In Mark, chapter 1, we learn about what happened to Jesus when He began His ministry upon the earth. #1, He was baptized. #2, The Holy Spirit fell upon Him and led him into the wilderness. #3, He preached that the kingdom of God is at hand, repent, and believe the gospel. #4, To come and follow Jesus. Then, He will make you fishers of men. So let’s get right into these verses and learn together. It reads, “and it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness.” (Mark 1:9-12) So we learn that Jesus came to John, in order to be baptized. And at that moment He came out of the water is when the Spirit came down from heaven and rested upon Him. Even the Father spoke for all to hear, that He was very pleased with His Son, Jesus Christ. After this is when the Holy Spirit began to lead Him. I love how it says that the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. You see, the whole trinity was now active and he could begin His ministry, that prophets had prophesied over the centuries. Praise God that Jesus did come, in order to fulfill all righteousness, and more importantly to pay the penalty for our sins on the cross, and then to rise from the dead. Through Christ, we can be forgiven and also rise with Him in the resurrection of the dead.
It was after Jesus was baptized and the Holy Spirit fell down upon Him, did Jesus begin to preach. It reads, “now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:14,15) You see, people needed to understand why He had come, which is all pertained in His gospel message. That He would die for our sins and then rise from the dead. He spoke of his death and resurrections several times to his disciples and others also. And this is the gospel message also preached by Paul and Jesus’s other disciples. “that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4) Now, after people heard this gospel message, did Jesus tell them to repent and believe it also. As we read above. Then, He would be able to use us for His kingdom. He said, “And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.” (Mark 1:17,18) Jesus asks us all to come unto Him. We can sit as bystanders and say we believe, but this is not unto salvation. Only when we truly believe in Jesus and allow the Lord, our God, to do a work in our lives, there are fruits of our salvation. So if you have not made a choice yet to believe in and follow Jesus, do so today. No longer delay the day or your repentance. Jesus did come that we might live again, even in heaven.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will come to know You. That they will draw near unto You, Jesus. Then, can You also draw near unto them. It is so vital that we allow You into our lives, and I pray that more people will do this, starting today. I wish that more people would understand the importance of coming to You daily in prayer, in Bible study, and through allowing You to use us for Your kingdom. I love You, Jesus, and if there is anything that I am lacking, please let me know now. If I am not being used for Your glory the way You wish, then tell me straight away. I do not wish to live this life thinking that I have been doing Your will when really it was my way the entire time. So please convict me of my sins, that I might fully repent. I am desirous now to fulfill Your every wish in my life. I will no longer stand idly by while people are not ministered to. Instead, if You desire for me to go out on the streets and be Your witness, just call me out. I will go and do as You say and do. I am Your willing servant and am humbled to be a worker in Your kingdom. Continue to use me and others valiantly for Your righteous cause. And cast out anything from mine and other people’s lives that are holding us back. It is our heat’s desire to serve You faithfully and not half hazard. I love You, Jesus. You are the way the truth and the life. I believe in You and am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God in me. Amen.
