Mark 1:1-20: A Wilderness Man and a Galilean Preacher

The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Churches in Pine Lawn, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 1:1-20.

The gospel of Mark wastes no time launching into the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. This chapter introduces John the Baptist, a prophet sent to prepare the way for Christ's arrival. When Jesus comes to the Jordan to be baptized, a voice from heaven declares Him God's beloved Son. Immediately thereafter, Jesus is compelled by the Spirit into the wilderness where He undergoes temptation by Satan. Emerging victorious, Jesus travels to Galilee to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God.

Beneath the fast-paced action of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark lies a profound theological message: we are all in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Though Jesus performs mighty deeds and calls people to repent, they repeatedly fail to understand his true identity and mission. Even his disciples abandon him in his darkest hour. Yet Jesus willingly suffers and dies on the cross as a ransom for many, accomplishing what we could not do ourselves - securing our justification before God. Mark presents Jesus not just as a miracle worker but as the divine Savior whose atoning sacrifice makes salvation possible for lost sinners.