The Beginning of the Gospel: Mark 1:1-8

Introduction

This Gospel is a fastmoving and hard-hitting theological telling of the life of Jesus. It is not a biography in the modern sense, but a historically true account of the words and especially the deeds of Jesus to teach us who the Lord Jesus is and what He did. It is written by John Mark as an interpreter of the apostle Peter carried along by the Holy Spirit. It is written to inform us that Jesus gave His life as a ransom for many, both Jew and Gentile, and He presently ministers to us as the risen Lord. Our text this morning answers a most fundamental question, who is the gospel about? With that question in mind, I will lead you through the text, explaining it, and conclude with some main points and applications.

Explanation

• The gospel’s beginning: 1o 1: Look at verse 1. The gospel is the good news of God’s salvation of sinners. It had been preached by the prophets and foreshadowed in the ceremonies, kings, prophets, and priests of the Old Covenant. However, its fulfillment had not happened in those days. Jesus Christ is the subject of the gospel that God promised. His birth, life, ministry, death, and exaltation are all components of the gospel. Mark begins His book by declaring that it is about Jesus, who is both the Christ and the Son of God. Others were called God’s son like Adam and David, but Jesus’ Sonship proved to be unique and greater than those who proceeded Him. He is both true God and true Man. As such, He is the perfect mediator between God and men. The reality of Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God will become clearer throughout Mark’s Gospel. The promised Messiah, however, had a messenger would come before Him. It is to this messenger that Mark turns.

• The gospel’s beginning and messenger; his promise: 2-3

o 2-3: Mark begins by telling of this messenger’s promise. Read verse 2-3 with me. Note how Mark starts off by testifying that the gospel of Jesus is not something that came out of thin air but is the fulfillment of what was promised in the Old Testament Scriptures. Mark combines three quotations from the Old Testament: , , and . Isaiah’s name is given because he would have been the most well-known. He starts with a combination of and

i. : In , Yahweh promises to have one go before His people Israel to protect them and bring them into the promised land.

ii. : In Malachi, there was disappointment that the promised redemption and restoration in the previous prophets hadn’t been fulfilled. They had been freed from Babylon only to be under foreign control. Though it may at first glance have seemed that Yahweh had failed, He informs His people through Malachi that despite their present disobedience, He will bring a redemption that will be preceded by a messenger.

iii. : After warning of judgment and exile, the latter part of Isaiah’s prophecy includes a promised hope. This hope would include freedom from idolaters and their idols, a suffering servant who is a conquering king, and an eternal rest in the presence of Yahweh. God would lead his people through the wilderness as he did in the first Exodus. He will bring them into the promised land as He did through Joshua. However, this stay would never end. Before the arrival of the servant king, there would be a messenger who would prepare the way of the servant. The messenger precedes the servant, who is Yahweh Himself.

iv. Bring it together: A new and better Exodus has come. Its messenger is John. Its servant is Yahweh, who resides with His people in the incarnation of the Son, who is the true Israel, the servant King, and promised redeemer. What the first Exodus and wilderness journey foreshadowed, and Isaiah and Malachi promised the ministry of John initiated and the coming of Christ consummated.

• The gospel’s beginning and messenger; his ministry: 4-5

o 4: John’s ministry was a ministry of preaching and baptism. He called upon people to repent, that is turn from their sins. He baptized those who obeyed his charge. Repentance and baptism don’t earn the forgiveness of sins but receive it. Baptism, like Israel, the passing through the Red Sea illustrates what God accomplishes in the redemption of sinners. They pass from an old existence of slavery and death to freedom and life. The sign of Baptism and the Red Sea don’t make people new; they symbolize it and testify to it. John’s preaching and baptism readied people for the coming new exodus and the servant king who would come after him.

o 5: There is no doubt that John’s early ministry was popular. People from the cities traveled to the wilderness to hear him preach, were baptized by him, and confessing their sins. Many like the Pharisees and Sadducees he rejected. John’s ministry, though popular and brought him fame and infamy, was not ultimately about him. It was about another who would come after him.

• The gospel’s beginning and messenger; his appearance: 6

o 6: John’s attire was of a man who resided in the wilderness and did most of his ministry there. His diet also was humble. His garb was very similar to that of an Old Testament Prophet named Elijah, which again points to him being the forerunner who would precede the Servant King who would redeem His people. Malachi promised that the messenger by way of metaphor would be Elijah. Jesus confirms that John is the fulfillment of this promised prophet like Elijah (). Again, as has been clear in every part of our text, John precedes, one who is greater than and comes after him. In the final two verses, John himself makes this point explicit.

• The gospel’s beginning and messenger; his preaching: 7-8

o 7-8: John’s comment verse 7 is a vivid declaration of the superiority of the one who comes after him. He deemed himself unworthy of even the humblest service to the one who would follow Him. In our day, it would be like him saying he would be unfit to untie His shoelace or take off His boot. In verse 8, John gives an example of Jesus' superiority to Him. John’s baptism by itself without some sort of supernatural work of God was just a baptism with water. Jesus, however, would baptize His people with the Holy Spirit. John’s baptism with water is a sign or symbol of union with Christ. Jesus’ baptism with the Holy Spirit is the reality signified and symbolized. John’s baptism pictures salvation through union with Christ. Jesus’ baptism accomplishes it. In other words, John is a servant to the one who comes after Him. Thus, John, like all the prophets before him, is the lesser messenger who proclaims and precedes the greater message, who is Jesus.

Main Points

1. The gospel is about Jesus, who is the Son of God

E: Jesus is God the Son in the flesh. He is truly God. As such, he can redeem us from our infinite sin debt. Adam and those condemned and corrupted by him disobeyed and, if left themselves, would remain under condemnation because none of them could pay the infinite debt they owed to God. His standard is perfection. He is infinite. Every transgression thus incurs infinite debt. Only one who was infinite could make the payment. Only one who was human could be a substitute for humans. When God the Son took on a human nature while not forfeiting his divine nature, He became the only one who could secure our redemption. b. A: As the Godman, Jesus Christ is worthy of your worship and obedience. Stand and marvel at your glorious redeemer. There are none who are like Him. Marvel at your God who has redeemed you in a way man couldn’t and wouldn’t make up. Obey His commands and teach them to your children. Show the people around you who you believe is Lord by how you live and how you spend your Lord’s day. Is today the Lord’s, the NFL’s, or yours? It is the Lord’s Day to be spent the Lord’s way. As we worship God through prayer, song, and the proclamation of His Word, we honor the redeemer and are blessed by Him.2. The gospel is about Jesus, who is the Messiah of Goda. E: To be the Messiah means that He is the promised King who redeems a people. He is the seed of Eve, Abraham, and David. He is Jesse’s Branch of Jeremiah, the Son of Man of Daniel, the Suffering Servant of Isaiah, and the Shepherd King of Micah. Jesus is the redeemer, the way, the truth, and the life. There is no salvation in any other. b. A: He alone is where forgiveness of sins and eternal life is found, so trust in Him. Christian keep trusting in Him. He is your rock. He is your hope. He is your life. He is your treasure. He is your joy. He is all you need, even if all else is lost. Cleave to Him. He won’t fail you. Unbeliever repent of your sins and trust in the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. The time of His second coming or your death is unknown to you. If either comes and you have not trusted in Him, you will find Him not as your redeemer but as the judge. Ignore John and bear the Redeemer’s triumphant fire that refines the gold and silver and burns up the defects. 3. The gospel is about Jesus, who is the Israel of Goda. E: In this text, Jesus is the fulfillment of Israel. He succeeded where they failed. He is the better Adam, Israel, and David. b. A: God has a people; Jesus is the head of this people and her representative. This people is called the Church of Christ and the Israel of God. You cannot have Jesus as head and not have his church as fellow members of his body. Put differently, if you have Jesus, you have his people too. In these last days, the already not yet age between Jesus first and second coming, the universal and invisible church made up of all of Jesus people from every nation and time, is visibly displayed in local bodies of believers who covenant together to worship and serve their God where they are. Christian and member of Vista Baptist Church, look to your right, left, behind, and before you. Those who are your fellow members of this church who call upon the name of Jesus and are united to Him, are also united to you. Love them. Forgive them. Gather with them. 4. The gospel is about Jesus, who is the content of preachinga. E: John gives us an example of what our life and ministry should point to, namely Jesus. He preached Christ Jesus. b. A: Two: i. We must preach Christ; I must do it from the pulpit. You and I must do it in our homes, workplaces, and to our neighbors. We must press the people who God places around us to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Preach Christ with humility, urgency, and passionately. ii. We should note that though John, and Jesus after him, had groups flock to them. But both saw those crowds leave, and both died alone. Faithfulness to the Lord and preaching Christ doesn’t automatically mean people will flock to you. They may at first, but as Christ is preached, the seeds that were sown along bad soil will show themselves in their divisiveness or absence. We are called to do what God has called us to and trust Him regardless of the results, whether it be flocks amassing, budgets multiplying, and baptisms abounding or flocks dwindling, budgets depleting, and baptisms stagnating. We are committed to and proclaim Christ who was born, lived in righteousness, died on the cross, was buried, rose on the third day, ascended to God’s right hand, and will one day return and form Him so long as I pastor here we will not stray even if it means loss and trial. Faithfulness triumphs fame.

a. E: Jesus is God the Son in the flesh. He is truly God. As such, he can redeem us from our infinite sin debt. Adam and those condemned and corrupted by him disobeyed and, if left themselves, would remain under condemnation because none of them could pay the infinite debt they owed to God. His standard is perfection. He is infinite. Every transgression thus incurs infinite debt. Only one who was infinite could make the payment. Only one who was human could be a substitute for humans. When God the Son took on a human nature while not forfeiting his divine nature, He became the only one who could secure our redemption.

b. A: As the Godman, Jesus Christ is worthy of your worship and obedience. Stand and marvel at your glorious redeemer. There are none who are like Him. Marvel at your God who has redeemed you in a way man couldn’t and wouldn’t make up. Obey His commands and teach them to your children. Show the people around you who you believe is Lord by how you live and how you spend your Lord’s day. Is today the Lord’s, the NFL’s, or yours? It is the Lord’s Day to be spent the Lord’s way. As we worship God through prayer, song, and the proclamation of His Word, we honor the redeemer and are blessed by Him.

2. The gospel is about Jesus, who is the Messiah of God

a. E: To be the Messiah means that He is the promised King who redeems a people. He is the seed of Eve, Abraham, and David. He is Jesse’s Branch of Jeremiah, the Son of Man of Daniel, the Suffering Servant of Isaiah, and the Shepherd King of Micah. Jesus is the redeemer, the way, the truth, and the life. There is no salvation in any other.

b. A: He alone is where forgiveness of sins and eternal life is found, so trust in Him. Christian keep trusting in Him. He is your rock. He is your hope. He is your life. He is your treasure. He is your joy. He is all you need, even if all else is lost. Cleave to Him. He won’t fail you. Unbeliever repent of your sins and trust in the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. The time of His second coming or your death is unknown to you. If either comes and you have not trusted in Him, you will find Him not as your redeemer but as the judge. Ignore John and bear the Redeemer’s triumphant fire that refines the gold and silver and burns up the defects.

3. The gospel is about Jesus, who is the Israel of God

a. E: In this text, Jesus is the fulfillment of Israel. He succeeded where they failed. He is the better Adam, Israel, and David.

b. A: God has a people; Jesus is the head of this people and her representative. This people is called the Church of Christ and the Israel of God. You cannot have Jesus as head and not have his church as fellow members of his body. Put differently, if you have Jesus, you have his people too. In these last days, the already not yet age between Jesus first and second coming, the universal and invisible church made up of all of Jesus people from every nation and time, is visibly displayed in local bodies of believers who covenant together to worship and serve their God where they are. Christian and member of Vista Baptist Church, look to your right, left, behind, and before you. Those who are your fellow members of this church who call upon the name of Jesus and are united to Him, are also united to you. Love them. Forgive them. Gather with them.

4. The gospel is about Jesus, who is the content of preaching

a. E: John gives us an example of what our life and ministry should point to, namely Jesus. He preached Christ Jesus.

b. A: Two:

i. We must preach Christ; I must do it from the pulpit. You and I must do it in our homes, workplaces, and to our neighbors. We must press the people who God places around us to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Preach Christ with humility, urgency, and passionately.

ii. We should note that though John, and Jesus after him, had groups flock to them. But both saw those crowds leave, and both died alone. Faithfulness to the Lord and preaching Christ doesn’t automatically mean people will flock to you. They may at first, but as Christ is preached, the seeds that were sown along bad soil will show themselves in their divisiveness or absence. We are called to do what God has called us to and trust Him regardless of the results, whether it be flocks amassing, budgets multiplying, and baptisms abounding or flocks dwindling, budgets depleting, and baptisms stagnating. We are committed to and proclaim Christ who was born, lived in righteousness, died on the cross, was buried, rose on the third day, ascended to God’s right hand, and will one day return and form Him so long as I pastor here we will not stray even if it means loss and trial. Faithfulness triumphs fame.

Conclusion

As we have seen, Mark comes out swinging. The first line of the Gospel tells us who Jesus is and what He did. Jesus is the Son of God and the promised Messiah. Mere men could not save themselves, but a promised one who was both true God and true man could represent sinners as a substitute and pay their infinite sin debt. This Jesus Christ, the Son of God did. The gospel is about Him. Have you trusted in Him for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life? If not, will you today for tomorrow is not promised? Oh, unbelieving sinner, repent of your sins and cleave to the Lord Jesus. You will find Him a perfect savior and gracious Lord. If you have already trusted in Him, may your faith be renewed and strengthened through the reminder of our God’s faithfulness and our Lord Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and Son of God. Christian, you have nothing to fear for Jesus has not, is not, and will never be a failure. His cross that appeared to be a victory for sin, Satan, and death, was the instrument of our eternal salvation and God’s victory over darkness. Vista Baptist Church, we don’t depend on talent or money, we depend on the crucified and raised Son of God. Let us glory in Him and make Him known.