Welcome to Timeless Truth with Pastor Jim Thomas. In season 2, Pastor Jim is leading us in a study of Mark. Today’s passage is Mark 1:2-13.
What is the purpose of Mark’s gospel?
Mark seeks to answer two questions:
- Who is Jesus?
- How should we respond to Jesus?
“History is not a random kaleidoscope of disconnected events; it is a process directed by the God who sees the end in the beginning.”
– William Barclay, The Gospel of Mark
Did you notice how much of this first chapter of Mark is about Jesus in the “wilderness?” Why would that be important?
- The wilderness inspires humility
- The wilderness clarifies identity
- The wilderness prepares us for ministry
“Jesus says, ‘I don’t want you to simply shift from one performance-based identity to another; I want you to find a whole new way. I want you to lose the old identity, and base yourself and your identity on me and the gospel.’”
–Tim Keller, King’s Cross
“You will never find Jesus so precious as when the world is one vast howling wilderness. Then he is like a rose blooming in the midst of the desolation, a rock rising above the storm.”
– Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813-1843)
The wilderness is often difficult but because of Jesus, it will never be impossible!
