Mark 1:1-11: Into the Water

Mark's Gospel opens with the declaration that Jesus Christ is the good news itself. Unlike any other historical figure, Jesus continues to be worshiped and followed 2,000 years later, having defined time itself. Mark establishes that Jesus is a real historical person, the promised Messiah, and the Son of God. Jesus came not to improve or inspire us, but to rescue us from sin. His baptism demonstrates both his submission to the Father's will and his identification with humanity, becoming our substitute. At his baptism, we see a beautiful picture of the Trinity working together. True repentance means turning toward God, not just feeling sorry for sin.