V. Praise God for Assurance (vv. 11-13)
There is an inheritance awaiting us -- the glory of the life to come, and the Holy Spirit has stamped His seal upon us. The idea of sealing is that of marking cattle (or even slaves). This marking brought both identification and protection.
As the elect we find our identity in Christ. We've been chosen by God and predestined to adoption as sons and daughters; Christ has redeemed and forgiven us; God has revealed to us His mystery of salvation; and we have assurance by the seal of His Spirit. As we focus on the reality of who God is to us in Christ, and understand our positions in Christ, may we overflow into praise. (Jonathan Kever)
1Peter T. O'Brien, The Letter to the Ephesians in The Pillar New Testament Commentary series (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1999), p. 100.
Advertisement
Baptism of the Lord (B)
January 12, 2003
Who is this Jesus?
Mark 1:4-11
There are many today who think the Bible is just a bunch of stories, and Jesus, just a good teacher. "It's a good book that provides some good moral teaching, but it's not historically trustworthy" they say, "... and Jesus is a good teacher, but he's just a man." Is the Bible just a book with helpful principles and Jesus just a teacher?
The Gospel writers would respond with a resounding "NO!". Their writings testify to the truth of Jesus' life and teachings. "Who is this Jesus?" they would ask, "He is the Christ, the Son of God."
I. Testimony of the Author (v. 1)
The book of Mark opens with a bold proclamation. Mark gives testimony to the reality of Jesus' position - He is the Christ, the Son of God. He begins by declaring this as the gospel. We get so used to hearing that word that we often forget the impact of its meaning. Mark's testimony is good news!. This is the beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God!
What is the good news? The Forgiver of sin has come to save those who place there trust in Him. We were not left to suffer the consequences of our own depravity. We were not left to pay the penalty for all eternity. No, those who trust in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, are saved!
II. Testimony of the God's Word to Isaiah (vv. 2-3)
The author then turns to the prophets. God's word to Isaiah reached it's ultimate fulfillment in the coming of the messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord. It was John the Baptist, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, "Make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight'" (v. 3). Hundreds of years earlier Isaiah proclaimed the coming of the Lord and His messenger, and now God's word through the prophet testified to the validity of the Messiah.
III. Testimony of John the Baptist (vv.4-8)
The third witness given by the author is that of John the Baptist. Notice the flow of Marks testimony. He begins with the proposition that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. He then turns back in time to the words of Isaiah the prophet for proof. Finally, Mark brings his readers to the present, to John the Baptist -- the fulfillment of those words.