Mark 1:29-31 – 29As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and began to wait on them.
Jesus went from the synagogue to Simon and Andrew’s house. Simon must have been married, because he had a mother-in-law. You usually don’t just get a mother-in-law without getting the wife as well, so we can assume he was married. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and Jesus went to her, and immediately healed her, helping her up. She was grateful and better, so she began to wait on them. That is a great response from her. If Jesus heals you, it’s a good idea to start waiting on him afterwards.
Mark 1:32-34 – 32That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33The whole town gathered at the door, 34and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove our many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
The people in the town had previously seen Jesus drive out a demon in the synagogue, and had most likely heard the news of him healing Simon’s mother-in-law, so that night they bring him all the sick and demon-possessed so that they can be healed. The entire town was gathered outside the door. They had seen the power and authority of Jesus, and brought him those that needed healing. Having seen the power and authority of Jesus ourselves, it is now our job to bring to him those who need healing, just like those people of Capernaum. Just as he healed in that day, he is waiting to heal today. He healed those with diseases, and also drove out many demons. Once again, Jesus demonstrates him authority over the demons, not only driving them out, but also commanding them not to speak. The demons knew who Jesus was, and he did not want the crowds to know his identity, so he commanded the demons not to speak. He has authority over sickness and demons (and everything else) and he demonstrates that in this passage.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Mark 1:21-28
Mark 1:21-22 – 21They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.
Jesus and the first disciples went to Capernaum, a bigger city, and on the Sabbath, when everyone gathered together in the temple, he went there to teach them. This was very unusual, because typically only the teachers of the law would teach the people in the synagogue. The people were amazed, because they were used to listening to their teachers, who simply gave their opinions on the law. Jesus did not give opinions, but simply taught what scripture said. This is a great lesson for us. We should teach what Scripture says. Scripture has authority. Our opinions do not have authority. Scripture has the power to change lives. Our opinions are not going to change anyone’s life. The teachers of the law would argue and speculate about the law, and others’ interpretations of the law, but they had no authority. Jesus, the one who had authority, taught the people from the scriptures, and they were amazed. He was so different from everything they were used to seeing and hearing.
Mark 1:23-26 – 23Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, 24“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God!” 25“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
Here is another great example of Christ’s authority. A demon recognizes him and asks, “What do you want with us? Have you come to destroy us?” He knows who Jesus is. He is aware of his power and authority. He asks Jesus if he has come to destroy them (the demons), knowing full well that Jesus has the power and authority to do so. All of creation is God’s, however, Satan tries to claim it for himself. Jesus came to reclaim what was already his. The demons know this. Jesus commands the demon, and the demon obeys the authority of Jesus. The demon recognizes Jesus as the Holy One of God. Jesus tells him to be quiet and he is silenced. Jesus did not want the demon to say who he was. That was not the time for his identity to be revealed. He commands the demon to come out of the man, and the demon once again obeys his authority. Jesus reclaimed the man, who had been possessed by the demon. I love the picture here of Jesus commanding the demon, and retaking this man.
The question that the demon asked Christ, “What do you want with us? Have you come to destroy us?” is a very interesting question. It is even more interesting that this demon was in the temple. The teachers of the law and those practicing in the temple were using the name of God, but were not teaching the people to follow God. I wonder if the demon was really asking, “Did Christ come to destroy the religion of the teachers?”
Mark 1:27-28 – 27The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching – and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.” 28News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
The people are amazed by Jesus’ teaching and by his authority. He is teaching them in a manner different from the teachers of the law, and demonstrating authority not only in his teaching, but also by commanding a demon. How sad of an indictment against the temple that Jesus’ teaching was so different from what they were accustomed to hearing there?
With Jesus bursting onto the scene with such powerful teaching and his display of authority, news about him quickly spread. Jesus is what people are looking for. People are not looking for more commentaries and opinions about the law. They are looking for power and authority, the kind that changes lives, the kind that Jesus had. When they see this, news spreads quickly over the whole region.
Jesus and the first disciples went to Capernaum, a bigger city, and on the Sabbath, when everyone gathered together in the temple, he went there to teach them. This was very unusual, because typically only the teachers of the law would teach the people in the synagogue. The people were amazed, because they were used to listening to their teachers, who simply gave their opinions on the law. Jesus did not give opinions, but simply taught what scripture said. This is a great lesson for us. We should teach what Scripture says. Scripture has authority. Our opinions do not have authority. Scripture has the power to change lives. Our opinions are not going to change anyone’s life. The teachers of the law would argue and speculate about the law, and others’ interpretations of the law, but they had no authority. Jesus, the one who had authority, taught the people from the scriptures, and they were amazed. He was so different from everything they were used to seeing and hearing.
Mark 1:23-26 – 23Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, 24“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God!” 25“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
Here is another great example of Christ’s authority. A demon recognizes him and asks, “What do you want with us? Have you come to destroy us?” He knows who Jesus is. He is aware of his power and authority. He asks Jesus if he has come to destroy them (the demons), knowing full well that Jesus has the power and authority to do so. All of creation is God’s, however, Satan tries to claim it for himself. Jesus came to reclaim what was already his. The demons know this. Jesus commands the demon, and the demon obeys the authority of Jesus. The demon recognizes Jesus as the Holy One of God. Jesus tells him to be quiet and he is silenced. Jesus did not want the demon to say who he was. That was not the time for his identity to be revealed. He commands the demon to come out of the man, and the demon once again obeys his authority. Jesus reclaimed the man, who had been possessed by the demon. I love the picture here of Jesus commanding the demon, and retaking this man.
The question that the demon asked Christ, “What do you want with us? Have you come to destroy us?” is a very interesting question. It is even more interesting that this demon was in the temple. The teachers of the law and those practicing in the temple were using the name of God, but were not teaching the people to follow God. I wonder if the demon was really asking, “Did Christ come to destroy the religion of the teachers?”
Mark 1:27-28 – 27The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching – and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.” 28News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
The people are amazed by Jesus’ teaching and by his authority. He is teaching them in a manner different from the teachers of the law, and demonstrating authority not only in his teaching, but also by commanding a demon. How sad of an indictment against the temple that Jesus’ teaching was so different from what they were accustomed to hearing there?
With Jesus bursting onto the scene with such powerful teaching and his display of authority, news about him quickly spread. Jesus is what people are looking for. People are not looking for more commentaries and opinions about the law. They are looking for power and authority, the kind that changes lives, the kind that Jesus had. When they see this, news spreads quickly over the whole region.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Mark 1:14-20
Mark 1:14-15 – 14After John had been put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of god is near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Jesus begins his ministry, “proclaiming the good news of God.” I think it’s awesome that he was “proclaiming the good news of God” while at the same time being the good news of God. That should be our ministry as well, proclaiming the good news of God, which is Christ.
The timing here is interesting. Jesus began after John was put in prison. John came to prepare the way for Christ, and after he was put in prison, Christ began his ministry. Jesus said, “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near.” The time had come because HE was there. The kingdom of God was near because HE was there! HE was near! He said, “Repent and believe the good news!” He called people to repent (turn or change, be made new) and to believe the good news. He was calling people to himself. He is the good news! He was calling people to believe him, come to him, and be changed (repent). That is the same thing we need to be doing. We should be calling people to come to Christ, believing him (the good news), and repenting (allowing him to change them). The ministry of Christ was a great example of what our ministry should look like.
Mark 1:16-18 – 16As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 18At once, they left their nets and followed him.”
I love this account of the calling of the first disciples. There is so much for us to learn in these two verses. Jesus is walking along the lake, not in the temple. You would think if he were looking for some people to get into his ministry, he would have found some good churchgoers. Instead, he is out walking along the lake. He sees Simon and Andrew, and he tells them to follow him. It is an invitation and a command, all at the same time. He sees that these guys are fishermen, and he puts things in a context where they can understand it. He says, “…and I will make you fishers of men.” He invites them to something better. He sees them fishing for fish, and invites them to come fish for men. He tells them that HE will make them fishers of me. He is going to change them for the better. He is going to give them a greater purpose. These guys are a great example for us. They don’t hesitate or give an excuse. They leave their nets and follow him. These guys were fishermen, businessmen. They had nets, and probably boats, and were most likely doing pretty well. Being a fisherman was a pretty good job in their day. They left it all to respond to the call of Christ, and they did it immediately. If we would only follow Jesus like these guys…No wonder he went to the lake, not the temple.
Mark 1:19-20 – 19When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Here is another great example of the first disciples immediately leaving all they had to follow Christ. I wonder if they didn’t jump out of the boat and swim to shore, leaving their dad and co-workers calling out to them, wondering what on earth had gotten into these guys. They were looking for more, and when Jesus came and offered it to them, they followed “without delay.” These guys may not have been very important by the world’s standards, but they did one important thing…they followed Jesus. We need to realize that is the only thing that matters. Will we follow him? Will we do it without delay? Are we willing to leave our father and co-workers in the boat? Are we willing to leave our nets at the water’s edge? That is what it takes to follow Christ. In both verses 18 and 20, it says, “they left” something to follow Jesus. Following Christ is a sacrifice. It always demands that we leave something behind. Are we willing to leave everything? For these first disciples, following Jesus demanded their very lives. They left it all. What is it that is keeping us from following Christ? What are we unwilling to leave behind? Why is it that we hesitate? What can we learn from these first disciples?
Jesus begins his ministry, “proclaiming the good news of God.” I think it’s awesome that he was “proclaiming the good news of God” while at the same time being the good news of God. That should be our ministry as well, proclaiming the good news of God, which is Christ.
The timing here is interesting. Jesus began after John was put in prison. John came to prepare the way for Christ, and after he was put in prison, Christ began his ministry. Jesus said, “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near.” The time had come because HE was there. The kingdom of God was near because HE was there! HE was near! He said, “Repent and believe the good news!” He called people to repent (turn or change, be made new) and to believe the good news. He was calling people to himself. He is the good news! He was calling people to believe him, come to him, and be changed (repent). That is the same thing we need to be doing. We should be calling people to come to Christ, believing him (the good news), and repenting (allowing him to change them). The ministry of Christ was a great example of what our ministry should look like.
Mark 1:16-18 – 16As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 18At once, they left their nets and followed him.”
I love this account of the calling of the first disciples. There is so much for us to learn in these two verses. Jesus is walking along the lake, not in the temple. You would think if he were looking for some people to get into his ministry, he would have found some good churchgoers. Instead, he is out walking along the lake. He sees Simon and Andrew, and he tells them to follow him. It is an invitation and a command, all at the same time. He sees that these guys are fishermen, and he puts things in a context where they can understand it. He says, “…and I will make you fishers of men.” He invites them to something better. He sees them fishing for fish, and invites them to come fish for men. He tells them that HE will make them fishers of me. He is going to change them for the better. He is going to give them a greater purpose. These guys are a great example for us. They don’t hesitate or give an excuse. They leave their nets and follow him. These guys were fishermen, businessmen. They had nets, and probably boats, and were most likely doing pretty well. Being a fisherman was a pretty good job in their day. They left it all to respond to the call of Christ, and they did it immediately. If we would only follow Jesus like these guys…No wonder he went to the lake, not the temple.
Mark 1:19-20 – 19When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Here is another great example of the first disciples immediately leaving all they had to follow Christ. I wonder if they didn’t jump out of the boat and swim to shore, leaving their dad and co-workers calling out to them, wondering what on earth had gotten into these guys. They were looking for more, and when Jesus came and offered it to them, they followed “without delay.” These guys may not have been very important by the world’s standards, but they did one important thing…they followed Jesus. We need to realize that is the only thing that matters. Will we follow him? Will we do it without delay? Are we willing to leave our father and co-workers in the boat? Are we willing to leave our nets at the water’s edge? That is what it takes to follow Christ. In both verses 18 and 20, it says, “they left” something to follow Jesus. Following Christ is a sacrifice. It always demands that we leave something behind. Are we willing to leave everything? For these first disciples, following Jesus demanded their very lives. They left it all. What is it that is keeping us from following Christ? What are we unwilling to leave behind? Why is it that we hesitate? What can we learn from these first disciples?
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Mark 1:9-13
Mark 1:9-11 – 9At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
I think it is interesting how it says, “at that time Jesus came…” I have often wondered why Jesus waited until he was thirty years old to start his ministry. I believe that God had appointed a certain time for him and at that time Jesus began. John had been preparing the way, and God the Father made it clear to Jesus when was his time. So, Jesus waited until the appointed time, and then came to begin his ministry.
Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. Why did Jesus get baptized? Did Jesus need to be baptized? In Matthew 3:13-17, we have another account of Jesus’ baptism. John told Jesus, “I need to be baptized by you!” but Jesus replied, “…it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus apparently was baptized to fulfill all righteousness.
For Christians, baptism is done as an outward symbol of an inward change, that being the changed heart and life that is a result of accepting Jesus. I think the baptism of Jesus was also a symbol, showing that he was God’s son. When a person accepts Christ and begins to follow him, they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a symbol of this, which is why in Mark 1:8, John said, “I baptize with water, but he (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” After Jesus was baptized, the Spirit came down from heaven and rested upon him, and thus began his ministry. This was also a sign to John, who had been told that the one on whom the Spirit rested was the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. (John 1:33) This was a sign to John, showing him that Jesus truly was the Son of God.
In verse 11, a voice from heaven (God the Father) tells Jesus: “You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” As Jesus begins his ministry, God the Father encourages him with a statement of WHO he is, how much he is loved, and how pleased his Father is with him. I think it had to be important for Jesus to hear this. Although being all-God, he was also all-man. Knowing what he was about to begin, and where it would eventually lead him, and I can think of no better words to hear from his Father. He came to please the Father and glorify the Father, and being reassured that is what he was doing had to be a huge encouragement to him, as well as preparation for what would happen next.
Mark 1:12-13 – 12At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
I think it very interesting that immediately after the high point of Jesus’ baptism and the Spirit descending on him, and the Father speaking to him, his is sent into the desert to be tempted by Satan. Many times we see spiritual high points as ends in themselves, when God is actually using them to prepare us for trials, temptations, or tough times that lie ahead. Two important points…first, Jesus was prepared before he was sent into the desert to be tempted. The Spirit came and rested upon him, and the Father spoke to him and encouraged him. Second, following all of this preparation, he was tested. The Spirit actually sent him out into the desert, where he was tempted. God prepares us so that He can then send us out. God didn’t send Jesus just to get baptized in the Jordan. God sent him to defeat Satan, sin, and death. That was no easy task. He was prepared, and then he was sent out.
Mark doesn’t really give us many details of the temptation of Jesus. We can find that account in Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13. Just a couple of passing thoughts…When Jesus was tempted, he was alone. When I find myself being tempted, it is almost always when I am alone and vulnerable. Jesus was in the wilderness, alone and vulnerable, and that is when Satan came to tempt him. Also, after Jesus was tempted, but did not succumb to temptation, angels attended him. When we stand firm against temptation in the power of the spirit, our needs will be provided for as well, just as the angels provided for Christ.
I think it is interesting how it says, “at that time Jesus came…” I have often wondered why Jesus waited until he was thirty years old to start his ministry. I believe that God had appointed a certain time for him and at that time Jesus began. John had been preparing the way, and God the Father made it clear to Jesus when was his time. So, Jesus waited until the appointed time, and then came to begin his ministry.
Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. Why did Jesus get baptized? Did Jesus need to be baptized? In Matthew 3:13-17, we have another account of Jesus’ baptism. John told Jesus, “I need to be baptized by you!” but Jesus replied, “…it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus apparently was baptized to fulfill all righteousness.
For Christians, baptism is done as an outward symbol of an inward change, that being the changed heart and life that is a result of accepting Jesus. I think the baptism of Jesus was also a symbol, showing that he was God’s son. When a person accepts Christ and begins to follow him, they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a symbol of this, which is why in Mark 1:8, John said, “I baptize with water, but he (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” After Jesus was baptized, the Spirit came down from heaven and rested upon him, and thus began his ministry. This was also a sign to John, who had been told that the one on whom the Spirit rested was the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. (John 1:33) This was a sign to John, showing him that Jesus truly was the Son of God.
In verse 11, a voice from heaven (God the Father) tells Jesus: “You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” As Jesus begins his ministry, God the Father encourages him with a statement of WHO he is, how much he is loved, and how pleased his Father is with him. I think it had to be important for Jesus to hear this. Although being all-God, he was also all-man. Knowing what he was about to begin, and where it would eventually lead him, and I can think of no better words to hear from his Father. He came to please the Father and glorify the Father, and being reassured that is what he was doing had to be a huge encouragement to him, as well as preparation for what would happen next.
Mark 1:12-13 – 12At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
I think it very interesting that immediately after the high point of Jesus’ baptism and the Spirit descending on him, and the Father speaking to him, his is sent into the desert to be tempted by Satan. Many times we see spiritual high points as ends in themselves, when God is actually using them to prepare us for trials, temptations, or tough times that lie ahead. Two important points…first, Jesus was prepared before he was sent into the desert to be tempted. The Spirit came and rested upon him, and the Father spoke to him and encouraged him. Second, following all of this preparation, he was tested. The Spirit actually sent him out into the desert, where he was tempted. God prepares us so that He can then send us out. God didn’t send Jesus just to get baptized in the Jordan. God sent him to defeat Satan, sin, and death. That was no easy task. He was prepared, and then he was sent out.
Mark doesn’t really give us many details of the temptation of Jesus. We can find that account in Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13. Just a couple of passing thoughts…When Jesus was tempted, he was alone. When I find myself being tempted, it is almost always when I am alone and vulnerable. Jesus was in the wilderness, alone and vulnerable, and that is when Satan came to tempt him. Also, after Jesus was tempted, but did not succumb to temptation, angels attended him. When we stand firm against temptation in the power of the spirit, our needs will be provided for as well, just as the angels provided for Christ.
Mark 1:1-8
Mark 1:1 – The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Mark begins his gospel by telling us who and what its about. Mark is a book of questions and he begins by answering the most important. Who is Jesus? The Son of God. Of all the ways he could have begun this gospel, he starts by stating that it is about Jesus, and that Jesus is the Son of God. It’s a great intro, in my opinion.
I found Mark to be a book of questions. There are many instances of people questioning Jesus, people asking questions to him, and about him. There are also many questions that Jesus asks. Mark begins with the foundation that Jesus is the Son of God, and it’s a good place to start.
Mark 1:2-3 – 2It is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” – 3“a voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ”
Mark quotes Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3 in verses 2 and 3. Many times in the gospel, either Jesus or his disciples refer to ancient prophesies that for told the coming of Christ. Here, Mark is referring to a prophesy that spoke of John the Baptist, who would come before Christ to prepare the way for him. John is the voice calling in the desert. The reference about “making straight paths” comes from ancient times when people traveled on rough dirt pathways. When news came that the king was coming, the people would go out and prepare the way, making it straight and presentable for the king. This is why John came, to prepare the way for Christ, making the way straight. John came preaching repentance, and that people should turn their hearts to God. He told his followers to follow Christ.
Mark 1:4-5 – 4And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
So this is the brief history of John the baptizer (also known as John the Baptist). He came and preached repentance for the forgiveness of sins, and baptized those who repented as a sign of their changed life. John was the cousin of Jesus, born to Elizabeth, the cousin of Jesus’ mother Mary. Many people came to John, seeking forgiveness and a changed life. He had a large following throughout Judea and in Jerusalem as well.
Mark 1:6 – John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
John was a wild man, who lived in the desert region, eating bugs and honey, and wearing an outfit of camel’s hair. Many believe he had large, wild hair that may have resembled an afro. He is a great example for us that outward appearances do not matter to God. Christ said in Matthew 11:11 that among those born of a woman, none has been greater than John the Baptist. He didn’t eat bread and he didn’t drink wine, but he was passionate about pointing people to Christ.
Mark 1:7-8 – 7And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
John’s message was simple. He had a large following, but made it clear to them that Christ was the important one, and that he was just a servant. He actually says in verse 7 that he is not even worthy to be Christ’s lowly servant. (The lowest servant in the household was the one who would bend over and untie the sandals of the master.) He says that the baptism he gives is only of water (symbolic of a changed life), but that the baptism Christ will give (of the Holy Spirit) is what actually changes a life.
John was great because he knew his purpose…to make Jesus look good. He had a large following of people, and could have very easily used that for his personal gain. Instead, he pointed everyone to Jesus. He had no pride in himself, but instead boasted in Christ. This is why Christ could say that of all those born of woman, none was as great as John. He serves as a great example to us of what our mission should be…to point others to Christ.
Mark begins his gospel by telling us who and what its about. Mark is a book of questions and he begins by answering the most important. Who is Jesus? The Son of God. Of all the ways he could have begun this gospel, he starts by stating that it is about Jesus, and that Jesus is the Son of God. It’s a great intro, in my opinion.
I found Mark to be a book of questions. There are many instances of people questioning Jesus, people asking questions to him, and about him. There are also many questions that Jesus asks. Mark begins with the foundation that Jesus is the Son of God, and it’s a good place to start.
Mark 1:2-3 – 2It is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” – 3“a voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ”
Mark quotes Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3 in verses 2 and 3. Many times in the gospel, either Jesus or his disciples refer to ancient prophesies that for told the coming of Christ. Here, Mark is referring to a prophesy that spoke of John the Baptist, who would come before Christ to prepare the way for him. John is the voice calling in the desert. The reference about “making straight paths” comes from ancient times when people traveled on rough dirt pathways. When news came that the king was coming, the people would go out and prepare the way, making it straight and presentable for the king. This is why John came, to prepare the way for Christ, making the way straight. John came preaching repentance, and that people should turn their hearts to God. He told his followers to follow Christ.
Mark 1:4-5 – 4And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
So this is the brief history of John the baptizer (also known as John the Baptist). He came and preached repentance for the forgiveness of sins, and baptized those who repented as a sign of their changed life. John was the cousin of Jesus, born to Elizabeth, the cousin of Jesus’ mother Mary. Many people came to John, seeking forgiveness and a changed life. He had a large following throughout Judea and in Jerusalem as well.
Mark 1:6 – John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
John was a wild man, who lived in the desert region, eating bugs and honey, and wearing an outfit of camel’s hair. Many believe he had large, wild hair that may have resembled an afro. He is a great example for us that outward appearances do not matter to God. Christ said in Matthew 11:11 that among those born of a woman, none has been greater than John the Baptist. He didn’t eat bread and he didn’t drink wine, but he was passionate about pointing people to Christ.
Mark 1:7-8 – 7And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
John’s message was simple. He had a large following, but made it clear to them that Christ was the important one, and that he was just a servant. He actually says in verse 7 that he is not even worthy to be Christ’s lowly servant. (The lowest servant in the household was the one who would bend over and untie the sandals of the master.) He says that the baptism he gives is only of water (symbolic of a changed life), but that the baptism Christ will give (of the Holy Spirit) is what actually changes a life.
John was great because he knew his purpose…to make Jesus look good. He had a large following of people, and could have very easily used that for his personal gain. Instead, he pointed everyone to Jesus. He had no pride in himself, but instead boasted in Christ. This is why Christ could say that of all those born of woman, none was as great as John. He serves as a great example to us of what our mission should be…to point others to Christ.
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