Get the full reading plan
What is a Gospel?
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. - Mark 1:1
We commonly see the word "gospel" used as an adjective. We can speak of gospel music (which might mean either black gospel or country gospel), a gospel message, gospel tracts or booklets, gospel t-shirts or simply "the gospel truth" (which, when used by a salesman, usually means a lie). You probably know that the word "gospel" means "good news" or "good tidings." But what is a gospel, as in "the Gospel of Mark" or "the Gospel of Matthew"?
Today's reading in Mark 1 is probably the first chapter of the first gospel ever written. So, what does Mark give us? It's not a biography, because Mark isn't interested in telling us everything about Jesus' life. Rather, it is a book with a purpose: to show us the person and work of Jesus. That's why this is "the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." He is the Son of God in His person and He is the Christ - the anointed one - in His work for us and our salvation.
Let's consider why Mark includes the details he does in today's reading:
Why the Prophet Isaiah? Mark is showing us that Jesus' coming was foretold in the Scriptures and that He fulfilled God's promises in His life and ministry.
Why John the Baptist? John the Baptist was a key witness to the person and work of Jesus. The Jewish people know that John was a true prophet of righteousness, so the fact that he recognized and testified about Jesus helps us understand and believe who Jesus is.
Why Jesus' Baptism? This shows us the testimony of God the Father and God the Holy Spirit, helping us to understand Jesus' relationship to the Father and the Spirit. His baptism is also His anointing for ministry as our Messiah, the anointed one. When was the Messiah anointed? At His baptism! Who anointed Him? The Father Himself anointed Him with the Holy Spirit.
Why forty days of being tested in the wilderness? This copies a regular pattern in God's dealings with His people. The Israelites wandered 40 years in the wilderness before they entered the promised land and Elijah spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness in 1 Kings 19. In the same way, Jesus was prepared to bring God's people into the promised land of the kingdom of God as the anointed prophet, priest and king of God by His 40-day fast and trial in the wilderness.
Why the arrest of John the Baptist? Mark is showing is the transition from the preparation ministry of John the forerunner to the fulfillment ministry of Jesus the Messiah.
Why the calling of the disciples? Mark is showing us how Jesus brings His kingdom. Jesus calls disciples to follow Him., He trains them and then they went out to make more disciples and proclaim the good news of the kingdom. The calling of the disciples is the beginning of the New Testament church, the called-out people of God.
What we can see clearly is that Mark is very efficient. He includes every detail for a reason and moves quickly from one detail to the next. Mark is a Gospel that can be read quickly but which should be read carefully. Whether you've been following Jesus for 60 years or are just starting to get to know Him, this Gospel has so much to teach all of us!
Prayer Based on Psalm 67:
O God, be gracious to us and bless us
and make Your face to shine upon us,
so that Your way may be known on earth,
Your saving power among all nations.
Let the peoples praise You, O God;
let all the peoples praise You!
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for You judge the peoples with equity
and guide the nations upon earth.
Let the peoples praise You, O God;
let all the peoples praise You!
We have been abundantly blessed;
You, our God, shall continue to bless us.
You shall bless us;
and, through us, let all the ends of the earth fear You!
No comments:
Post a Comment