The Forerunner
| And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." (Mark1:4-8) |
Mark has already told us that the gospel was a something God prepared far in advance. His inclusion of OT prophecies assures us that good news was always the plan.
Now he tells us that the gospel is something to be prepared for. John's life and message is about how we prepare for and receive the gospel. Let's look more closely:
- Repentance, Baptism and Forgiveness: The gospel addresses the most basic human need: our brokenness.
I don't have to wax eloquent about this. We see it in ourselves, we see it on our screens. Science can't save us, psychology can't save us and we can't save ourselves. We are broken and we need a Healer. - John's clothing and food is that of an ascetic - someone who has who has unplugged from the rat race - someone who has realised that we don't belong in this world. We are travellers, sojourners, pilgrims. We don't have to wear John's clothes or adopt his diet, but we do need to make sure we don't hammer our tent-pegs in too deep. We are in this world but not of it. To receive the gospel, we need to pilgrims...
- The gospel is a Someone. It's not a message, creed, lifestyle, concept, philosophy or mission statement. It is a relationship with Jesus - the one who came and is coming again.
- We need to receive the Holy Spirit. If we aren't willing to open our hearts to His life and influence we are not ready for the gospel.
And so, in John's message and example, Mark has shown us that:
1. The Gospel is about brokenness forgiven and this is received as a gift
2. It's about becoming pilgrims in this world
3. It's about knowing Jesus
4. and receiving His Spirit.
Powerful thoughts indeed!
