Mark 1

Mark 1:1 NIV

[1] The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,

How straight to the point is the author of the Gospel of Mark. “The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.”  The first statement in this Gospel declares that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.”  The good news is defined by John 3:16-17 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Mark 1:8 NIV

[8] I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Only God is able to pour out or baptize with the Holy Spirit. Mark is again signifying that Jesus is the Messiah.

Mark 1:11 NIV

[11] And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Mark makes it very clear in the first 11 verses that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.

Mark 1:35 NIV

[35] Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Even Jesus needed time alone to pray and be in community with God.

Mark 1:41 KJV

[41] And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

To touch a leper made one unclean and unable to participate in religious or social events but Jesus did not hesitate to touch the man because “He had compassion for him.”  I wonder how many people would be attracted to Christianity if believers showed more compassion and less judgement and condemnation?