The Preparation of a Servant For Ministry (Mark 1:1-13)

Introduction of the Book

Author

Like the other gospels, the Gospel of Mark is anonymous.

Mark wrote his Gospel based on Peter’s preaching. Peter mentions Mark as his companion.

The “John Mark” from the book of Acts who traveled with Paul on his missionary journeys.

John Mark is the unidentified young man who fled naked the night Jesus was betrayed (14:50–52).

Mark is the nephew of Barnabas” (Col 4:10).

Mark was not an eyewitness follower of Jesus.

Historical Background

Mark’s Gospel was written first and was used as a source by Matthew and Luke.

Mark wrote in Rome primarily for a Gentile audience because he often explains Hebrew/Aramaic words and Jewish customs.

Over 600 of Mark’s 661 verses are found in Matthew and Luke combined.

Message and Purpose

The book of Mark is written to disciples.

It blends the two main topics of leadership and service; to serve as a kingdom leader and to lead as a servant.

Mark’s emphasis is on Jesus Christ as the Servant of God.

One of his key words is “straightway” (immediately), used forty-one times in the book. Mark portrays Jesus as the Servant of God constantly on the go and meeting the needs of all kinds of people.

The characteristic of this Gospel is direct, practical, and vivid.

Mark does not mention the birth of John the Baptist or that of Jesus; neither does he provide genealogies or childhood stories of Jesus.

Body

The Title (1:1).

The gospel” is the proclamation of God’s power through Jesus Christ to save all who believe (Rom. 1:16).

Jesus is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew yehôšūa‘ (“Joshua”), “Yahweh is salvation.”

“Christ” is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew title Māšîaḥ (“Messiah, Anointed One”).

The title “Son of God” points to Jesus as being fully divine.

1. The Calling-The Commission of the Servant (1:2-8).

Explanation

John’s baptism was no innovation since Jews required Gentiles wanting to be admitted into Judaism to be baptized by self-immersion.

John’s baptism was designed for the Jews, and it required their repentance in view of the coming Messiah.

Included in the performance of the baptismal rite was the people’s open confession of sins. The verb “confessing” to openly agreed with God’s verdict on their sins, their “failure to hit the mark,” i.e., God’s standard).

The verb “baptize” means “to immerse, submerge.” When used in connection with water, the word “baptize” normally indicated a literal immersion.

When used with the words Holy Spirit it metaphorically means coming under the Spirit’s life-giving power.

John’s baptism was symbolic; Jesus’s baptism would introduce the reality.

John administered the outward sign, water baptism; but the Coming One would actually bestow the life-giving Spirit.

John’s baptism was in preparation for the Messiah, through whom God would pour out His Spirit on the people of Israel.

Jesus’ baptism serves as a commissioning scene, identifying Jesus as the primary subject of the prophecy quoted in Mark 1:2–3.

The simple lifestyle of John the Baptist underscores the genuineness of his prophetic calling.

Removing and carrying sandals was the work of slaves.

Illustration

“But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew‬ ‭20‬:‭26‬-‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Greatness is measured in different ways by different people. The kingdom of heaven, too, has its own standard of greatness: namely, humility and servanthood.”

Application

Our challenge in studying Mark is to learn from Jesus’ example how to lead and how to serve, and to follow it.

Jesus showed us that leadership comes through service. His calling was to serve and ours is too (10:45).

2. The Anointing-The Consecration of the Servant (1:9-11).

Explanation

In contrast with all others, Jesus made no confession of sins since He is without sin.

why Jesus submitted to John’s baptism: (1) It was an act of obedience, showing that Jesus was in full agreement with God’s overall plan and the role of John’s baptism in it. (2) It was an act of self-identification with the nation of Israel. (3) It was an act of self-dedication to signify his official acceptance of His messianic mission and His messianic vocation as the suffering Servant of the Lord as well as the Davidic Messiah.

First, He saw heaven being torn open. Second, He saw the Spirit descending on Him like a dove, in a visible dovelike form, not in a dovelike way. Third, Jesus heard a voice … from heaven.

Illustration

The Father’s words, expressing His approval of Jesus and His mission, echoed these verses: “Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭42‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The longing to hear these words from the Father: “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful...Let’s celebrate together!” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Application

We must consecrate ourselves to God in obedience to knowing that we cannot do any of what he calls us to do without his empowerment.

3. The Training-The Test of the Servant (1:12-13)

Explanation

The Spirit now exposes Jesus to a period of testing by Satan, preparing Him for the task ahead.

Forty days Suggests a deliberate parallel between Jesus’ testing and Israel’s 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, which also involved testing (Deut 2:7; 8:1–18).

Jesus was being tempted by Satan. “Tempted” which means “put to the test, make trial of” in order to discover the kind of person someone is.

It is used either in a good sense (God’s testing, e.g., 1 Cor. 10:13; Heb. 11:17) or in a bad sense of enticement to sin by Satan and his cohorts.

Both senses are involved here. God put Jesus to the test (the Spirit led Him to it) to show He was qualified for His messianic mission. But also Satan tried to draw Jesus away from His divinely appointed mission (cf. Matt. 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13).

Illustration

In the 1996 summer Olympics, sprinter Michael Johnson set records in the 200- and 400-meter races. To do so he had trained for some ten years to cut a mere second or two from his time.

The Christian life also resembles the life of a sprinter: long stretches of obedience and spiritual disciplines punctuated by great tests in which God gives us the opportunity to choose his eternal best.

Application

Jesus undergoes this severe temptation in the desert and overcame Satan, so we too, can learn to submit to the Spirit as he will strengthen us to overcome and resist the power of the enemy.

Conclusion

We have learned that the experiences of Jesus, such as his commission, his consecration and his temptation are blueprint to follow and steps we must undergo to serve as kingdom leaders and to lead as servants of the kingdom.