MESSIAH IS HERE

1/6/25 Mark 1:1-13

The gospel of Mark begins by announcing the good news of Jesus. However, it begins with the introduction of John the Baptist. What’s with that?

Mark is in fact doing what he announced, presenting Jesus as the Messiah of Isaiah. John the Baptist plays a part in that, as the quote from Isaiah 40 shows. Jesus’ baptism, and God’s declaration about being pleased are also reminiscent of Isaiah. The Messiah is referred to as the one who pleases God (Isa 42:1). He is also filled with the Holy Spirit. “Beloved Son” springs from Psalm 2:7.

Mark in these opening verses is pointing us backward so that we can see forward. Isaiah promised that God would send a redeeming Messiah. Mark is showing us that in Jesus, God keeps His promises.

Q: Why is it important that Mark shows us that God keeps His promises in Jesus?