Jesus – Baptised and Approved

 Identified with Man

 Baptism of repentance and forgiveness

 And so John came, baptising in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptised by him in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:4-5, NIV - Anglicised)

 Jesus didn't need it

 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. (Hebrews 4:15, NIV - Anglicised)

 Jesus chose it

 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan. (Mark 1:9, NIV - Anglicised)

 Baptised for us

 Anointed by the Spirit

 The Spirit comes as God's enabling presence to equip Jesus for his ministry

 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. (Mark 1:10, NIV - Anglicised)

 The descent of the Spirit marks him out as the one anointed to bring good news, and confirms the divine presence and power in his mission

 Jesus is the Spirit-equipped Bringer of the age of salvation.

 Approved by God

 God's voice declares that Jesus is his son.

 And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." (Mark 1:11, NIV - Anglicised)

Mental Connections:

 Christ and His people  ----  'Well done, good and faithful servant! … Come and share your master's happiness!' (Matthew 25:21, NIV - Anglicised)

 In Him we are accepted by God

 In Mark's gospel cleansing, forgiveness, and the intimate divine presence all come through the Messiah to those who, in faith, embrace repentance and reorientation in their lives

 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14, NIV - Anglicised)

 'Well done, good and faithful servant! … Come and share your master's happiness!' (Matthew 25:21, NIV - Anglicised)

Mental Connections:

 Christ and His people  ----  And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." (Mark 1:11, NIV - Anglicised)

 The characters in Mark's Gospel must learn who Jesus is.

Summary of Mental Connections in map:

 And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." (Mark 1:11, NIV - Anglicised) -> Christ and His people -> 'Well done, good and faithful servant! … Come and share your master's happiness!' (Matthew 25:21, NIV - Anglicised)