This is The Good News
Mark 1:1-8
Message #1
We are starting a new series today going verse-by-verse through the Gospel of Mark. We’ve had two small groups go through Mark in the past year – the men’s Tuesday night group and the Wednesday night group. And if you’ve been in one of those groups – have no fear – because the Sunday morning approach will be much different than either of those small groups.
So, don’t be like the tourist in the movie Speed who finds himself on a bus about to blow up and his life is hanging in the balance. And when Keanu Reeves heroically gets the bus onto the airport tarmac to save all the people all this tourist guy can say is, “But I’ve already seen the airport.” Don’t be like that guy.
If you’ve gone through the Gospel of Mark before, just get ready to experience Jesus more in this Sunday morning approach. Our desire in this study is to dive deeper into who Jesus Christ is and dive deeper into why we need him so much.
Through his gospel, Mark gives us short and concise pictures of Jesus Christ in rapid-fire format. And so, we’ll be able to take these snapshots (or vignettes) of Jesus and use them to really get to know Jesus better and really understand our need for him more.
In Mark 1, verse 1, Mark begins with no background, no introduction, no lead up. And so, since Mark does it that way, so will we. (And then I’ll come back in future messages and fill you in on Mark).
Mark 1, verse 1, is a perfect example of how this book is written in concise, rapid-fire approach. Mark starts out in his very first verse with the most important point of our eternal life.
Mark 1:1 (NLT)
1 This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God . . .
That is ultimately the whole point of the Bible – in the very first verse of Mark’s Gospel. That’s what we’re going to love about the Gospel of Mark.
This message is about the Good News (the gospel) of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. The literal translations write here … about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
But we might have a bit of a problem thinking that Christ might be Jesus’ last name, but it’s not. Christ is a title, like saying “Dave the Pastor.” Christ (in Greek) is Messiah in Hebrew and when used as a title, Jesus “The Christ” or Jesus “The Messiah” both mean the same thing. Both titles mean “The One come from God, to save.”
And the Bible makes it clear, we need to be saved, specifically from the eternal consequences of sin. We may think we can become “pretty good people.” Maybe “good enough” for God to let us into heaven. But we can’t. That is a lie – one perpetuated especially by man’s religion. Because God is perfectly holy, righteous and just and sin cannot be in his presence, any amount of sin. And we (by nature and by choice) are sinners.
Romans 3:23 (NLT)
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
Romans 6:23 (NLT)
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Bible says we were born with a sin nature and we have certainly all chosen sin and sin cannot be in the presence of a holy God. That is why we need a Savior “The One come from God, to save.” And that is the hope that Jesus Christ came to offer the world – to save us from the consequences of our sin so that we can spend eternity in God’s full presence.
And Mark is saying in the very first words of his Gospel Jesus is that Savior (Messiah) sent from God to save us from the effects of sin and that is the Good News of the Gospel message.
But Mark is not finished with his opening sentence yet. There is still a second massive truth in just this first sentence. Again, Mark 1, verse 1.
Mark 1:1 (NLT)
1 This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God . . .
What does that mean that Jesus is “The Son of God...” Does it mean the same thing we mean when we say that someone is the son of their father? If I say I am the son of Don Shepardson is it the same meaning as Jesus Christ being “the Son of God?” No, it is not. Our use of the word “son” implies a beginning. When I was born, I became a son and my dad became a father.
But John 1, verses 1-2 say,
John 1:1–2 (NLT)
1 In the beginning the Word (Jesus Christ) already existed. The Word (Jesus) was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He existed in the beginning with God.
This title “The Word” that John uses for Jesus means “God in Expression.”
Hebrews 1:3 (NLT)
3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God . . . (God in Expression – do you see it?)
Colossians 2:9 says (NLT)
9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. (God in Expression)
In John 14, verse 9, Jesus said,
John 14:9 (NLT)
9 . . . Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father . . . (God in Expression)
The Bible is clear that Jesus Christ and God the Father are one. One in glory and One in character and that Jesus Christ is God in Expression. So, the title Son of God cannot imply the same thing that we imply when we say “son.”
When the Bible uses the phrase “Son of God” for Jesus, it means: Jesus is everything that God is – in the flesh and he came into the world to save us from our sin and to ultimately free us and all of creation from the effects of sin.
Romans 8:19–21 (NLT)
19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.
20 Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope,
21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.
It’s not just us that Jesus came to set free from the curse of sin, but also all of creation.
And listen to me right here, please. Jesus Christ being everything that God is, in the flesh means there is no power, no authority in all creation that is above him. And that means if Jesus saves you, you are safe in him because there is no power, no authority above him.
Which is why Hebrews 7, verse 25, says of Jesus,
Hebrews 7:25 (NLT)
25 Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him…
If you are saved in Christ – you are safe in Christ.
So, Mark begins his gospel with a very concise, direct statement of exactly who Jesus Christ is and then he tells – quickly – how Jesus Christ entered the scene.
Mark 1:2-3 (NLT)
(with the last 2 words from verse 1)
1 . . . It began
2 just as the prophet Isaiah had written: “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way.
3 He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”
John the Baptist had one message – The Lord is coming. “Get ready to meet God!” And that is still the message from God’s Word today. The Lord is coming – get ready to meet God.
And how did John the Baptist prepare the people to meet God?
Mark 1:4 (NLT)
4 This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.
John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance and as people came to John to be baptized, this baptism was a sign that the people were turning from their sin and turning to God to be forgiven.
And something similar still happens today as we continue to call people to make that same commitment to turn from their sin and turn to God to be forgiven, just as verse 4 says. This is how you prepare the way for the Lord in your own life. This is how you make way for the Lord to not only forgive you but to give you new life in him.
Everything still starts with us making a commitment to turn from sin and to turn to the Lord, by faith, for forgiveness and new life.
And how many people came to John to demonstrate their commitment to get ready to meet God?
Mark 1:5 (NLT)
5 All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.
Was it for salvation? No. It was to prepare the way into their heart so that when Jesus came on the scene, they could receive him.
Confession is agreeing with God that you are a sinner and that you need a Savior. And in the first century, just like today, when people are preparing to meet God, they become much more aware of their sin, which is a sign that we understand the holiness of God and that we understand our need for a Savior.
Have you ever seen this happen in someone’s life? When they know, they realize at some point something has to change in their life and they realize sin is bringing destruction, they become highly sensitive to the sin in their life. We understand that if someone is living life for the world and for their own flesh and all their idolatry and we get them to repeat some words, we just don’t know if they are changed. But when you see the sign of somebody desiring to repent, understanding the destruction of their sin and potentially the eternal destruction of their sin, they turn from their sin and they turn to God. They acknowledge that they’re a sinner. We can see that person is actually ready, they have prepared the way of the Lord into their life. Isn’t this true?
This is so critical it impacts how we raise up Christians in this fellowship. Because we just aren’t convinced that if we get somebody to repeat a set of words that they’re going to go to heaven, that they are saved or that they’ve really made Jesus their Lord. But when we see this fruit of repentance, then we see the Lord come. We see them receive the Lord and transformation occurs.
When you are preparing to meet God, you become more aware of your own sinfulness which leads to repentance, which leads to receiving forgiveness, which leads to new life in Christ.
Remember, salvation is instant, by faith alone, with no works added. But there is a preparation for the Lord to come into your life.
This is how John the Baptist was preparing people to meet the Lord in the first century and this is still how we prepare people to meet the Lord today.
And then Mark gives us a short, vivid description of John (and he is no regular, religious guy).
Mark 1:6 (NLT)
6 His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.
Enough said.
And then in verses 7-8 we have the final announcement that God is coming near in the person of Jesus Christ, and when he does, believers will be baptized not only with water but with the Holy Spirit.
Mark 1:7–8 (NLT)
7 John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals.
8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”
Listen, we cannot sell salvation short. Too many people think salvation is repeat this prayer, get forgiven and go to heaven, right? No! Wrong!
Salvation is being immersed into Jesus Christ by us putting our full faith in him alone for salvation and when we are immersed into Christ, through faith, then he immerses us in the Person and the Power of the Holy Spirit! Jesus baptizes us in the Holy Spirit.
And the Person of the Holy Spirit is the Life, and Peace and Power of God living inside of us!
The Holy Spirit is the Peace that passes understanding in us.
He is the Source of the abundant life Jesus gives us
And he is the Power to live a transformed life – today.
John baptized people for repentance to get them ready to meet God and then when we put our full faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we are forgiven of our sin and made ready for heaven. And then Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit to give us power to live a transformed life today. That is the Gospel message!
The only question left is “Who do you say Jesus Christ is?”
The whole of the New Testament, from Matthew to Revelation, says clearly Jesus is the Savior of the world and the Son of God.
But each of us – individually – must answer the same question. Who do YOU say Jesus Christ IS?
This is what it came down to in the first century and this is what is comes down to today. Just before Jesus made his way to Jerusalem for the last time in his earthly life, after the majority of the training of the Disciples had been done, he took them away by themselves and he asked them this same question.
And Peter, answering for the group, said in Matthew 16, verse 16,
Matthew 16:16 (NLT)
16 . . . “You are the Messiah (Savior), the Son of the living God.”
I pray that today, or through this study, each of us will be able to say to Jesus, “You are the Savior, the Son of the Living God.”
So, don’t be like the tourist in the movie Speed who finds himself on a bus about to blow up and his life is hanging in the balance. And when Keanu Reeves heroically gets the bus onto the airport tarmac to save all the people all this tourist guy can say is, “But I’ve already seen the airport.” Don’t be like that guy.
If you’ve gone through the Gospel of Mark before, just get ready to experience Jesus more in this Sunday morning approach. Our desire in this study is to dive deeper into who Jesus Christ is and dive deeper into why we need him so much.
Through his gospel, Mark gives us short and concise pictures of Jesus Christ in rapid-fire format. And so, we’ll be able to take these snapshots (or vignettes) of Jesus and use them to really get to know Jesus better and really understand our need for him more.
In Mark 1, verse 1, Mark begins with no background, no introduction, no lead up. And so, since Mark does it that way, so will we. (And then I’ll come back in future messages and fill you in on Mark).
Mark 1, verse 1, is a perfect example of how this book is written in concise, rapid-fire approach. Mark starts out in his very first verse with the most important point of our eternal life.
Mark 1:1 (NLT)
1 This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God . . .
That is ultimately the whole point of the Bible – in the very first verse of Mark’s Gospel. That’s what we’re going to love about the Gospel of Mark.
This message is about the Good News (the gospel) of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. The literal translations write here … about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
But we might have a bit of a problem thinking that Christ might be Jesus’ last name, but it’s not. Christ is a title, like saying “Dave the Pastor.” Christ (in Greek) is Messiah in Hebrew and when used as a title, Jesus “The Christ” or Jesus “The Messiah” both mean the same thing. Both titles mean “The One come from God, to save.”
And the Bible makes it clear, we need to be saved, specifically from the eternal consequences of sin. We may think we can become “pretty good people.” Maybe “good enough” for God to let us into heaven. But we can’t. That is a lie – one perpetuated especially by man’s religion. Because God is perfectly holy, righteous and just and sin cannot be in his presence, any amount of sin. And we (by nature and by choice) are sinners.
Romans 3:23 (NLT)
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
Romans 6:23 (NLT)
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Bible says we were born with a sin nature and we have certainly all chosen sin and sin cannot be in the presence of a holy God. That is why we need a Savior “The One come from God, to save.” And that is the hope that Jesus Christ came to offer the world – to save us from the consequences of our sin so that we can spend eternity in God’s full presence.
And Mark is saying in the very first words of his Gospel Jesus is that Savior (Messiah) sent from God to save us from the effects of sin and that is the Good News of the Gospel message.
But Mark is not finished with his opening sentence yet. There is still a second massive truth in just this first sentence. Again, Mark 1, verse 1.
Mark 1:1 (NLT)
1 This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God . . .
What does that mean that Jesus is “The Son of God...” Does it mean the same thing we mean when we say that someone is the son of their father? If I say I am the son of Don Shepardson is it the same meaning as Jesus Christ being “the Son of God?” No, it is not. Our use of the word “son” implies a beginning. When I was born, I became a son and my dad became a father.
But John 1, verses 1-2 say,
John 1:1–2 (NLT)
1 In the beginning the Word (Jesus Christ) already existed. The Word (Jesus) was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He existed in the beginning with God.
This title “The Word” that John uses for Jesus means “God in Expression.”
Hebrews 1:3 (NLT)
3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God . . . (God in Expression – do you see it?)
Colossians 2:9 says (NLT)
9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. (God in Expression)
In John 14, verse 9, Jesus said,
John 14:9 (NLT)
9 . . . Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father . . . (God in Expression)
The Bible is clear that Jesus Christ and God the Father are one. One in glory and One in character and that Jesus Christ is God in Expression. So, the title Son of God cannot imply the same thing that we imply when we say “son.”
When the Bible uses the phrase “Son of God” for Jesus, it means: Jesus is everything that God is – in the flesh and he came into the world to save us from our sin and to ultimately free us and all of creation from the effects of sin.
Romans 8:19–21 (NLT)
19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.
20 Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope,
21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.
It’s not just us that Jesus came to set free from the curse of sin, but also all of creation.
And listen to me right here, please. Jesus Christ being everything that God is, in the flesh means there is no power, no authority in all creation that is above him. And that means if Jesus saves you, you are safe in him because there is no power, no authority above him.
Which is why Hebrews 7, verse 25, says of Jesus,
Hebrews 7:25 (NLT)
25 Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him…
If you are saved in Christ – you are safe in Christ.
So, Mark begins his gospel with a very concise, direct statement of exactly who Jesus Christ is and then he tells – quickly – how Jesus Christ entered the scene.
Mark 1:2-3 (NLT)
(with the last 2 words from verse 1)
1 . . . It began
2 just as the prophet Isaiah had written: “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way.
3 He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”
John the Baptist had one message – The Lord is coming. “Get ready to meet God!” And that is still the message from God’s Word today. The Lord is coming – get ready to meet God.
And how did John the Baptist prepare the people to meet God?
Mark 1:4 (NLT)
4 This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.
John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance and as people came to John to be baptized, this baptism was a sign that the people were turning from their sin and turning to God to be forgiven.
And something similar still happens today as we continue to call people to make that same commitment to turn from their sin and turn to God to be forgiven, just as verse 4 says. This is how you prepare the way for the Lord in your own life. This is how you make way for the Lord to not only forgive you but to give you new life in him.
Everything still starts with us making a commitment to turn from sin and to turn to the Lord, by faith, for forgiveness and new life.
And how many people came to John to demonstrate their commitment to get ready to meet God?
Mark 1:5 (NLT)
5 All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.
Was it for salvation? No. It was to prepare the way into their heart so that when Jesus came on the scene, they could receive him.
Confession is agreeing with God that you are a sinner and that you need a Savior. And in the first century, just like today, when people are preparing to meet God, they become much more aware of their sin, which is a sign that we understand the holiness of God and that we understand our need for a Savior.
Have you ever seen this happen in someone’s life? When they know, they realize at some point something has to change in their life and they realize sin is bringing destruction, they become highly sensitive to the sin in their life. We understand that if someone is living life for the world and for their own flesh and all their idolatry and we get them to repeat some words, we just don’t know if they are changed. But when you see the sign of somebody desiring to repent, understanding the destruction of their sin and potentially the eternal destruction of their sin, they turn from their sin and they turn to God. They acknowledge that they’re a sinner. We can see that person is actually ready, they have prepared the way of the Lord into their life. Isn’t this true?
This is so critical it impacts how we raise up Christians in this fellowship. Because we just aren’t convinced that if we get somebody to repeat a set of words that they’re going to go to heaven, that they are saved or that they’ve really made Jesus their Lord. But when we see this fruit of repentance, then we see the Lord come. We see them receive the Lord and transformation occurs.
When you are preparing to meet God, you become more aware of your own sinfulness which leads to repentance, which leads to receiving forgiveness, which leads to new life in Christ.
Remember, salvation is instant, by faith alone, with no works added. But there is a preparation for the Lord to come into your life.
This is how John the Baptist was preparing people to meet the Lord in the first century and this is still how we prepare people to meet the Lord today.
And then Mark gives us a short, vivid description of John (and he is no regular, religious guy).
Mark 1:6 (NLT)
6 His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.
Enough said.
And then in verses 7-8 we have the final announcement that God is coming near in the person of Jesus Christ, and when he does, believers will be baptized not only with water but with the Holy Spirit.
Mark 1:7–8 (NLT)
7 John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals.
8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”
Listen, we cannot sell salvation short. Too many people think salvation is repeat this prayer, get forgiven and go to heaven, right? No! Wrong!
Salvation is being immersed into Jesus Christ by us putting our full faith in him alone for salvation and when we are immersed into Christ, through faith, then he immerses us in the Person and the Power of the Holy Spirit! Jesus baptizes us in the Holy Spirit.
And the Person of the Holy Spirit is the Life, and Peace and Power of God living inside of us!
The Holy Spirit is the Peace that passes understanding in us.
He is the Source of the abundant life Jesus gives us
And he is the Power to live a transformed life – today.
John baptized people for repentance to get them ready to meet God and then when we put our full faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we are forgiven of our sin and made ready for heaven. And then Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit to give us power to live a transformed life today. That is the Gospel message!
The only question left is “Who do you say Jesus Christ is?”
The whole of the New Testament, from Matthew to Revelation, says clearly Jesus is the Savior of the world and the Son of God.
But each of us – individually – must answer the same question. Who do YOU say Jesus Christ IS?
This is what it came down to in the first century and this is what is comes down to today. Just before Jesus made his way to Jerusalem for the last time in his earthly life, after the majority of the training of the Disciples had been done, he took them away by themselves and he asked them this same question.
And Peter, answering for the group, said in Matthew 16, verse 16,
Matthew 16:16 (NLT)
16 . . . “You are the Messiah (Savior), the Son of the living God.”
I pray that today, or through this study, each of us will be able to say to Jesus, “You are the Savior, the Son of the Living God.”