The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Mark 1:1)
As we launch our 2022 Bible Challenge with the book of Genesis and Gospel of Mark, this is what we want to emphasize through it all: the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of Mark, along with the whole Bible, is good news that points to Jesus! It’s not just a story. It’s not just a collection of historical facts. This is really good news.
Why? Because it’s the story of Jesus Christ. Literally that means Jesus the Anointed One. The King who was anointed to come bring God’s reign. The Prophet who was anointed to teach God’s word. The Priest who was anointed to demonstrate God’s compassion and love.
But as Mark points out, he’s not just just anointed by God. He is God. That’s what “Son of God” really means. In those days, whenever someone called you the “son” of something, it meant you were that thing. James and John were called the Sons of Thunder because they were always yelling. They were thunder. And Jesus is God.
It’s what we’ll hear at the end of Mark’s Gospel, when the Roman Centurion who oversees the crucifixion of Jesus says, “Truly this man was the Son of God.” Because even a hardened man of war can recognize quiet nobility.
Jesus reigns. And Jesus rescues. And Jesus reconciles. So as we launch into our study of God’s Word in 2022, let’s celebrate that good news all year long!