ADVENT

Having observed Thanksgiving, we now enter the Christmas season, known in many churches as Advent (which means “Coming”). Yesterday was the first of four Advent Sundays before Christmas Day. The symbols associated with Advent are The Advent Wreath and its candles, which serve as reminders of Hope, Faith, Joy and Peace. I mention these things because they seem to be a part of what some Baptist churches are doing these days. The observance of Advent began yesterday in churches of many denominations.

What I propose for blog subjects, leading up to Christmas, are four weeks of five blogs each, presenting Jesus as Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John presented Him. So here goes. Theme for this month: Jesus in the Four Gospels. Theme for this week: “Jesus in the Gospel of Mark.” Title of this blog: “Jesus the Messiah.”

Jesus the Messiah

November 29, 2021 (Monday)

The gospel of Mark is dated by scholars as the first of the four gospels. It is thought that Peter himself shared first hand accounts with Mark; many conclude that Peter is the source of Mark’s gospel.

It may be hard for us to believe, but Mark’s gospel says nothing about the birth of Jesus. Mark’s gospel introduces Jesus as the mature Son of God, fully prepared for the ministry of Messsiah (Savior).

Mark first introduces us to John the Baptist, the cousin and forerunner of Jesus the Messiah. Mark begins abruptly: “John came!” He came to prepare the way for the Savior of the world. We might say that John plowed the ground with his message of repentance, getting the soil ready for the precious seed to be sown by Jesus.

John was known as “John the Baptist” because he baptized people who were publicly repenting. Some translations call him “John the Baptizer.” John’s messages were blunt and direct as he called the people to repentance, preparing the way for the Messiah.

Jesus allowed Himself to be baptized by John, which was a way of validating John’s ministry as well as His own. As He emerged from the water, the Spirit descended upon Him as a dove, and the voice of God the Father was heard, “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Immediately Jesus was driven by the Spirit into the wilderness where Satan tempted him for forty days. When he returned from the wilderness, fully committed to the role of Messiah, John had been imprisoned, and Jesus began his ministry, preaching a gospel of repentance and faith. He heralded a spiritual kingdom.

JESUS MESSIAH
Chris Tomlin
2008

He became sin, who knew no sin
That we might become His righteousness
He humbled Himself and carried the cross
Love so amazing, Love so amazing

Jesus Messiah, name above all names
Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners, the ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah, Lord of all

His body the bread, His blood the wine
Broken and poured out all for love
The whole earth trembled, and the veil was torn
Love so amazing, Love so amazing,

Jesus Messiah, name above all names
Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners, the ransom from heaven
Jesus Messiah, lord of all

all our hope is in you, all our hope is in you
All the glory to you, God, the light of the world

Jesus Messiah, name above all names
Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners, the ransom from heaven
Jesus Messiah, Lord of all,
Jesus Messiah, Lord of all

You’re the Lord of all
You’re the Lord of all”

Yesterday was also the first day of Hanukkah for 2021. It is a Jewish holiday of 8 days that was being observed by Jews long before Jesus was born in Bethelehem. It always happens at about this time of year. It is appropriate for us to wish our Jewish friends “Happy Hannukah.” Click here to learn more.