Reflections on Mark 1:1
Where does the good news begin? It begins in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Good news, salvation has come. Jesus is a name which means “Jehovah is salvation” or “Jehovah
saves.” The one who saves his
people from their sins has come (Matthew 1:21).
Good news, the Messiah reigns. Christ is the Greek word for the Hebrew word Messiah, the title worn by Israel's king indicating that God
had designated and consecrated him to be the king by anointing him with sacred
oil. For centuries, no king had reigned in Israel, but now God has anointed a king whom he strengthens and establishes as he did David (Psalm 89:19-29). The anointed king shepherds God’s people by binding
up the broken hearted, proclaiming liberty to captives, and comforting those
who mourn (Isaiah 61:1-4).
Good news, God is with us. Jesus is not merely a
human who is subject to all the weaknesses of sinful flesh. Instead, he is “God with us,” or “Immanuel”
(Matthew 1:23). He does not fail to
deliver and comfort his people. Even though he was tested even to the
point of death, he arose victorious over death and lives to deliver and to comfort
his people.
