Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, Mark 1:14 KJV
Mark begins his gospel account of Christ with references from the books of Malachi and Isaiah. First, he quotes a portion of Malachi 3:1 which reads in full, “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. KJV” This refers to a prophecy predicting the ministry of John the Baptist who prepared the way for the good news of the Kingdom of God brought by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Then, Mark references Isaiah 40:3 which reads, “A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. NIV” This too is prophecy predicting the ministry of John the Baptist. As we read in Mark 1:4-5, “John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins. All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins. WEB”
Repent and Believe
Mark continues describing Jesus’ baptism and subsequent temptation by Satan in the wilderness. After briefly mentioning John’s confinement in prison, Mark immediately transitions to Jesus proclaiming the gospel, or good news of the Kingdom of God. The good news is forgiveness of sin and eternal life for those who repent and place their faith in Christ, the Savior of the world. As Jesus says in Mark 1:15, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News. WEB”
As John the Baptist awaited execution for condemning Herod’s marriage to his sister in law, Jesus began his ministry. This fulfilled the prophecies mentioned earlier. John prepared the way for Jesus Christ, God in flesh, to deliver the good news of the new covenant. Men and women who repent from sin and turn their hearts to God are forgiven through the blood of the lamb of God. Mediating between God and man, Jesus offered his own life to pay for our sins.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the hope I have because of Jesus Christ. Thank you for forgiving my sins. Show me any faults that I do not yet recognize. Help me to live my life according to your will. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Sons of God
