Preparing for Jesus
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Today we begin an exploration of Mark’s Gospel. We will do this in small chunks of 7-10 sermons over the next 18-24 months, punctuating our exploration of who Jesus is and what it means to follow him, with sermons covering different themes and seasons along the way.
The identity of Jesus and how his followers respond accordingly is a key aim/objective of what is considered by many to be the earliest gospel. Indeed, it is the opening verse which some attribute to the sotry of Jesus being referred to as ‘gospel’ in the first place.
If John’s gospel is classical music, full of detail and depe theology, Mark’s gospel could be argued to be the punk rock gospel! It doesn’t beat aorund the bush, getting to the heart of the story of Jesus and the implications this then has for the readers/hearers. It is fast paced, full of miraculous and powerful encounters (x18), with miniaml parables (x4)!
E.g. The phrases ‘And then Jesus...’ and ‘immediatiely’ are used 42x! Maybe this is what inspired Luke to deliver an ‘orderly account’?!
Tradition suggests that Mark’s gospel is written for believers, encouraging them to live in the light of who Jesus is, using content given to Mark directly from Peter. Peter of course being the apostle who had a front row seat to the nitty gritty, up and down, good and bad, success and failure of life with Jesus. The inclusion of mistakes (in understanding who Jesus is and what this means for his disciples) adds to the authenticity of the gospel.
The next two weeks we cover the prologue of Mark’s gospel which covers four key parts:
Title
The sotry of John the Baptist
Baptism of Jesus
Temptation of Jesus
These all serve to set the scene for the important stuff that comes next.
The end at the beginning? (v.1)
The end at the beginning? (v.1)
In the 1990’s the film director Quentin Tarantino popularised the use of nonlinear narrative in film. It became known as the ‘Tarantino effect’ and we see it used in a slightly more ‘family friendly’ way by Christopher Nolan in the Dark Knight Trilogy. Please remember my ‘movie caveat’ - I am not suggesting you sit down and watch Tarantino or Nolan films to help you study Mark’s gospel!
Nonlinear narrative essentially tells a story out of order. We see the end of the story presented at the very beginning of the film, with what follows being the explanation of how we get to that point. In some cases the audience knows something a character does not and we wait patiently for everything to fall into place…
In Forrest Gump we see Forrest sat on the bus stop bench, telling his story to people waiting for a bus. Essentially, we know that through all the different events of Forrest’s life he is going to make it through, even going to the Vietnam War. I’m sure you understand what I mean when I say that 90% of the story takes place before we see the unexpected final 10% after Forrest leaves the bus stop.
I tell you this because Mark’s gospel starts in the exact same way! Mark 1:1 reads “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” This is the end of the story stated for us very plainly at the beginning. What we are about to read/hear is the supporting argument for this opening statement. As we see people encounter Jesus for the first time we know what impact this encounter will have. Mark is attempting to confirm us in our commitment and affirm us in our actions as followers of Jesus.
Mark 1:1 is very revealing.
START HERE. THIS IS...
Gospel = good news. of ‘Salvation’ - God’s saving act seen in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, whose name ‘Yeshua’ means salvation
...ABOUT...
Jesus Christ = Messiah, the anointed one - a title given to God’s pormised king. This is only truly realised/understood after the resurrection.
...WHO IS...
Son of God = a statement of fact about who Jesus is!
Having made this statement, Mark backs it up covering the two key themes I have already highlited. Christology/Discipleship.
Jesus in Mark’s Gospel (Christology = study of Who is Jesus?)
Son of God - a phrase used in two ways. A heroic/amazing person or someone with God-like nature/character. A term of respect and a statement of fact when used in relation to Jesus. There is something special about him and indeed he is the Son of God as confirmed at his baptism.
Son of Man - Jesus preferred title for himself. Used variously in scripture. Used of humankind (Ps 8:4 “what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” ) and of a ‘more-than-human’ end times figure throughout Daniel, also the title used to address Ezekiel throughout his prophecy.
All of these names/meanings find their culmination in Jesus, helping to inform the hearer/reader of WHO Jesus really is. He is the Christ, the promised King, the Son of David, a human being in every way, but fully God, anointed to bring about the next part of God’s salvation plan, revealing the true nature of God’s kingdom rule and reign!
Discipleship in Mark’s Gospel (How do we follow him and what does this look like?)
From call to commission, this is an area of key importance to us as we continue to think about our ‘divine design’; living each day with purpose because we know we have been made for the day and the day has been made for us.
Initially seen favourably - they respond positively to the call to follow, engaging well in what he is doing!
Fairly quickly in the gospel we will see how they make mistakes, failing to understand who Jesus is and what he has been teaching them (despite private instruction). Further still we see disciples act in a way which almost rejects what he has been teaching them!
By the end we see inability, betrayal, denial and fleeing.
Does hearing any of that make you think of someone you know? Maybe the person you look at in the mirror? Starting strong (whether our Christian journey or just the day!), yet still falling short, making mistakes and denying the reality of Jesus with our words, thoughts and actions? If that’s you (and it is ALL OF US!) we see hope, because despite all of this, we are invited to take part in God’s continued unfolding of ‘the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.’
*Quote from Williamson Jr, pg 16.
Having heard this…
NOW HEAR THIS...
This is a compelling invitation/announcement to the first recipients and indeed us today as we get to hear about who Jesus is, whether again or for the first time. The Lord is coming: get ready, act accordingly and wait!
We can look at this in 3 parts: PAST/PRESENT/FUTURE
The story begins (vv.2-8)
The story begins (vv.2-8)
Immediatiely, John is backing up his statement in v.1.
PAST
Expectancy - God has promised to act.
= What God has said
In uqoting Isaiah, we see that the expectancy the people had is firmly rooted in scripture. And that the fulfilment of said scripture confirms the identity of Jesus stated in 1v1.
The divinity of Jesus is further confirmed in Mark 1:8 “I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”” - In the past the dispensing/pouring out of the Spirit has exclusively been a role of YHWH - Now comes one who will baptise God’s people in the Holy Spirit!
This is an important point in the history of God’s people and John is historically said to have made a deep impression. The prophetic silence is SHATTERED by John’s arrival, stirring up the hope and expectancy of God’s people.
Are we stirred to hope and expectancy? For the second coming of God? For the pouring out of His Holy Spirit on ALL people - refreshing/revitalising us and bringing about change to entire churches, communities, cities, counties, countries and continents?
Our’s is a God who acts. Do we expect this? As we’ve gathered together this morning do we think God will do something? When we open our bibles for quiet times and prayer do we think God is going to do something in us, to us, through us? Do our prayers reveal expectancy or do they admit defeat?! As we begin this series in the early part of a new year, why are we here? What do we hope for? Do we come in the hope of a couple of our favourite songs an ok cup of coffee and a chat with a friend (all important!) or do we come to see God continue to transform his people and the world around them?
PRESENT
Repentance - in the text and as a reality for us today.
= What we must do
John challenegs people to respond in the present to what God has promised in the past and is about to do in the future. We too should do the same. Because of God’s past actions we are called to repent of our sins (even Christians sin! - this isn’t about ‘us in here’ and ‘them out there’)
Mark 1:4 “John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”
A formula in this sentence. John = preach/baptize // Hearers = hear/respond // God = forgives. What does this look like in our context?!
It means everyone owning their sinfulness, confessing it and turning away from it.
Repentance = Gk. Change one’s mind. HB. turn around/change one’s heart.
A. Recognise our sin (not just other’s sin)
B. Say sorry (mean it!)
C. Turn away from it (bheaviour changes in light of genuinely experiencing A + B)
Luke 3:10-14 Shows us what repentance looks like according to John:
“And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.””
Being generous instead of selfish
Be honest instead of deitful/deceptive
Be kind/compassionate/gracious instead of harsh/aggresive/rude
Where is God challenging you to practice true repentance?
FUTURE
The Coming One - waiting and hoping
= What God will do
Dressed as a prophet, John makes a clear prounoucnement about what God is about to do.
In humility John points to someone greater than he who is coming into the world, and we have already touched on the power with which this one will come and what he will do; baptise his people with the Holy Spirit.
John is in the wilderness - this is a place where God has been preparing his people for the salvation he has promised. It is deeply symbolic. I wonder how this speaks to us today? How is God preparing us as a church for what he is about to do next? Have we had time in the wilderness, the place of preparation? Through the pandemic? Through a twenty year delay to the building project?
With John putting the emphasis not on himself but on the one who is coming, where is our focus this morning? As we look to the future are we focussed on ourselves as individuals, mindful of what makes us feel good/happy, or are we looking to God, who in Jesus forgives us, restores us, and who, by the Holy Spirit generously refreshes and renews us.
Christian: Will you stop naval gazing, stagnating in and dneying your sin, turning to look upon Jesus and follow him, empowered and equipped by his Spirit?
Non-Christian: Are you open to the opportunity to find out more about who Jesus really is and what this means for you as a human being?
PRAY.
Open minds: Ps 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”
Open hearts: How am I being called to follow Jesus?”
Open hands: Symbolic of an openness to RECEIVE THE SPIRIT AFRESH.
Pray with the Prayer Ministry team afterwards.