The Gospel of Our King

Today’s Reading from God’s Word

Mark 1:9–15 CSB

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.” Immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving him. After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Introduction

During January we’re talking about the impact of the Messiah.

Last week, we began by exploring the profound announcement in Luke 2:11:

Luke 2:11 CSB

Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.

This is a simple yet monumental proclamation and in it, we discover three defining truths about Jesus.

He is our Savior, delivering us from the guilt and penalty of sin.

He is the Messiah, the long-awaited, anointed one sent by God to redeem His people.

And He is the Lord, the sovereign King over all creation, worthy of our total allegiance.

Through these identities, we reflected on the hope, salvation, and restoration Jesus brings into a broken world desperate for deliverance.

This week, as we continue our series, we will see these truths come alive in the opening chapters of Mark’s gospel.

Mark doesn’t just introduce Jesus as the Messiah; he reveals Him as the Saving King—a King whose authority and mission are unmistakable.

From His baptism to His proclamation of the kingdom of God, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority:

Authority over Satan, as He confronts the powers of evil.

Authority over temptation, standing victorious where humanity has so often failed.

And authority over sin, offering the power of the gospel to all who will repent and believe.

Today, we’ll explore how the King’s mission unfolds, not just in proclamation but in power—bringing freedom to captives, healing to the broken, and restoration to the oppressed.

As we begin, let’s consider this question:

What does it mean to live under the reign of Jesus, the Saving King?

How does His authority shape your life, your decisions, and your purpose?

Let’s turn to Mark’s gospel and see how the King’s story continues.

The Purpose of Mark’s Writing

The opening verse explains:

Mark 1:1 CSB

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

“Gospel” was a Greco-Roman term that referred to a celebratory announcement; such as victory in battle or the enthronement of a king.

And so, Mark’s work is the annunciation that the new King has arrived, God’s king, the anointed one, the Messiah, the Savior, the Son of God — Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus’ Baptism: Coronation of the King

The first thing Mark records about Jesus is His baptism.

Mark 1:9–11 CSB

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.”

In Isaiah 64:1, the prophet begged God to tear the heavens open and come down — and this is where it happens.

God speaks.

The Spirit descends, settles upon Him, and empowers Him.

He has divine authority.

This is His crowning …. this is his inauguration.

The King comes … with authority.

Over Satan

Over Temptation

Over Sin

Dominion over Satan

Mark 1:12–13 CSB

Immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving him.

If the new King is going to reign — he must overthrow the usurper, the temporary king, Satan himself.

Conquering Temptation

Additionally in v. 13, if he is going to reign, he has to conquer sin — and verse 13 demonstrates his power over temptation and those who inflict it.

Power Over Sin

And also, he demonstrates power over sin — because as He preaches the good news — if you repent and believe — you will be forgiven and enter his kingdom.

Mark 1:14–15 NASB 2020

Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Two Imperatives

Repent.

Believe the gospel.

Both denote activity.

If one wants to be in the kingdom - there is a required response.

There is more to belief mental acknowledgment.

Belief involves action — and with our initial salvation that involves repentance, confession and baptism.

It is important to note that the conditions are not the gospel itself — they are the means by which it is accessed.

When we surrender to the terms or conditions of salvation - the inheritance is ours.

The Gospel According to Jesus

If we’re going to define the proper starting place with the gospel, we need to first examine what Jesus proclaimed as the gospel.

Mark 1:14–15 NASB 2020

Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

What Jesus Proclaimed

Let’s go back to 1:14:

Mark 1:14 (NASB 2020)

Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,

Jesus proclaimed the gospel of God.

This is the message that came from God.

He’s not looking for the best possible message to impact the culture.

He’s not gauging what people are interested in so he can tailor the message to that.

He is not looking for felt needs.

He is a herald — announcing a message from the Father.

And it is “good news” as the CSB translates it.

What did he concentrate on?

Mark 1:15 (NASB 2020)

and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

The time is fulfilled.

“era” is what you need to think here.

fixed point in history for an event to happen.

Galatians 4:4 - The time came to completion.

See also Ephesians 1:10 - the right time.

Ephesians 1:10 (CSB)

as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.

This is the significant hour in human history.

The Savior has arrived who will pay the penalty for sin and provide salvation for all who believe — from the beginning of history to the end.

this is what the world has been waiting on.

The kingdom is at hand.

The promises of the Old Testament regarding the Messiah are about to be fulfilled.

The promises of salvation are about to come to pass.

The king has come and with Him His kingdom — not only to conquer Satan — but sin — through the gospel.

A Royal Message

Luke 1:32–33 (CSB)

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.

He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.”

This is the royal message, which commences publicly after his baptism.

His earthly ministry heralded his being the Christ, the chosen one, but he is still future king.

The attainment of the throne comes after his resurrection.

It was a process — much like David’s.

David was anointed as a young men — then underwent a period of testing/suffering/difficulty — before assuming the throne.

But as Jesus works in his ministry — he is not only proclaiming He is the coming King — he demonstrates it by the power of the Spirit.

The Power to Deliver

Immediately, after his time of temptation in the wilderness, Jesus returns to Nazareth. Let’s pick up in Luke’s gospel.

Luke 4:14–15 CSB

Then Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread throughout the entire vicinity. He was teaching in their synagogues, being praised by everyone.

He heads for Nazareth and teaches in the synagogue on the Sabbath.

Luke 4:16–19 (CSB)

He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. As usual, he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up to read.

The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him, and unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written:

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

I want you to look closely at 4:18-19. Here He

Outlines his identity.

Explains the purpose of his ministry.

To proclaim the good news to the poor.

Proclaim release the captives.

Recover the sight of the blind.

Set free the oppressed.

See the benefits of the gospel — for everyone, not just the well-connected, educated, rich, elite.

What are those benefits? Salvation.

Then He speaks of “the year of the Lord’s favor” in v. 19.

This points back to Isaiah’s writing.

Isaiah 61:3–4 CSB

to provide for those who mourn in Zion; to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the Lord to glorify him. They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the former devastations; they will renew the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.

He was coming to bring hope.

The year of the Lord’s favor was connected with release and restoration.

Associated with the erasure of debt and release from enslavement.

Here is Isaiah 61:1-2

Isaiah 61:1–2 CSB

The Spirit of the Lord God is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of our God’s vengeance; to comfort all who mourn,

The Jews believed these verses pointed to a future era of divine restoration.

Jesus’ identifying himself with this — stunned his audience.

They didn’t believe it.

Luke 4:21–22 CSB

He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.” They were all speaking well of him and were amazed by the gracious words that came from his mouth; yet they said, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

Luke 4:29 CSB

They got up, drove him out of town, and brought him to the edge of the hill that their town was built on, intending to hurl him over the cliff.

He leaves … and goes back to Capernaum. Teaches there with authority and power.

And not a few verses later as he again summarizes his message:

Luke 4:43 NASB 2020

But He said to them, “I must also preach the kingdom of God to the other cities, because I was sent for this purpose.”

What is Jesus’ fundamental life purpose?

To announce the gospel of the kingdom — He had been anointed as King.

His rule was coming.

And that is what the gospel is — a proclamation of the kingdom of God.

Jesus has become the saving king.

The Gospels Prove it.

Jesus is the Saving King.

His Healing Ministry

Luke 7:20–22 (CSB)

When the men reached him, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask you, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ ”

At that time Jesus healed many people of diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits, and he granted sight to many blind people.

He replied to them, “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news,

Luke 8:1–2 CSB

Afterward he was traveling from one town and village to another, preaching and telling the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary, called Magdalene (seven demons had come out of her);

Luke 9:6 CSB

So they went out and traveled from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing everywhere.

Every kingdom parable, action, or mighty deed of Jesus helps proclaim the gospel.

Those who Accept It…

We note how taking up one’s cross for Jesus and embracing the gospel — results in life after judgment.

Mark 8:34–38 (CSB)

Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it.

For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life?

What can anyone give in exchange for his life?

For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Those who lose possessions and family for the sake of the gospel will receive them back in amazing abundance.

Mark 10:29–30 CSB

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and eternal life in the age to come.

And of course, we have become disciples who have been given the mission of spreading the good news to the world.

Mark 13:10 CSB

And it is necessary that the gospel be preached to all nations.

The Story of How Jesus Became the Saving King

He was sent by the Father.

He would become king

Through suffering crucifixion in order to be ransom for others.

Mark 10:45 CSB

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

His blood would ratify a new covenant.

He would represent his people as a substitute.

Luke 19:10 CSB

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”

God would vindicate him after his suffering

by raising Him from the dead.

John 2:19–21 CSB

Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it up in three days.” Therefore the Jews said, “This temple took forty-six years to build, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body.

And after his resurrection he would be seated at the right hand of God.

All of this is the fulfillment of OT prophecy.

As the glorified King — He will ultimately judge the world.

For Jesus, the gospel is that the kingdom of God has drawn near, and the cross and resurrection are the necessary steps on the path by which he is to become the ruling king.

As We Close…

Who is reigning over your life?

Jesus, as King, has divine authority over Satan, temptation, and sin.

Who or what is reigning over your life?

Is it fear? Sin? Worldly priorities?

Jesus’ authority means that He can break your chains and remove any stronghold.

We read out of Luke 4:18-19 today where Jesus declared his mission to set captives free, heal the brokenhearted, and bring liberty to the oppressed.

Through His work on the cross and His ministry - He offers spiritual, emotional, and physical restoration.

Matthew 11:28–30 CSB

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Will you surrender your life to His rule and invite His power to bring you freedom?

Please reflect on where you need to trust God’s authority. Identify one area where you need to let go of control.

Are you living in the reality of the Kingdom?

The kingdom has come.

You have been invited into His reign.

Living under Jesus’ kingship, transforms how you view your purpose, relationships, and possessions.

We have been commissioned as ambassadors of Christ — which fills our life with purpose.

We are called to share the good news of his reign.

2 Corinthians 5:20 CSB

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”

Are you reflecting kingdom values each day? Values like generosity, forgiveness, and love in your daily life?

Are you resting in Jesus’ role as Saving King?

Jesus became king through His suffering, resurrection, and ascension.

Think of what that brings — security and hope. His work is finished and His promises are sure.

His victory has secured eternal life for all who believe.

Will you respond?

Jesus calls for a response.

The Messiah has come and He invites you into His kingdom.

True belief requires action.

Your relationship with God must transform how you live. Your salvation is not a one-time event — but a daily practice of walking with God.