Mark 1:1-11
In the New Testament, the word baptism means identification. Water baptism symbolizes a change of life and identity.
Baptism Is a Testimony of Personal Faith: vv. 1-4
The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2It is written in Isaiah the prophet: I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way3 a voice of one calling in the desert, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. 4And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
1. God’s love . Ephesians 3:17-19
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,19and to know this love that surpasses knowledgeÐthat you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
2. God’s righteousness . Colossians 1:21-22
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation
3. God’s goodness . 1 Peter 3:18
For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,
Baptism Is a Testimony of Active Faith: vv. 5-8
The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7And this was his message: After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
1. A radical call . Mark 1:17
Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men.
2. A radical obedience . Mark 1:18
At once they left their nets and followed him.
3. A radical message . Mark 1:22-27
The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, 24 What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are the Holy One of God!
25 Be quiet! said Jesus sternly. Come out of him! 26The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
27The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, What is this? A new teaching and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.
Baptism Is a Testimony of Inclusive Faith: vv. 9-11
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11And a voice came from heaven: You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.
1. Adopted – into God’s family. Ephesians 1:4-5
2. Born again – changed into His image. John 3:5
3. Redeemed – bought with a price. Ephesians 1:7
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:19).
