My goal for this series in the gospel of Mark is to gain deeper, and hopefully new, insights into the heart of Jesus. I want to be transformed by beholding Him (2 Corinthians 3:18). I invite you to join me in this journey. Let’s start with Mark 1:1-15, and together, let’s learn more about Jesus!
Mark opens his gospel at the time of John the Baptist, and he begins by showing that John’s arrival on the scene fulfills the prophecies of Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3. Connected with this is Jesus’ message in Mark 1:15: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Jesus’ reference to “the time is fulfilled” is taken from the book of Daniel. Jesus’ arrival on the scene fulfills the Messianic prophecy in Daniel 9. (If you haven’t studied Daniel 9 lately, I strongly encourage you to do so. The precision of that prophecy fulfilled in the life of Jesus will greatly encourage you in the inspiration of the Bible.)
Paul tells us in Galatians 4:4: “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son.”
I see two beautiful truths in the fulfillment of these prophecies. First, God is a communicator. He wants to share information with us. He wants us to know what He is doing. Amos 3:7 tells us, “Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.”
Most Bible scholars agree that there are at least 121 Old Testament prophecies foretelling the birth of the Messiah and that Jesus fulfilled every one. The statistics of this are mind blowing. God did not want anyone who cared to know to not know the precise timing of the arrival of the Messiah or the circumstances surrounding His birth.
Jesus said in John 7:17, “If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.” If we truly seek to know the truth, God will share it with us. God knows and loves us very much, and just as much, He wants to be known and loved.
The second truth I see is that God says what He means and means what He says. Isaiah 55:11 tells us, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
The prophecies surrounding Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection were fulfilled precisely as stated and fulfilled on time. This gives me hope that what God wants to accomplish in and through me will be done.
“The Lord will perfect [perform, fulfill] that which concerns me.” (Psalm 138:8)
How amazing is it that the Creator of the universe, the Ancient of Days, actually wants to communicate with me, not just at me, but with reciprocal conversation – the kind of conversation that builds a relationship. He invites me to come and spend time with Him. I think I will. Will you?
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
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