Sermon Notes for February 8 & 9, 2025

“The Last Old Testament Prophet Speaks”
Following Jesus: Mighty Messiah; Suffering Servant

1. An Introduction to Mark’s Gospel, 1:1.
   
   • Continuity with our 2024 Christology Series.
   • Characteristics of Mark’s Gospel:
     
     • Written to Roman believers

     • Compact & Action-packed

     • Vivid & Descriptive

     • Purposeful to Tranform Lives
       
       • Mark wrote to help transform us into faith-filled followers of Jesus Christ by emphasizing that the One we follow is the divine Son of God who became the suffering Son of Man who died and rose again in triumph.

   • Key Themes:
     
     • Mark emphasizes the Deity of Christ - He is the Mighty Messiah.
       
       • Cf: 1:11; 9:7, 15:39

     • Mark emphasizes the Humanity of Christ - He is the Suffering Servant.
       
       • Cf: 10:45

     • Mark emphasizes Discipleship - Christ calls us to Follow Him.
       
       • What Makes for an effective disciple of Jesus Christ?

2. The Voice of John the Baptist, 1:2-8.
   
   • The Voice of Anticipation, 1:2-3.

   • The Voice of Fulfillment, 1:4-8.
     
     • John’s location, 1:4

     • John’s appearance, 1:6

     • John’s message, 1:4

     • John’s impact, 1:5

     • John’s humility, 1:7-8

   • The Voice of Comfort - Isaiah 40:1-2