Mark 9:15
And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.
**Mark 9:15**
In Mark 9:15, after Jesus’ transfiguration episode earlier in the chapter, crowds again converge as Jesus returns to the scene. The wording emphasizes immediacy and astonishment: “straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.” In the Gospel of Mark, crowds are often depicted as responsive to Jesus’ presence—either in awe, curiosity, or demand. Here the astonishment signals a boundary moment: the people recognize something startling about Jesus’ authority, and their greeting is more than politeness; it’s a mix of reverence and expectancy. Culturally, hospitality and salutations were customary when approaching a recognized teacher or rabbi. The scene also frames Jesus as the center of attention, drawing people from all sides to witness and engage with him.
This verse foregrounds Jesus’ unique authority and the magnetic impact of his presence. The crowd’s awe signals the dawning realization that God’s kingdom is breaking in through Jesus. Mark uses immediacy to heighten anticipation: disciples, scribes, families, and onlookers are all drawn to Jesus as the focal point of divine action. The salutation also expresses proper honor toward a figure believed to embody God’s sent one. Yet awe must give way to response—truth, faith, and encounter. The verse hints at the paradox of familiarity and astonishment: Jesus has become a recognizable figure, yet his power continues to astonish and unsettle expectations.
We, too, should approach Jesus with reverence and expectancy, recognizing that his presence disrupts the ordinary and invites a response. Practical steps: (1) Cultivate recurring moments of stillness to encounter Jesus, not just observe him from a distance. (2) Bring others into the encounter—invite a friend to a church service, a Bible study, or a retreat where Jesus is at the center. (3) Practice hospitality that mirrors the crowd’s salutation—welcome Jesus’ words with openness, even when they challenge our assumptions. The moment invites us to adjust our daily busyness to align with what truly amazes us: God at work through Christ. As you go about life, let the awe of Jesus’ presence shape decisions, responses, and relationships, acknowledging that his calling is transformative, not merely decorative.
Cross-References: Mark 1:22; Mark 2:12; Luke 19:37; John 4:42; Psalm 8:2