Who do you say I am?
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God… And this was [John’s] message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” —Mark 1:1, 7-8
Everything Jesus does happens after this moment.
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” —Mark 1:9-11
Jesus lived the life that we were meant to live.
At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. —Mark 1:12-13
He did not give in to the lies of the devil.
He did not give in to the temptation of satan to sin against God.
He chose to submit his life to the Heavenly Father.
The Heavenly Father gives Jesus His love, approval, and pleasure before Jesus does anything. (Mark 1:11)
- You are mine. I love you. I am proud of you.
What does this mean for us as followers of Christ?
If God’s love and pleasure are just things we continually chase after, it’s exhausting.
In Christ, God gives you his love and affirmation as a free gift.
When you come to Jesus, you get what Jesus got.
- You’re mine! I love you! I’m proud of you!
And out of that affirmation from the Heavenly Father, you now get to live!
“This was for me. I am worth the death of Christ.” “That’s how much I am loved.”
God wants to give you the gift of His presence and His love, approval, and pleasure which rightly belong to Jesus and now also belong to His kids.
Discipleship Guide
Let’s Talk About It
The Gospel according to Mark begins with the powerful announcement that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. At Jesus’ baptism, before Jesus performed a single miracle, the Father affirms Jesus’ identity: “You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased.” Jesus lived the life we were meant to live—fully trusting, fully obedient, fully loved. Regardless of what kind of earthly father we had, our Heavenly Father satisfies the deepest longing of our hearts for love, approval, and belonging. In Christ, that same love, approval, and belonging are freely given to us—not earned, but received. Because of Jesus, we can live every day knowing: You are Mine. I love you. I am proud of you.
Mark 1:1-13; Gen 3:15; Isaiah 40:3; Joel 2:17-28; Gen 1:1; Eph 3:14-19; Romans 5:6-8
Discussion questions:
- Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?
Read Mark 1:1-13. Why is it significant that the Father gave Jesus the Holy Spirit and affirmed Jesus before He did any miracles, ministry, or public work? What does it say about God and His love for Jesus? God’s love for you?
How does knowing that you are fully loved, approved, and accepted in Christ change how you live your daily life? What voices (internal or external) sometimes make it hard for you to believe God’s love is a gift, not something you have to earn?
- How does living to gain the approval of God lead to exhaustion and insecurity? How does living out of the affirmation of God give you the strength to live a powerful life? Describe what each of the end results would look like.
- Read Ephesians 3:14-19 & Romans 5:6-8. We need God’s help to know God’s love. How does God giving you His Spirit and His Word help us? How does knowing you are a child of God – loved and affirmed – supply you with the strength you need to resist the lies and temptation of the devil and to live a powerful life that honors God?
Take a Step
- What step can you take this week to receive the Presence of God and the love, approval, and pleasure of God? What step can you take to reach out to another and freely give them the love you’ve freely received from God?
Here’s My Prayer
- You, Lord, are the perfect Heavenly Father. Thank You for loving me in Christ, choosing me, and affirming me as Your child. Help me to live out of this affirmation, You’ve already given me instead of striving to earn Your approval. In Jesus’ name. Amen.