Today we are beginning our Summer Reading Challenge for 2022. My hope is to provide a short episode to accompany the reading for the day. It is by no means exhaustive, but brief and devotional in nature.
Today I would like to share my reflections for Mark chapter 1, which address “Meeting the Son of God.”
Mark begins his account of the life of Jesus with these words: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). He then proceeds to unpack in rapid succession some tremendous truths about this Jesus. Particularly, I would like to focus on verses 2-3, and 11 — then briefly think of the chapter as a whole. However, it is helpful to think of the whole chapter as having three main scenes.
- Scene 1 – Mark 1:1-8 – The precursor to Jesus’ Ministry (John the Baptist as Forerunner)
- Scene 2 – Mark 1:9-21 – The preparation of Jesus’ Ministry (The LORD’s Declaration, the Devil’s Temptations, the Gospel proclamation, the calling of the first disciples)
- Scene 3 – Mark 1:22-45 – The power displayed in Jesus Ministry – the breaking forth of light into the darkness (Power over demons, Power over sickness, and Power over leprosy)
In Mark 1:2-3 we see Mark applying the words of Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3 to the coming of John the Baptist (Mark 1:4). John the Baptist is the “messenger” who is “preparing the way.” And while it is certainly amazing that John the Baptist is seen as the fulfillment of these prophetic passages, what is utterly astounding is for whom these passages (Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3) say that John is preparing the way.
- Who is he preparing the way for? None other than the Almighty God who created the world and all that is in it; before whom all the nations, with all their might are “like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as dust on the scales” (Isaiah 40:15); he “brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness” (40:23); and yet who will tend his flock like a shepherd (40:11). (Consider a recent episode where we looked at Psalm 100). As a side note, I recommend listening to the song “Behold Our God” by Sovereign Grace after finishing this episode – see the link below!
- When we consider what these prophecies meant to the first century audience, it certainly would have grabbed their attention! If this John the Baptist is the messenger… who is about to come?!
And then we see the baptism scene where Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan river. The heaves are torn open and the Spirit descends upon Jesus. And we read in Mark 1:11, ” A voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”‘
- We will see something very similar when we get to Mark chapter 9. But this also is a strong reference to the Old Testament. In Psalm 2:7 we see similar – not the same – but similar words used – “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.” This Psalm was often used at the coronation of kings.
- Is Jesus just another king in the line of a failed kingship over the people of Israel?
That is where we turn to the rest of the chapter…
- We see Jesus conquer the temptations of Satan. We see him casting out demons, healing the sick, and cleansing a leper. No king in the Old Testament had such power. Even the demons cried out, confessing that Jesus is the Holy One of God! He was far more than a mere king! In fact with his coming, Jesus proclaimed, “the time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand” (1:15).
- When we consider the magnitude of Mark’s introduction, we do well to answer this question: who really is this Jesus? Who is this one to whom the Old Testament points, and the one in whom the authors of the New Testament find these prophecies’ ultimately fulfillment? How do you answer this ultimate question?
- As it comes to application, two main application points that come right out of Mark 1 are these: If I believe what is written here about Jesus, (1) I should repent and believe the Gospel (1:15) and (2) I should follow him (1:17).
- Have you done that? Are you currently doing that? If not, I invite you today to do so!
Conclusion:
So my friend, have you met this Jesus Christ? Do you know him? Draw near to Him!
Have you read through Mark chapter 1 yet? What kind of things stood out to you? How are you going to follow this awesome Christ? Let me know in the comments below! If you have not already, please join us in this Summer Reading Challenge. I have included a link to find the PDF for the reading plan in the description below.
Thank you so much for joining me today on Byte-Size Theology! Until next time friends, May our Great and Gracious God grant you focused, faithful, and fruitful time in His Word! See you over in the next episode!
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