SON OF GOD Mark 1:1-13

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

When a family is healthy…being a member of that family is a comfort.—It is nice to be a part of something bigger than yourself.—It is a blessing to feel wanted and loved.— Of course…membership in a family does come with a certain amount of resposibility.— Family members should take care of each other…yes…but they should also do their part so no one has to do more than their fair share.— We are going to look at God’s family— in particular…His Son…Jesus.— We are going to see how God felt about Him and watch Jesus set out on a journey to do something for us we could never do on our own: That is to make our membership in God’s family possible.— Regardless of how we feel…we are wanted and loved.— through Jesus…we belong.

Mark 1:1-3 “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3  the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ ”

(Verse 1)

Gospel...The Greek word used here...euangelion meaning “good news”... eventually came to describe the similar subject matter of the first four books of the NT

but Mark probably uses it to describe the content of the Christian message...

Mark 1:1 introduces the good news...concerning the person...teaching...and life of Jesus...God’s Son...

Mark 1:14-15 “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.

The term euangelion (“good news”)...is used in an ancient inscription...to announce Caesar Augustus’ birth...

Which suggests...that Mark could have been intentionally using euangelion...in a disruptive way—to say that... the truly good news...is Jesus...and that He is owed...the ultimate allegiance of humanity.

The name iēsous (Jesus) is the Greek version of the Hebrew name Joshua (yehoshua' or yeshua'), a common Jewish name in the first century AD…Meaning “Yahweh is salvation”

The Greek word used here, christos, “Christ” translates the Hebrew title mashiach, meaning “anointed one.”

The term often functions as part of Jesus’ name, though elsewhere it is used as a title...

Mark 8:29 “And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.”

Mark 12:35 “And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?”

Mark 14:61 “But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”

Jesus is the Messiah…He is the Son of God...

The Book of Mark clearly identifies Jesus as God’s Son…at His baptism in verse 11

“And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:11...

And by the demons in Mark 3:11; 5:7

“And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” Mark 3:11...

“And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” Mark 5:7.

At the transfiguration…

“And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” Mark 9:7.

Jesus…with all His claims...is endorsed by the Father...

At His trials…when He is asked...”are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”

What is Jesus’ response...”I am”

The centurion…who had observed the death of many crucified criminals…recognized Christ to be the Son of God...

“And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:39