The Beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:1-3)
This passage is the opening of the Gospel of Mark, and it introduces the narrative about John the Baptist that follows. Even though it is short, it offers significant theological themes.
The first is Jesus' identity. Mark identifies Jesus as the Christ (the Messiah) and the Son of God, unveiling his divine nature.
Another is Prophecy fulfillment. Mark references Old Testament prophecy and shows how John the Baptist and Jesus fulfill those prophecies. Specifically, in the case of John the Baptist, Mark discloses John as the messenger who prepares the way for the coming of the Lord.
Vocabulary
Word | Meaning | |
---|---|---|
σύ | you, your | |
ὅς, ἥ, ὅ | who, which | |
κατασκευάζω | prepare; build | |
ὁδός, οῦ, ἡ | way | |
φωνή, ῆς, ἡ | voice, sound | |
βοάω | call | |
ἔρημος, ον | desert | |
ἑτοιμάζω | prepare | |
κύριος, ου, ὁ | Lord |