MARK 1:4-13 JESUS CAME John the Baptist was quickly introduced into the Gospel narrative as the forerunner, similar to the way a great person would come into the city of Rome. There would be a herald go before him to announce the coming of a greater person than the herald. John dressed like the ancient prophet Elijah and did not come as a smooth talking, slick preacher. He wasn't dictated to by what was popular at the time. Nobody told him how to dress, what to eat or where to live. He was like a bridge from the Old Testament to the New Testament. There had been no prophet to Israel for 400 years, but now John came speaking about the past
- God had predicted events that would happen. He spoke about the future - there is more to come because One greater, whose "shoe latchet I am not worthy to unloose," was on His way. John also had a message for the present: "Repent," turn away from your sins; "Acknowledge your sinfulness," be sincere; "Be baptized," show you are honestly willing to repent (he baptized unto repentance, not for repentance).
"Jesus came," the title "Jesus Christ the Son of God" was not used yet. He came as a man among men. He came as one "found in fashion as a man" who worked and lived in a despised town called Nazareth. He who made the world with a word and lit up the darkness with a word, worked as a carpenter fashioning homes and useful things with using tools and His hands. Now "Jesus came" to where there was a religious awakening, stirring the country under the preaching of John the Baptist. He came bringing the dawning of the day of the Gospel.
"Jesus came... and was baptized." John understood when he saw Jesus and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God which taketh (beareth) away the sin of the world," that the baptism others went through testifying to the sincerity of their repentance, was not why Jesus wanted to be baptized. The baptism of Jesus was in view of taking the burden of sin upon Himself when He "was made sin for us." His baptism was in view of the death of the cross. He came to "fulfill all righteousness." Righteousness is not fulfilled by repentance. His baptism indicated that "He was numbered with the transgressors, and bare the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." His baptism was an act of dedication.
"Jesus came... and the heavens opened." The coming of the Holy Spirit upon Him and the voice of the Father from heaven happened, and at that moment of consecration, the human life of the God-Man took a new direction. The Spirit was upon this Man as He moved among the nation in days to come. The Father's voice assured all the listeners: the representatives of a chosen earthly people, that "He came unto His own."
In that moment, the Father gave testimony of His divine approval of the One who had the "favor or God and men..."
"Jesus came... and was tempted." The Holy Spirit drove Him, not in a leisurely stroll, but hurried Him into the wilderness where for forty days He faced the forces of soil. The three areas of temptation that are recorded in the scripture, cover every avenue of temptation we will receive in our lives. The world, the flesh and the devil will test those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ again and again. These testing times and the temptations that come are to be expected. To be tempted is not sin. To yield to temptation is. We live in morally dark days and as those who are identified as Christians in the biblical sense, we must resolve in our souls to live lives faithful to the Lord and to what we have testified to as being important. Like persecuted saints in Rome who would have heard the words of this book first, we too must gladly identify ourselves with Jesus, and by yielding to the guidance of the Spirit, the Father will be able to say, "Well pleased."
When Jesus came, all things were changed, darkness yielded to light. Four hundred years of silence was over, wrong was now to be set right. The prophet saw and testified, the words he had spoke came true. The Lamb of God was pointed out when Jesus came into view.
When Jesus came, heaven was moved, the Spirit came like a dove. Into a world of self-centered people came the embodiment of love. The Spirit brings conviction it is true, He also produces the new birth. Because Jesus came and put away sin - the human life has worth.
When Jesus came, the Father spoke with a voice that sounded like thunder. The sound of the voice, the events at that baptism would cause the people to wonder. Something great was happening, dead spirits were coming to life. The darkness was being penetrated, into the world came Light.
When Jesus comes today, those in spiritual death are awakened. The Spirit of God through the Word urges people to the truth to hearken. Some who in faith turn to the Lord and by His grace are saved. And life for them begins anew, and they appreciate what God gave.
When Jesus comes today, and people gather to Him, There are gladdened hearts rejoicing together gathered to His name. He is the One Attraction, earthly pursuits there have no place. All who gather to Him there are those who appreciate His grace.
When Jesus comes today and comforts those who suffered loss, It helps us to rise above the pain when we remember what it cost Him who willingly gave His all, when for us He died. We are comforted by His presence when we close to Him abide.
When Jesus comes today, like in the past, He is the same. All powers in heaven and earth bow to the authority of His name. He is the same then and now as He will forever be. He came to His own the times past and today He comes to me.
"Father, I am not wanting to sound disrespectful here in Thy presence. It seems like sometimes there is almost like the physical presence of the Lord Jesus here where I am. In my mind I can see Him coming towards the River Jordan, being baptized by John, see the dove giving evidence of the Spirit's presence - and in my ear, hear Thy voice speaking in testimony to Thy Son. What holy ground Thou hast called me to. I worship in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."