Mark 1:1-8 As It Is Written

Read or listen to Mark 1:1-8

Mark introduces his gospel (Mk 1:1-15) with a mosaic of testimonies and events. He narrates 1) John's baptism, 2) Jesus' baptism and 3) Jesus' temptation. Interspersing short clips with testimonies, Mark draws from Old Testament prophets, a new testament prophet, and metaphors to explain the significance of these selected events. While he offers no explanation for why Jesus would subject himself to baptism, the mention of wild beasts in the wilderness or John's strange fashion sense for that matter (though we may be able to infer something), his conclusion is clear: 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand..' (Mk 1:15).

As a body, Mark's gospel reads like a sermon-like biography. He starts with Jesus' baptism (Mk 1) and ends with his resurrection (Mk 16), moving through (in the first eight chapters) his public ministry in and around Galilee and (in the last eight chapters) journeying to and being crucified in Jerusalem. Launching from his introduction he will demonstrate Jesus' authority as the 'Christ' (Mk 1:1) and give us a select sampling of his words and deeds to illustrate how he plans to establish the 'kingdom' he proclaims to be 'at hand' (Mk 1:1) and finally executes the plan (by dying no less!)

The events Mark throws out are by no means in a vacuum for the reader of that time. The Jewish nation of Israel, subjugated by the Roman empire, had long been awaiting a Messiah, one prophesied for centuries past (Ge 49:10; Nu 24:17; Isa 16:5; 2Sa 7:12-14; Ps 45:6-7; 110:1-2; 132:11-12; Isa 9:6-7; Eze 37:24; Mic 5:2) and expected to reinstate their nation, restoring its glory.

So Mark starts by announcing his work to be 'the beginning of the gospel', (ie. good news) 'of Jesus Christ', (ie. Messiah) 'the Son of God.' It is the good news that they've been waiting for.

Whether by 'the beginning' Mark meant his prologue (Mk 1:1-13) or his entire writing, as initial news, or the new start that comes from the good news, they are all meaningful possibilities. His death and resurrection inaugurates a kingdom that awaits its final consummation at his second coming; the good news has just begun!. And this good news is intended to renew nation and humanity at large. Whether Mark means the good news is about Jesus, is preached by Jesus, or that Jesus IS good news - they are all happily true. And Jesus is none other than the Son of God.

John (Mk 1:4-6) is introduced, 'as it is written..'(Mk 1:2-3) as the messenger in Isaiah 40:3-5 and Malachi 3:1. These two passages in context speak of God restoring His people, as a king and as a shepherd: 'They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession'(Mal 3:17) and 'He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms'(Isa 40:11). John, as messenger and forerunner, dutifully announces the coming king 'who is mightier than I' (Mk 1:7) and prepares the people by urging repentance.

The Messiah has come. The kingdom of God is indeed at hand!

For the reader of the Roman empire, as for us, it would be a great joy and assurance to know that the Saviour 'first for the Jews, then for the Gentile' is one promised from ages past for all humanity. It is deeply moving to know that He gathers us like lambs in his arms, and we are to him a treasured possession. At the same time, it is arresting to realise that we live in a critical age - a time of fulfilment of God's great promises - and it is our duty, as it was John's to proclaim it. Whatever our wilderness experience, a highway has been blazed through it (Isa 40:3) : the path of God's rule, walked on by repentance.

Next(Mark 1:9-15)>>