Immediately

9 times.

From when Jesus shows up in verse 9 until the end of the first chapter of Mark, the word "immediately" is used 9 times. One could argue that the authors (or translators) just got lazy and repetitive and kept using the same adverb to describe the events surrounding Jesus. We could also argue that the whole of Mark 1 happened in about the span of 39 seconds - each event happening right on the heals of the last. Or we could argue that Jesus is just incredible.

When he shows up on the scene, things change. Things do not go according to plan. The natural order is not followed. The timing we get used to in normal life gets turned on its head. The world with Jesus in it is a different place. Immediately.

When Jesus is added to a situation even today, we can expect results immediately. Don't get me wrong, they might not be the results we want, but there will be results.

Sell all you have and give it to the poor. You'll see results immediately.

Love your enemies. Immediate results.

Bless those who curse you. Immediate results.

Love God with all your heart, soul and strength. Immediate results.

Love your neighbor as yourself. Immediate results.

If we take Jesus at his word and truly follow him, our lives will change. Immediately.