Mark 1

Mark’s gospel begins with immediate action. John is introduced as the forerunner and he is in the wilderness baptizing people. During this time, Jesus comes to be baptized by John. After his baptism and wilderness experience, Jesus calls his first disciples and begins his public ministry, which includes preaching and performing miracles.

Jesus’ words that “the kingdom of God has come near” are important. With these words he shows the culmination of the Old Testament prophets is at hand. The Son of God, the Messiah, is here to bring people into God’s kingdom. Entrance comes through repentance of sin and belief in the good news. The kingdom of God isn’t something that is far off. It is a life that believers live and experience here and now when we repent and believe.

Has the kingdom of God come near to you?