Episode 159: The Gospel of Mark
Mark 1:1 “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet. ‘See I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way’.”
Today, when we hear the word “Gospel”, we think of something that is true or something religious. We say things like, “That’s the Gospel truth.” Or we use it as a category for music and literature. We hear it used in sermons, quite often incorrectly, when the pastor makes a point and tries to emphasize it by following up the statement with, “and that’s the gospel”.
The word itself actually means, “good news”. This word, Gospel, was actually used as a proclamation for the ascension of a new king or new ruler. When this new king took the throne, his messengers would go throughout the land and proclaim the good news, the gospel of this new ruler. They would speak of his history, his royal birth, his military accomplishments, and his claim to the throne. They would proclaim all of the benefits of living in the kingdom ruled by this new king.
It’s in this context that Mark begins his proclamation of the ascension of Jesus Christ and His rightful claim to be the Son of God. Right from the start, Mark ties Jesus to the writings of the prophet Isaiah. This would tie Jesus back to the history of the Jews and let the people know that Jesus was the promised Son. Mark would then speak of John the Baptist and the proclamations he made of, “One who is more powerful than I is coming after me”. In this opening statement of his book, Mark is acting as a messenger of the New King and beginning the proclamation, the good news of Jesus, the rightful heir to the throne of God.
As we continue through the book of Mark, let’s read each tale in the context of a messenger proclaiming the history, the greatness, and the wonder of a new Kingdom under the rule of true King. Let us be a people, God’s people, who rejoice in this wonderful Gospel of our King.
Love Y’all! Be blessed!
Let Us Be A People 