The Gospel of Mark 1:1-8
Sermon Recap
Mark 1:1-8
Beginning this new series in the gospel of Mark, we are presented with a number of reflective questions: What is the job of the preacher if not to change people's minds? Are there foundational beliefs I may have to let go of? Who’s in charge of my life?
As we read and hear the good news of Jesus Christ in the gospel of Mark there is the calling: to repentance and baptism, to preparation for the Kingdom of God, and to live a lifestyle where Jesus is our King. With these invitations, we may be challenged and/or invited into metanoia meaning “to change one’s mind.”
In the opening verses of Mark, we have “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ” proclaiming a shift in political reign, a new era where Jesus is named the (hoped-for king), a reference in Isaiah 40 to this turning point, and John the Baptist as the one calling out in the wilderness “repentance and baptism.”
We are reminded that the good news is that Jesus is the Christ, and John’s message is proclaiming, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to bend down and untie the straps of His sandals. I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” —Mark 1:8
Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit! Do you want that or more?
Practices for Tonight
Reflect. Share. Discuss. Spend time this evening focusing on the Good News of Jesus with one or more of these offerings:
Read and discuss Mark 1: 4-8. Begin with the invitation of repentance, what about this sounds odd? What about the immersion in the wilderness and baptism John was proclaiming, does this sound odd or encourages you? How is this good news? What might God be inviting you to “change your mind” about or not?
Read aloud and sit with the metaphorical imagery of Isaiah 40 :1-5. This was a new era of forgiveness and healing for the Israelites as it is for us. Notice what words or phrases are speaking to your life or your longing for God within this metaphor. Is there an invitation to respond with change in your thinking? How might God be calling you to respond to the good news of Jesus?
Share how you are experiencing a life of good news? Are there ways you are living in joy and fullness of the good news? May this be a time of encouraging one another and/or helping one another along with the question: How do I prepare for the Kingdom of God and live a life ready for Jesus?
Practice for the Week
The invitation is to spend time journaling by taking a moment each day (morning or evening) to reflect on one or more of these questions:
Where am I noticing God in my life presently?
Is there a moment within my day, week or past month where I noticed God is with me or might be present?
Be honest about any struggles or resistances you are noticing in relation to the good news of Jesus is the Christ.
What is one thing I find myself holding on to that I need to let go and give God control of in my life or thinking?
Offer a prayer of your own or use this prayer to close your reflective moment:
“Today, O LORD, I accept your acceptance of me. I confess that you are always with me and always for me. I receive into my spirit your grace, your mercy, your care. I rest in your love, O Lord. I rest in your love.” Amen
(taken from Prayers From the Heart by Richard Foster)
