Behold my servant, Video preaching

Ministry of John the Baptist Pt2

Scripture: Mark 1:2-11

Sermon notes 

(continued from Part 1)

He preached the greatness of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, v7-8. This emphasis goes a long way to explaining John’s lifestyle! In keeping with Mark’s theme of Christ’s busy service as a man, there is no reference to the future aspect of Christ’s work which is seen in Matthew 3:12.

The greatness of Christ, v7. The coming Christ was mighty and great. So much so that John felt unworthy to even loose His shoe. He owned his limitations and comparative insignificance. Cp Jn 3:29-31. The theology behind this viewpoint is given John 1:9-10, 15-18. Such a view of Christ will keep us in our place and keep us faithful to our calling! As a Levitical Priest this statement by John has more profound ramifications then merely personal ones. Cp Heb 7:22, 8:1-2, 6, 9:9-15.

The power of the Spirit, v8. The Saviour was coming to pour out the cleansing ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of all who would turn from sin to Him. The time spoken of by Joel (2:28-29) was coming and did come at Pentecost, Acts 1:5, 2:16. John’s baptism was limited to symbolism/water. Here is the great cleansing and enduement with power that every Christian should seek for.

 

III   THE CLIMAX TO HIS WORK.

1. Jesus came to be baptized. The Saviour came to John to be baptized by him. John was at first reluctant to do so, Matt 3:14-15. In this He was being presented as One identified with sinners; and yet His separation from sin is also preserved—He made no confession of personal sin! Cp 2Cor 5:21, 1John 3:5. His baptism in fact became a testimony to His personal purity. These simple gospel truths are a pinnacle in a personal experience of the gospel. They were pressed upon John at this time.

2. A triple seal on Jesus the Messiah, v10-11. The experience recorded in v10-11 is primarily focused upon Christ—describes what HE saw and heard. John of course was a witness as well, Jn 1:32-34.

Heaven opened, v10. That the Saviour is the way to Heaven is now made clear. His ministry unveils the glory of heaven to men. Heaven is opened as He takes the place of the sinner. Through Him Heaven is open to the experience of faith and one day to the sight of the believer.

The Spirit descends, v10. The Holy Ghost comes in a visible display upon Christ. He is endued with the Spirit’s power without measure for the performance of His Messianic duties. Cp John 3:34. This was the special identifying mark John needed to see, John 1:31-33. This was the seal on His person and work. The identifiable ministry of the Holy Ghost is still such a seal. We should look for it! Cp Rom 8:9, 13-14, Gal 5:22-24.

The Father speaks, v11. The Father speaks to the Son—Thou… The Saviour begins His earthly ministry with this assurance from Heaven. John also hears this personal communication from God regarding Christ. Cp Jn 12:30. The testimony of Heaven about the Saviour is powerfully impressed upon him. The man who satisfies God has finally come. The message of the prophets that John has embraced and preached as the living word of God has now become the audible testimony of Heaven.

 

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