Mark 1:1-20 = The Good News Begins

INTRO

Good morning, beloved friends! Today, we embark on an exciting journey through the Gospel of Mark, where we encounter the thrilling beginning of something extraordinary—the ministry of Jesus Christ. In Mark 1:1-20, we discover the profound declaration that the good news is not just a message, but a transformative reality that bursts forth into our world.

Imagine the anticipation in the air as John the Baptist prepares the way, calling people to repentance and baptism, igniting hope in the hearts of many. As we delve into this passage, we'll witness the powerful moment when Jesus steps onto the scene, embodying the very essence of the good news. What does this mean for us today? How does this message of hope and redemption resonate in our lives?

Join me as we explore the significance of this divine announcement and what it means for our faith. Together, let’s uncover how the good news begins, not just as a story from the past, but as a living truth that invites us into a deeper relationship with God. Get ready to be inspired and transformed as we dive into the heart of the Gospel!

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Sermon Outline: "The Beginning of the Good News"

Theme: Introduction to Jesus' Ministry Passage: Mark 1:1-20.

The Good News of the Gospel is..

I. A Declaration of Faithfulness (1:1–4)

Mark 1:1–4 ESV

1 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,’ ” 4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

2 Peter 3:9 “9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Hebrews 10:23 “23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”

A. God fulfilled His promise to send the Messiah (1:1).

B. God honored His word by sending a forerunner (1:2–4).

C. God is faithful to you today / tomorrow / Yesterday !!

Quote: "God's promises are like the stars; the darker the night, the brighter they shine." – David Nicholas

Application: Reflect on a promise God has made in your life. Write it down and pray over it this week, reaffirming your trust in His faithfulness.

II. A Declaration of Power (1:4–8)

Mark 1:4–8 ESV

4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Matthew 3:11 “11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Acts 1:8 “8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””

A. We should emulate John’s boldness (1:4–5).

B. We must adopt John’s humility (1:6–8).

C. We should understand the power of / in Christ

Filled with the Spirit

Better Baptism

Quote: "The church does not have a mission; the mission has a church." – Christopher Wright

Illustration: Think of the thing that Trump has been doing lately, he is flexing his political muscle.

Application: Identify an area of your life that you are doubting the power of God in. Meditate on the professed power of Christ in your life and pray to that end.

III. A Declaration of Identity (1:9–11)

Mark 1:9–11 ESV

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Colossians 2:9 “9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,”

John 1:29 “29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

A. It marked the beginning of His public ministry (1:9).

B. It connected Him with humanity’s sinfulness (1:9).

C. It linked Him to John’s mission (1:9).

D. It confirmed His Father’s approval (1:10).

E. It showcased the triune nature of God (1:9–11).

F. It demonstrated His complete reliance on the Holy Spirit (1:10).

G. It defined the kind of Messiah He would be (1:11).

Quote: "Baptism is not just a symbol of belonging; it’s an affirmation of identity." – Tim Chester

Illustration: Consider a royal ceremony where a prince is publicly declared. The baptism of Jesus is similar, marking His identity and mission before the world.

Application: If you haven’t been baptized, consider taking that step as an outward declaration of your faith. If you have, share your baptism story with someone to encourage them.

IV. A Declaration of War (1:12–13)

Mark 1:12–13 ESV

12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

Hebrews 4:15 “15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 “13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

A. Jesus submitted to the Holy Spirit (1:12).

B. Jesus faced temptation from Satan (1:13).

C. Jesus did not sin / Jesus won / Jesus causes you to win !!

Quote: "Temptation is the devil looking through the keyhole. Yielding is opening the door and inviting him in." – Billy Graham

Illustration: Picture a soldier preparing for battle. Jesus’ temptation shows that even the strongest can face trials, reminding us that preparation and vigilance are key.

Application: Identify a personal temptation you struggle with. Create a plan to combat it through prayer, accountability, or scripture memorization.

V. A Call to Proclaim the Message (1:14–15)

Mark 1:14–15 ESV

14 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.”

Romans 1:16 “16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Acts 2:38–39 “38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.””

A. The appointed time has arrived.

B. The kingdom of God is near.

C. Call for repentance!

D. Believe in the good news.

Freedom / Forgiveness / Future / Forever !!

Quote: "The gospel is not just good advice; it’s good news." – John Stott

Illustration: Imagine a town crier announcing the arrival of a long-awaited king. Our role is similar; we must share the good news with enthusiasm and clarity.

Application: This week, share the gospel message with someone who hasn’t heard it. Use a simple format: share your personal experience, the core message of Jesus, and invite them to explore faith. Gospel tract…

VI. A Call to Follow the Lord (1:16–20)

Mark 1:16–20 ESV

16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

John 15:16 “16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”

Matthew 16:24 “24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

A. Jesus calls individuals to follow Him.

A2. Recognize who He is.

A3. What does following Him mean?

Illustration: Picture a shepherd leading his flock. The sheep trust the shepherd’s voice and direction, illustrating our trust in Jesus as our guide.

B. Jesus commissions His followers to serve.

B2. Understand what He does.

Application: Look for someone in your life to mentor or encourage in their faith journey. Schedule time to meet with them regularly.

Quote: "The mark of a great leader is not how many followers they have, but how many leaders they create." – John C. Maxwell

Application: Spend time this week in prayer and scripture, seeking to understand more about who Jesus is and how you can more closely follow His ways in your daily life.

GROUP QUESTIONS

What surprises or mysteries do you find in how God accomplished salvation, and what does baptism mean in your church context?

Why do you think God often communicates with His children in the wilderness, and what can we learn about the Trinity from Mark 1:9–11?

How does the relationship between God the Father and God the Son inform our understanding of their roles?

In what ways does the Holy Spirit represent power in the life of Jesus and in our own lives?

How did Jesus exemplify being a second Adam, a new Israel, and a perfect King throughout His life?

Reflecting on your faith journey, how have you been tested since giving your life to Christ, and what steps can you take to improve your response to those tests?

How has Satan manifested lies or deceit in your life, and how does this relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?

How would you summarize the good news of the Gospel to a non-Christian, and what do you believe about the already-present and future aspects of the Kingdom of God?

How do repentance, confession, and obedience relate to one another, and how do the concepts of belief, faith, and trust differ?

What sacrifices have you made in following Jesus, what idols do Christians in your culture often rely on for happiness, and which ones tempt you the most?