THE BEGinning of the GOOD NEWS ABOUT JESUS
Mark 1:1-15
Key Verse: 1:1
Read verse 1. What is this book about? What do the two titles mentioned here tell us about Jesus? Why is it important that the gospel began with prophecy (2-3)? What does this tell us about God? What is the significance of the role of the Lord’s messenger?
What did John the Baptist preach (4)? How did the people respond to John (5)? Why do people need to repent? How does this prepare the way for the Lord?
How might John’s pure life and personal piety have affected the response to his message (6; Lk 1:17; 2 Ki 1:8)? How did John’s message witness to Jesus (7-8)? What can we learn from him? Why do we need Jesus’ baptism?
How does Jesus’ baptism by John prepare him to begin his ministry (9)? What is the significance of heaven opening and the Spirit descending on Jesus (10)? Why is it important that he was affirmed as the beloved, pleasing Son of God by a voice from heaven (11)?
Where did the Spirit send Jesus and why (12-13)? What is the meaning of Jesus being tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Heb 2:17-18)?
Read verses 14-15. What does John’s imprisonment suggest about the times? What does beginning in Galilee tell us about Jesus’ ministry? What message did Jesus proclaim? Why is the coming of the kingdom good news? How can we receive this good news?