Mark 1b Commentary
John announces the arrival of the real Baptist. Strangely, the real Baptist wants to be baptized! What is going on here? We are confused!
This confusion entrenches the title of the Messiah as the son of God in the same manner that Adam was. Unlike Adam, this son is righteous. God is well pleased with him. The Son looks upward and receives the approval of the Creator God.
At the same time, Jesus looks downward and He is the real Baptist or Baptizer, the real source of life through the giving of the life-giving Spirit. He remains the Creator God.
According to Mark, this is what the LORD God said at Jesus’ baptism: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Check Matthew’s account: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” It’s like Matthew is reporting Mark’s account! Regardless, there is importance in the difference. Mark has made it personal. So intimate! Jesus’ Father has addressed His son. Fortunately, we have overheard the private conversation. Interestingly, it comes after the symbolic seal of the Holy Spirit.
God’s first son, Adam, displeased his Father. Now we have the son (the Son) who pleases his Father. It begs the thought that an individual can actually receive this approval upon receiving the Holy Spirit. Of course, the way for the Holy Spirit will have been paved by repentance – evidenced by a physical baptism.
Mark makes reference to the kingdom of God rather than Matthew’s kingdom of heaven. In the gospel, God is the King. There is no serious reference to the kingship of Israel in the manner of King David.
First: “Follow me.” Second: “I will send you out to fish for men.” The order is important. Men who are out there fishing for men without following Jesus are a scandal!
Jesus speaks with authority. It is evidenced in the manner in which demons and sicknesses submit.
He finds a closet and prays.
Time and space define a closet!
“Very early in the morning” means the LORD Jesus elects a time which is isolated from the thicket of daily activities. He also isolates himself physically. The quality of one’s closet is important.
At first, we can all think the man healed of leprosy has done evangelism real justice. He has testified everywhere! But check the facts. He has disobeyed a strong warning from the Master. Consequence? The Master cannot freely minister anymore. That is the effect of miracles; they tend to draw men’s attention away from the Master to themselves. And Jesus cannot reach a man’s heart freely.
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