The beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, God’s Son, 2 happened just as it was written about in the prophecy of Isaiah: Look, I am sending my messenger before you. He will prepare your way, 3 a voice shouting in the wilderness: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight.” 4 John the Baptist was in the wilderness calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. 5 Everyone in Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to the Jordan River and were being baptized by John as they confessed their sins. 6 John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He announced, “One stronger than I am is coming after me. I’m not even worthy to bend over and loosen the strap of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 About that time, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 While he was coming up out of the water, Jesus saw heaven splitting open and the Spirit, like a dove, coming down on him. 11 And there was a voice from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness.” 12 At once the Spirit forced Jesus out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among the wild animals, and the angels took care of him. 14 After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee announcing God’s good news, 15 saying, “Now is the time! Here comes God’s kingdom! Change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news!” (Mark 1:1-15, CEB)
The author of the Gospel of Mark is not one to mince words.
The beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, God’s Son, and then we are into the story. Nothing but straight business and everything happens now, or immediately in Mark. The author is known to use the phrase Καὶ εὐθὺς which is and immediately over and over again. There is a matter of urgency to the gospel.
It starts out the beginning of the good news and ends with the woman leaving the tomb and saying nothing to anyone… Not a great ending of a book of good news.
Except when you realize that it isn’t an ending, the story continues with you.
Let your life speak the good news of the story of Jesus Christ, the son of God, so that all may come to know the love God has for them.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 