[A]ll the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Mark 1:5
This morning, based on the recommendation of the author of my previous study of The Character of Jesus, I commence a study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. I start with an unassisted review of Mark 1:1-8.
- The first thing I notice about the text is how Mark immediately goes to the Old Testament (see Isaiah 40:3) in vv2-3, reinforcing how we are to read the entirety of the Bible - not just the New Testament, and we should dive into our study of those books we may believe are more challenging, such as Leviticus. See 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
- An expanded view of Isaiah (see Isaiah 40:4-5) reveals God's intention with Jesus that, unlike God who was on top of the mountain (Mt Sinai) and only available to Moses or later to the high priests in the inner most section of the tabernacle, He would walk and be among His people and be more accessible (straight paths).
- Next, I notice how John is in the wilderness, perhaps giving hope to those who are in spiritual wilderness or desert, hungry, thirsty, and desperate for God - the promised Messiah. The Israelites also wandered in the wilderness/desert for 40 years before entering the Promised Land.
- Baptism in vv4-5 is described early in the Gospel and it triggers explanation of why a baptism is needed and a quick search of DesiringGod.com reminds me of how water is used in the Old Testament for ritual washing away of sin and how immersion and a rise from the water represents death and then a new life.
- John appears as someone who lives off the grid and as less refined. Perhaps this is how many lived during this time, but still people from "all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him" as they were drawn to the message and again it is striking that people would go into the wilderness and find something of value - the Good News. I am reminded how the Israelites also encountered God in the wilderness (parting of Red Sea, water from rock, manna from Heaven, Ten Commandments, guided by cloud during day, by fire at night). John was part of God's plan from long ago (prophesied by Isaiah) and Gabriel further prophesied on John from Luke 1:5-24. God meets us during our times of need to guide us and remind us that He is there always.
- John the Baptist's delivers the message that Jesus is on the way, He is greater, and how He brings the Holy Spirit. Humility and truth.
John lived in the wilderness (see also Luke 3), and was led by God to proclaim that the long awaited Messiah was on His way. People went out to the wilderness to find the Good News and to be saved. Where ever you are, in what ever emotional state you find yourself in, God is there and He seeks to carry your cares and anxieties (1 Peter 5:7). He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) - in your spiritual wilderness, a place of seeming desolation, God saves.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, Jesus, You are an awesome God that saw me as lost in my wilderness and inclined my ear and softened my heart to hear the Good News, confess my sins, and asked to be saved - and You responded saving me! Thank You Jesus. I am not deserving of how You saved me and continue to pour out mercies every morning that never cease, revealing Yourself to me in the Word, and through the sanctification process. Thank You but again I am not deserving. Please forgive me for my sin 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. 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.
