The Good News About Jesus Christ, the Son of God
0 comments | Posted by Steven Layson on 08 Mar 2009 in From Steve's Study ::
This is how Mark introduces his Gospel. Pretty clearly his book is going to have something to do with a guy called Jesus, who he labels the Christ & the Son of God. Whatever he has to say, he considers to be good news (which is what the word gospel means).
Today we begin a short series looking at the book of Mark, & in it we will certainly see why Mark sees it as appropriate to give Jesus such exalted names. One of the great highlights of the book is when all this finally clicks for the Apostle Peter and he declares “You are the Christ” (8:29).
However, we’re not going to be looking at this part of the Bible as a mere curiosity of history, as if to say, “Oh, isn’t it interesting that Mark portrays Jesus as the one sent from God”. Far from it. Mark tells us about Jesus for a particular reason – he wants us to respond to him.
The message of Jesus is such good news because it reveals God’s incredible love for us. Jesus came to serve & to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). We will see the incredible extent that Jesus was prepared to go to, in order to give us the opportunity of life forever with God.
But again, this could become a mere intellectual exercise for us … “Oh, isn’t God nice to do that”. This couldn’t be further from Mark’s intentions. His key goal is to have us respond to Jesus by turning our lives around and living for him. Jesus often spoke to challenge his hearers to “Repent and Believe the good news” (Mark 1:15). He challenged people to “come, follow me” (Mark 1:17).
Jesus is looking for followers, not supporters, and his challenge is as clear today as it ever was … will we follow him?
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