Message: “Who Is This Man?” from Shane Dirks
Shane Dirks - 8 February, 2026
Who Is This Man?
In today’s sermon from Mark 1–8, Shane Dirks introduces a new series by giving an overview of the Gospel of Mark, focusing on the central questions: Who is Jesus, and what has He come to do? Drawing from passages including Mark 1:1–13 and Mark 8:22–38, he explains how Jesus is revealed as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the true image bearer who embodies God’s kingdom. Shane highlights that Jesus’ identity cannot be separated from His mission as the suffering servant who must die and rise again, and shows how Mark’s account—including the healing of the blind man—illustrates the gradual understanding of who Jesus is. The sermon concludes by applying this truth to believers, emphasising that just as Jesus’ identity and mission are inseparable, so too the Christian’s identity and calling are united in a life of faith, holiness, and following Christ.5 Questions to Think About 1. How does Mark’s Gospel answer the question, “Who is Jesus?” in Mark 1–8? 2. Why is it important that Jesus’ identity cannot be separated from His mission to suffer and rise again (Mark 8:31)? 3. How does the healing of the blind man (Mark 8:22–25) help us understand the way people come to recognise Jesus? 4. What does it mean for you personally to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus (Mark 8:34)? 5. How are your identity as a Christian and your daily life meant to reflect the mission God has given you?3 Things to Take Away from the Message 1. Jesus’ identity and mission are inseparable — He is the Messiah who must suffer, die, and rise again to accomplish God’s plan (Mark 8:29–31). 2. Understanding Jesus often grows over time — like the blind man, people may see partially before seeing clearly (Mark 8:22–25). 3. Christian identity shapes Christian living — followers of Jesus are called to live lives of faith, holiness, and self-denial as they follow Him (Mark 8:34–35).
Scripture References: Mark 1:1-12, Mark 8:22-38