The beginning of the Gospel

Scripture: Mark 1:1-3

Sermon notes 

Behold my Servant #1             Mark 1:1-3

There is no clear identification of the writer of this gospel in the book itself, nor in Scripture elsewhere. In this respect it is similar to the gospel of Matthew.

From early church history, the author is identified as John Mark who appears: Acts 12:12, 25, 13:5, 13, 15:37, Col 4:10, 2Tim 4:11. It is also assumed by many that the Marcus referred to by Paul in Philemon 1:24 and by Peter in 1Peter 5:13, is in fact the same man. It is not completely certain, however, that this is the case. It is also argued from Church history that Peter was therefore heavily involved in the writing of this gospel narrative. Whether that is the case or not is not necessary to the authority of this gospel record.

Mark’s account focuses on the busy ministry of the Saviour. The style and the language indicate a constant, diligent attention to the work He was called to do. Cp Straightway, v10—Greek term used 40 times in the book. Right from the very outset the record sets a fast pace. In itself, this gospel seems to echo and enlarge the words of God the Father in Is 42:1, Behold my servant whom I uphold, mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth.

I  A BEGINNING.

Mark draws a beginning to our attention in his opening words. It is a beginning he links with the gospel itself.

1. Not something entirely new. What he writes of is not altogether new as is clear from the fact that he immediately cites the words of Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3. What he is now to write of was in fact known to, and preached by, the prophets centuries before. In fact, the material he writes of has its roots in the eternal purpose of God in redemption and can be traced back in time to the promise of Genesis 3:15. Cp Acts 10:43, Rev 13:8, Eph 1:4.
2. The beginning point of his record of Christ’s life. Obviously he is setting down something of his purpose in these words. He does not start his account where Matthew or Luke start with a record of His birth. Like John, he begins with the ministry of John and the start of Christ’s public ministry.
3. The end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New. Cp Luke 16:16. While there is an underlying similarity between the testaments, there is a real difference between them. The same gospel is in view in both but it was administered/presented to men in a different way in each. The Levitical code of laws presented the doctrine of redemption for sinners under shadows and types, Heb 10:1; the prophets preached in this context of a future manifestation of the Messiah who would fulfil those signs. The New Testament is the fulfillment of those shadows and the clear, full revelation of the Christ who came to do so.
4. Perhaps we can also consider the ‘source’ of the gospel as we think of this beginning. The gospel has its beginning/origin/source in the Saviour and His ministry. From all eternity this was the purpose of God. Just as He is described as the origin of all creation, Rev 3:14; so He is the origin of redemption, atonement and salvation. In Him and from Him alone salvation can be found for sinners. Cp John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Eph 1:7.

II  THE GOSPEL FOCUSES UPON JESUS CHRIST.

This is an elementary/beginning lesson! Yet it is a truth that is often overlooked. The person and work of Christ is the substance of the gospel revelation.

1. A human person. The human name of the Saviour is used first here. He is Jesus. Cp Luke 2:21. Jesus the man is before us in this gospel record. His service and ministry was that of a man for men. His incarnation, while not directly dealt with in this narrative, underlies all that is recorded here.
2. A divinely appointed role. He is ‘the Christ’/the Messiah. Mark makes this announcement in such a simple fashion that it is easy to overlook its significance. Jesus the man is God’s anointed prophet, priest and king. This man is the deliverer of mankind from the power and penalty of sin for time and eternity. This is a truth to be observed in this gospel—the man with the stamp of God’s anointing for service. Others claimed this title and will continue to do so till Jesus comes again. Cp Matt 24:5. Recognizing Him as such is the role of saving faith and is the bedrock of gospel truth, Matt 16:16-18.
3. The Son of God. What profound truth is here! Cp Heb 1:1-3. He is God, Phil 2:5-8. This is the full majesty and glory of the Person Mark will portray as the humble, busy servant of Jehovah. This statement sheds light on all that will follow.

III   MARK WRITES OF CHRIST IN CHORUS WITH THE PROPHETS.

As he begins his narrative, Mark underscores this vital point. He is recording the actual events that the prophets predicted. He uses there words to authenticate his own record. Even such a history as this is validated by Scripture. In this he adheres to an important Biblical standard—Scripture is validated and proved by Scripture. Cp 2Peter 1:20-21.

1. The gospel is built upon the foundation of the prophets, v2. What Mark is to record of the person, life and work of the Saviour, has the hallmark of the prophets upon it. Cp Eph 2:20-22. The gospel revelation of the New Testament is the superstructure built upon the Old Testament foundation. What we accept/believe/read/write of Christ must have the imprimatur of Scripture—it is written…
2. The promise of the Father fulfilled, v2. The Lord Jesus comes as the One referred to in Mal 3:1—thy face…thy way… He is the Lord and the messenger of the covenant Malachi referred to.
3. He is identified as the Lord, v3. This is a title of deity and especially used of the Messiah, Ps 110:1, Matt 22:41-46. Mark has the same view of the Saviour as the prophets did! He is writing under the inspiration of the same Spirit. His words are part of the same Scripture.