Reflections on Mark's Gospel - Mark 1:15

A Summary of the Launch of Jesus' Public Ministry

We continue with Mark's summary of Jesus' ministry by now examining the content of his message.

Jesus was saying three things:
1) "The time is fulfilled"
2) "The kingdom of God is at hand"
3) "Repent and believe in the gospel"

What do these mean?

1) "The time is fulfilled"
As mentioned several times in the opening verses of this gospel, Mark clearly states that God had prepared these people to hear and respond to the gospel through two means: his work in the world throughout the ages, climaxing in the writings of the prophets (which had ceased 400 years earlier); and through the ministry of John the Baptist.

The OT prophets clearly anticipated a coming Messiah in a coming "Day of the Lord". Jesus says that the day has now arrived, that the anticipation is fulfilled.

We are not looking for another one to come, greater than Jesus. Jesus is the one we are to focus on. Of course, not all the OT testament promises were fulfilled in Christ's first advent, some await his second coming. And so we maintain an expectant attitude, longing for the day of the fulfillment of all that God has promised.

2) "The kingdom of God is at hand"
The nature of the kingdom of God has been the subject of much debate among scholars.
At its simplest definition, the kingdom of God is where God is king. It is that part of creation which submits to God's authority.

Since the Fall, creation has been subject to the Prince of the power of the air. People have been subjects of the kingdom of darkness (Col_1:13). Their total depravity meant that they were unable to fully surrender to God, even when they sought to.

But the appearance of Jesus ushers in a new age. He and Satan engage in direct conflict, firstly in the wilderness, then through the manifestation of demons, and finally in the Garden of Gethsemane. On the Cross, Christ won the victory over Satan, paying the penalty for the rebellion he had initiated, redeeming those enslaved to him.

So, "the kingdom of God is at hand" means that it is being prepared for during Jesus' three years of ministry and begins with his death (and resurrection). The hearers of his message need to prepare themselves, just as the hearers of John the Baptist's message did. They can align themselves with the revealed Messiah, even though they cannot yet fully comprehend what his agenda is.

Jesus ushered in a kingdom that is "not of this world". It is not an earthly kingdom with physical representatives, such as kings. It is a spiritual reality, an immaterial authority. Those who have been made alive in their spirit are those who have been rescued from the dominion of darkness and brought into the kingdom of the Son he loves. (Col_1:12-14).

Satan's authority is still evident in the world. There are many, those who are spiritually dead, still under his control.

There will come a day of judgement, when Satan will be dethroned, the material world will be destroyed and all who have persisted in rebellion against God will face judgment.

Following that judgement there will be a new creation where God's kingdom will be manifested in a material, as well as an immaterial, way.

That is the big picture. But, in Mark, Jesus doesn't talk about God being king of the world. Rather he talks about "entering the kingdom" as a change of state. Note, that this means he is addressing the heart issue, rather than explaining theology.

Jesus also teaches about the kingdom using parables. It is not a clear pronouncement, it is a mystery to be pondered (Mar_4:11). The kingdom is like seed scattered on the ground that grows regardless of the farmer's effort (Mar_4:26-29). The kingdom is like a mustard seed that begins small but becomes large enough for birds to find shelter in it (Mar_4:30-32).

But the kingdom is not just a shadowy mystery, Jesus refers to a glorious kingdom (Mar_9:1; Mar_14:25; Mar_14:62).

The kingdom is not easy for those with strong ties to the present age to enter (Mar_10:23-25), but belongs to the child-like (Mar_10:14-15).

Jesus was the embodiment of the kingdom while he was on earth (he was the seed to be planted), and in that sense, the "kingdom is near".

3) "Repent and believe in the gospel"
What is an appropriate response for those hearing Jesus' message? Mark records two imperatives (commands): "repent" and "believe".

The call for repentance overlaps with John the Baptist's message. It calls for a change of mind and, by implication, a change of loyalties and actions.

The call for belief expects a decision, not just submission. It is a command to believe "in" something, not just about something. Obviously such a belief would have to drastically alter how someone lived. In Jesus' time, it would affect their understanding of the efficacy of the temple sacrifices and their loyalty to the visible priesthood.

Belief is to be placed in the gospel. What is the gospel according to Mark? Review the thoughts of Mark 1:1. It was both the story of Jesus' life and the message Jesus proclaimed.www.youtut
Both commands are given in the present imperative, meaning they are a call for continuous action rather than a one off act. That is, followers of Jesus are to be characterised by ongoing repentance and belief.

What are the implications for Movement Building?
Jesus' message can be summed up in simple terms. Although there was a whole theological background to what he was saying, his message was clearly communicated. And it was application focussed. There were very clear, simple action steps that were required of people. That is not to say that the action steps did not carry far-reaching implications, but they were very simply given.

In explaining what our movement is on about, we need to make sure we communicate it simply enough for others to pass on. And we need to make the action points clear enough that people can do them.