Sunday, January 12: Son of God

Mark 1:21–2:12

Last week, we looked at the ministry of John the Baptist. John was a strange dude—he ate locusts and honey, wore a garment made of camel hair, and hung out in the wilderness dunking people in the Jordan River. But, as strange as his dress and diet were, they were nothing compared to the shock of his baptism. John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, which would have put him in direct competition with the temple and made him one of the most controversial figures of the day.

But just when John’s followers thought they had heard the most shocking statements from John, he dropped another bomb on them: “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:7–8 ESV)

Wait…there’s someone else?! Someone even more worthy?

John was, of course, speaking of Jesus, whom we met briefly last week. This week, we are going to pick up the story where we left off—with Jesus. The Son of God is going to kick off his ministry by showing us just how worthy he is. He is a man with authority. But Jesus’ authority isn’t like other people’s authority. Jesus uses his authority to serve.

Join us this week as we look at Jesus’ unique authority and what it means for the kingdom of God.

See you on Sunday!