Day 1: Jesus steps onto the stage
In the first book of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings series, a man named Boromir has a dream in which he sees a pale light lingering in the West and hears “a voice, remote but clear,” which cries out with a poetic prophecy:
“Seek for the Sword that was broken:
In Imladris it dwells;
There shall be counsels taken
Stronger than Morgul-spells.
There shall be shown a token
That Doom is near at hand,
For Isildur’s Bane shall waken,
And the Halfling forth shall stand.”
To understand this prophecy, you need to know the world of the story. The sword that was broken belonged to Isildur, the last king of the realm of Gondor. It is now owned by Aragorn, who has come to claim the throne. “Isildur’s Bane” is the evil ring. “The Halfling” means the hobbit Frodo (one of the small, human-like people in Tolkien’s world), who is carrying the ring. This prophecy points forward to the return of the king. Mark begins his gospel by quoting from two poetic prophecies from the Old Testament (Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3). Like the prophecy Boromir hears, the prophecies Mark quotes announce that something amazing is about to happen. But we need to understand the story of the Old Testament to understand the prophecy. Let’s see what Mark says!
In verse 1, what kind of news does Mark say he’s telling us about Jesus?
What two titles of Jesus does Mark give us?
The Greek word translated as “good news” is sometimes translated as “gospel.” It means a special announcement from an emperor or king—for example, an announcement of a victory in battle. Kings in ancient Israel were anointed with oil, and our word “Messiah” comes from the Hebrew word for God’s anointed King. Our word “Christ” comes from the Greek translation of “Messiah.” So, when we call Jesus, “Jesus Christ,” Christ is not His last name! It means “Jesus, God’s anointed King.” At the time when Mark was writing, “Son of God” was also a way of talking about God’s King.
In the prophecy, God says He’s sending someone (v. 2) to prepare the way for someone else (v. 3). Who is preparing the way for whom?
In the Old Testament, “the LORD” means God.
In verses 4–8, Mark introduces a man named John the Baptist. Which part of the prophecy do you think describes John the Baptist?
John’s weird outfit in verse 6 would have reminded people of the great Old Testament prophet Elijah, who also wore a garment of hair and a belt of leather (2 Kings 1:8).
In verse 7, what does John the Baptist say about the person for whom he’s preparing the way?
What does John say that this person will do (v. 8)?
In verse 9, who comes? Which character in the prophecy does He relate to?
What happens when Jesus is baptized (vv. 10–11)?
The Bible teaches that the one true God who made all things exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Which verses in this passage help us see that God is Father, Son, and Spirit?
Father:
Son:
Spirit:
In verses 12–13, where does the Spirit send Jesus and what happens to Him there?
How does this passage help us to see how powerful and wonderful Jesus is?
Ask God to help you understand more of who Jesus is, to trust Him as your King, to worship Him as God, and to love Him as your Lord! You might pray something like this: “Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to recognize that Jesus really is Your Son who came to die for me. Thank You that Jesus is the King of all the universe. Please help me to trust Him with my life today. I want to worship Him and love Him, but I know I need Your help. Thank You that by Your Spirit You will always help me follow Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”