Pastor’s Pen

Beloved, as we meet Jesus here in the Gospel of Mark, we find Him displayed in humble beginnings. First, Jesus had a rather common, unremarkable name. Secondly, He was from Nazareth, which was an unremarkable, despised village. In addition, Nazareth was in Galilee, which was an unspiritual region and not the “Bible belt” of Israel at that time.

But remember the theme of the Gospel of Mark. Jesus came not to be served but to serve. Thus, as many other servants, He had a humble upbringing. To further illustrate the point of His servitude, Jesu was baptized. He was baptized, not because He needed to be baptized but to identify with sinful man.

In today’s study, we learn of Jesus’ arrival through His baptism, His temptation and His ministry. May we also follow His example of service to a lost and dying world!