Gospel of Mark Chapter 1:1-11

Gospel of Mark             Chapter 1:1-11             December 10, 2016

 

Short Review; 

Mark writings:  

·      Snapshots in the story

·      How Jesus worked

·      What He Did

·      See His Power

·      Jesus the Servant

·      John – Jewish name, Mark – Roman name (also known as Marcus)

·      Wrote to the Romans

·      Mark was the son of a wealthy woman named Mary 

Mark set down accurately though not in order, everything that Peter remembered of the words and actions of the Lord.  The oral story told as Mark heard from Peter.   

Mark’s gospel is that of a shooting script, as for a movie or television. It moves rapidly through a series of scenes or visual images, emphasizing action. Mark continually uses words immediately, straightway, forth with, etc. and appears over 30 times, words of actions.  8 mins – then commercial  

Mark uses a form of expression, the “historical present tense” 150 times: Jesus comes, Jesus says, Jesus heals—express it is happening right now, all in the present tense. 

My view:  We can just read the verses, but the Holy Spirit used specific words in the Scriptures, I like to know why and what is going on.   

The Introduction of the Servant to His Public Ministry (1:1-13) 

John the Baptist Prepares the Way, Verses 1-8 

Mark 1:1 This is the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. 

This is a politically incorrect statement of the day, you can get  killed, stoned.  The Messiah, the Son of God?  The Religious leaders. 

The Gospel of Jesus Christ, the title for this gospel really is found in the 1^st verse. 

The thought that the Gospel had a beginning, that there was once a time,  when the Gospel was not. 

The word “gospel” is found in 97 different verses in the New Testament. 

What is the Gospel, we use the term so casually.  What does it mean? 

There are a lot of different views. Many different views, arguments. 

Gospel: Means; a good message or good news, that is, the gospel:  

“...the gospel of Jesus Christ”:  or the good message or good news of Jesus Christ. 

Also used:  Gospel of the kingdom, of God, of Peace, and of Jesus Christ. 

The gospel is a history of The person, Jesus Christ.  

Jesus is the focus of all history of the entire universe. Defined in  

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand,  (2)  by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 

(3)  For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 

(4)  and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 

Servanthood 

Mark grew up in a wealthy home where servants were kept. The Apostles in their fishing business had hired servants. 

Acts 12:13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. 

Mark being around the apostles, showed him to appreciate and record the character and doings of the perfect servant (Jesus Christ) which makes Mark’s to focus on Servanthood. The key verse is: 

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."  Summary of the whole thing. 

The Gospel of Mark shows Jesus as the Servant of God, as a Workman of God. 

We are introduced to the God, Jesus, who, in the words of Paul to the Philippians: 

Philippians 2:6-7 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, (7) but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 

For this reason, the Gospel of Mark is a “busy” book. In this Gospel, Jesus seems the busiest, moving from one event to another quickly. One of the key words in the Gospel is immediately, occurring more than 40 times in Mark. We see Jesus as a servant busy meeting needs and busy being God’s Messiah. 

In the Gospel of Mark, the emphasis is on the deeds of Jesus more than on the words of Jesus. “The Gospel of Mark pictures Christ in action. There is a minimum of discourse or talking and a maximum of deed.” People as a hold, do not like deeds. 

The Son of God - This title was used to attract attention, and to secure the respect of those who should read the gospel. It does not recount the deeds of man, but the doctrines and doings of the Son of God.  

To point out his Divine origin that was an essential character of the Messiah 

(2)  As it is written in the Prophets: "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.."  

Prophets:  meant the books of the prophets Malachi and Isaiah.

The prophet uses the present tense when he speaks of a thing to come, as he is as sure of it as if he had already seen it.  

A metaphor taken from the practice of kings, who used to have ushers go before them. Remember, last week, we talked about the 70 going out before Jesus went. 

Quoting” 

Malachi 3:1 "Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming," Says the LORD of hosts. 

A prediction of John the Baptist, coming before Jesus Christ. 

In ancient times, a messenger was sent ahead to announce the coming of the king. Local communities would often repair rough roads to ensure the comfort of the king as he traveled. The quartet of Isaiah, Malachi, John the Baptist, and the writer Mark proclaims the coming of the King of all kings, Jesus Christ

(3)  "The voice of one crying in the wilderness:  'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.'"  Again, Mark is quoting from: 

Isaiah 40:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God. 

(4)  John (the Baptist) came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.  

“...baptism of repentance”: John came and began to baptize in the desert, proclaiming baptism as a mark of a complete change of heart and recognition of the need for forgiveness of sins.  

The Meaning of Baptism - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. 

The origins of the word baptism precede any concept of immersion in water. 500 years before Christ, the word immerse was used to describe the process of turning a piece of pink cloth into blue cloth, or yellow cloth into black cloth—the process of cleaning and dyeing. The dyer was called a “baptist.” You took your cloth to Sam the Baptist to change its appearance and, hence, its identity.   

John preached, as well as baptized. Only those who repented were fit subjects of baptism. Hence it was called the "baptism of repentance." Repentance signifies, not only sorrow for sin, but the resolve to sin no more.  

(5)  Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.   

What is strange about this verse, if you wanted to hear John, you had to walk a way to see and hear him from Jerusalem. (walking over 20 miles!) no bus lines, cabs, cars, etc.  Maybe a donkey, cart. 

Can you imagine walking 20 miles to hear a preacher?  Same distance, my home here to downtown Dallas.  Then back home. 

There were so many attending these gatherings that the Temple authorities sent an inquiry team! They did not understand why. 

John 1:19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 

John's baptizing was a recurring popular event that attracted large crowds. Mark portrays the continuous stream of followers who flocked to John. One may visualize throngs making the trek to the wilderness, with people waiting in line to be baptized. As each person was baptized by John, he or she would admit to individual sin and the need for the Messiah.  

The Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River are still the only fresh water sources in the land of Israel. 

The people were all baptized of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins; that is, as many of them as were brought to a sight and sense of their sins, and made a confession of them, these he baptized, or immersed, in the river Jordan; for certain it is, that there were many of the Pharisees and Sadducees who came, whom he rejected; 

(6)  Now John was clothed with camel's hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.  

John lived off the land and not only had the force of Elijah's personality, but apparently dressed like him as well 

Luke 1:13 But the angel told him, "Stop being afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to name him John.

Luke 1:17 He is the one who will go before the Lord with the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, and to prepare the people to be ready for the Lord."

The leather belt:  Elisha had a leather belt.  

2 Kings 1:8 So they answered him, "A hairy man wearing a leather belt around his waist." And he said, "It is Elijah the Tishbite." 

[The legend of Elijah’s mantle: given to upon Elisha (2 Kgs 2:13,14); 

2 Kings 2:13-14 He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan.  (14)  Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, "Where is the LORD God of Elijah?" And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over. 

Mantle is just a garment, robe or belt. 

This is the legend or oral story handed down from generation to generation: 

Upon Elisha death, the mantle was stored in the Golden Altar of Incense, in the Temple.   A little 3 foot high, 1 foot wide, altar,   

Zechariah, (John father) when he was serving in the Temple, he retrieved the mantle and kept it until John’s started his ministry and gave it to him.  

This is just a legend, but people heard and walked 20 miles, that John had the Elijah’s mantle on him.  They wanted to see it.  John was wearing it at the Jordan.  Important, remember, John was of the Priest Hood and eligible to be High Priest.    

Is it true, who knows, it is colorful, I wanted to share it with you.  But, It kind of makes sense. 

(7)  And he preached, saying, "There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. 

Preached indicates continuous action in past time. 

The strap of the sandal which held the sandal together.  A servant or slave would perform this task for someone of high position or guest.  John humbly understood and accepted his own role in the coming Kingdom. 

John is pointing out that he is just the messenger or advance person for Jesus  

(8)  I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." 

John is saying that water baptism is only an outward symbolism of the baptism of the Holy Spirit you will receive from Jesus who is mightier than I. 

The water baptism by John was a symbol of the spiritual baptism by Jesus.

John emphasizes the different tasks he and Christ would perform and all the power of baptism proceeds from Christ, who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.  

At this point, Mark introduces Jesus. 

The Baptism of Jesus – 3 verses, 9, 10, 11 

(9)  It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.  

John had been preaching and baptizing about six months. 

Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee; the place where he had been brought up, and lived, and dwelt in from his infancy, to this time:

and was baptized of John in Jordan; which was the reason of his coming from Nazareth to him

Matthew 3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.

Why Was Christ Baptized? 

Matthew 3:14-15  And John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?"  (15)  But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed Him. 

Jesus was baptized to be identified with His sinful people under the law of God.   

Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,  (5)  to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 

Jesus was voluntarily identifying Himself as a man, undertaking the obligation to fulfill the requirements of the Law, to accomplish His purpose to save His people from their sin.  To set an example for us to follow. 

Because He had no sins of which to repent, Jesus' baptism was unique. It showed His identity with John's work and with the sinner for whom He would die. It also foreshadowed His own death, burial, and resurrection for sinners. 

(10)  And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.  

Immediately, Straightway – 41 times used 

Coming up from the water – it means you have to be in or under the water.  Represents burial.   

John 1:32  And John bore witness, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 

Both Jesus and John saw the Holy Spirit descend. 

I do believe this is done for those who are to become His disciples throughout the ages. The testimony of His Father upon His Son. 

Heavens parting/opening – means to split, break, divide, make a rent. 

Matthew 27:51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split,

 

Same word used here – Torn, parting.  Interesting.   

Just wondering.  After we are baptize, does the heaven rent after we are baptize and then have the laying of hands to receive the Holy Spirit?  

“...like a dove”—The Poet’s Dove:

The dove that abandoned Noah

...did not rest on Abraham: he lied;

...did not rest on Moses: he failed;

...did not rest on David: he sinned... 

The dove did rest upon Jesus, which represents the Holy Spirit. 

(11)  Then a voice came from heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."  

“...beloved”: The word “beloved” not only declares affection; it also carries the meaning of “the only one.

 

Where else did he say that?  3 times a voice came from Heaven. 

Three years later, at the mount of the Transfiguration, as Moses and Elijah stood beside Him, once more a voice out of heaven used the same words  

Mark 9:7 And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" 

On the day of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, in the Temple court.  

John 12:28  Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." 

Well pleased – found delight,  

Read and think about what we covered. 

Mark 1:1-11 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  (2)  As it is written in the Prophets: "BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER BEFORE YOUR FACE, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU."  (3)  "THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS: 'PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD; MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.'"   

(4)  John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.  (5)  Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.  (6)  Now John was clothed with camel's hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.   

(7)  And he preached, saying, "There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.  (8)  I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."  (9)  It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.   

(10)  And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.  (11)  Then a voice came from heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."