Mark's Gospel Series, Part 2, 1:9-13 Jesus is Baptised and Enters the Wilderness

 

Part 2 of a series in Mark’s Gospel sees Sean, God's Squad's International President, look at Jesus’ baptism and his entering the wilderness.

There’s an emphasis on the fact Jesus has travelled down from Nazareth, in the despised region of Galilee in the north. Mark portrays Jesus as a nothing man as he enters the story. His baptism, a consecration to the task in hand of what lies ahead and a wilderness sojourn that will prove to be symbolic of his whole public ministry - at odds with all that represents power around him, but not abandoned, no matter the desolation. Something Mark would be keen for his original readers to be reminded of, as they were experiencing brutal persecution under Rome’s Emperor Nero when they’ll have first read this account. See the link below for the original playlist which features other God's Squad members, who are experienced bible teachers with vast mission experience, also contributing to the series.

You can also subscribe to this series playlist on YouTube here:    • Marks Gospel Series   and also find 150+ additional bible reflections and stories, from various God’s Squad members around the world. You can find the bible passage here online at: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/... -——————————— This presentation, and many of the following and preceding ones in this series that Sean presents, includes references, quotes and research from the following sources; Meeting God in Mark, Rowan Williams, 2014. Binding the Strong Man, Ched Myers, 1998, (2008 edition) Mark, Paideia Commentary on the New Testament, Mary Ann Beavis, 2011. The Gospel of Mark, The New International Commentary on the New Testament, William L. Lane, 1974. The Gospel According to St. Mark, Black’s New Testament Commentaries, Morna D. Hooker, 1981, (2003 edition) Life on the Road, Athol Gill, 1992. Mark, New International Biblical Commentary, Larry W. Hurtado, 1983, (1998 edition).