Christmas Expectations: Why Jesus Had to Come (Mark)

Introduction

Mark’s Perspective

Mark’s Answer: Jesus came to proclaim the gospel.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Mark 1:1

Mark’s Highlights of Jesus

Highlight to see

Headline to understand

Hope to experience and share​

Highlight 1: Jesus’ Baptism

² As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
    who will prepare your way,
³ the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
    ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
    make his paths straight,’” Mark 1:2-3

⁴ John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁵ And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. ⁶ Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. ⁷ And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. ⁸ I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Mark 1:4-8

⁹ In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰ And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. ¹¹ And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11

Headline: Jesus is the Son of God

Hope: Jesus has the authority to rescue you.

Highlight 2: Jesus is tempted in the wilderness.

¹² The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. ¹³ And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. Mark 1:12-13

Headline: Jesus wins.

Hope: Jesus is with you in the battle.

Highlight 3: Jesus proclaims the Gospel.

¹⁴ Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, ¹⁵ and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15

Headline: The Kingdom has arrived.

Hope: The Good News is available to you today.

Repent and believe in the gospel!