Written ~ 02-08-2024
Read Mark Chapter One
Mark 1
The Book of Mark was written by a man named John Mark, it is said that he saw Jesus for himself, but that the Apostle Peter probably shared many stories about Jesus and that is what compelled him to write this book.
The first chapter of Mark starts us off with the prophet Isaiah prophesying about John the Baptist. John spoke of the Good News of Jesus Christ, he baptized those who repented of their sins and who had turned to God to be forgiven. Verse 1:5 says that people were coming out to see John, from Judea and Jerusalem, he was beginning to get quite a following. Many people thought John was a prophet, even as far as believing he was Elijah. But John had to remind the people following him that he was not the Messiah. In John 3:28 it says, “You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for Him.’” The role John the Baptist had was to turn the hearts of the people toward God so they would be ready for the coming Lamb of God.
Mark 1:7-8,
7 John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of His sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”
In Luke 3:15 it says, “Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah.”
John must have had that kind of questioning a lot, he was saying some marvelous things, he was preparing the hearts of anyone who would listen to his message. We know by the prophecy of Isaiah that John was sent for the specific purpose to prepare the way of the Lord’s arrival. The more the word got out the more eagerness was rising in the people. In the dictionary it says the word eager is an impatient desire, maybe that’s why they were hoping John was the Messiah so they wouldn’t have to wait anymore!
John knew his purpose, he knew the role he played, he needed to get the word out that the Messiah was coming and that He would be here soon. But because the people thought he was the Messiah I’m sure that’s why John had to announce, probably over and over again that the One who was coming was much greater than he. John knew that once Jesus came on the scene his own ministry would need to diminish. John 3:30 says, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” The humble nature of John shines through in that statement. How easy it could’ve been for him to become jealous of Jesus, but no, that’s where we can see without doubt that John knew his purpose.
Are you and I eager to meet the Messiah? Do we have the same longing when we hear about Jesus, that we want more and more of Him? Are we able to say of our own lives, I want more of You Jesus and less of myself? Are we careful not to look for the Messiah in other people or in the things of this world? Do we need to be reminded that Jesus is the One who will baptize us in the Holy Spirit and in fire (Luke 3:16b)?
John announced the coming of the Lord. His message was that of repentance and a turning back to God. That should be the message we proclaim as well. The attention should always be placed on the One who is greater than ourselves.
Mark 1:3,
“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for Him!’”
Jesus of Nazareth was coming. John knew it and despite any persecution, arrest and the risk of death, his message never ceased. John would continue to preach the Good News.
Mark 1:15,
“The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
When we make the decision to believe this message of Good News, our sins are forgiven, our lives are made new. And it’s all because of this man named Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah.
~AMEN~