A Ransom For ManySample

Restoring the Relationship 

For centuries, prophets foretold of a Messiah that would one day come to save the people. The story in Mark begins with another prophet, John the Baptist, announcing this same Messiah and calling all who would listen to repentance.

The nation of Israel understood that sin separated them from relationship with God, and that forgiveness was available. This was the message of John, and people came from all over Israel to listen to him preach his message of repentance. They responded by confessing their sins, and many were baptized as a sign of their confession.

John was preparing the way for the Messiah, but he wasn’t foretelling the future.  John was announcing the Messiah’s arrival!  Jesus, the Son of God, was here in the flesh. At His baptism, God affirmed His Son with an audible blessing, and the Spirit descended visibly upon Jesus, filling Him for what lie ahead. What was prophesied was now reality -Heaven’s Prince had come.

Jesus began calling everyone in Galilee to repent. You see, repentance is God’s way of restoring a relationship. The message of John was also the mission of Jesus. He told everyone they could be forgiven of their sins and made right with God. Jesus spoke of a new Kingdom that was drawing close, and His message was good news!