Written around A.D. 66 during Emperor Nero’s persecution of Christians in Rome, the gospel of Mark was written by John Mark, an apostle of Christ. The epistle describes the ministry of Jesus from his water baptism by John the Baptist, to his death on the cross, burial and the discovery of the empty tomb by Mary, Jesus’ mother and Mary Magdalene, a disciple and servant of the Messiah.
A cousin of Barnabas, John Mark accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey, and he eventually returned to Jerusalem where he continued to advance the gospel of the risen Christ, and inspire saints to do the same.
“1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1)
The apostle begins his letter by introducing Jesus as the the Christ and Son of Yahweh, the One who created the universe and all that is in it.
“2 As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” (Mark 1:2)
Next, Mark reminds his readers of the prophecy that announced a messenger who was chosen to prepare Jesus for His ministry. The prophets who predicted this messenger included Isaiah, Micah, Daniel, Jeremiah, Zechariah, Zechariah and others.
“3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’” (Mark 1:3)
Mark continues his introduction of the messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, in both the physical wilderness of the region as well as the spiritual wilderness throughout Judea.
“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” (Mark 1:4-5)
Finally, the messenger’s name is revealed in John, the cousin of Jesus by way of Elizabeth and Zechariah. John’s mission was divinely appointed, as he answered God’s calling to prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry through water baptisms in which those who were baptized acknowledged and repented of 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.” (Mark 1:6)
As John was a Nazirite who did not have a home, and he was committed to serving God wholeheartedly, and this was obvious in his attire and diet which were minimalist yet in tune with Jewish customs. Camel’s hair was woven into a heavy, thick cloth typically used in tents for its durability and thermostatic properties. It is safe to assume John’s garment was not comfortable, but it was durable. As for his diet, since he lived in wilderness, John ate what he could find and both locusts and wild honey were abundant in the region.
“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.” (Mark 1:7-8)
Lastly, Mark shared John’s message to those he baptized as the Baptist announced the coming of the Messiah as the time for Jesus to begin His ministry was at hand. John made it clear that Jesus’ baptism was based on faith rather then repentance, and that this baptism in the Spirit was far more important than John’s. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
