Mark 1:1-8 – It’s All About Jesus
We are now going to take a look at the book of Mark. Mark is one of the disciples of Jesus, so this book is an eyewitness account of the things Jesus says and does.
Mark begins by telling us that he is writing about the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The word ‘gospel’ means ‘good news’. This isn’t the gospel or good news of Mark, but the good news of Jesus. Not just an ordinary man named Jesus, it’s the good news of God who has come to earth to save us.
There should be nothing unexpected about the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. It happens just as the prophets of the Old Testament say it will. Isaiah says God will send a messenger before the Messiah to prepare the people, and here is John the Baptist doing just that.
John preaches that the people should repent of their sins and be baptised to show their desire for forgiveness. Hundreds of people from all over that area come to hear this man who looks and acts like one of the old prophets they have always heard stories about. John is the last of the old prophets; just like all the other prophets, he tells the people of One who is coming – someone greater than himself who has the power to change hearts and lives. John could’ve been caught up in all his popularity, but he, like Mark, keeps the focus on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Questions
- What does the word ‘gospel’ mean?
- What prophet spoke of the coming of John the Baptist?
- What was the message of John the Baptist?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God sent His Son into the world.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.