Category Archives: Inspired Message

Our culture, our families, our training and our experiences all condition us to view life in a certain way. Our thoughts and attitudes conform to the expectations of those around us. We learn to accept the values of our societies. It is a rare person who can perceive the limitations of his own experience and realize that people from other cultures view things differently. It is even more rare for someone to rise above his environment and recognize that other approaches and ways of thinking are valid. If the other person is right, it opens up the possibility that we are wrong or that the things our culture values may not be the best. Therefore, when we encounter someone who does not conform to our expectations of thought or behavior, rather than re-examine our own values it is tempting to dismiss him as being either crazy or evil.

Jesus puzzled many people because He did not act in the way they expected. His thoughts and teaching were beyond their experience. He had little respect for the traditions of the religious leaders. Instead, He challenged their understanding of God’s Law and exposed their hypocrisy. Though Jesus validated His teaching by performing miracles, many could not accept that He came from God. Even Jesus’ own family did not understand His ministry and divine purpose.

In chapter 3, verses 20 through 35 of the Gospel which bears his name, Mark writes about what Jesus’ family and the religious leaders thought of Him, “Then he came into a house. The multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. When his friends heard it, they went out to seize him; for they said, “He is insane.” The scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul,” and, “By the prince of the demons he casts out the demons.” He summoned them and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. If Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he can’t stand, but has an end. But no one can enter into the house of the strong man to plunder unless he first binds the strong man; then he will plunder his house. “Most certainly I tell you, all sins of the descendants of man will be forgiven, including their blasphemies with which they may blaspheme; but whoever may blaspheme against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation.” —because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.” His mother and his brothers came, and standing outside, they sent to him, calling him. A multitude was sitting around him, and they told him, “Behold, your mother, your brothers, and your sisters are outside looking for you.” He answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” Looking around at those who sat around him, he said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God is my brother, my sister, and mother.””

It is probable that this event took place in Capernaum where Jesus had established His home. His relatives lived in Nazareth, so it took some time for news about Jesus’ activities to reach them and for them to arrive in Capernaum. Their reaction to Jesus’ situation may have been prompted by loving concern. No doubt they thought that Jesus was working too hard. If He wouldn’t even take the time to eat, it would destroy His health. If Jesus would not take care of Himself, then it was their responsibility to take charge of Him. They were even prepared to use force if necessary. It is significant that Jesus’ relatives did not inquire why Jesus was acting this way. Since Jesus’ actions did not make sense to them, they jumped to the conclusion that He was out of His mind – that He had lost His mental balance. Even Jesus’ mother did not understand, or had forgotten, the purpose for Jesus’ coming. His relatives did not realize that Jesus was doing God’s will. Another Scripture tells us that even His brothers did not believe in Him (John 7:5).

While Jesus’ relatives may have opposed Him out of ignorance and genuine concern for Him, another group of people spoke against him out of malice. The experts in religious law witnessed the miracles Jesus performed. They were unable to dispute that the miracles were genuine. However, this left them with a dilemma. If Jesus healed through the power of God, it meant that Jesus had God’s approval. And if Jesus had God’s approval it implied that the things Jesus said and taught also were from God.

Rather than accept Jesus’ teaching – and, thereby, acknowledge they were wrong – the religious leaders tried to discredit the source of Jesus’ power. They claimed that Jesus cast out demons by means of Satan’s power.

Jesus answered their lies with two illustrations. The first was about civil war. The strength of a nation or of a household depends on it remaining united. If the citizens of a country or the members of household oppose and fight each other, that nation or household will fall. If Jesus used satanic power to destroy Satan’s work, then it meant that Satan’s reign was at an end.

The second illustration Jesus used is of a man protecting his house. Unless a robber is stronger than the owner, he will be unable to break into the house. Therefore, if Jesus was able to destroy Satan’s work – as the miracles clearly demonstrated – then it meant that Jesus was stronger than Satan. If He was stronger than Satan, why would He need Satan’s power to accomplish what He was doing?

Jesus then issued a warning to the religious leaders. Every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven except for blasphemy against God’s Holy Spirit. Mark does not explain why this is so. However, we know from other Scripture that it is through the Holy Spirit, God convicts our consciences of sin (John 16:8). If we so deaden our conscience that it can no longer hear the Spirit when He tells us that we are doing wrong, then we will not recognize our sin and will not repent of it. It is not that God cannot forgive but that we will not ask Him for forgiveness. In our hardness of heart we will not acknowledge that we need forgiveness. By rejecting Jesus and deliberately lying about Him, the religious leaders were in danger of destroying their ability to hear God’s Spirit.

While this controversy was going on, Jesus’ family arrived. When someone told Jesus His family was looking for Him, He replied by saying that it is those who do God’s will who are His family. This leaves us with a question: Which is more important to us – our physical family or doing God’s will? Would Jesus claim us as part of His family?

Right from the beginning Jesus challenged people’s preconceptions. While doing so He exposed the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. Because of this, the leaders plotted to kill Him. The day would come when Jesus, in accordance with God’s will, allowed them to execute Him. However, Jesus needed to accomplish some things before that day came. Rather than push the confrontations, Jesus withdrew. In chapter 3, verses 7 through 12 of the Gospel which bears his name, Mark tells us what happened. “Jesus withdrew to the sea with his disciples; and a great multitude followed him from Galilee, from Judea, from Jerusalem, from Idumaea, beyond the Jordan, and those from around Tyre and Sidon. A great multitude, hearing what great things he did, came to him. He spoke to his disciples that a little boat should stay near him because of the crowd, so that they wouldn’t press on him. For he had healed many, so that as many as had diseases pressed on him that they might touch him. The unclean spirits, whenever they saw him, fell down before him and cried, “You are the Son of God!” He sternly warned them that they should not make him known.”

Even though Jesus left the towns in order to get away from those who opposed Him it did not mean that He returned to obscurity. On the contrary, large crowds came to Him from everywhere. Mark names regions to the south, east and north. Some of these places were outside the borders of Israel. This points to the international impact Jesus’ ministry would have. The crowds were so large that Jesus had to teach from a boat to avoid the press of bodies.

It seems that most of the people who came to see Jesus did not come to hear His teaching, but in search of healing. Jesus did heal many, but that was not His primary purpose. He performed miracles to authenticate His message. On another occasion He said, “…Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” (John 10:36-38 NIV)

Even though Jesus performed miracles to authenticate that He was God’s Son, He told the demons He cast out to keep quiet about His identity. Soon people would accuse Him of performing miracles through demonic power. He did not want the testimony of demons, even though it was true.

No movement can survive unless the founder trains others to spread the teaching and carry on the work. Jesus would remain on the earth for only a short time. He needed others through whom He could continue His ministry after He returned to heaven. In chapter 3, verses 13 through 19, Mark tells us about the men Jesus chose. “He went up into the mountain and called to himself those whom he wanted, and they went to him. He appointed twelve, that they might be with him, and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee; and John, the brother of James, (whom he called Boanerges, which means, Sons of Thunder); Andrew; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.”

Mark writes that Jesus chose these men to be with him. To put it another way, Jesus invited these men to share His life as well as listen to His words. He wanted them to know that He, Himself, lived by what He taught. Example is one of the most powerful means of teaching. Later the Apostle Paul told a young leader, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV)

The meaning of the word “apostle” is “one who is sent.” Jesus not only chose these men, He sent them to preach. One person, no matter how talented, can only do so much. By sending these men to preach, Jesus multiplied His own effectiveness in spreading God’s message. Jesus not only taught these men and gave them a task, He also gave them the power and ability to do the work. He enabled them to drive out demons – the spiritual powers who opposed God.

Why did Jesus choose twelve Apostles? No doubt He did it for an important spiritual reason. God’s intent for the Jewish people was that they would bring the blessing of salvation from sin to all mankind. Israel never lived up to their divine calling. Elsewhere in Scripture the followers of Christ are called the true Israel. Just as the Israelites were divided into twelve tribes, the twelve Apostles point to the founding of the true Israel of God.

Who were these men? Certainly they were not the kind of men most people would choose to lead a world-wide movement. As far as we know, none of them was wealthy. None were highly educated. With the possible exception of John, who knew the High Priest, none of them were well-connected or had influence. At least four of them were fishermen. About some of them we know almost nothing. As the Apostle Paul was to write many years later, “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-27 NIV)

In Christ’s Kingdom it does not matter what we were when Christ called us, but whether we are willing to answer the call and allow Him to transform us. Jesus named Simon, “Peter” which means a “rock.” When we read the gospels we do not see anything solid or firm in Simon, yet Peter became one of the most important figures in the early church. Jesus called James and John “Sons of Thunder”. They must have been hot-headed. Yet today we know John as the Apostle of love. The other Simon belonged to the Zealot party. They were a radical political organization dedicated to overthrowing Roman rule. Several years later their assassinations and terrorist acts led to the Roman-Jewish war which resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem. In contrast, Matthew (who is also known as Levi) was a tax collector for the Romans. Simon the Zealot and Matthew were natural enemies, yet both accepted Christ’s call and followed Him. Christ transformed their hatred and enmity into love and cooperation.

What about us? Will we answer Christ’s call and allow Him to transform us?

All societies and cultures have certain rituals or customs which they observe. However, it is very possible for people to comply with the customs or rituals without thinking about or even knowing the reason for them.

The same is true regarding spiritual things. We practice certain rituals and comply with certain customs without giving any thought to God’s intent or purpose for establishing them.

One of the reasons the religious authorities opposed Jesus was because He did not conform to their teaching about God’s Law. Instead, Jesus acted according to God’s intent and, in the process, exposed the inconsistency and hypocrisy of the religious leaders. In his inspired Gospel, Mark tells us of one of these incidents. In chapter two, verses 23 through 28 he writes, “He was going on the Sabbath day through the grain fields; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Behold, why do they do that which is not lawful on the Sabbath day?” He said to them, “Did you never read what David did when he had need and was hungry—he, and those who were with him? How he entered into God’s house at the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the show bread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and gave also to those who were with him?” He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.””

To understand this passage we must first understand what the Sabbath is. The word “sabbath” literally means to “cease or interrupt”. The Sabbath day was a day of the week on which people were not supposed to go about their normal activities. One of the Ten Commandments in the Law of Moses instructed the Israelites to set apart the seventh day of the week, that is Saturday, as a day of rest. In part, this was a reminder of how God created the world. He made everything in six days, and on the seventh, He rested from His creative work. The Sabbath was also a reminder to the Israelites that God gave them rest from slavery when He brought them out of Egypt. In summary, the Sabbath day was supposed to be a day of ease and rest from the normal cares, work and problems of life.

In view of this, it is understandable that the religious leaders became upset when they saw Jesus’ disciples plucking heads of grain on the Sabbath. The problem was not that the disciples were picking heads of grain from someone else’s fields. The Law of Moses explicitly allowed people to do so in order to satisfy their own hunger as long as they did not use a sickle to cut the grain. The problem was that the disciples were doing this on the Sabbath. In the view of the religious leaders they were breaking the Sabbath by working.

Jesus might have replied that plucking a few heads of grain by hand was not work. However, instead of arguing over definitions Jesus drew their attention to a deeper principle: God’s intent in proclaiming the Sabbath was to be a help and blessing to people and not to increase their burdens. To make His point, Jesus reminded them of an incident in the life of King David. The Law of Moses required the priests to place twelve loaves of bread in the Tabernacle before the Lord each week. Only priests were permitted to eat this bread afterwards. Yet, when David and his followers were in need and hungry, Abiathar the priest, gave this bread to them to eat. God did not give the Law to harm, but help. Therefore, God allowed the letter of the Law to be broken so that the needs of the man God had appointed as king could be met. In Matthew’s account of this incident, Jesus quoted from the Prophet Hosea to illustrate the lesson, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6 NIV) Jesus’ teaching is plain: God desires us to show mercy even more than He desires us to keep the religious rituals He asks us to perform.

There was something else the religious authorities failed to take into account. Earlier in this Gospel, Mark records how Jesus had the authority to forgive sins. Since God alone is able to forgive sins, this means that Jesus shared God’s nature. As other Scripture says, “…in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,” (Colossians 2:9 NIV) Since God instructed the people to keep the Sabbath, He also has the authority to make exceptions. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. If He gave His disciples permission to break the letter of the Law in order to fulfill the intent of the Law, it is His right to do so.

There was another incident which illustrates how Jesus fulfilled the intent of the Law while breaking the leaders’ understanding of it. We read about it in Mark, chapter 3, verses 1 through 6. “He entered again into the synagogue, and there was a man there who had his hand withered.
They watched him, whether he would heal him on the Sabbath day, that they might accuse him.
He said to the man who had his hand withered, “Stand up.” He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good or to do harm? To save a life or to kill?” But they were silent. When he had looked around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their hearts, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored as healthy as the other. The Pharisees went out, and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.”

God intended the Sabbath as a day of rest. It was a day to worship and to remember God’s blessings and goodness. Yet in this incident the authorities were using the Sabbath, not to worship, but to ensnare Jesus. They cared nothing for the man with the withered hand. They were merely using him as a tool. Their motives were not pure. Jesus caught them in their own trap by asking them whether it was lawful to do good or evil on the Sabbath. They could not answer without exposing themselves. Instead of acknowledging their own wrong motives and repenting, they kept silent.

This angered and distressed Jesus. How could people be so hardened as to use the gift of God for evil purposes? Unlike the religious leaders, Jesus wold use the Sabbath to do good. He gave the man with the shriveled hand rest from his affliction – thus fulfilling the intent of the Sabbath.

The leaders proved their hypocrisy by plotting to kill Jesus. They falsely accused Him of breaking the Law while fully intending to violate the commandment not to kill. What about us? Do we put a higher value on keeping the form of our religious practices than we do on the intent?

It is characteristic of human nature that we compare other people to ourselves. We are the standard by which we judge others. Our attitude is that if only every one else were like us, there would be no more conflict and argument – all our problems would be over. It is those who insist on being different than we who cause trouble. We especially look down on those whom we consider to be less righteous than ourselves. This sense of moral superiority can cause us to not only despise others, but also prevent us from associating with them.

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day considered themselves righteous and, therefore, “above” others. In view of this, Jesus’ actions amazed and mystified them. In chapter 2, verses 13 through 22 of his inspired Gospel, Mark writes, “He went out again by the seaside. All the multitude came to him, and he taught them. As he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he arose and followed him. He was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many, and they followed him. The scribes and the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why is it that he eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came and asked him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don’t fast?” Jesus said to them, “Can the groomsmen fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they can’t fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, or else the patch shrinks and the new tears away from the old, and a worse hole is made. No one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the skins, and the wine pours out, and the skins will be destroyed; but they put new wine into fresh wineskins.””

One of the things we learn from this passage is that Jesus did not keep a regular schedule. Instead, He took advantage of whatever opportunities life presented Him to teach. When the crowds came to Him, He did not make them come back on a set day or a set time to receive instruction. Jesus did not require a classroom either – the world was His classroom. As He walked by the Lake of Galilee, people came to Him and He taught them as they walked along. Do we use the opportunities we have to instruct others or to learn from them? Do we think that instruction can only take place in a classroom or in a place of worship?

Jesus not only taught at unconventional times and in unusual places, He called unlikely people to become His disciples. Even today most people do not think favorably of tax collectors. At the time of Jesus’ ministry, the Jews regarded tax collectors as traitors, because they collected taxes for the Romans who had conquered and occupied the Jewish nation. In addition, the Romans awarded the right to collect taxes to contractors. The tax rate was not fixed. As long as the contractor produced the amount of money the Romans demanded, he could put whatever extra he could extract from the people into his own pocket. This led to abuse and the perception that tax collectors were not only traitors to the Jewish people, but also crooks who got their wealth by oppressing others.

In spite of this, Jesus asked Levi to follow Him. Jesus could see beyond someone’s reputation to the real character within. Levi did not ask Jesus to come back after business hours. Levi did not inquire whether Jesus would provide salary and benefits which were greater than he made collecting taxes. Levi did not demand a position of authority or control over others. No, when Jesus called him, Levi immediately got up and followed, leaving his occupation, his business and his income behind. Are we willing to give up our past life in order to follow Jesus?

Levi showed his character another way. Instead of demanding that Jesus supply his wants, Levi provided for Jesus and His other disciples. He prepared a dinner for Jesus and invited many of his former associates to come as well. Instead of rejoicing that Levi had reformed, the Jewish religious leaders criticized Jesus for associating with people whom they considered tainted and beneath them.

In similar circumstances most of us would probably try to defend our associating with such people. We would tell the religious leaders that they had misunderstood. The people really were not sinners or if they were, they really hadn’t sinned that badly. Jesus did not do this. He did not dispute the leaders’ observation that the people were sinners. The truth of the matter is that all of us, whether we consider ourselves righteous or not, have fallen short of God’s standards of holiness and perfection. There is not one of us who can honestly claim that we are without sin. Instead of arguing the leaders’ opinion of the sinfulness of the people at Levi’s dinner, He pointed out the solution to their sin. We do not condemn someone for becoming ill; we take him to the doctor.

Just as the ill need healing, sinners need to be cleansed from their sin. They need forgiveness, not condemnation. That is why Jesus associated with sinners rather than those who considered themselves righteous. He did not come for those who don’t need Him. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:15 NIV) Do we condemn sinners or do we introduce them to the One who can cure them of their sin?

John’s disciples also criticized Jesus. This time it was not over who He chose to associate with but over a religious custom. Once more Jesus’ reply cut to the heart of the matter. Many people practice customs or rituals without giving thought to the purpose for them. Why should Jesus’ disciples fast when they had no reason to do so? To do so while Jesus was with them would be inappropriate. Jesus went on to indicate that living according to His teaching requires a new way of thinking. If one merely tries to add His teaching on top of the old ways and rituals, it would be like using a piece of unshrunk cloth to repair old clothing. Both would be ruined.

Because Jesus did not want to attract crowds of people who were more interested in seeing wonders than in listening to His message, He sometimes told people whom He healed not to tell anyone about it. Instead of honoring Jesus’ request, a man whom He healed of leprosy spread the news everywhere. The result was Jesus could no longer travel openly. Crowds gathered wherever people heard Jesus was there. Throngs of the ill clamored for healing.

In chapter 2, verses 1 through 12 of his inspired account of Jesus’ ministry, Mark records one of these incidents. “When he entered again into Capernaum after some days, it was heard that he was at home. Immediately many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even around the door; and he spoke the word to them. Four people came, carrying a paralytic to him. When they could not come near to him for the crowd, they removed the roof where he was. When they had broken it up, they let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” But there were some of the scribes sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak blasphemies like that? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you reason these things in your hearts?
Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Arise, and take up your bed, and walk?’ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I tell you, arise, take up your mat, and go to your house.” He arose, and immediately took up the mat and went out in front of them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!””

Scripture tells us very little about the man who was paralyzed. We do not even know his name. However, there must have been something very special about him to inspire such love and loyalty in his four friends. Think about it. Would you be willing to destroy another man’s property in order to bring one of your acquaintances to a doctor? If the crowd was so dense you couldn’t reach the doctor, wouldn’t you wait until the doctor came out of the house to ask him to heal your loved one? These men would not wait. No doubt breaking through the roof made a great deal of noise. No doubt people shouted at them, demanding to know what they were doing. No doubt the crowd around Jesus was upset by the dirt and debris which fell on them. None of these things deterred these men from accomplishing their purpose. The shouts and anger of the crowd meant nothing to them. It did not matter to them that they were liable for the expense of repairing the roof. They kept on until the sick man lay in front of Jesus.

Another remarkable thing about the paralytic’s friends is their faith. They had no doubt that Jesus could heal the man. They had no doubt that Jesus would heal him. Their only question was how to bring their friend to Jesus’ attention. When they accomplished this, it was their faith which moved Jesus to grant their wish.

This illustrates an important aspect of faith. Faith must prompt us to act on our convictions. Otherwise faith is of no use. In this incident, if Jesus did not know about the man how could He heal him? It would have done no good at all if the mens’ conviction that Jesus could heal their friend did not move them to bring him to Jesus. James writes, “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17 NIV)

If the men’s method of bringing their friend to Jesus was unusual, Jesus’ response was also unusual. They came for healing. Instead, Jesus forgave the paralytic’s sins. This brought immediate condemnation from the teachers of the law who were present. They quite rightly asked the question of who, except God, has the ability or the right to forgive sins. The answer, of course, is that no one besides God can do so. However, this raises an even more important question: If only God can forgive, then who is Jesus? Is He merely a man? Or is He something more? The teachers of the law were certain that Jesus was only a man. Therefore, they came to the conclusion that He blasphemed when He forgave the paralytic’s sins.

Jesus’ next action challenged their assumptions about Him. The teachers of the law had not voiced their objection aloud. It was in their hearts that they accused Jesus of blasphemy. Even though they remained silent, Jesus knew what they were thinking. This should have alerted them that perhaps their conclusion that Jesus had spoken blasphemy was not correct. While it is true that men cannot forgive sins, they cannot read another person’s thoughts either.

To settle the matter, Jesus pointed out that it is just as impossible for a man to heal a paralytic as it is to forgive his sins. If Jesus could do one, then why should there be any question about His ability to do the other? Then, Jesus healed the paralytic with a command.

The healing was instantaneous. There was no long period of gradual recovery. There was no need of physical therapy. The man did not need to learn to walk again. Jesus spoke and his ability to stand was restored. His muscles regained their strength. He could not only walk without assistance, he could also pick up an awkward load and carry it out of the house without difficulty.

This incident helps us understand why Jesus performed miracles. He did not do it to amaze people. He did not do it to create a following. Though Jesus did heal and relieve suffering, that was not His primary purpose for the miracles. Instead, He used the miracles to inform and teach. In a previous incident He healed a leper as a testimony about Himself to the priests. In this incident Jesus used the healing to show the teachers of the law who He was. Yes, Jesus was a man. He was subject to the same problems, emotions, temptations, difficulties and stresses as any other human being. Yet, He also was much, much more than a man. In Jesus, we see the divine nature. The Apostle Paul writes that, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” (Colossians 1:15 NIV)

When the people saw what Jesus did, they praised God. What is our response? What is our opinion of Jesus? Will we accept that He is God, come down in human form or, like the teachers of the law, will we accuse Him of blasphemy?

Most leaders, including religious leaders, crave popularity. The bigger the crowds which come out to see them, the better they like it. However, Jesus was not like an ordinary politician or religious leader. After Jesus drove a demon out of a man at a place of worship in Capernaum, the entire town brought their sick and those who suffered from demon possession to Jesus for healing. Jesus healed them yet also tried to distance Himself from the crowds who sought Him out.

In chapter 1, verses 35 through 39 of his inspired account of Jesus’ ministry, Mark writes, “Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there. Simon and those who were with him searched for him. They found him and told him, “Everyone is looking for you.” He said to them, “Let’s go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason.” He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.”

From a human perspective Jesus’ response when Simon and his companions told Him that everyone was looking for Him seems very strange. Wasn’t Jesus God’s prophet? Hadn’t God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power in order to be the King of the Jews? Then why would He turn His back on those who were seeking Him and go elsewhere?

The key to Jesus’ actions is to understand the purpose for which He came. Jesus’ purpose in coming was not to heal the sick or even to cast out demons. It is true that many years later the Apostle John would write, “…The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” (1 John 3:8 NIV) However, healing people or casting out a few demons would not accomplish this. Illness and demon possession were only symptoms of the devil’s work. In order to destroy the devil’s work, Jesus would have to destroy the devil. This would cost Jesus His own life. Speaking of Jesus another Scripture says, “…he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:14-15 NIV)

Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection through which He would destroy the devil still lay in the future. In the present Jesus said that His reason for leaving Capernaum was so that He could preach elsewhere. Preaching, not healing, is why He came.

Earlier, in this same chapter, Mark tells us what Jesus’ preached. His message was, “…The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15 NIV) By means of His preaching Jesus prepared the hearts of people for the coming of God’s kingdom – the time when the devil’s work would be destroyed. He traveled throughout the province of Galilee preaching this message in the Jewish places of worship.

If Jesus reason for coming was not to heal or cast out demons, then why did He do it? Why did Jesus perform miracles at all? An incident which Mark records points us toward the answer. In verses 40 through 45 he writes, “A leper came to him, begging him, kneeling down to him, and saying to him, “If you want to, you can make me clean.” Being moved with compassion, he stretched out his hand, and touched him, and said to him, “I want to. Be made clean.” When he had said this, immediately the leprosy departed from him and he was made clean. He strictly warned him and immediately sent him out, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anybody, but go show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.” But he went out, and began to proclaim it much, and to spread about the matter, so that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was outside in desert places. People came to him from everywhere.”

From this incident we learn that Jesus did not perform miracles simply to amaze people or to draw crowds. On the contrary, Jesus did not want those whom He healed going about spreading the news. Crowds of thrill seekers would only get in the way and hinder His ministry of preaching and preparing people’s hearts for the coming of God’s kingdom. Why, then, did Jesus heal? One reason is that He had compassion. When He saw people in need, He wished to help them. If Jesus truly was from God, how could He not show God’s love to people? The leper begged Jesus to heal him. How could Jesus not respond?

A remarkable thing about this miracle is that Jesus touched the man who had leprosy before He healed him. According to the Law of Moses, lepers were unclean. The Law says, “The person with such an infectious disease must wear torn clothes, let his hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of his face and cry out, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ As long as he has the infection he remains unclean. He must live alone; he must live outside the camp.” (Leviticus 13:45-46 NIV) By touching the man, Jesus not only restored his health, Jesus also restored the man’s social position. With His touch Jesus demonstrated that He no longer regarded the man as an outcast – someone who was only fit to live apart from everyone else.

We can view what Jesus did for the leper as a metaphor for what Jesus does for us today. The Apostle Paul writes that at one time we were, “…without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:12-13 NIV) Like the leper do we have the faith that Jesus can and is willing to heal us?

This incident reveals another reason Jesus performed miracles. He told the leper to show himself to the priests and offer the sacrifices the Law of Moses instructed, as a testimony. Jesus did miracles not to create a spectacle but to authenticate His message. He did what He did through the power of God. Therefore, His message also was from God. Later, Jesus would tell the people, “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.” (John 14:10-11 NIV)

Some people like to boast and brag about what they would do if they were in a position of authority. “If I were in charge I would fix this problem; I would clean out the corruption in that department; I would make sure that the trains run on time!” Yet, the same people who talk like this are often ineffective and incompetent in the areas where they do have some authority. In areas where they have no personal responsibility they can tell others what they ought to do, yet are paralyzed by doubt and indecision in their own lives.

It is the same way in spiritual things. People who have no responsibility for the consequences of decisions are quick to voice their opinions about how the church should be run. Some who will not use their talents to benefit others are quick to criticize those who do. Others want the honor and recognition of being leaders, yet shun the responsibility that falls on leaders. However, the Apostle Paul reminds us that, “…the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” (1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV)

One of the things people noticed about Jesus is that He spoke differently than other religious teachers. Not only did Jesus speak with authority, He also demonstrated that He had the right to say the things He did.

In chapter 1, verses 21 through 34 of his inspired account of Jesus’ ministry Mark writes, “They [that is, Jesus and His disciples] went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught. They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes. Immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, saying, “Ha! What do we have to do with you, Jesus, you Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” The unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!” The report of him went out immediately everywhere into all the region of Galilee and its surrounding area. Immediately, when they had come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. He came and took her by the hand and raised her up. The fever left her immediately, and she served them. At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to him all who were sick and those who were possessed by demons. All the city was gathered together at the door. He healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons. He didn’t allow the demons to speak, because they knew him.”

Mark writes that people were amazed at Jesus’ teaching. Unlike the scribes (or as other translations say, ‘teachers of the law’), Jesus spoke as one having authority. Who were these “teachers of the law”? Through the prophet, Moses, God entered into a covenant relationship with the Jewish people. The Covenant granted the people blessings and privileges. It also bound them to follow certain regulations and rituals. These blessings, privileges, regulations and rituals are all described in what we call the Law of Moses. The teachers of the law interpreted the Law of Moses and told the people how to live according to the Law. To justify what they told the people they depended on what other scholars said. “Rabbi so-and-so says this.” From other passages of Scripture we know that Jesus did not depend upon the interpretations of other men. Instead, He would say, “You have heard that is was said… But I tell you…” (See Matthew, chapter 5.)

No doubt the people were not only amazed at how Jesus taught, but also by what He taught. In verse 27 Mark writes that the people recognized that Jesus’ teaching was new. They had not experienced anything like it before. What made Jesus’ teaching new? The Law emphasized external behavior. For example, it prohibited murder and adultery. Jesus taught that in order to please God it is not enough to merely refrain from murder and adultery. We must also refrain from the internal thoughts and attitudes which result in murder and adultery – that is, hate and lust.

The other thing which made Jesus’ teaching new is that He demonstrated by His use of power His authority to teach. Earlier Satan had tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Now, a man who was under the control of an unclean spirit confronted Jesus in public, in a place of worship. The spirit, speaking on behalf of itself and others, inquired about Jesus’ intentions and whether Jesus had come to destroy them. The spirit not only knew who Jesus was, that is, the Holy One of God, but also that Jesus had the power to destroy. From this we learn an important lesson. Jesus’ teaching has the power to destroy the work of Satan. In fact, this was the purpose of Jesus’ ministry. The Apostle John writes, “…The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” (1 John 3:8 NIV) If we are being oppressed by evil spirits, if we are under the influence of the devil, if Satan is at work in our lives, it means that we are not obeying Jesus’ teaching as we should.

Jesus commanded the spirit to be quiet and cast it out of the man. The people were amazed when the evil spirit obeyed.

Jesus not only had power over unclean spirits, He had the ability to heal illnesses. When Jesus left the place of worship He went to the house of Simon and Andrew. There He healed Simon’s mother-in-law. Later that evening the whole town brought their sick to Jesus. He healed them all and drove out many demons.

Mark writes that Jesus would not allow the demons to speak because they knew who He was. Jesus was from God; He did not need and would not accept the endorsement or attestation of who He was from the Devil. However, this raises a question. If even the demons know and confess that Jesus is the Holy One of God, shouldn’t we also confess that He is? If we deny that Jesus is God’s Holy One, doesn’t that make us even worse than the demons?

We can claim that we belong to a particular faith, but our claim is meaningless unless our faith changes the way we live. To put it another way, if we do not act and live according to the teaching of the religion to which we say we belong, our religion is merely external – we do not have faith.

When Jesus began His ministry, He did not look for people who would merely give Him lip-service. Instead He sought those who had enough faith to follow even though it meant giving up their previous way of life. In chapter 1, verses 14 through 20, of his inspired Gospel, Mark writes, “Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Good News of God’s Kingdom, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.” Passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you into fishers for men.” Immediately they left their nets, and followed him. Going on a little further from there, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them, and they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.”

The main purpose of John the Baptist’s ministry was to prepare people for the coming of Jesus. John faithfully completed this task. Once he baptized Jesus and proclaimed that Jesus was the One whose coming he had announced, John’s work was accomplished. He had already completed God’s purpose by the time King Herod put him in prison. It was John’s faithful service that made it possible for Jesus to begin His ministry so successfully.

Jesus began His ministry by proclaiming the same message John the Baptist did, “The kingdom of God is near.” (See Matthew 3:2). To say that the kingdom is near implies that the coming of the king who will rule over the kingdom is also near. In the minds of the Jewish people to whom both John the Baptist and Jesus spoke, this meant that the coming of the Christ, that is the One God would anoint to rule over His people, was near. In chapter 1, verse 10 of his Gospel, Mark writes that God’s Spirit descended on Jesus at His baptism. From other Scriptures we know that God anointed Jesus with the Spirit to be King over God’s people. By preaching that the kingdom of God was near, Jesus was saying that in a very short time, God would reveal Him, that is Jesus, as the promised Christ, God’s King.

Jesus not only told people the kingdom was near, He also told them what they should do to prepare themselves for its coming. He told them to repent and believe. What does it mean to repent? The basic meaning of the word Mark uses is “to change one’s mind.” However, repentance includes much more than revising our thoughts. We act on the basis of what we think. Therefore, to repent includes not only changing how we think but, also, changing what we do. It means that we adopt a different course of action. In view of the coming of God’s kingdom, we cannot live the way we did before. We must think and act in ways which are in harmony with God’s kingdom. Just as we must live according to the laws of the country where we reside, if we want to be included in God’s kingdom we must live and act according to God’s standards.

However, outward conformity to God’s standards is not enough. There are many who live or act in a certain way because that is what is expected of them, but in their hearts they are not convinced. In contrast, Jesus told people they must also believe the good news. Why is the coming of God’s kingdom good news? It is good news because, as the Scripture says in another place, “…it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16 NIV) To put it another way, it is through God’s anointed King, that is Jesus, that we can be reconciled to God. If the kingdom had not come, more importantly if God’s anointed King had not come, the separation between us and God because of our sins could not be overcome.

Jesus not only preached, He recruited others to help Him carry out His ministry. Among the first Jesus asked to follow Him were two sets of brothers. These men were fishermen. Jesus told them He would make them fishers of men. Mark writes that Jesus called these men, and they immediately left their nets and followed Him.

This is true. However we know from other accounts that their decision to follow Jesus was not as sudden and abrupt as it seems from what Mark writes. We know that at least two of these men, Andrew and John, were already disciples of John the Baptist. They heard John proclaim that Jesus is “…the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NIV) They had already talked with Jesus and heard His teaching. They had already witnessed Jesus perform the miracle of turning water into wine during a wedding feast (John 2:1-11). So, their hearts were already prepared when Jesus called them. Having listened to John, they were willing to listen to the One who John proclaimed was the Messiah.

What Mark points out is that there is a cost to following Jesus. Simon and Andrew owned their own fishing business. Jesus did not offer them a bigger or better boat. Jesus did not offer them a better market for their fish. Jesus did not even offer to match the income they received from their business. No, in order to follow Jesus they had to leave their business, their income and security behind. The only thing Jesus promised them is that He would make them fishers of men. Simon and Andrew had enough faith that they immediately left their nets and followed. What about us? Do we have enough faith to follow Jesus even if it means the loss of our business, property and income? Will we follow Him even if it costs us our livelihood?

There may be another cost to following Jesus, as well. James and John not only left their business, Mark writes that they left their father. Sometimes we have to make a choice between our family and following Jesus. What is more important to us: Doing what God’s anointed King asks of us, or pleasing our relatives? Are we willing to follow even if our family is opposed?

How do we know that someone is qualified to fill a particular position? If we are thinking about hiring someone to do a particular job, what assurance do we have that he has the ability to perform it? For many positions we will want to know what credentials a person has. If a man claims to be an engineer we will ask to see the document which certifies that he meets all the qualifications and standards an engineer must pass. In addition, we will examine the character of a person we consider hiring. For example, a person may be an extremely qualified accountant; he may have all the proper credentials, but we will not allow him to handle our business accounts if we know that he is a thief.

The same concerns are valid in spiritual things. We do not want to entrust our souls to someone who is not qualified. What qualifications does Jesus have? In the inspired Gospel which bears his name, Mark declares that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God. On what basis does Mark say this? In chapter 1, verses 9 through 13, he writes, “In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Immediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. A voice came out of the sky, “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Immediately the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness. He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals; and the angels were serving him.”

It is clear from this passage that Jesus did not appoint Himself to His position, nor did He claim titles which did not belong to Him. At Jesus’ baptism God gave two unmistakable proofs of His approval. The first is that heaven opened and the Spirit descended on Jesus. The prophet Isaiah yearned for God to reveal Himself to the people of his day. “Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down,” (Isaiah 64:1 NIV) This is exactly what God did at Jesus’ baptism; He rent the heavens and had His Spirit descend on Jesus. Later, Jesus was able to say that He fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me…” (Luke 4:18-21 NIV)

By means of the Spirit’s descent on Jesus, God visibly and publicly anointed Him to His position. Later, the Apostle Peter had this to say about this: “You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached – how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power,” (Acts 10:37-38 NIV)

The second sign of God’s approval of Jesus was a voice which came from heaven. God not only said that He was pleased with Jesus, He also proclaimed that Jesus is His Son. This is a fulfillment of Psalm 2, verse 7, “I will proclaim the decree of the Lord: He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” (NIV) Many people are greatly offended that one of Jesus’ titles is “Son of God.” However, that is what God, Himself, called Jesus. Who are we to contradict God?

Before going forward it is necessary to answer an important question. Earlier, Mark wrote that John’s baptism was one of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4). Scripture is very plain that Jesus never sinned. In fact, if He had sinned, He could not have become our Savior. Why, then, did Jesus submit to John’s baptism? One answer is that John’s baptism was one of repentance. To repent is to turn away from a course of action. By His baptism, Jesus was publicly turning away from His prior life and accepting the role and work God anointed Him to carry out. At His baptism Jesus died to His life as a carpenter. From then on His life would have a new direction.

Having God’s approval does not mean that we will not encounter trouble or difficulties. Having God’s Spirit does not mean we will never have to face evil. Immediately after His baptism, the Spirit sent Jesus into the wilderness. There, Satan tempted Him for forty days. During Moses’ time, God called the nation of Israel His “son” (Exodus 4:22). He then led the nation into the wilderness where they wandered for forty years. One of God’s purposes for this was to test and refine them. “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what is in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” (Deuteronomy 8:2 NIV) God’s “son” Israel, failed the test. Jesus, God’s Son, passed it.

Why would God make His Son suffer in this way? It was a necessary part of His preparation for the work God sent Him to earth to do. The writer of Hebrews says this about Jesus, “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of salvation for all who obey him…” (Hebrews 5:8-9 NIV)

Mark does not elaborate, but we know from other accounts that one of the things Satan questioned was whether Jesus really was the Son of God. He told Jesus to prove it by performing miracles. Jesus refused. Later, Jesus would indeed prove His divinity and that He came from God by performing miracles. However, He would do nothing at Satan’s prompting. Instead, He always listened to and did His Father’s will.

Jesus overcame every temptation by quoting Scripture. From this we get an insight into Jesus’ character. God’s holy word was ingrained so deeply into His being that He could withstand anything which was contrary to it. Perhaps one reason we find it difficult to withstand temptation is that we have not absorbed God’s word into our beings as we should.

Mark writes that during this forty days of being tempted by Satan, Jesus “…was with the wild animals; and the angels were serving him” (Mark 1:13) At Jesus’ baptism, God anointed Jesus to be King. Later Jesus said, “…All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18 NIV) The Apostle Paul writes that, “…God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,” (Philippians 2:9-10 NIV) Here we get a glimpse of Jesus’ authority and position. The wild animals did not flee from Him. Angels attended Him. Have we acknowledged Jesus as our King?

The Bible tells us that, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1 NIV) After God completed His work of creation, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 NIV) Unfortunately, man soon destroyed the perfection of God’s creation. Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. Through their disobedience sin entered the world. Sin brought death, misery and ruin with it.

God could have wiped out mankind as well as all that man has disfigured. Instead, because of His great love for man, God decided to provide us a new beginning. Mark begins the inspired Gospel which bears his name this way: “The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1) It is appropriate for Mark to begin his book this way because the new beginning God gives man centers around the person of Jesus Christ.

Who is this person through whom God grants us a new beginning? His name is Jesus. The name “Jesus” means the “salvation of God.” It is through Jesus that God brings salvation to all of us.

Jesus is not only God’s salvation, Mark declares that He is also the Christ, that is, the Messiah. This is not Jesus’ surname, but a title. It means “the anointed One.” In Jewish tradition prophets, priests and kings attained their positions by being anointed with sacred oil. We know from other Scriptures that God appointed Jesus to all three of these roles. Jesus is God’s prophet because He received His message directly from God and spoke on God’s behalf (John 14:49-50). God appointed Jesus as His high priest to offer the ultimate sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:11-12). Jesus is king because God has given Him all authority (Matthew 28:18). Instead of using sacred oil, God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power (Acts 10:37-38).

Mark not only calls Jesus the Messiah, he also refers to Him as the Son of God. How can Jesus be God’s Son? Jesus clearly possessed a body of flesh and blood while God is spirit. Therefore, Mark cannot mean the term “Son of God” in a physical sense. In fact, the Scriptures never use it in that way. Instead, Scripture uses the word “Son” to describe Jesus’ spiritual relationship to God. Jesus is the embodiment of God’s character. In another place Scripture says that Jesus, “…is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV) It also says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible…” (Colossians 1:15-16 NIV) Jesus displayed God’s character and attributes so perfectly and exactly that He could say, “…Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father…” (John 14:9 NIV) Therefore, it is entirely appropriate to call Jesus “God’s Son.”

It is also worth noting that Jesus did not have a physical father. For this reason also it is appropriate to say that God is His Father.

Why is the message contained in Mark’s Gospel “good news”? It is good news because it declares that people truly can have a new beginning. We can be saved from the consequences of our sins by means of the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Peter said to the religious rulers of his day, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NIV) For those oppressed by sin it is certainly good news that Jesus can deliver them!

How did this good news come to us? In chapter 1, verses 2 through 8, Mark writes, “As it is written in the prophets, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you: the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord! Make his paths straight!’” John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins. All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins. John was clothed with camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. He preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen. I baptized you in water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.””

John prepared the way for the coming of Christ in two important ways. First, he baptized people. This means he immersed them completely in water. The Jewish people had practiced ritual cleansing for thousands of years. For example, before worshiping at the Temple in Jerusalem people would immerse themselves in a ritual bath. However, the baptism John gave was different. Instead of a person immersing himself, John immersed him. By doing this, John taught that salvation is not something we can obtain by our own efforts. Salvation comes from outside ourselves.

Also, John for the first time, associated this ritual cleansing with death. This is evident from the Greek word “baptism” itself. The Greeks associated this word with such things as drowning or a ship being swallowed by the waves (see Brown, Collin, Editor, The International Dictionary of New Testament Theology Vol. 1, Zondervan Publishing House, 1975, Baptism p. 144). This association with death is also evident from the purpose for John’s baptism. It was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. To repent means to turn away from a course of action and go the other way. If we want God to forgive our sins, we cannot continue as before. We must die to our previous actions and way of life. Those who repented and submitted themselves to John’s baptism had open hearts, ready to accept the Savior.

The second way John prepared people for the coming of Christ was to proclaim His coming. As great as John was, someone much greater was about to make His appearance. For many hundreds of years, God’s prophets proclaimed that God would send a Savior. However, their prophecies always pointed to some time in the distant future. John, however, proclaimed that the Messiah was near at hand. No doubt this message gave hope to many. It made them eager to listen to Jesus when He came. The Apostle John describes an incident toward the end of Jesus’ ministry, “Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus.” (John 10:40-42 NIV)