Introductions
by Ruth Olsen
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The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:1).
Read Mark 1:1–13
The introduction in my NIV Study Bible to the Gospel of Mark says it was generally accepted to have been written by John Mark, whom we also find in the Book of Acts. Mark was a close associate of Peter, and what he has written comes from Peter’s preaching, directed to the needs of the early Christian communities, though arranged and shaped by John Mark. See also Acts 10:37, where Peter’s sermon begins with John’s baptism and continues to the resurrection of Jesus, similar in outline to Mark’s Gospel. Perhaps John Mark’s gifting lay in writing, in preserving Peter’s preaching, since the early church fathers viewed Mark as the ‘interpreter’ of Peter.
There were previous connections. On the night of Peter’s miraculous escape from prison, led by an angel of the Lord beyond the iron gate leading to the city, when it dawned on Peter that this had really happened, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, also called Mark. There, many people gathered to pray (Acts 12:1–12). This Mary was also the aunt of Barnabas (see Colossians 4:10), who partnered with Paul on a missionary journey. We are given a glimpse of connections and relationships among the early followers of Jesus, each with their different gifts and calling.
Mark’s Gospel starts with John the Baptist and his link with the Old Testament. For centuries, the people of Israel had no prophet, so John’s preaching of repentance followed by baptism created high interest, preparing the way for Jesus. Repentance involves a deliberate turning from sin to righteousness, to what is right with God, like the messages of the Old Testament prophets. And the people were responding.
Then, at his baptism, Jesus sees heaven torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove, and he hears his Father’s words of affirmation (verses 10 to 11). ‘At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert. (verse 12) – to be tested. There, angels ministered to him, as they have done for others also (see Hebrews 1:14).
Lord, save us in our times of trial. Help us remember you are with us. Thank you that our lives are in your hands. Amen.
Ruth thoroughly enjoys what opportunities ‘retirement’ provides to see more of this beautiful country. When you are reading this, Ruth and her husband Steen will be wandering somewhere in Western Australia with their caravan, probably marvelling at the brilliant diversity of wildflowers to be found there.
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