1/26/10 Mark 1-2
Fast Moving
I know that our schedule had Mt 28 and Mk 1 together yesterday, but I decided to begin Mark today and to combine Mk 1 & 2. Mark’s gospel is the shortest of all the gospels with only 16 chapters. Some have referred to it as “Jesus Greatest Hits.” You have undoubtedly recognized the fast moving nature of Mark’s gospel compared to Matthew’s. By the end of chapter 2 in Mark the parallels in Matthew’s gospel are all the way up to chapter 12. There is much that Mark does not include that Matthew does, one notable section is the Mt 5-7 the Sermon on the Mount. Luke 6:20-49 is the only other gospel that records the Sermon on the Mount in an abbreviated form.
The Time is Fulfilled
In Mk 1:15 Jesus begins preaching the gospel saying “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Today, we have the same message to people we come in contact with. The fulfillment of time is in relation to Jesus coming Gal 4:4, 1 Tim 2:6; Titus 1:3. His first coming has ushered in a time when the gospel (good news) is to be proclaimed and believed. When believers proclaim the same message as Jesus did “repent and believe in the gospel” we are as the next two verses MK 1:16-17 state “Following Him” and being “fishers of men.” Today, invite others to repent and believe the gospel, because the “time is fulfilled” for this message to be proclaimed to all people everywhere.
The Holy One of God
I also noticed the demon’s use of the title “Holy One of God” in Mk 1:24, which relates to our current sermon series on the book of Isaiah “The Holy One of Israel” found 25 times throughout the 66 chapters of Isaiah. It is interesting here that the demon recognizes Jesus coming in the form of judgment and that is one of the dominate themes in the book of Isaiah. This title “Holy One of God” that the demon uses also links Jesus to the “Holy One of Israel” therefore the demon recognizes Jesus deity in the synagogue at Capernaum when others did not.
Prayer:
Father, I praise You for You are God of all the earth. You have created of everything. Every created thing ought to give You praise in heaven and earth. There are none who are comparable to You in goodness, faithfulness, righteousness, justice, and love. Thank you for the great grace that you have show me and I ask you for an abundant supply of more grace that I would be a faithful follower and fisherman for You. Thank you for the Lord Jesus Christ coming into the world and proclaiming the message of repentance and good news that I may have a relationship with You through Jesus personhood and meritorious work. In Jesus Name Amen.