Our next section of Mark, chapter 1, verses 9-15, is like rolling down an interstate highway. Where I live, there are several types of roads. Interstate highways are multi-laned, limited-access speedways with designated on and off-ramps. For example, there are only three entry and exit points in a 40-mile stretch between two nearby cities. Reading today’s section of Mark is like rolling by those exits.
“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.” Immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving him. After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”” (Mark 1:9–15, CSB)
Along Mark’s highway are signs for Baptism, Temptation, and Ministry. At any of them, we could pull off and get better acquainted through one of the other Gospel accounts. For instance, Jesus’ baptism can be found in Matthew 3:13- 17. The Temptation of Jesus can be explored in Luke 4:1-13. And Jesus’ more expansive ministry message can be found in Luke 4:14-21.
It may feel like these aren’t important to Mark, yet the fact that he did include them declares their importance. Mark, however, is in a hurry to get somewhere. However, he also knows that these three essential milestones set the stage and emphasize his central message that Jesus is the Son of God.
We learn some important things about Jesus and God through these three events. We see a glimpse of the Trinity in the baptismal moment. Father, Son, and Spirit present and involved. We see a glimpse of the work of the Holy Spirit as Jesus is led into the wilderness. In that, we see a glimpse of his humanity that can be tempted and his Sonship that overcame those temptations. And lastly, we see Jesus declaring His ministry message. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!””
In quick fashion, Mark is telling us. Jesus is the Son of God, blessed of the Father and filled with the Spirit yet acquainted with temptations as all humans are, and is here now. The fulfillment of long-spoken prophesies is now. The Kingdom of God is near, so near that you can touch it. So, stop going your own way. Turn and believe God’s Good News.
Everything that follows from this point on in the Gospel of Mark is the expansion of those two points demonstrated in words and deeds. Jesus, the Son of God, is here now, repent and believe.
- Mark: Baptism, Temptation, and Ministry - April 7, 2025
- Mark: Prepare the Way - April 2, 2025
- Mark: The Beginning - March 31, 2025
