Preparation Time
Notes
Transcript
We all long for new beginnings.
We all long for new beginnings.
Most people love things “new” and then when something becomes “normal” or “used” we quickly go to something else.
Mark is writing a “biography” of Jesus.
Mark is writing a “biography” of Jesus.
Now this is not the same as our biographies today nor is it as simple as this. Yet, if we understand and use this framework we will see the power of what he is telling us.
Mark is writing to suffering and persecuted Christians.
Mark is writing to suffering and persecuted Christians.
We do not know if this would have been those suffering in 40AD or those in the 60s, though I have a theory. We do know it was to those who were needing encouragement and strength to be faithful.
Who is Jesus?
Who is Jesus?
This is a question we all will have to answer. It is a question our world will try to influence our answer as well. Mark right off the bat gets us asking this question. He also answers it.
Jesus is the Messiah, God’s Son.
Jesus is the Messiah, God’s Son.
Mark is going to be writing this story so we see this truth. Jesus is the Messiah the world has been waiting for. Jesus is the one who is God and can do the things only God can do. Jesus is the hope of Israel and all the nations. Jesus is who we need.
Jesus is bringing about a new “Exodus”.
Jesus is bringing about a new “Exodus”.
Jesus is fulfilling the promises of the OT and bringing about the hope of a new Exodus. He follows a similar path. The wilderness and Jordan river in our text are not just “neat places” they are highly symbolic.
Jesus is God’s beloved.
Jesus is God’s beloved.
Jesus hears the voice of his father and we too can hear this voice.
Jesus prepares the way for us to follow.
Jesus prepares the way for us to follow.
Though many of us may read verse 2-3 as John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus we must also, I believe, see this as Mark’s way of also saying “Jesus prepares the way for His disciples.”