When you have good news to share, how do you communicate it? Do you phone a friend, send a group text to family, or post on social media? When Jesus’ disciple Mark had the best news to share, he wrote the Gospel of Mark. Although he originally wrote to the church during his lifetime, his account has been received by every subsequent generation of the faithful.
Mark begins with this direct proclamation: “The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God” (v. 1). His purpose is evident. Everything that follows is “good news”—a message to be proclaimed, received, and applied.
Notice that Mark immediately anchors his good news in the Old Testament (vv. 2–3), demonstrating that God’s communication with His people through the centuries is continuous, coherent, and cohesive. The prophecies of Isaiah and Malachi foretold another messenger—a whole “strategic communication plan.” God would send John the Baptist to get people’s attention and ready their hearts. The setting for John’s communication was the wilderness— an undistracted place where God had already met His people many times (Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy).
John’s message was concise and confrontational. He preached repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins (v. 4). People came from all over Judea to hear and confess (v. 5). John was not just sharing information; this message was transformational. When people responded, they would never be the same. John had dedicated his whole life to communicating this good news. Even his clothing and food choices spoke to his focus and humility. He did not draw attention to himself but pointed his audience toward the One yet to come and the salvation He would bring.
Go Deeper
Describe all the ways in which John communicated the good news. How does your life communicate this message?
Pray with Us
Jesus, we do not want to keep the good news of the gospel to ourselves. Give us wisdom and confidence to share it with those who need it. In You, we have everlasting life!
I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way—a voice of one calling in the wilderness.Mark 1:2–3
DAILY DEVOTIONS, NEWS AND INFORMATION 