GREAT THINGS ENTERPRISE
CLAUDE BLACK
Mark 6:14
Interruptions
Interruptions are a common occurrence for everyone. The word “interrupt” came into the English language from our Latin ancestors: inter = between + rumpere = to break; hence, “to break into, break upon, or disturb the action of.” Interruptions usually cause frustration, sometimes minor and sometimes major.
In 390 B.C., the Gauls of the north attacked the Romans and drove them to their last stronghold on the Capitoline Hill. The Gauls developed a plan to make a nighttime sneak attack up the steepest, least-guarded side of the fortified hill. Stealth was crucial. They pursued their assault so quietly that even the dogs were not aware of it. As the soldiers silently crept up the hill, however, the geese kept in the temple of Juno suddenly went into full alarm mode—squawking, flapping, and generally losing their feathery minds. The Gauls had not anticipated the geese. The interruption in the night awakened the Roman soldiers just in time to repel the surprise attack.
In the account of the disciples’ first evangelistic tour, at the height of the narrative, Mark recounted the assignment, their preaching tour, and their conclusive report, then abruptly interrupted the narrative. “And King Herod heard, for his name had become known, and they were saying, ‘John the Baptist has been raised from the dead and because of this the powers are working in him.’” (Mark 6:14) This interruption almost causes a case of narrative whiplash. Mark occasionally inserts these out-of-the-flow descriptions. Writers often refer to them as “sandwich stories.” This story stretches from verse 14 to verse 29 and gives the reader background information about Herod’s murder of John the Baptist, and sets the stage for the role King Herod will play in Jesus’ life.
After an interruption, a good practice is to take a deep breath, refocus on the primary task, and perhaps look through the notes—a small way to deal productively with inevitable interruptions.
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