|
|
2-1-1-Listening_ChurchRead Mark 1:1-8 When you experience the excitement of a big event you naturally want to till someone. Telling the story can bring back that original thrill as sense his excitement. Picture yourself in the crowd as Jesus heals and teaches. Imagine yourself as one of the disciples. Respond to his words of love and encouragement. And remember that Jesus came for us who live today as well as for those who lived 2,000 years ago. Mark was not one of the 12 disciples of Jesus, but he probably knew Jesus personally. Mark wrote his Gospel in the form of a fast-paced story, like a popular novel. The book portrays Jesus as a man who backed up his words with action that constantly proved who he is - the Son of God. Because Mark wrote the Gospel for Christians in Rome, where many gods were worshiped, he wanted his readers to know that Jesus is the one true Son of God. Jesus came at a time in history when the entire civilized world was relatively peaceful under Roman rule travel was easy, and there was a common language. The news about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection could spread quickly throughout the vast Roman empire. Always the message of John precedes that of Jesus Christ; first the changed attitude of the will, then faith. The greatness of John the Baptist revealed attitude of the will, then faith. The greatness of John the Baptist revealed itself in his humility. He saw what we must see, that a negative religion, symbolized by water, it is not enough; we need to be set on fire. In Israel, common men and women were ready for Jesus too, There had been no God-sent prophets for 400 years, since the days of Malachi (who wrote the last book of the Old Testament). There was growing anticipation that a great prophet, or the Messiah mentioned in the Old Testament; would soon come. Isaiah was one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament. The second half of the book of Isaiah is devoted to the promise of salvation. Isaiah wrote about the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and the man who would announce his coming, John the Baptist. John's call to "make straight paths for him" meant that people should give up their selfish way of living, renounce their selfish way of living, renounce their sins, seek God's forgiveness, and establish a relationship with the almighty God by believing and obeying his words as found in Scripture (Isaiah 1:18-20; 57:15). Mark 1:2, 3 is a composite quotation, taken first from Malachi 3:1 and then from Isaiah 40:3. Hundreds of years earlier, the prophet Isaiah had predicted that John the Baptist and Jesus would come. How did he know? God promised Isaiah that a Redeemer would come to Israel, and that a messenger calling in the desert would prepare the way for him. Isaiah's words comforted many people as they looked forward to the Messiah, and knowing that God keeps his promises can comfort you too. As you read the book of Mark, realize that it is more than a story; it 9is part of God's Word. In it God is revealing to you his plan for human history. Why does the Gospel of Mark begin with the story of John the Baptist and not mention the story of Jesus birth? Important Roman officials of this day were always preceded by an announcer or her-old. When the herald arrived in town the people knew that someone of prominence would soon arrive. Because Mark's audience was primarily Roman Christians, he began his book with with John the Baptist whose mission it was to announce the coming of Jesus the most man who ever lived. Roman Christians would have been less interested in Jesus' birth than in this messenger who prepared the way. John chose to live in the desert (1) to get away from distractions so he could hear God's instructions; (2) to capture the undivided attention of the people: (3) to symbolize a sharp break with the hypocrisy of the religious leaders who preferred their luxurious homes and positions of authority over doing God's work; (4) to fulfill Old Testament prophecies that said John would be "a voice of one calling: in the desert prepare the way for the Lord" (Isaiah 40:3). In John's ministry, baptism was a visible sign that a person had decided to chang his or her life, giving up a sinful and selfish way of living and turning to God. John took a known custom and gave it new meaning. The Jews often baptized non-Jews who had converted to Judaism. But to baptize a Jew as a sign of repentance was a radical departure from Jewish custom. The early church took baptism a step further, associating it with Jesus' death and resurrection (see, for example Romans 6:3, 4; 1 Peter 3:21). The purpose of John's preaching was to prepare people to accept Jesus as God's Son. When John challenged the people to confess sin individually be signaled the start of a new way to relate to God. Is change needed in your life before you can hear and understand Jesus' message? You have to admit you need forgiveness before you can accept it. To prepare to receive Christ, repent. Denounce the world's dead-end attractions, sinful temptations, and harmful attitudes. John's clothes were not the latest style of his day. He dressed much like the prophet Elijah (2 Kings 1:8) in order to distinguish himself from the religious leaders whose flowing robes reflected their great pride in their position (12:38). John's striking appearance reinforced his striking message. Although John was the first genuine prophet in 400 years, Jesus the Messiah would be infinitely greater than he. John was pointing out how insignificant he was compared to the one who was coming. John was not even worthy of doing the most menial tasks for him, like untying his sandals. What John began, Jesus finished. What John prepared Jesus fulfilled. John said Jesus would baptize them with the Holy Spirit, sending the Holy Spirit to live within each believer. John's baptism with water prepared a person to receive Christ's message. This baptism with water prepared a person to receive Christ's message. This baptism demonstrated repentance, humility, and willingness to turn from sin. This was the beginning of the spiritual process. When Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit, however, the entire person is transformed by the Spirit's power. Jesus offers to us both forgiveness of sin and the power to live for him. What do the context of the quotes (Mal 3:1; Isa 40:3) teach about the "coming one"?
|