As we begin our study of Mark’s Gospel, we must remember throughout that he is writing to a Roman audience, with the purpose of showing that Jesus of Nazareth is the true King of kings and Lord of lords, not Caesar. As we keep that in mind, we will have a better understanding of his record. We’ll also compare and contrast Mark to Matthew and Luke (and even John on occasion), attempting to accurately and adequately explain major and minor differences, to show that the synoptic gospels are not contradictory, but complimentary. Let’s take a look at Mark.
1) V1-8 – 1The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2It is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way” – 3“a voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” 4And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7And this was his message: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
We mentioned the importance of the first verse of the New Testament when we studied Matthew’s Gospel. Here in Mark, the first verse is equally crucial. Most readers today – as well as many in the Roman world – would be bored into closing their Bibles when they see the words “A record of the genealogy…” and so Mark doesn’t bother with the genealogy of Jesus, as Matthew (and Luke, for different reasons) did. Mark knows he has to keep his audience interested, and so he moves quickly. Therefore, Mark rightly begins by declaring this to be “the beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” First, it is the beginning; second, it is the gospel – “The good news.” For Mark, there is no better news than what he is detailing with this written account. Third, the good news that Mark has to tell is “about Jesus Christ.” There can be lots of good news, and there may have been a number of individuals named Jesus, about whom good news could be exclaimed; but this good news is about Jesus Christ, the anointed one, the promised Messiah, the Savior of the world, and, as Mark explains with the fourth and final part of his introductory remark, “the Son of God.” To the Roman world, Jesus the Son of David is insignificant; Jesus the Son of Mary and Joseph is meaningless and even boring. But in declaring Jesus to be the Son of God, now Mark has the audience’s attention! This Jesus is worth hearing about!
Mark introduces his account and begins with a very brief mention (v2-8) of the prophesied precursor to Jesus, John the Baptist. Mark simply says that it was foretold that one would come before Jesus to prepare the way for Him, and that one was none other than John, who came on the scene in an unusual way. He was “baptizing in the desert region and preaching…repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (v4). Mark notes that John drew a massive audience from all over Judea, including the main city of Jerusalem, and this audience listened and obeyed by confessing their sins and being baptized in the Jordan River (for the forgiveness of their sins). One question arises for me in this: Were these people confessing (A) that they were sinners generally and therefore in need of forgiveness, and/or (B) their specific sins and seeking forgiveness in the waters of baptism? Perhaps the answer is both; both are undoubtedly good and appropriate, but sincerity is key. One author says, “A confession that is sincere and pleasing to God will be specific and brief. I have learned to be suspicious of my confession if it’s general and lengthy.” I see this reality quite vividly in my children; they will say, “I’m sorry…but,” and the rationalization for their actions and/or attitudes is practically endless. That’s not what I’m looking for in their hearts and minds. When they are really saddened by their sin, they tend to run away, flee the offended, and wallow in self-pity or sincere regret for a while. Then, rather than say, “I’m sorry…but,” they simply say, “I’m sorry I did this or that; will you forgive me?” And that’s what I want for them; that’s what I need for me. And I’m sure that’s what John the Baptist was getting from his audiences, sincere repentance and a genuine search for real forgiveness, which he proclaimed through baptism. These people were ready for Jesus.
John MacArthur says, “As long as you are making excuses for your sinfulness, you will never grow spiritually. That will only occur when you humbly acknowledge your sin and do something about it. Since spiritual growth is a process in which there is a decreasing frequency of sin, then it must include an acknowledgement of responsibility for sin. Don’t blame your circumstances, your husband/wife; blame yourself. Don’t even blame the devil. Certainly anything in the world’s system contributes to the problem, but sin ultimately occurs as an act of the will – and you are responsible for it… Confessing your sin is not begging for forgiveness; it is saying the same thing about your sin that God says – that it is sin and is your fault. Confession is an agreement with God that you have sinned… God has put feelings of guilt over our sin within us. And it is good that He has. If you didn't feel guilty over your sin, that would be like living without physical pain. Guilt in a person's spiritual life is like a bell or buzzer that goes off when you sin. When you sin, guilt should immediately bring you to the point of confession. Guilt is God's way of allowing pain to hurt your soul. Then you should confront the sin in your life and say to God, "I know it is sin. I know it is against You. I realize that it is my fault. I don't want to do it again. Give me the strength to walk on another path." As you live like that, you will find that you are growing spiritually. But you will never do that until you begin to deal with the things that retard your maturity.”
In v6, Mark reveals that John was a unique character, dressing in uncustomary clothes and eating an unusual diet; he would have reminded his Jewish audiences of Elijah, which was according to prophecy. Mark tells his Roman audience about John’s appearance to suggest to them that God works in mysterious ways. They might not have expected lots of people to flock to John in sincere repentance, or take the step of baptism in the Jordan River to receive forgiveness for their sins, but God uses that to draw us away from the cultural norms; He wants us to be holy, set apart, different from the world.
Finally, Mark tells us the message of John the Baptist: “Jesus is coming. The Savior is close at hand, and I am unworthy to be compared to Him. I am baptizing with water as a symbol of cleansing and forgiveness, but He will baptize with the Holy Spirit, bringing actual healing and forgiveness and power.” Be ready!
2) V9-20 – 9At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10As Jesus was coming up out of the water, He saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. 11And a voice came from heaven: “You are My Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” 12At once the Spirit sent Him out into the desert, 13and He was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended Him. 14After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15“The time has come,” He said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” 16As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 18At once they left their nets and followed Him. 19When He had gone a little farther, He saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20Without delay He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.
Jesus comes on the scene, baptized by John not for the forgiveness of His sins (He had none!), but rather to identify with His people. Jesus had to “fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15), and baptism was the right thing to do in obedience to the will and way of God. Later, we are reminded that the religious leaders did not submit to John’s baptism, though they should have done so. Jesus is taking their place as Shepherd over the flock of God. We catch a nice glimpse of the Trinity in v10-11, as the Spirit of God descends like a dove on the Son of God, all while God the Father speaks audibly to Jesus, saying, “You are My Son, who I love; with You I am well pleased.” Jesus lived His life fully human, emptying Himself of His deity, so to speak, not considering equality with God something to be used for His advantage (Philippians 2:6). He received from His Father at His baptism a reminder of His identity (You are My Son) and His value (whom I love), and He was affirmed in His life mission (with You I am well pleased).
“At once,” Mark says, “the Spirit sent” Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. Jesus further identified with His people by spending 40 days wandering, just as the exiles from Egypt spent 40 years in the wilderness after the Exodus. Mark doesn’t give details, which I think his Roman audience might have wanted or enjoyed hearing, but he moves quickly to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, which occurred most publicly after John the Baptist was imprisoned (v14). Jesus proclaimed “the good news of God” (v14) in Galilee. That refers to the arrival of the Kingdom of God (v15), ushered in by Jesus to be enjoyed and exalted by all kinds of people all over the world. This kingdom would be like no other, as it would be entered by grace through faith and repentance (v15), and it would last forever, unlike any kingdom of this world.
Jesus’ message to repent and believe is illustrated in the final few verses of this passage, where the first four disciples leave their work and follow Him. Jesus was an itinerant Rabbi, and He chose His followers carefully. These two sets of fishermen brothers, Simon (Peter) and Andrew, and James and John, the sons of Zebedee, immediately left their business – including boats and nets, and James and John even left their father – to travel and spend all their time with Jesus. Therefore, Mark is telling his audience that to repent and believe is to leave and follow. We leave our selfish or worldly pursuits, the cares of this world, and seek Jesus and spiritual fruit.
3) V21-34 – 21They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22The people were amazed at His teaching, because He taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, 24“What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are – the Holy One of God!” 25“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. 27The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching – and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey Him.” 28News about Him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. 29As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31So He went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. 32That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33The whole town gathered at the door, 34and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but He would not let the demons speak because they knew who He was.
Jesus’ public ministry began in Capernaum with a sermon in the synagogue. His audience was amazed, because His teaching was authoritative, unlike their usual teachers. This means that Jesus expounded the Scriptures without referring to what some previous expert had to say. This commentary, for example, relies on many brilliant teachers who have far more knowledge and experience in the study of Scripture than I will ever possess. I do not speak as one who has authority; rather, I take the words of others and try to make them easier to read and understand for the layperson. Jesus, on the other hand, doesn’t rely on what others have said about the Scriptures; instead, He teaches the meaning without the opinions of scholars. He often would say, “You have heard it said… But I say to you…” That formula is authoritative.
As Jesus taught, a demon-possessed man in the congregation recognized Jesus as “the Holy One of God” and asked what He had come to do to the demons in the world (v23-24). Jesus rebuked the demon and exorcized it from the man (v25-26); again the audience was amazed that even evil spirits obeyed Him (v27). Now this sort of stuff seems to happen today for some traveling celebrity pastors, such as Benny Hinn and other health and wealth gospel frauds. It’s a staged act at best, or a satanic miracle at worst. And maybe that’s what you would have thought, had you been in the audience for this episode. In my skeptical mind, I’m almost certain, unless I knew the man well enough to know that it was a legitimate healing, that I would be claiming that Jesus was a fraud after seeing something like that. But here, maybe because Capernaum wasn’t that big a town, or maybe because the attendees at synagogue did in fact know the man and his struggles with symptoms of some way-more-common-than-today version of demon-possession, the news of Jesus and His message and His authority in teaching and healing spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee (v28).
Upon leaving the synagogue, Jesus made His way with the four called disciples (Peter, Andrew, James, and John), and perhaps others with them, to the home of Peter’s in-laws. Peter was apparently married (or widowed), which seems to be evidence that contradicts the views of some church traditions (Roman Catholicism, for example, which holds to priestly celibacy). Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law, who had had a fever, and she served them (presumably a light meal or refreshments of some kind, being that it was still the Sabbath). That evening after sundown, signaling the end of the Sabbath, “all the sick and demon-possessed [and] the whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons” (v32-34). Jesus was undoubtedly a likable guy, who had befriended this, his hometown, prior to the beginning of His public ministry, but now that He has entered the public arena, teaching and healing, His popularity shot through the roof. And His authority and control of His own ministry timeline was clear – “He would not let the demons speak because they knew who He was.” There would be a time for greater and different glory, but it was not yet, so the demons had to remain silent, lest too much attention would come the way of Jesus too soon.
4) V35-45 – 35Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed. 36Simon and his companions went to look for Him, 37and when they found Him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for You!” 38Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39So He traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. 40A man with leprosy came to Him and begged Him on his knees, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” 41Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” 42Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. 43Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44“See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 45Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to Him from everywhere.
Mark introduces his audience to a routine of Jesus that all His followers fail to mimic enough – that of solitary prayer time. Jesus regularly finds alone time with His Father in heaven, and we would all benefit from doing the same. As is usually the case for Jesus, He is interrupted from the peacefulness to continue His public ministry, as Peter and the other disciples come to find Him (v35-37).
Despite the fact that “everybody [was] looking for” Him (v37), Jesus decides to “go somewhere else” (v38). He wants to preach in all the nearby villages, and He says, “That is why I have come” (v38). In the early part of His ministry, Jesus had a evangelistic message to get out, that the kingdom of God was at hand, and the appropriate response was to repent and believe, or leave and follow. And that message was not just for Jerusalem and Judea, but it was for Galilee as well, and even ultimately for all nations!
While Jesus was traveling, teaching, and healing throughout Galilee, a leper came before Him and begged for healing. Lepers were not to approach anyone in the community, for their disease might have easily spread. This man was isolated from the community and suffering from an incurable and hideous disease. So for him to approach Jesus, likely in the midst of a crowd, took considerable courage, a desperate act of faith. He didn’t presume that Jesus would condescend to such a degree as to actually interact with him, which is why he begged on his knees. Furthermore, as one commentator says, “Evidently he sensed some purpose in this, and when he said, ‘If You will, You can make me clean,’ he did not mean by that, ‘If You’re in a good mood at present…’ He meant, rather, ‘If it is not out of line with the purpose of God, if it is not violating some cosmic program God is working out, then You can make me clean.’ He does not doubt Jesus’ power, and he submits to His will. He submits to the person of God. We need to do the same. We are to know God can do whatever He wants and trust Him. If He is willing, He will. We just have to trust in the goodness of God. The leper models a humble approach and makes a humble request. This is actually the language of worship – bowing down, kneeling, etc. Jesus accepts it.”
Jesus showed compassion (actually, the verb here can mean “to move the bowels” with anger or compassion) in healing the leper. Perhaps he was in an extraordinary state of grotesque disfiguration that made Jesus react with anger at the effects of disease and compassion to willingly heal the man. In fact, Jesus acted as only the High Priest was allowed, in restoring the leper, both in terms of healing and cleanliness and instructing him on being reunited to the community. When He touched the leper, Jesus Himself became ceremonially unclean, according to the Mosaic Law. But Jesus’ priesthood does not stem from Aaron and the Levites; the order of His priesthood comes from Melchizedek, and therefore, though Jesus respects the Law of Moses, He is not technically subject to it here. In fact, this healing is a claim to Deity, as Jesus is both the healing power and the agent of the healing power.
The leper was immediately made clean, and Jesus warned him not to tell anyone, but rather to go and show himself to the priest, who had the authority to affirm a person’s cleanness for participation in the community. Why not tell anyone? First, Jesus came to preach (v38) more than heal. He was already bogged down with healings, and what He wanted to do was primarily preach the gospel and teach about the Kingdom of God. If the man spread the word about Jesus’ healing power, then His workload would increase all the more. Second, the crowds expected a different kind of Messiah than Jesus was to be, as one commentator explains, “So Jesus didn’t want to use the misunderstood title and substituted other titles for Himself such as ‘Son of Man.’” In other words, Jesus didn’t want the commoners to flock to see the Messiah they wanted to see, for that individual did not exist. Jesus would be much different and far better, though they would not be prepared to grasp that just yet. Third, Jesus tells the man to go show himself to the priest and make the appropriate offerings as a testimony to God’s healing power through Jesus. He wants the priest to know that the Messiah has healed the man, because the priest should have been watching for the Messiah. Healings were a prophesied sign of His presence (Matthew 11:5; Luke 7:22; Isaiah 35), and the religious leaders should have been excited to learn of it and lead people to Him.
But alas, the healed man disobeyed and “began to talk freely, spreading the news” (v45). The result made the life of Jesus all the more challenging, as He could no longer enter a town without a crowd, so He had to stay outside of towns to avoid the chaos; nevertheless, crowds still flocked to Him.
Bible text from
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