Sermon on Jesus' Ministry Begins Mark 1

Jesus' Ministry Begins

Today we turn to the opening chapters of Mark's Gospel, where we witness the inauguration of Jesus' earthly ministry, the commencement of His redemptive mission. It is a story of preparation, power, and purpose.

1. Preparing the Way: The Ministry of John the Baptist (Mark 1:1-2):

"The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way.'" Before Jesus' arrival, God sent John the Baptist, a herald to prepare the hearts of the people. God's redemptive work is not haphazard; it is meticulously planned and executed.

2. The Call to Repentance and Baptism (Mark 1:4):

"John appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." Repentance is the essential first step in receiving God's grace. John's ministry called people to turn away from sin and prepare for the coming Messiah.

3. The Baptism of Jesus as a Model of Humility and Obedience (Mark 1:9):

"In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan." Though sinless, Jesus submitted to baptism, identifying with humanity and fulfilling all righteousness. His baptism is a powerful example of humility and obedience to God's plan.

4. The Descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus (Mark 1:10):

"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." The Holy Spirit's descent upon Jesus marked the beginning of His public ministry. The Spirit's presence empowered Him for His mission, just as the Spirit empowers us for God's work.

5. The Voice of the Father: Affirming Jesus’ Identity (Mark 1:11):

"And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” The Father's affirmation confirmed Jesus' divine identity and messianic calling. This revelation is the cornerstone of our faith.

6. The Temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness (Mark 1:12-13):

"The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan." Jesus faced temptation, but He overcame it through His reliance on God's Word. His victory demonstrates how we can resist temptation through the power of the Spirit.

7. The Beginning of Jesus’ Preaching (Mark 1:14):

"Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God." Jesus began His ministry with the proclamation of the good news: repentance and faith in the kingdom of God.

8. The Calling of the First Disciples (Mark 1:16):

"Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen." Jesus called ordinary people to follow Him. His call is universal, extending to all who are willing to respond.

9. Jesus’ Authority over Demons and Healing (Mark 1:19-20):

"And going a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets." Jesus demonstrated His authority through healing and deliverance. His power extends to every aspect of life, bringing wholeness and restoration.

10. Jesus’ Mission: To Go Further and Keep Preaching (Mark 1:38):

"And he said to them, ‘Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.’” Jesus' mission was clear: to spread the gospel far and wide. This mission continues through His church today.

Conclusion

The beginning of Jesus' ministry marks the dawn of redemption. Let us embrace His call, follow His example, and join Him in His mission to proclaim the good news to all the world. Amen.