The Suffering Servant
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ . . .
Mark 1:1
Matthew in his Gospel account, begins with the genealogy of Jesus, showing that He is a Son of Abraham and a Son of David. Luke begins with the birth of the Lord Jesus. John’s Gospel starts out in eternity past reminding us that Jesus is God in the flesh. Mark does not start his account by talking about the Lord’s heritage or His birth. Mark’s desire is to present Jesus as a servant and a servant does not need a genealogy. Mark begins by jumping right into the action.
Mark’s first sentence serves as a title to the book and it serves to plunge us immediately into the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus. Mark shares with his readers the good news concerning who Jesus is and what He did while He was here. Mark calls the Lord “Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (v 1).
The name “Jesus” is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name “Joshua”. It means “Jehovah is Salvation”. Jesus is a human name and it reveals the reason Jesus came into this world. He came into this world to save lost sinners (Luke 19:10). The name “Jesus” declares His Person.
He is called “Christ”. This identifies Jesus as the “Jewish Messiah”, or “the Anointed One”. The name “Christ” declares His Position. Jesus is pictured as the One Who will deliver His people from their enemies.
Then Mark raises the stakes. He calls Jesus “the Son of God”. Mark lets us know in very clear terms that he is writing about a man, Who is no ordinary man. He is writing about a man Who is God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14). The name “Son of God” declares His Power.
So, this title declares four important truths regarding the Lord Jesus.
1. He is truly human – He has a human name – Jesus.
2. He is truly divine – He is the promised Messiah. He is the Son of God.
3. He is truly unique – He is both humanity and deity in one Person.
4. He is the true source of Good News – Jesus alone is the source of salvation!
Bible Reading
Mark 1:1-8.
Prayer
Thank You, Father God, For the Lord Jesus, my Saviour. Help me to have a heart and desire to serve You by serving others. In Jesus name. Amen.
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