Mark 1: 1-20 (SS)

The Introduction and Attestation (Mark 1: 1-20)

Ajoy Varghese

The gospel of Mark written about AD 55-60 is most probably the first narrative account about Christ. The fact that it was written to a non-Jewish (probably Roman) audience heightens its universal value. In the opening verses, we are confronted with a Christ who is at once located in history and transcends it.

1. His Roots: (vs 2-3) Jesus stands not in the tradition of Buddhist monks, Vedic mystics, those enlightened by Gnostic knowledge, Islamic prophets or Galilean revolutionaries. He stands in the lineage of the Hebrew prophets whose primary concerns were righteousness and justice. He not only climaxes their message (Lk 4:18-19; Mt 12:17-21) but also fulfills their predictions and in him the nations have put their hope. Any interpretation of Christ that ignores his Hebraic and prophetic roots ends up distorting him.

2. His Deity: (vs 2,3,10) Into the context of a many Roman gods and goddesses, Mark (a Latin name!) introduces Jesus of Nazareth of Galilee who reveals the complexity and mystery of God. God is one Being but is more than one Person – a truth that Mark drives home in the early in his gospel.

o Jesus was the LORD for whom the way was to be prepared.

o John says he is not worthy to untie the sandals of Christ.

o He was the Beloved Son of the Father.

o He would immerse/plunge people in/with the Holy Spirit

3. His Humanity: (vs 9–13) The paradox of Christ is that he is both fully God and entirely human.

o He identifies himself with others in the baptism of repentance

o The Father is pleased with him

o He is led by the Spirit

o He is tempted by Satan for 40 days

o He needs angelic service and support

4. His Mission: (vs 14-15) The mission of Christ is to usher and to set up the kingdom of God.

o A kingdom that was prophesied in the OT – always enduring and would destroy all other kingdoms, will endure from generation to generation, handed over to the saints (Dan 2:44, 4:34, 7:26-27)

o Was foretasted with his arrival (vs 15) and including healings and casting out demons

o Access to the kingdom came through repentance (coming to our senses) and belief (in the king)

5. His Method (Vs 16-20) The kingdom of Christ was first and foremost through people. “Man is looking for better methods, God is looking for better men. Men are God’s method,” wrote E.M.Bounds. He calls those whom he chooses and asks them to follow him so that they would live according to the pattern of his life, suffering, death and resurrection.