Mark (both the person and the Gospel), the shortest, and most to-the-point gospel out there, was represented as an ox. The ox, in turn, was a symbol of Israel’s sacrifices. These sacrifices were done often and showed the love of the people for God Almighty. In the same way the people showed their love for God, so did Mark and the Gospel according to him.
First, though, we should visit Ephraim, since his tribe is where we get the ox.
Ephraim was the younger brother of Joseph’s sons. By tradition, Ephraim was supposed to be ruled over by his older brother, Manasseh. However, Jacob gave the “older brother” blessing to Ephraim instead of Manasseh. This, right from the start, made Ephraim stand out from the rest of the tribes.
Actually, Jacob’s blessing on Ephraim was so strong that he made him equal to his sons. Jacob said that “In thee [Ephraim] shall Israel bless, saying, ‘God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh:’ and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.”
This set out Ephraim and made him a key role in times ahead. For Ephraim, he is a shadow of the power of Christ; His Godliness and power on His throne. In Mark, the power of Christ is shown as well, but through the revelation of the humble Servant Christ was. Mark shows the power of God, but through the man of Christ.
In Mark, he uses multiple words that give the reader the sense of Godliness in Christ. Words such as went, said, came and the such are used up to 100 times! This is very important in seeing what Ephraim, the ox, and Mark, the ox, have to do with each other.
Many times in the Bible, Ephraim (the tribe) and the word “went” are together. Many times Ephraim (the tribe) said or commanded things. Many times things came or Emphraim came to things. It seems, with Ephraim, that when he said, went or came from somewhere, it was always with authority. Likewise, each time Jesus went, said or came to a place, His authority was given in the gospel according to Mark.
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