CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION:

This second "Gospel" is assumed by most to have been written by John Mark, a young man with whom Peter was familiar (Acts 12:12). Mark is known to have traveled with Paul and Barnabus (See Acts 12:25), and is probably the person "Marcus" whom Paul mentions in Colossians 4:10. He accompanied Paul and Barnabus to Salamis (Acts 13:5), but left and returned to Jerusalem shortly thereafter (Acts 13:13). Later, Mark is known to have been both with Paul and with Peter in their ministry (2Timothy 4:11, Philemon 24, Colossians 4:10, 1Peter 5:13).

Mark was extensively familiar with both Paul and Peter's work. Peter referred to him as his "son" in the faith (See 1Peter 5:13). Thus, though Mark was not an "apostle," he was quite qualified to deliver an historical testimonial to the birth, works, life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Irenaeus, Bishop of Lugdunum in Gaul, wrote in the second century. He said that Mark's gospel was written after the "departure" of Peter and Paul. That probably means after their death. If this is the case, then we can assume a date of writing somewhere between 58 and 60 AD. And this would make Mark's Gospel the earliest of the four.

The book of Mark is relatively short because many believe that it was written more for the purpose of converting Gentiles than for convincing Jews. It is written, in the very first verse, that this Gospel is of "Jesus Christ, the Son of God." The manner of writing places this statement as the thematic point, and the remainder of the writing is to prove that point.

Several things, that would only be important to those of Jewish descent, are omitted from this Gospel: ie, the conception and birth of John the Baptist; the genealogy of Jesus, and the birth of Jesus; the circumcision of Jesus; and the appearance of Jesus in the temple at 12 years of age; and Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Therefore, the book is shorter, more to the point, and more pointed toward the conversion of Gentiles.

Thus, Mark, is a Gospel of action. The emphasis is placed more on what Jesus did.
CHAPTER 1

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

As stated in the introduction, the first verse seems to be the thematic premises. The remainder of this book is devoted to showing that Jesus IS "the Son of GOD!"

One of the first, of only 60 or so references to the Old Testament is made in verse 2. This reference is to Malachi 3:1, and the reference in verse 3 is to Isaiah 40:3.

Very simply, and quite quickly, Mark refers to the Old Testament as having stated that Messiah would come, and that one man would rise to prominence as a prophet before Messiah came. This prophet would be one to prepare for Messiah's physical entry into the world. He would prepare people by stating they should "make His paths straight," or be READY!

Mark immediately points out that John the Baptist was this "prophet" sent to prepare the people for Messiah's coming. John preached that people should "repent," or turn from their sins. The manner in which they would demonstrate their repentance was through baptism. Baptism, even then, was a testimonial to repentance.

John's fame spread throughout the region because of his mannerisms, and because of what he preached. He was a rough man, wearing a camel's hair cloke, befitting of an "ole-time" prophet. He also lived off the land, taking what God offered for sustenance: "locusts and wild honey." I doubt very seriously that John was thought of as "socially acceptable." But he was certainly spiritually sought!

John not only preached repentance, and baptism to show it. He also preached, "There cometh ONE mighteir than I after me, the latchet of Whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose." There was no doubt in Jewish people's mind of that day that John was referring to Messiah!

The "One" coming, of Whom John preached, would change the nature of baptism. When John preached, baptism was a symbol on the outside of having turned to God. But when Jesus came, the change on the inside would cause the believer to be baptized on the outside. Because He would baptize FIRST "with the Holy Ghost!"

Yes, we are still baptized phyisically to make confession of our faith in Christ and give evidence of the change that has taken place inside us. But the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is a fact in every true believer. And THAT "baptism" causes us to give testimony DAILY to the change that has taken place in us by surrender to Jesus as Lord. It is a "baptism" that generates testimony, rather than a testimony to a generated change!

9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

When Jesus came to John the Baptist to be baptized, a special miracle happened. But before we talk about that special miracle, let's talk about WHY Jesus went to be baptized. He certainly didn't NEED to!

First, Jesus went to be baptized to "sanctify" Himself, so that we might be sanctified unto God through Him (See John 17:19)). He was not a sinner and needed no sanctification; but He santified Himself in performance of all the law to be a perfect Savior.
Second, Jesus went to be baptized in order that He might "fulfill all righteousness" (See Matthew 3:15)).
Third, Jesus went to be baptized to identify with sinners, that He might be Savior to all who come to Him.
The One Who was "worthy" came to be baptized by one who was "unworthy" so that all we who are unworthy might receive salvation through Him!

Now, let's talk about the miracle. When Jesus came up out of the water, John saw God's Holy Spirit, in the form of a "dove," descending upon Jesus. The dove ENTERED, and did NOT leave! (See Matthew 3:13-17))(Also, see John 1:32). ALSO, a "Voice" spoke from heaven saying, "This is my beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased."

Now, it's a little uncommon, but sometimes a dove will land on a person's shoulder. But the text of Matthew 3:16 does NOT say the dove ever left! Therefore, it's interesting, though not theologically necessary, to note one of the Greek words used in that text. The word in Matthew 3:16, translated "lighting," is the Greek word erchomai. That word can mean ENTER, or BE SET.

Now in the Gospel of John, John the Baptist testified that he saw the "Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him." And the reason that is significant in John's testimony is because he also testified that God had specifically told him beforehand that "Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost." (See (See ). God's Spirit descended "like" a dove -- appearing similar too. And the Spirit REMAINED, did not leave.

This was the miracle by which John the Baptist KNEW that Jesus was the Messiah. He knew because God had told him about the incident beforehand. He knew because the Spirit descended in the form of a dove, just like God had said. And he knew because the Spirit REMAINED, just like God had said!

Not only did John know it, but all those standing by when Jesus was baptized knew it! Because a "VOICE" from heaven spoke audibly, and declared that Jesus was God's SON!

12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. 13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

Mark tells about Jesus being driven into the "wilderness" by the Spirit of God. There, Jesus was tempted by the devil. Matthew and Luke tell the full story of the wilderness temptation (See Matthew 4:1-11, and Luke 4:1-14).

Jesus was tempted in three ways which reflect the temptation of all men. He was tempted: to save Himself, to tempt God's protection, and to worship the world more than God (See the discussion on Matthew 4:1-11).

The baptism of Jesus marks the beginning of His public ministry.
The temptation of Jesus shows that God in flesh was "in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (Heb 4:15)

Then, John the Baptist was imprisoned, and Jesus began preaching repentance!

14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

The "time" was indeed FULFILLED! Jesus was God in flesh; the long-awaited Messiah, Who had come to save His people (See Isaiah 43:11).

16 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. 19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. 20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

WHILE Jesus was preaching repentance, He was also calling His disciples to follow Him. They were called not only to leave what they were doing, but to LEARN how to become "fishers of men!"

In John 1:35-42, it is explained that Jesus met these men before this time. They had listened as John the Baptist proclaimed Him "The Lamb of God." Then they had followed Him. Then Andrew went and found Peter and brought him to Jesus. Now, Jesus finds them again and calls them to a commitment.

Notice that they IMMEDIATELY left families and businesses to follow Jesus. He called them to become "disciples." He called them to have constant fellowship with Him, and to be trained for ministry. They would become "fishers of men." Peter, Andrew, James and John also would later become the main leaders to whom all the other disciples would look for leadership.

When a person is called to be saved, he/she is also called to become a "disciple." All Christians are called to be disciples (See Acts 6:7, Acts 9:19, Acts 21:4). A disciple is one who keeps in constant communion with Christ by being a student of His Word (and through prayer). Through discipleship and study of God's Word God enables a person to become "fishers of men."

21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. 22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

Jesus did not miss being in the local church on the sabbath day. Luke said it was His "custom", or habit to be there (See Luke 4:16). It should be the "custom", or habit, of every born again believer in Christ to be in church on the Lord's Day.

Also, in Luke 4, we learn that Jesus took an active part in the service. In those days, it was a tradition that a person, known by the rabbi, and visiting the synagogue would read a Scripture, and then give a brief sermon or a few statements concerning that Scripture. Luke says that Jesus "stood up for to read." The rabbi handed Jesus the Scripture of Isaiah, and Jesus immediately turned to Isaiah 61 and read verse 1 and the first part of verse 2. (See Luke 4:16-21) Then Jesus stated that "this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." (See Luke 4:21).

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed healing to those brokenhearted because of sin. It is deliverance to the captive of sin. And it is sight to those blinded by sin, and liberty to those under the bruising of sin. In other words, the Gospel of Jesus is to the "poor in heart" because of sin. And the "acceptable" time of the Lord's acceptance of sinners is NOW! Since Jesus has come and paid the price for our redemption, atoning for our sin, and making propitiation to God on our behalf, we can be ACCEPTED with God! What GREAT NEWS!!! No wonder then it is called "the Gospel," or GOOD NEWS!

Mark tells us that the people were astonished because Jesus taught as One Who had "authority, and not as the scribes" who taught under the authority of God. The scribes and rabbis taught "God said...." Jesus said, "I TELL you!" He IS the One with ALL AUTHORITY (See Matthew 28:18).

23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. 25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. 26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. 28 And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

Matthew doesn't mention this incident, however, Luke does (See Luke 4:33).

Out of the possessed man's mouth comes both blessings and cursings! (See James 3:10-11).
First, he says "thou Jesus of Nazareth." This statement was made to imply that Jesus was nothing, because no man of stature, at that time, arose from the place called Nazareth.
Second, he calls Jesus "the Holy One of God." This statement recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, the Savior of the world, come from God.

Note also, the man asked, "art Thou come to destroy us?" This man knew that Jesus has the authority to place all unbelievers (including demonic angels) in eternal judgment. This same sort of statement is made in Mark 5:1, and Luke 8:26.

Jesus, speaking to the indwelling spirit, and not to the man, simply said, "Hold thy eace, and come out of him." At that very moment, the unclean spirit violently left the man, and the man cried with a loud voice.
My friends, Jesus can heal of even demonic posession!!

The people were AMAZED! Jesus didn't have to go through some ritual, and call upon God, asking that the man be delivered. He simply STATED it, and it HAPPENED!
The Authority of Jesus is over EVERYTHING!!

29 And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

Mark's Gospel goes from the synagogue (on that first public appearance) to Simon Peter's home. He does not mention HOW Jesus left the synagogue (See Luke 4:22-31).

Simon Peter's mother-in-law was ill. Jesus simply walked over, took her hand, and lifted her out of the bed.
Jesus doesn't have to SAY anything to heal someone! It does not have to be an action that draws attention with words or rituals. He simply DOES what He WILLS!

32 And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. 33 And all the city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

That evening, people recognizing the power Jesus had, went out and brought all their sick friends to Him!
There were so many, Mark records "...all the city was gathered together at the door." (Mark 1:33)

Why did Jesus not allow the devils who possessed people to speak? In the synagogue earlier, the devil said, "Thou art the Holy One of God," These demons KNEW that Jesus was the MESSIAH, the long-awaited Savior of the world. Jesus would not allow them to say that because God is desirous that those who WANT to profess Christ as Lord may do so; but God doesn't COERCE anyone to make that confession.

35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. 36 And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. 37 And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. 38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. 39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

Why didn't Jesus STAY there? There was obviously much more work to be done. But Jesus was not called to be the Savior of some, He is called to be the Savior of ALL!

In three and one-half years of ministry, Jesus never traveled much more than 100 miles from His home town of Nazareth. But all the area KNEW He was there! That's because He traveled MANY places and saw MANY people. This action of Christ became important in His disciples, and has been carried on by the church for centuries.

AS you are going, reach ALL you can for Jesus!

40 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. 42 And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. 43 And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; 44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. 45 But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

The leper, here being cleansed, is a picture of any sinner being cleansed.

First, he announced his conviction that Jesus was ABLE to heal him. Among Jewish people, only GOD was sought for healing of leprosy. One can read about the legal handling of leprosy in Leviticus 13 and 14. The man came flatly stating, "If Thou WILT, Thou CANST make me clean!" He came convicted of his own sinfulness, and convinced of Jesus' holiness. In order for any sinner to be saved, he/she must first be convicted that Jesus is ABLE, as God in flesh, to cleanse and save.
SECOND,, this man came humbly, kneeling, and "beseeching" (or begging), in a beggar's stance. He came honoring Christ as LORD, and himself as servant. For a sinner to be saved, he/she must surrender to Christ as LORD of his/her life. I've been preaching for 30 years that "Without surrender there can be no salvation!" (See Luke 9:23).

Notice, in verse 41, Jesus was "moved with compassion." At the calling of a convicted, convinced, pleading sinner, God is MOVED WITH COMPASSION. He IMMEDIATELY reaches out to that person and cleanses! And IMMEDIATELY, upon God's touch, the OLD person is changed, and a NEW person begins (See 2Corinthians 5:17). IMMEDIATELY, upon God's touch, the PERSON of God enters the believer by His Spirit, and the believer is SEALED in God's love and salvation (See Ephesians 1:13).

WHAT A GREAT SAVIOR! At the point where a lowly sinner admits sinfulness, pleads forgivness, and surrenders to Jesus as Lord, he/she is SAVED! (See John 6:37). (See also Romans 10:9-10, and Matthew 10:32-33).).

According to Leviticus 14:11, the priest was to examine and pronounce a leper cleansed. No one else had that authority. Jesus was not so much charging the man to be quiet about his healing. Instead, Jesus was telling the man to FIRST be obedient to the nature of the present law.

We are not told whether the healed leper ever went to the priest as directed. But we ARE told that AS HE WENT, HE "began to publish it MUCH!" The result of his telling others was so great that Jesus could not enter the towns, but had to resort to "desert places" and let the crowds come to Him.

Here, then, in the first chapter of Mark's Gospel, we find WHY people thronged Jesus so wherever He went. There were SO MANY healed by Him, and there were so MANY MORE who desired His healing! This became a deterrent to Jesus' ministry.

God is not a physical healer only! He desires the healing of the WHOLE SOUL! God's desire is that NONE should perish without coming to repentance for eternal life (See 2Peter 3:9).

PLEASE CONTINUE WITH US IN BIBLE STUDY TOMORROW.