From Mark 1-3
The gospel is about Jesus. He is the one who is named ‘Son of God’. The expression ‘Son of God’ can mean several things. They may overlap as well. It could refer to Israel (Ex 4.22), it could refer to the messiah who sums up Israel (the anointed Christ), and lastly it could refer to the eternally begotten person of the Trinity.
This post is part of my bible in a year series.
Passage and Comments
Mark starts his gospel explicitly naming it as a gospel and naming Jesus as the Son of God. He follows showing it is the fulfillment of Malachi and Isaiah’s prophecies.
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,
“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way,
3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’ ”
4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying,
“After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mk 1:1–8)
Not a bad introduction for the Son of God.
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mk 1:9–11)
The pleasure of God is the flip side of God’s wrath. When God sees something he likes, something good. He feels pleased. This is the opposite of his wrath, which is his just reaction to sin and evil.
About Jesus
The gospel is about Jesus. He is the one who is named ‘Son of God’. The expression ‘Son of God’ can mean several things. They may overlap as well. It could refer to Israel (Ex 4.22), it could refer to the messiah who sums up Israel (the anointed Christ), and lastly it could refer to the eternally begotten person of the Trinity.
Jesus baptises people with the Holy Spirit. Far superior to baptism in water. Jesus pleases His Father, he has never displeased Him. Praise Jesus the rightful king!
Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2014. All Rights
