Since I was a young girl, I have always been taught that the Holy Scriptures are the words of God recorded through his humble servants, the prophets. I read the scriptures in an effort to feel the spirit and divine what spiritual lessons I may gather from the holy words. Yet, it is interesting to take a step back and realize that the people in the scriptures really did live, breathe, walk, worry, and laugh. These stories are the stories of their lives. Therefore, it is only natural that individuals who witnesses the miracles and teachings in the scriptures would be interested, moved, or amazed and be anxious to relate what they had witnessed to others. Realizing this fact makes the scriptures so much more real to me.

I have enjoyed reading the book of Mark in the New Testament with this different perspective. It makes sense to me now why certain names are included with no apparent relevance to the story. The names are included to give indirect credit to the eyewitness relating the story. It also explains why tiny details are sometimes recorded – these are the things that people remember. It is just like in a courtroom when witnesses are brought forth and each have a different spin on the story. No two people ever seem to see the same thing; each recognizes different details. That is why the four Gospels are so interesting. They provide different views of the same picture. It is like standing in a room and looking around while standing on the bed, hiding in a corner, and circling in the center of the room. Each person has different views and reactions to the same event.

In a way, this brings added importance to the crowds of people who throng around Jesus, whether in adoration, curiosity, or amnesty. It brings to light the fact that their opinions do matter and that the works and teachings of Jesus did not go unnoticed or unrecognized.

I find it especially fascinating that Peter is believed to be the source where Mark received the majority of his information. It humanizes Peter so much and opens up the reader’s eyes to Peter as a person who is relating an incredible story he was privileged to experience. It makes him a relatable, loved, and cherished character. I relate this to a talk by President Monson given at a Tuesday Devotional at the BYU Marriott Center. His talk consisted of stories and anecdotes from all the prophets he had worked and associated with. His perspective of them was refreshing and new – a perspective that most members were or are not privy to. It helped me realize that the prophets are all regular men who can make jokes, laugh, have interesting habits, and be amazed, impressed, and moved by occurances around them. Yet, President Monson’s talk also instilled a greater love, appreciation, and devotion to the prophets because they were able to rise up to become great and influential men who were able to love and lead people like you and me.

The words of eyewitnesses are precious, especially witnesses who were able to touch and talk to our Beloved Savior, the Only Begotten of the Father.

Tags: New Testament Eye Witnesses

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