John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:4
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. This morning, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 1:1-8. The commentary for this text provides for an introduction, and two divisions: highlights and excerpts from the introduction and the first division (vv1-4):
- Introduction: Mark's audience was Romans (vs Matthew wrote to Jews, Luke wrote to Greeks, and John to the world) and how "Jesus is the Suffering Servant who actively ministers on our behalf and gives His life as a ransom for many....Mark recorded, in rapid-fire succession, specific events from the life and ministry of Jesus to prove to a Roman audience that He is the Christ, the Son of God, who served, suffered, died, and rose again as the Suffering Servant of the Lord depicted by the prophet Isaiah."
- Vv1-4: Isaiah is certainly not the only Old Testament book the prophesied about the coming Messiah but certainly one of the most prominent if not the most prominent. Although Mark identifies Jesus as the Son of God in v1, "the disciples never recognize Jesus as the Son of God in the Gospel of Mark." Others in Mark do however recognize Jesus as the Son of God, including the high priest in Mark 14:61-62, and a Roman soldier in 15:39. "Mark 1:2-3 combines three texts, a common practice in that day, evoking the themes of the wilderness, a new exodus, and the forerunner Elijah....[these include]: Exodus 23:20, Malachi 3:1, and Isaiah 40:3.
For believers, there should be no doubts who Jesus is - He is the Savior we all need as we all sin and need a Savior. We should be merciful to those who doubt who Jesus is as we seek to save others from the fire (Jude 22-23). Proclaim the Good News persistently. The commentary emphasizes how God kept His word and promises to send the Messiah and His forerunner. God always keeps His promises, so we should see Him as faithful. We may be waiting for a long time, but God never fails to keep His word - see also 2 Corinthians 1:20.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and saved me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You love and save. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
