Monday, April 12, 2021
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight… Mark 1:1-3
This is the beginning…
The beginning of Mark is a story - the greatest story ever told, the story of Jesus. Mark is the earliest account of the gospel and it is a primary resource about the life and ministry of Jesus. It is believed that Mark was written by John Mark, the disciple. He was writing to Roman Citizens, especially Gentiles. He was a pastor, and his pastor’s heart wanted them to know the story of Jesus - His life, His ministry, His miracles, His death, and His gift. He wanted them to know the gospel, to strengthen their faith, and teach them what it meant to be a follower of Jesus.
Mark 1 tells the story of Jesus' adult life and starts with the story of John the Baptist, a voice crying in the wilderness, according to the prophecy from Isaiah: As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight… John told everyone in his path about Jesus and baptized them in the river, telling them of the baptism Jesus offered - baptism of the Holy Spirit, a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
From there, Mark gives an record of the major events is Jesus’ adult life, starting with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. As John raised Jesus up from the water, the heavens opened and Jesus sees a dove descend and hears You are my beloved son. With You I am well pleased.
After He is baptized, Jesus begins His ministry. He starts off with gathering the first of His disciples. He called Andrew and Simon (Peter) as they were fishing one day with these words…Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men. After that, Jesus heals a man who is possessed, healed many sick people, went from town-to-town preaching, and cleansed a leper. That is where the first chapter of Mark leaves off.
This is the beginning… What about you? Are you spreading the gospel with hopes of helping others to strengthen their relationship with Jesus? That is what we are to do as believers. Tell the story. Spread the Good News.
