Introduction to the Bible – The Life and Teachings of Jesus Part 5 – Mark 1:1-20

Mark 1:1-20·V 1:1 - Gospel means “good news.” In the context of the Isaiah quote, the “good news” refers to a restoration. It’s God’s salvation made available for sinners, to bring the lost back home. ·V 1:1 “Jesus Christ, the Son of God” – Mark begins his Gospel by revealing who Jesus is, the Christ (or Messiah) and the Son of God. Mark frequently refers to Jesus as the Son of God. ·V.1:2 “As it is written” – This refers to Jesus being prophesied in the Old Testament. Mark quotes two Old Testament prophets who wrote of the Messiah. · The Jewish people hadn’t heard from God in 400years. John was the first prophet since the OT concluded. ·V.1:3 “Prepare the way of the Lord” – Lord in this verse means God (Yahweh). Mark is stating that Jesus is God.·Wilderness – A place of hardship, but also the safest place to draw crowds. John was separated from distractions so that hecould focus more on God, he had people’s undivided attention, he was separated from the hypocrisy of the religious leaders, he fulfilled the OT prophecy of “one crying out in the wilderness.”·Wilderness – Also associated with Israel’s disobedience (Joshua 5:6). The Israelites wandered the wilderness forty years due to their disobedience to the LORD. John theBaptist called for a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness. Repentance means “to change one’s mind,” which also leads to a change in behavior. ·V.1:4 “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” – During this time, a Gentile would be baptized if heconverted to Judaism but for a Jewish person to be baptized as a sign of repentance and forgiveness was a radical teaching! The custom of repentance and forgiveness required a sacrifice. When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he called Him the Lamb of God (John 1:29). This is setting up the new structure for repentance and forgiveness. ·V.1:5 “The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him” – People from the country and the city were drawn to hear from John the Baptist. This points the message being for all walks of life. ·V.1:6 – John the Baptist was clothed in camel’s hair – This is similar to an Old Testament prophet. His clothes and diet shows that he lived in the desert, a lifestyle of simplicity and free from hypocrisy. ·  Assisting someone with their sandals was a job for a low-level servant. Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest prophet (Matthew 11:11), but John doesn’t count himself even worthy for the role of lowly servant.· “Baptize you with the Holy Spirit” – This is linked to an Old Testament prophecy, that God will pour out His Spirit. This isa work that only God can do, showing that Jesus is a member of the Godhead (the Trinity). The Baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:9-11)·V.1:9 “Nazareth” – This was a small town in Galilee, located on a trade route. Many Jews despised and avoided this area, thinking it was a sinful place. · Jesus was baptized, not because He had sin but because He identifies with the sin of His people. · In this scene, we see all three Members of the Trinity – Father, Son, and Spirit.The Temptation of Jesus (Mark 1:12-13)· Forty days – Israel faced testing in thewilderness for forty years, and they fell short. Jesus didn’t fall for the temptations thrown His way.· Matthew (4:1-11) and Luke (4:1-13) give longer accounts of this event.Ministry in Galilee (Mark 1:14-15)·V.1:14 “John was arrested” – John the Baptist was arrested (and executed) for opposed the political leaders of the day.The First Disciples (Mark 1:16-20)·V.1:17 “Follow Me” – This call from Jesus is the foundation of discipleship, to follow Jesus’ teachings and lifestyle. · V.1:17 “Fishers of people” – Calling peopleback from idols to God, the share the Good News with others. · James and John – Left their father’s boat, thusleaving the family business. This was a big deal in the culture.