Amazed by Jesus
The Suffering Servant • Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 8 viewsNotes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Today we are continuing our study of the book of Mark. Throughout this book, Mark is going to present Jesus as the “Suffering Servant.” Last week, in our study of Mark, we were introduced to John the Baptizer. We saw how Mark presented him—as a prophet like Elisha.
In our passage today we are going to be introduced to Jesus. We are also going to be introduced to one of the themes that we’ll see throughout Mark’s Gospel. That theme is how people were amazed by Jesus. And that is the title of this message as we look at Mark chapter 1, verse 9-28.
So let’s begin. As we do, I want to ask you a question: Are you amazed by Jesus? Think about this past week. Have you been amazed by what Jesus has done around you, or to you, or through you?
If you have your Bibles I want to encourage you to turn with me to Mark 1, and we’ll begin reading with verse 9.
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
Jesus Introduced
Jesus Introduced
Mark wastes no time in introducing the coming one Mark talked about in verse 2. Now we meet Jesus for the first time.
Look back at verse 5
The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
Mark makes sure that we know Jesus did not come from the normal areas to see John. He did not come from the Judean countryside, and He did not come from Jerusalem. He came from Nazareth in Galilee. Look again at verse 9.
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
Nazareth was an insignificant town that was never mentioned in Old Testament, the Talmud, or even in the later writings of the well known historians of the first century.
Jesus came came to be baptized by John. Unlike everyone else, Jesus gives no confession of sin! That is because He was without sin. Look at 2 Corinthians 5:21.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
So why was Jesus baptized by John? The Bible Knowledge Commentary gives three possible reasons.
It was an act of obedience, showing that Jesus was in full agreement with God’s overall plan and the role of John’s baptism in it. This comes from the passage in Matthew 3:15.
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
It was an act of self-identification with the nation of Israel whose heritage and sinful predicament He shared. This comes from Isaiah 53:12.
Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
It was an act of self-dedication to His messianic mission, signifying His official acceptance and entrance into it.
You pick! Maybe it had a little bit to do with all three reasons!
God’s Testimony
God’s Testimony
What Mark chooses to emphasize is what happens after the baptism. Look at verse 10.
As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
The big question here is who heard and saw this event? We know John the Baptizer saw and heard the event. Look at John 1:32-33.
Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
Jesus in the Desert
Jesus in the Desert
As soon as Jesus’ baptism is over, He heads out into the desert—or wilderness. Look at verse 12.
At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
Jesus went out into the desert where he was tempted by Satan. If Jesus could be tempted by Satan why do you and I think we can stand up from such a formidable foe?
Jesus’ Ministry Begins!
Jesus’ Ministry Begins!
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”
The first thing we notice is that Mark gives us a time marker—After John was put in prison. . .”
Next Jesus comes returns to Galilee, where he proclaimed the good news of God. What is that good news? The kingdom of God is near. Mark uses this phrase to remind us of God’s authority here on earth.
The Jews were longing for God’s kingdom to come to earth—they were looking for the Messiah. Thus, Jesus is telling them the good news that God’s kingdom is near, that means the Messiah is near.
Calling His First Disciples
Calling His First Disciples
When we come to verse 16 we see Jesus calling His first disciples to follow Him.
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
His first two disciples: Simon and his brother Andrew.
When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
His second set of disciples were James and his brother John—the sons of Zebedee. Now we have Jesus and His first four disciples.
Let’s continue our story, and look at verse 21.
They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.
1. They’re in Capernaum
1. They’re in Capernaum
This is a town at the northern end of the Sea of Galilee.
2. Sabbath and the Synagogue
2. Sabbath and the Synagogue
When the Sabbath comes, Jesus goes into the local synagogue and begins teaching.
Throughout his book, Mark tells us that Jesus taught the people, but he doesn’t record the message of Jesus—this is one of those cases.
Instead, Mark tells us about the people’s response to Jesus:
They were amazed at his teaching.
Because Jesus taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. In Jesus day, it was customary for a teacher to teach in the synagogue and quote other teachers for support. Jesus, quoted no one. Instead he taught out of His own authority! This, amazed them!
3. Jesus’ First Miracle
3. Jesus’ First Miracle
(According to Mark)
Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out,
Get the picture. Jesus is in the synagogue when He is interrupted by a man possessed by an evil spirit! Look what the man says!
“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
The evil spirit knows exactly who Jesus is. The demon states Jesus’ identity: the Holy One of God!
Look at Jesus response!
“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!”
Look at how the evil spirit reacts!
The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
Look at the people’s reaction!
4. The People’s Reaction
4. The People’s Reaction
The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
They are again amazed!
Is this a new teaching?
How does this new teaching get it’s authority?
The news about Jesus spread all over the region of Galilee.
SO WHAT?
SO WHAT?
This morning we have been introduced to Jesus.
Our introduction began with His baptism.
Our introduction saw that even Jesus is not immune to Satan’s temptations.
Our introduction showed some of the first responses to Jesus—amazement.
And our introduction gave us Mark’s first miracle of Jesus—and again He amazed the people.
We still serve the same Amazing Jesus! So why are we not amazed? You see, our lack of amazement keeps the news about Jesus from spreading throughout out town, our county, our state, our country, and throughout our world!
This morning, I want to ask you a question. Are you amazed by Jesus? I mean are you truly amazed by what Jesus teaches us? Are you amazed by what Jesus does in us, through us, and around us?
If your answer is, “No, I’m really not amazed by Jesus.” Then my follow-up question is, “Why not?” Every day I see Jesus do amazing things! Maybe the reason you are not amazed is because you don’t give Jesus the credit for what He does!
If your answer is, “Yes! I am amazed by Jesus every day!” Then my follow-up question is, “How are you spreading the news about Him?”
My prayer is that every single one of us will be amazed by Jesus this week!