God's Servant is Here!

Characteristics of the Gospels

Matthew - Jews - Jesus the Son of David, the Son of Abraham

Mark - Romans - Jesus the Servant

Luke - Greeks - Jesus the Son of Man

John - Humanity - Jesus the Son of God

Three Characteristics of a Servant that Draw People to Jesus

A willingness to help others first

A willingness to meet other’s practical needs

A willingness to give sacrificially to others

The Servant’s Identity ()

Matthew - Jews - Jesus the Son of David, the Son of Abraham

The Servant’s Identity (Mark 1:11)

John Mark as witness of Christ (1:1)

Mark is from Jerusalem

Mark is associated with Peter (1 Peter 5:13)

The gospel means good news

Not only a Christian word

The Gospel of Mark 1. The Herald in the Wilderness. Ch. 1:1–8

Among the Romans it meant “joyful tidings” and was associated with the cult of the emperor, whose birthday, attainment to majority and accession to power were celebrated as festival occasions for the whole world

The Gospel of Mark 1. The Herald in the Wilderness. Ch. 1:1–8

Among the Romans it meant “joyful tidings” and was associated with the cult of the emperor, whose birthday, attainment to majority and accession to power were celebrated as festival occasions for the whole world

The Prophets as witnesses of Christ (1:2-3)

Mark - Romans - Jesus the Servant

Another name for the writings of the Old Testament prophets

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: God’s Servant Is Here! (Mark 1)

In ancient times, before a king visited any part of his realm, a messenger was sent before him to prepare the way. This included both repairing the roads and preparing the people. By calling the nation to repentance, John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah and Malachi join voices in declaring that Jesus Christ is the Lord, Jehovah God.

John the Baptist as witness of Christ (1:4-8)

Luke - Greeks - Jesus the Son of Man

Associated with the prophet Elijah

The greatest of the prophets ()

Matthew 11:9–11 NKJV

But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

He preached about one who is mightier than him

His baptism of repentence for the remission of sins

The Father and Holy Spirit as witnesses (1:9-11)

John - Humanity - Jesus the Son of God

The heavens parted

The Spirit descended

The Father spoke from heaven

Questions

What about Jesus’ life shows you His servant spirit?

Why might the pagan Romans have struggled to accept that Jesus was the Son of God? How do people today struggle with this?

What does Mark tell us in chapter 1 about Jesus’ identity?

How did Jesus’ baptism reflect His role as a servant? What can we learn from this?

Wiersbe, Warren W.. The BE Series Bundle: The Gospels: Be Loyal, Be Diligent, Be Compassionate, Be Courageous, Be Alive, and Be Transformed (The BE Series Commentary) . David C. Cook. Kindle Edition.

The Servant’s Authority (1:12-28)

Authority in temptation temptation (1:12-13)

Authority in preaching (1:14-22)

Authority in commands (1:23-28)

The Servant’s Sympathy (1:29-45)