So It Begins
The Gospel of Mark continues to zip you through three quick train stops, marking the beginning of Christ’s ministry. Each one takes you further along this glorious journey through Christ’s character and ministry. Yet, each one should energize us to take steps toward repentance and faith.
Obedient Son
The first quick stop is found in the waters of the Jordan River, where Jesus has gone to meet his cousin John the Baptist. Remembering from last week that John was promised preparer for the ministry of Jesus. Jesus wades into the waters, which is meant to be a place for sinners to repent and be made right, yet he was without sin. So why would Jesus do this? To that question, Sinclair Ferguson helpfully states, “What we have here is Jesus’ public acknowledgment that he had come to stand where sinners should stand, receive what they should deserve, and in return give to them his gift of grace and fellowship with God.” The humble king could have demanded much from others, but here we see the beginning of his ministry. And his ministry to you and I is to stand in our place so that we would be blessed to be pleasing to the Father as he was.
Even in Temptation
Unlike Matthew and Luke, Mark doesn’t spend much time there but quickly moves on to the second scene of Jesus’ temptation. Though this is 40 days and nights, the scene is relatively brief. He highlights merely the temptation by Satan in the wilderness and the angel’s ministry to him following. Once again, his ministry of obedience wasn’t just about standing in the place of sinners but also about enduring the struggle of sinners. This is why the author of Hebrews records, “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14–16, ESV) Christ’s struggle in the wilderness allows him to sympathize with our weaknesses. And yet his perfection places him in the perfect place to bring our request before the throne of God that we might receive grace in time of need.
For Your Good
The final stop on this week’s speedy journey is the summary message that begins his proclamation to everyone, including you and me. It is a simple and straightforward message, but it is not always easy to swallow. First, the kingdom of God is at hand. The physical presence of the kingdom of God, depending on earth at Christ’s second coming, still stands in the future. Christ’s ministry brings the joys and blessings of a future heavenly kingdom into the present. Today, we get to experience the joy of living a life in fellowship with God. This leads us to the second point of his message, which is that we can enter the kingdom of God only through repentance and faith. Repentance is a 180-degree turn away from sin and living for my own kingdom toward God in faith, living for His kingdom. It is an acknowledgment that living for myself now is settling for less than God has designed me for. It is a rejoicing in the blessing of the kingdom to come and trust that Christ’s ministry of taking my place and putting his perfect life on me is God’s genuine saving grace to me.
Take It To Heart
- Considering Christ’s obedience in both commands and temptation as the Son of God, how does that help you assess your obedience and your struggles with temptations?
- We learn that Christ’s temptations were not outside the sight of God but had a purpose in his ministry and life. What does this teach us about ourselves and our struggles?
- Jesus says repentance and faith are the appropriate response to the presence of the kingdom of God. How are you intentionally practicing repentance and growing in faith?
Take it To God
- Acknowledge God’s presence amid your temptations and struggles.
- Take time to repent of the sins holding you back from seeking God’s kingdom.
- Thank God for the forgiveness he offers to those who confess their sins.
- Ask him to help you grow your faith in each area of life that comes to mind.
