March 1, 2020 Sermon Notes and Slides

3.1.2020

Sermon Notes & Slides

You Are My Beloved Son
Mark 1:1-20
Tony Chute, Interim Pastor

Overview: The Gospel According to Mark begins with the ministry of John the Baptist, who comes in fulfillment of Scripture to prepare the way for the promised Messiah. John’s message of repentance for the forgiveness of sins was received by many but, by John’s own admission, his baptism paled in comparison to that which Jesus would provide. As Mark turns our attention to Jesus, we find that He identifies with sinners, is affirmed by the Father, is led by the Spirit, is tempted by the devil, and is ministered to by the angels. Jesus then begins his public ministry by proclaiming the gospel and making disciples. Mark’s rapid summary of Jesus’ early ministry provides a clear framework for understanding the “good news” of the gospel.

01. The gospel is good news because God takes the initiative to save sinners from their sins. He authored the plan of salvation, raised up preachers to herald salvation, and sent His Son to provide salvation.

02. The gospel is good news because Jesus is fully qualified to save sinners from their sins. He is fully God and fully man, was tempted yet without sin, and gave His life to provide salvation.

03. The gospel is good news because the Holy Spirit is still active in saving sinners from their sins. Every one who repents and believes will be saved, and everyone who is saved is called and equipped to serve.

Questions for Discussion and Discovery

1. What might be the reasons Mark begins his gospel narrative with the ministry of John the Baptist instead of the birth of Jesus? How would you respond to someone who suggests that Mark’s gospel knows nothing of the divinity of Jesus since it fails to mention the virgin birth?

2. What was John’s message, and what was the purpose of his baptism? In what way did his baptismal message differ from what Jesus would provide to His followers? Why was Jesus baptized?

3. Mark does not provide details about the manner in which angels were ministering to Jesus (verse 13), but it was important enough for him to include. What can we surmise about their ministry to Jesus during this time? What can we know about the ministry of angels to Jesus? See Matthew 26:53, Luke 22:43, Hebrews 1:1-14, and 1 Peter 1:12 for further insight.

4. Mark sums up the preaching of Jesus with two indicatives and two imperatives (verse 15). When you think of the gospel, what indicatives are essential to the message? What imperatives are essential to the message?

5. Would you have thought that Jesus could change the world by choosing fishermen to be his first followers? What does His choice in this regard suggest about how He can use ordinary people doing ordinary things to make an extraordinary impact for the kingdom of God? How might you use your talents to share the gospel with others?

For Further Reading: R. C. Sproul, Mark: An Expositional Commentary, or, He Taught Them as One Who Had Authority (Reformation Trust Publishing, 2011).