Christmas with Mark

Mark, much like John, begins his biography with Jesus as an adult. His account moves rapidly through a prophecy from Isaiah, John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness, Jesus’ baptism by John, God the Father speaking from heaven to Jesus, and Jesus heading into the wilderness for forty days, which included being tempted by Satan. Mark covers all of this in just 15 verses. Although it’s not the traditional Christmas story we’re used to, it’s still clear that Jesus’ entrance into the world is seen as an invasion by the forces that are ruling it. We also see that through Jesus, God is answering the prayer for mercy and help from Isaiah 64, where the author asks God to rend the heavens and come down. Mark’s account helps us see the powerful changes that can happen in our lives because of Jesus’ coming.

Passage: Mark 1:1-15