Day 01 of Journey Through Mark: THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL

COMMENTARY The book of Mark begins with a short, one-line introduction that serves as a title for the entire work: “The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). It’s brief, but this introduction makes an extravagant claim that would have been striking to those reading it in Mark’s time. Around the time this book was written, the word translated as “good news” (or sometimes “gospel”) was commonly used to describe the lives and achievements of Roman emperors. Roman messengers would travel around proclaiming “good news” about things like a royal birth, an emperor’s ascension to the throne, or an emperor’s victory in battle. One particular inscription known as the Priene Calendar Inscription calls Caesar Augustus, the first Roman emperor, a “god,” and describes his birth as “the beginning of the good news for the world.” Mark’s introduction, which uses virtually identical vocabulary, would have stood out to readers in this context. It makes the claim that this book shares good news about an alternative king. This was an explosive claim. It would have been considered even more subversive if the book of Mark was written from Rome as a majority of scholars believe. This alternative gospel about an alternative king would have been proclaimed from the capital of Caesar’s empire. We will discover, as we read through this gospel, that Jesus was no ordinary rival to the Roman emperor. Unlike typical competitors, He didn’t rise to His throne through conspiracy, coup, or stabbing Caesar in the back. Instead, Jesus claimed His crown through an act so unconventional that not even His closest companions saw it coming. In doing so, He established a kingdom unlike any the world has ever seen. This is truly “good news,” and it’s the gospel that Mark invites us to read. SCRIPTURE MARK 1:1–15 CHAPTER 1 JOHN THE BAPTIST PREPARES THE WAY The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, 2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” — 3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ” 4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repen- tance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” THE BAPTISM AND TESTING OF JESUS 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. JESUS ANNOUNCES THE GOOD NEWS 14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” REFLECTION 1. In Mark 1:14-15, Jesus proclaims the “good news” (or “gospel”). How does Jesus define the gospel in His own words (cf., Isaiah 40:9; 52:7)? How does this compare to how you have defined the gospel in the past, and why might this be good news? 2. How do you hope to grow through your Journey Through Mark experience? Share your hope with God through prayer. Ask that He might use the book of Mark to challenge, shape, and inspire you.