The Beginning of the Story

Intro

Mark 1–8: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary Chapter 1: The Herald of the New King (Mark 1:1–8)

The history of His earthly ministry is perfectly recorded in four complementary accounts—written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Their writings, known collectively as the four Gospels, provide a factual record of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Matthew and John were apostolic eyewitnesses to the events of which they wrote; Luke thoroughly investigated the details of our Lord’s ministry in order to produce his testimony (cf. Luke 1:3–4); and, according to early church tradition, Mark wrote his gospel based on the preaching of the apostle Peter.

The one who died for use was not merely a man like you or I; He who suffered in our place was the Son of God. It took the Son of God to provide sufficient propitiation for the sin of the world.

Expository Thoughts on Mark Mark 1:1–8: The Gospel Begun by John the Baptist’s Ministry

There is a beautiful fitness in placing this truth in the very beginning of a Gospel. The divinity of Christ is the citadel and keep of Christianity. Here lies the infinite value of the satisfaction He made upon the cross. Here lies the peculiar merit of His atoning death for sinners. That death was not the death of a mere man, like ourselves, but of one who is “over all, God blessed for ever.” (Rom. 9:3.) We need not wonder that the sufferings of one person were a sufficient propitiation for the sin of a world, when we remember that He who suffered was “the Son of God.”

Expository Thoughts on Mark Mark 1:1–8: The Gospel Begun by John the Baptist’s Ministry

Let believers cling to this doctrine with jealous watchfulness. With it, they stand upon a rock. Without it, they have nothing solid beneath their feet. Our hearts are weak. Our sins are many. We need a Redeemer who is able to save to the uttermost, and deliver from the wrath to come. We have such a Redeemer in Jesus Christ. He is “the mighty God.”

The Beginning of the Story

Mark’s account of Jesus’ life is only the beginning.

The gospel

the message of salvation

good news

ultimate salvation of God’s people through the messianic King. ()

Jesus

his human name

the greek form of Joshua (Yahweh is Salvation)

Christ

not a name…it’s a title

Greek equivalent of “Messiah”

the Son of God

Jesus’ lineage and right to rule

one nature with God

coeternal

coequal with the Father

The Promise of a New King

Mark 1.2-3

The beginning of the Gospel was the fulfillment of Scripture.

This was not a secondary plan or an afterthought.

John the Baptist

Mark 1–8: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary The Promise of the New King (1:2–3)

John was called to be a preacher, who made a strong call for people to ready themselves for the new King’s arrival.