The Beginning – Mk 1:1-13c
Verses 1-13 in chapter one of Mark could be considered a prologue; where the central figure is introduced and the foundation for His subsequent ministry is supplied.
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY;
3 THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.’” (NASB®)
What is the “genesis” of the gospel?
As we discovered in the introduction, Mark is recording for us the arrival of a long awaited King i.e. Jesus, the Messiah, God’s Son, now incarnate. The “gospel” would be understood then as a heralding or proclamation of a coming King or Monarch who would usher in a period of peace, prosperity and blessing. The fact that it was foretold and recorded in Scripture provides sufficient verification that this proclamation is worthy of consideration.
Mark quotes two verses from the Old Testament, one from Malachi and the other from Isaiah, to demonstrate that the arrival of this King was prophesied. He singularly cites Isaiah the prophet as his reference because being the most famous of the Old Testament prophets, he would be easily recognized by a predominantly Gentile audience. The prophecies are indeed “Messianic”, predicting the commissioning of a messenger or herald and the necessity to clear a path i.e. remove any obstacles in preparation for the royal visit. Both of these practices would certainly be expected as the behavior prior to a royal visit.
These few opening verses remind us that Jesus’ arrival was part of a divine plan being worked out in human history.
How can I retain the excited anticipation of the coming of a Sovereign King?
Am I complementing His mission or restricting its movement?
4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6 John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey. 7 And he was preaching, and saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals. 8 I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (NASB®)
Who was “John the Baptist”?
John is uniquely identified by the practice he became known for i.e. a Baptizer. Adorning the garb and habits of a prophet i.e. one who speaks the Word of God, he seems to supernaturally come into prominence in a desolated area by the river Jordan reminiscent of the well know prophet Elijah. The prophesied messenger has arrived.
His message was twofold: Be baptized and be prepared. Although not unknown, baptism was relatively uncommon but now John was using it as a method to publicly declare ones intentions. To be baptized by John was an indication of ones willingness to turn away from self and turn toward God. A complete change in thinking from salvation being found in our own merits and only in God’s willingness to freely pardon our turning from Him. It certainly touched a nerve. People of all walks came and acknowledged their need of God.
Yet, John was not the Messiah but only the herald. As great as John was, he considered himself completely undeserving to do the most menial of tasks for the One that was to come. John’s ministry was merely superficial but the Messiah would be bringing the presence and power of God Himself. External intent would be replaced by internal transformation.
What is the message my life proclaims?
Am I relying on myself or do I seek to be changed by God?
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. (NASB®)
Why did Jesus get baptized?
Although for some scholars this can be a point of dispute, we must not miss the fact that “Jesus came”. The incarnation i.e. the fact that God came to us that we might truly know Him should give us reason to pause. The fact that he gets baptized seems to be a portrayal, not so much of God with us, but a man just like us, from the fringes of society, humbly submitting to His Father’s plan. He is fulfilling what is right to do but in so doing, affirms His identification with us and declares His intention to stand as one of us.
Have I been baptized?
Am I willing to be obedient to the call of God for my life?
10 Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens]opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; 11 and a voice came out of the heavens: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” (NASB®)
What happened at Jesus’ baptism?
What seemed shut for approximately 400 years, heaven now opens up and we see Jesus being anointed with power manifest in its gentleness and a Father’s affection and approval for His obedient Son. Every King would have a coronation and here we are granted an audience of the Triune God inaugurating His reign. The King is here!
Do I recognize the reign of Jesus?
In following Jesus, do I seek to be empowered by the Holy Spirit and to please the Father?
12 Immediately the Spirit *impelled Him to go out into the wilderness. 13 And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him. (NASB®)
Why did Jesus leave?
Without a moment to spare, the Holy Spirit guides Jesus into the wilderness for 40 days. Here, alone, without resources and among the beasts (the antithesis of the garden of Eden) Satan i.e. the Accuser, is given permission to entice. We can surmise that Mark does not go into detail regarding this account so as not to lose focus on what he wants to convey. God came as a man, Jesus, so we could know Him. Jesus, in His baptism, has just accepted His role as King and yet identifies with us. Now, He immediately identifies with our lives by being tempted and tried just like us. Jesus is a King, but one that we can relate to and demonstrates for us that victory can be found through obedience to the Spirit and trust in a God who sustains.
Do I know God as my guide and provider?
Am I willing to trust God regardless of my circumstances?
Worship
Even So Come – Passion – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jwj6-QmmMA
King is Coming – Newsboys – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MgV0Rybx5o