Mark 1:1-14

Introduction

Introduction to Mark’s Gospel-

I. Deity of Christ v.1-11

a) The introduction

Jesus Christ the Son of God-

John 5:18 “Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.”

Mark from the outset declares the Deity of Christ. Then proves it further with quote from OT.

a) The prophecy v.1-3

Mal 3:1 A Messenger will be sent before the Messiah

Isa 40:3. The messenger will be preparing the way for the LORD.

The Messiah is coming, The Messiah is Divine.

b) The fulfilment v.4-7

John was the voice in the wilderness

John was preparing the way for Jesus.

Mightier that John

John isn’t worthy to do the most menial task for him

He baptises with the Holy Spirit.

Mark applies this prophecy of Isa 40:3. to the Lord Jesus.

The voice of one crying in the wilderness is John- Matthew

He is preparing the way for the LORD- YHWH

Yet it is clearly Jesus he is preparing the way for.

Jesus is YHWH.

He is the Son of God, who himself is God. The second person of the Trinity.

Importance of deity of Christ-

Sufficiency of his death, ability to save.

II. Righteousness of Christ v.12-13

a) Baptism

Baptised to fulfill all righteousness- Cross ref. Matthew

b) Father’s pleasure-

Well pleased because he always did the will of the Father.

c) Resisted Satan’s temptations

Never sinned-

Hebrews 4:15 “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

1 Peter 2:22 ““Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;”

Why is this important?

As the Saviour he had to be sinless

Application

We have all sinned. Here is one with out sin. Are you trusting in his righteousness?

1 Corinthians 1:30 “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—”

III. Message of Christ v.14

a)The Time is fulfilled-

The prophets were pointing to this time. The Messiah has come.

b) Kingdom of God is at hand

Already/Not yet.

c) Repent and believe in the Gospel

Repent- Change of mind resulting in change of behaviour.

Believe in the Gospel-

Gospel-

Trust in the one the Gospel proclaims.

Definition of faith-

The faith which is the evidence of salvation, includes giving credit to the gospel report, of a free and full salvation for poor, unworthy sinners; an application to Jesus on the throne of grace, founded on that report; and a trusting in the word, work, and death of Jesus, for life and salvation. This always produces love to Jesus, and leads the soul to obey Him out of gratitude.

Believe the facts, come to Jesus because of the facts, trust in his finished work for life and salvation. This always produces love to Jesus and leads to obedience because of gratitude.