INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPEL OF MARK

John Mark grew up in Jerusalem in a Christian home. He was influenced by Peter, and Peter's eyewitness accounts of Jesus must have been the chief source of his Gospel. Mark may have been the young man who streaked away on the night Jesus was arrested (14:51,52).

He accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but the hardships of the serving life proved too much for him, so he turned back in Pamphylia. Later, when his cousin Barnabas wanted to take him on the next journey, Paul refused; Paul and Barnabas split up over this issue. Later, Mark came to know Jesus personally and he became a useful man. Paul wrote, 'Get Mark ...he is helpful to me.' (2Ti 4:11)

Mark 10:45 is the key verse of this gospel. After Mark was changed into a faithful servant of Jesus, he saw Jesus as the Suffering Servant spoken of in Isaiah's prophecies (Isa 52:13-53:12). He wrote about Jesus who served sinners by teaching repentance and faith, and who served the sick and demon-possessed crowds with his healing touch and his powerful word. He trained twelve disciples by being with them until they could learn his shepherd heart, and serve the crowds. He served us by shedding his blood on the cross as a ransom sacrifice for sin.

1. The gospel begins with prophecy (1-3)

God spoke through his prophet Isaiah about Jesus and his forerunner John some 700 years before their birth. God promised that he would send a messenger to prepare the way for the Messiah. John came to fulfill this prophecy and show that God is faithful to keep his promises.

2. The gospel begins in the wilderness (4a,6)

John was the voice in the wilderness. He wore simple clothes and ate simple food. His working place was not a luxurious office. He did not depend on money; he simply obeyed the word of God and preached that people should repent of their sins. He heralded the coming of the Lord.

3. The gospel begins with repentance (4b-8)

Those who hear the word of God, confess their sins, and ask God's mercy can welcome the Savior. He baptizes with the Holy Spirit. He forgives sins and gives life.

Application: Lord, may your gospel come with power into this wilderness world and into my heart.
One Word: Prepare the way for the Lord