, like the unclean spirit who is the first in Mark’s gospel to identify Jesus, identifies Jesus he silences them and refuses to allow them to speak. Why?

It is not a title that saves. It is the faith in a person and an obedience/commitment to a way of life. Jesus did not want the people to trust in his title, he wanted them to trust in him. For he knew that focusing on a title would not lead to heart change. It would only create more confusion, expectations, and rejection. Jesus wanted the people to see for themselves what this kingdom of God is about and what this King of kings was about too.