Day 1 - The beginning of the good news
Mark 1:1-15
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”, “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”
And so, John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 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. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Bern Leckie writes:
Good news – life can be different! Mark is writing to people who want and need this, who know that carrying on the way things are is not an option. It will lead to death, but they are hungry for life.
Are you hungry for change? If it came today, would you hear John’s call to repent (which means ‘change your mind’) and receive forgiveness as good news or an unwelcome challenge? Would you want to know more? What would you look for to check this call was authentic, and not a scam?
At the beginning of Lent, we are invited to follow Jesus into the wilderness for forty days, taking time away from normal things, seeking God, growing trust in him. We might fast and feel more hunger for change. We will also need food. Can you take some time now to ask God how he wants to feed you today?