By Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Calls
Mark 1:9–20
Affirmed (9–11)
The Messiah’s entrance is surprisingly not flashy. Jesus was relatively unknown and from a non-impressive town in Galilee. Out of obedience to the Father and to fulfill Scripture the sinless Jesus was baptized by John. The significance of this event transcends merely a “dunking” in water.
First, the heavens are torn open, signifying the Messiah has come from heaven and nothing can “close” this door. Second, the Spirit descends in a dovelike “hovering” fashion. The connection can be made that the same Spirit who hovered over creation now hovers and lands on Jesus, endorsing the new creation in Him.
The Father affirms Jesus in announcing He is the one true Son. In these verses we see an implicit working of the Trinity: the Son is obedient in baptism, the Spirit descends and lights on Him and the Father declares Him as Son.
Tested (12–13)
The Spirit did not direct Jesus to enter a place of ease but conflict. Similar to God leading Israel into the wilderness Jesus is led into the wilderness to face both the temptation of Satan and dangers for 40 days. This time of intense temptation was not the only spiritual battles the Messiah would suffer. The final victorious battle is yet to come.
Through this epic battle Jesus emerges victorious over the tempter. Moreover we note that Jesus was not alone; the Father was present and angels cared for Him. We are not alone in our spiritual battles. Our all-powerful Lord understands our struggles and grants the power and comfort to enable us to experience victory.
Heard (14–15)
Jesus’ public ministry begins with John’s arrest. In a few short years Jesus will suffer the same fate. The emphasis, however, is upon the truth that the Kingdom is revealed and everyone is commanded to repent and place all trust in Christ.
Jesus and His early followers were quick to announce the Kingdom had come and the time to respond was short. And yet we must ask ourselves if we are living with such urgency? Do we believe the time is at hand? Examining our lives, are we sharing Christ with others like it might be their last chance?
In agreement with Charles Spurgeon, “Oh, my brothers and sisters in Christ, if sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies; and if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for.”
Followed (1:16–20)
Unlike the religious leaders of the day whose mantra was for a student to only learn from them, Jesus told His early disciples to leave everything and follow Him.
Concerning these disciples, this call to be fishers of men thrust them into a struggle between good and evil. In essence they would be in the very epicenter of a cosmic battle.
This call to be fishers of men points to the Old Testament prophets who used the fishing metaphor relating to judgment (Jer. 16:14–16; Ezek. 29:4; Hab. 1:14–17).
The kingdom of God was at hand and it would involve transformation.
Life will never be the same for a fish once it is caught. Similarly everyone who responds to the gospel will be changed beyond his or her imagination. This transformation is promised to everyone who turns from sin and follows Jesus as an expression of trust.
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