Mark: Living the Way of Jesus in the WorldНамуна

First Thought

Beloved. That’s what the Father called His Son as John baptized Him in the River Jordan. It was only Jesus who heard those words. Only He who saw the heavens torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. In the loving words of His Father and the empowering of the Spirit, Jesus’ identity and vocation were affirmed. Mark’s readers will have spotted allusions to the Old Testament, including Psalm 2. This psalm celebrates the establishment of the king but also reminds us that kingship was contested. That’s what we see in Mark 1:12-13 in this desert scene: Jesus, supported by the Spirit and the angels, and on the other side, Satan. It’s a sharp reminder of the cosmic battle within which the rest of the gospel story will take place. 

What Does the Bible Say?

Consider the Father’s words to Jesus, ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’ What difference might these have made to Jesus as He was commissioned for His mission in the context of a spiritual battle?

Living It Out

As you go about your everyday life, what difference does it make for you to know that you’re a son or daughter of your heavenly Father?

Responding in Prayer

Loving God, I’m so grateful that I’m adopted into your family. This is what it means to me right now (…). I want my identity as your son/daughter to shape how I live day by day. Amen.