EGST had the distinct privilege of hosting a remarkable academic seminar featuring Bishop Dr. Grant LeMarquand, a scholar whose life work beautifully intertwines the academy, the mission field, and pastoral leadership.
As the former Area Bishop for the Horn of Africa (2012–2018) overseeing 150 churches across Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia, Dr. LeMarquand presented to us not just as an academic, but as a leader with a deep, firsthand heart for the East African church.
The Topic: “Prophesy! Who Struck You?”
Dr. LeMarquand shared his insights on a remarkably intriguing theme: “Mark 14:65: Understanding of a Gospel Text with African Help.”
The seminar challenged traditional Western interpretations by arguing that Africa’s cultural heritage is a vital hermeneutical lens. The session explored the “cultural proximity” between African traditions and the world of 1st-century Palestine, offering unique “keys” to unlock the meaning of the Marcan text.
Cultural Resonance: The Power of “Smelling” Discernment
A major highlight of the presentation was the re-examination of Isaiah 11:3 and its connection to the mockery of Christ. While many translations state the Messiah “will not judge by what he sees,” Dr. LeMarquand pointed out that the original Hebrew root (r−w−ch) specifically relates to smelling.
In many African cultural contexts, “smelling” is understood as a high form of spiritual discernment—the ability to perceive the true essence or guilt of a person beyond what the eyes or ears can detect.
This insight transforms our understanding of Mark 14:65: When the guards blindfolded Jesus and taunted him to “Prophesy,” they were specifically mocking his Messianic credentials as described in Isaiah 11. They were challenging him to prove he was the Messiah who could “smell” (discern) his assailant without the use of his eyes. Through this lens, the blindfold becomes more than a tool of abuse; it becomes a targeted theological test of his spiritual perception.
An Engaging Dialogue
The presentation was expertly moderated by Dr. Abeneazer Gezahegn, followed by a vibrant and deep session of interaction. The participants explored how African sensory maps and intuition can illuminate the scriptures in ways that traditional Western scholarship often overlooks.
We are deeply grateful to Bishop Grant for his time and for reminding us that the richness of Africa’s heritage has much to offer the global body of Christ.
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We seek to subject our thoughts and actions to God’s Word and affirm the power of Scripture to effect change in individual lives, churches and society.
We come together as a community of learners not for our sake only but also for the sake of others. We seek to grow in our understanding of God and his ways, so that we may help others to acknowledge his governance over the world with its rich possibilities for both individual transformation and for social and cultural renewal.
We believe that theological education speaks to and out of its local context as a dynamic interaction between the local context, the global context and Scripture.
We strongly believe that unity among the churches of Ethiopia is important and can be fostered through cooperative, inter-denominational graduate-level theological education. We also seek to partner with individuals, institutions, churches and organizations within and outside Ethiopia.
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