everyWORD Mark: Scripture, Outline, Commentary (ESV)

By Leadership Ministries Worldwide

From LMW, the publishers of The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible comes everyWORD, a starting point for p

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leadership Ministries Worldwide
• Release date: Mar 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9781574074307

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everyWORD™—MARK

ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION

Copyright © 2019 by LEADERSHIP MINISTRIES WORLDWIDE.

All other Bible study aids, references, indexes, reference materials

Copyright © 1991 by Alpha-Omega Ministries, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photo-copy, recording, or otherwise—without the prior permission of the copyright owners.

Previous Editions of The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible®,

New International Version NT Copyright © 1998

King James Version NT Copyright © 1991, 1996, 2000

by Alpha-Omega Ministries, Inc.

This publication contains the Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text appearing in this publication is reproduced and published by cooperation between Good News Publishers and Leadership Ministries Worldwide and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited.

The Holy Bible English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version®, ESV®, and the ESV® logo are trademarks of Good News Publishers located in Wheaton, Illinois.

Used by permission.

Please address all requests for information or permission to:

Leadership Ministries Worldwide

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ISBN Softbound Edition: 978-1-57407-451-2

ISBN Casebound Edition: 978-1-57407-454-3

e-ISBN: 978-1-57407-430-7

Leadership Ministries Worldwide

Chattanooga, TN

DEDICATED

To all the men and women of the world who preach and teach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the Mercy and Grace of God

&

• Demonstrated to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. (Ep.1:7)

• Out of the mercy and grace of God, His Word has flowed. Let every person know that God will have mercy upon him, forgiving and using him to fulfill His glorious plan of salvation.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (Jn.3:16–17)

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior; who desires all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Ti.2:3–4)

everyWORD™

is written for God’s servants to use in their study, teaching, and preaching of God’s Holy Word . . .

• to share the Word of God with the world.

• to help believers, both ministers and laypersons, in their understanding, preaching, and teaching of God’s Word.

• to do everything we possibly can to lead men, women, boys, and girls to give their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ and to secure the eternal life that He offers.

• to do all we can to minister to the needy of the world.

• to give Jesus Christ His proper place, the place the Word gives Him. Therefore, no work of Leadership Ministries Worldwide—no Outline Bible Resources—will ever be personalized.

Contents

Acknowledgments and Bibliography

Abbreviations

How to Use everyWORD™

The Gospel According to Mark Introduction

Outline of Mark

Division I. The Beginning of the Gospel: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, 1:1–20

A. Jesus Christ and John the Baptist: The Good News and the Messenger of God, 1:1–8

B. Jesus Christ and His Baptism: A Decision for God, 1:9–11

C. Jesus Christ and His Temptation: Dealing with Temptation, 1:12–13

D. Jesus Christ and His Message: The Good News of the Gospel, 1:14–15

E. Jesus Christ and His Disciples: The Kind of People Called, 1:16–20

Division II. The Son of God’s Opening Ministry: Jesus’ Immediate Impact, 1:21–3:35

A. Jesus’ Teaching and Its Impact: Launching a New Ministry, 1:21–22

B. Jesus’ Power over Evil Spirits and Its Impact: Delivering the Most Enslaved, 1:23–28

C. Jesus’ Power and Impact upon Each One: Caring for the Home and the Individual, 1:29–31

D. Jesus’ Power and Impact upon People in the Streets: Caring for the Whole World, 1:32–34

E. Jesus’ Source of Power and Its Impact: What Is the Source of Power, 1:35–39

F. Jesus’ Power over Leprosy and Its Impact: Cleansing the Most Unclean, 1:40–45

G. Jesus’ Power to Forgive Sin and Its Impact: Forgiveness of Sin, 2:1–12

H. Jesus’ Impact upon Matthew and His Friends: Reaching the Outcast and Sinner, 2:13–17

I. Jesus’ Impact upon Young Disciples and Theologians: The Kind of Life Christ Brings, 2:18–22

J. Jesus’ Impact upon Religionists: Understanding the Sabbath, 2:23–28

K. Jesus’ Impact upon Authorities and Politicians: Understanding True Religion, 3:1–6

L. Jesus’ Impact upon Crowds and Evil Spirits: Seeking and Fearing Christ, 3:7–12

M. Jesus’ Impact upon the Twelve Disciples: Calling Choice Men, 3:13–19

N. Jesus’ Impact upon Friends: Calling Jesus Mad and Insane, 3:20–21

O. Jesus’ Impact upon Religionists: Calling Jesus Demon-Possessed, 3:22–30

P. Jesus’ Impact upon His Own Family: Feeling Jesus Is an Embarrassment, 3:31–35

Division III. The Son of God’s Continuing Ministry: Jesus’ Parables and His Authority, 4:1–6:6

A. The Parable of the Sower or Farmer: How People Receive the Word of God, 4:1–20

B. The Parables Dealing with Truth: Truth and Mankind’s Duty, 4:21–25

C. The Parable of the Growing Seed: The Growth of Believers, 4:26–29

D. The Parable of the Mustard Seed: The Growth of God’s Kingdom, 4:30–32

E. The Use of Parables by Jesus: Why He Used Parables, 4:33–34

F. The Authority of Jesus over Nature: Rest and Peace, 4:35–41

G. The Authority of Jesus to Banish Demons: Hope for the Most Severely Affected, 5:1–20

H. The Approaches That Lay Hold of Jesus’ Authority: How to Approach Jesus, 5:21–43

I. The Rejection of Jesus’ Authority: Why Jesus Is Rejected, 6:1–6

Division IV. The Son of God’s Training Ministry: Jesus’ Intensive Preparation of the Disciples, 6:7–8:26

A. The Sending Out of the Disciples, 6:7–13

B. The Death of John the Baptist: The Immoral vs. the Righteous, 6:14–29

C. The Need for Rest and Its Dangers, 6:30–34

D. The Attitudes Toward Human Need and Resources, 6:35–44

E. Five Wise Lessons for Service, 6:45–52

F. The Steps to Healing, 6:53–56

G. The Emptiness of (Man-Made) Tradition, Ritual, Ceremony, Works, 7:1–13

H. The Things That Defile and Make a Person Unclean 7:14–23

I. The Steps to Caring for the Rejected, 7:24–30

J. The Verdict Sought for Our Service: Doing Everything Well, 7:31–37

K. The Need for Spiritual Food, Compassion, and Evangelism, 8:1–9

L. The Fault of the Spiritually Blind, 8:10–13

M. The Evil and Danger of Religionists and World Leaders, 8:14–21

N. The Necessity for Caring, 8:22–26

Division V. The Son of God’s Closing Ministry: Jesus Teaches the Idea of God’s Messiahship, not Man’s Messiahship, 8:27–9:50

A. The Great Confession of Peter: Who Jesus Is, 8:27–30

B. The First Prediction of Death: God’s Messiah vs. Man’s Messiah, 8:31–33

C. The Issues of God and the Issues of Men, 8:34–9:1

D. The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Heaven’s Glory, 9:2–13

E. The Problem of Spiritual Immaturity and Powerlessness, 9:14–29

F. The Second Prediction of Death: Intensive Training on the Death of Christ, 9:30–32

G. The Disciples’ Terrible Ignorance of Messiahship: A Problem of Ambition, 9:33–37

H. The Basis for Tolerance, 9:38–41

I. The Terrible Tragedy of Sin, 9:42–50

Division VI. The Son of God’s Last Public Ministry: Jesus Deals with Some Special Issues, 10:1–52

A. The Issue of Divorce, 10:1–12

B. The Issue of Children and the Truth About Children and Jesus, 10:13–16

C. The Rich Young Ruler: The Issue of Eternal Life, 10:17–22

D. The Issue of Wealth and Its Dangers, 10:23–27

E. The Issue of Rewards: What a Person Receives for Following Christ, 10:28–31

F. The Third Prediction of Death: The Issue of Christ’s Death, 10:32–34

G. The Issue of Ambition, 10:35–45

H. The Steps for Getting Help: Blind Bartimaeus, 10:46–52

Division VII. The Son of God’s Last Jerusalem Ministry: Jesus’ Warning and Conflict with Religionists, 11:1–12:44

A. The Triumphal Entry: A Dramatic Warning, Jesus Is the Messiah, 11:1–11

B. The Fig Tree Cursed: A Warning Against a Fruitless Life, 11:12–14

C. The Temple Cleansed: A Warning to Those Who Abuse God’s Temple, 11:15–19

D. The Conditions of Prayer, 11:20–26

E. The Authority of Jesus Questioned: Two Choices Concerning Jesus, 11:27–33

F. The Parable of the Wicked Tenants: God and Israel or God and Humanity, 12:1–12

G. The Question Concerning Civil and Religious Power: The State and God, 12:13–17

H. The Question About and Proof of the Resurrection, 12:18–27

I. The Question About the Greatest Commandment, 12:28–34

J. The Puzzling Concept of the Messiah, 12:35–37

K. The Warning to the Crowds and Religionists: Some Things to Guard Against, 12:38–40

L. The Widow’s Offerings: Real Giving, 12:41–44

Division VIII. The Son of God’s Olivet Ministry: Jesus’ Prophecy of His Return and the End Time, 13:1–37

A. The Signs of the End Time, 13:1–13

B. The Most Terrible Sign: The Abomination That Causes Desolation, 13:14–23

C. The Coming of the Son of Man, 13:24–27

D. The End Time and Its Warning to Believers, 13:28–37

Division IX. The Son of God’s Passion Ministry: Jesus’ Supreme Sacrifice—Rejected and Crucified, 14:1–15:47

A. Jesus’ Death Plotted: A Picture of the Passover and Jesus’ Death, 14:1–2

B. Jesus’ Anointing at Bethany: A Study of Love, 14:3–9

C. Jesus’ Betrayal by Judas: Why a Disciple Failed, 14:10–11

D. Jesus’ Last Chance Given to Judas: The Appeal to a Sinner, 14:12–21

E. Jesus’ Institution of the Lord’s Supper, 14:22–26

F. Jesus’ Prediction of Peter’s Denial: How Jesus Treats Failure, 14:27–31

G. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: Bearing the Weight of Unspeakable Suffering, 14:32–42

H. Jesus’ Arrest: A Study of Human Character, 14:43–52

I. Jesus’ Trial Before the High Priest: A Look at Weak and Strong Character, 14:53–65

J. Peter’s Denial: A Picture of Failure, 14:66–72

K. Jesus’ Trial Before Pilate: The Picture of a Morally Weak Judge, 15:1–15

L. Jesus’ Cross: An Outline of Its Mockery and Events, 15:16–41

M. Jesus’ Burial: A Discussion of Courage, 15:42–47

Division X. The Son of God’s Supreme Ministry: Jesus’ Victory over Death and His Great Commission, 16:1–20

A. The Proofs of the Resurrection, 16:1–13

B. The Lord’s Great Commission, 16:14–20

Outline and Subject Index

Acknowledgments and Bibliography

Every child of God is precious to the Lord and deeply loved. And every child as a servant of the Lord touches the lives of those who come in contact with him or his ministry. The writing ministries of the following servants have touched this work, and we are grateful that God brought their writings our way. We hereby acknowledge their ministries to us, being fully aware that there are so many others down through the years whose writings have touched our lives and who deserve mention, but the weaknesses of our minds have caused them to fade from memory. May our wonderful Lord continue to bless the ministry of these dear servants, and the ministry of us all as we diligently labor to reach the world for Christ and to meet the desperate needs of those who suffer so much.

The Greek Sources

Balz, Horst and Schneider, Gerhard M. Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2003. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Black, David Alan. Linguistics for Students of New Testament Greek. Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group, 1988.

Burton, Ernest De Witt. Syntax of the Moods and Tenses in New Testament Greek. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1976. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Cotterell, Peter and Turner, Max. Linguistics and Biblical Interpretation. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1989.

Davis, William Hersey. Beginner’s Grammar of the Greek New Testament. New York: Harper & Row, 1923.

Expositor’s Greek Testament, Edited by W. Robertson Nicoll. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1970.

Gilbrant, Thoralf and Harris, Ralph W. The Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary. Springfield, MO: World Library Press, Inc., 1989. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Guthrie, George H. and Duval, J. Scott. Biblical Greek Exegesis: A Graded Approach to Learning Intermediate and Advanced Greek. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998.

Harris, Murray J. Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament: John. Nashville: B & H Academic, 2015.

Kittel, Gerhard and Friedrich, Gerhard. Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1977.

Kostenberger, Andreas J., Merkle, Benjamin L., and Plummer, Robert L. Going Deeper with New Testament Greek: An Intermediate Study of the Grammar and Syntax of the New Testament. Nashville: B & H Academic, 2016.

Kubo, Sakae. A Reader’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and a Beginner’s Guide for the Translation of New Testament Greek. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1975.

Moulton, Harold K., ed. The Analytical Greek Lexicon Revised. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1977.

Practical Word Studies in the New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide, 1998. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Robertson, A.T., A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research. New York: George H. Doran Company, 1915.

_______. A Short Grammar of the Greek New Testament. New York: A.C. Armstrong & Son, 1909.

_______. Word Pictures in the New Testament. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1930.

Staats, Gary. Christological Greek Grammar. Austin, TX: Wordsearch Bible Software, 2001.

Strong, James. Strong’s Greek and Hebrew Dictionary of the Bible. Public Domain. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Thayer, Joseph Henry. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. New York: American Book Co, n.d.

Vincent, Marvin R. Word Studies in the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1969.

Vine, W.E. Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co., n.d.

Wallace, Daniel B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of New Testament with Scripture, Subject, and Greek Word Indexes. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. 1997.

Wuest, Kenneth S. Word Studies in the Greek New Testament. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1966.

Young, Richard A. Intermediate New Testament Greek: A Linguistic and Exegetical Approach. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1994.

Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1992. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

The Reference Works

Berkhof, Louis. Principles of Biblical Interpretation. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1950.

Blomberg, Craig. The Historical Reliability of the Gospels. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1987.

Bruce, F. F. New Testament History. New York: Doubleday, 1983. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Bryant, T. Alton, ed. The New Compact Bible Dictionary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1967.

Butler, Trent C., ed. Holman Bible Dictionary. Nashville: Holman Bible Pub., 1991.

Carson, D. A. and Moo, Douglas. An Introduction to the New Testament. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005.

Cruden’s Complete Concordance of the Old & New Testament. Philadelphia: The John C. Winston Co., 1930.

Easton, Matthew G. Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Public Domain. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Edersheim, Alfred. The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers. 1993. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Evans, Craig A. and Porter, Stanley E. Dictionary of New Testament Background. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Gromacki, Robert. New Testament Survey. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1974.

Gundry, Robert. Survey of the New Testament. 4th ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003.

Guthrie, Donald. New Testament Introduction. rev. ed. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1981, 1064 pp.

Habermas, Gary R. The Historical Jesus: Ancient Evidence for the Life of Christ. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1996. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Hiebert, D. Edmond. An Introduction to the New Testament. 3 vols. Chicago: Moody Press, 1975–77.

Jensen, Irving L. Jensen’s Survey of the New Testament. Chicago: Moody Press, 1981.

Josephus’ Complete Works. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1981.

Kaiser, Walter, Jr., and Silva, Moises. An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics: The Search for Meaning. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.

Klein, William W., Blomberg, Craig L., and Hubbard, Robert, Jr. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. Nashville: W Publishing Group, 1993.

Larkin, Clarence. Rightly Dividing the Word. Philadelphia, PA: The Rev. Clarence Larkin Est., 1921.

Lockyer, Herbert. Series of books, including his books on All the Men, Women, Miracles, and Parables of the Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1958–1967.

Marshall, I. Howard. ed. New Testament Interpretation. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1977, 406 pp.

Martin, Ralph. New Testament Foundations. 2 vols. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1975–78.

McGarvey, John William. Lands of the Bible: A Geographical and Topographical Description of Palestine. Public Domain. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Morris, Leon. New Testament Theology. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.

Nave’s Topical Bible. Nashville, TN: The Southwestern Co., n.d.

Orr, James. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1939. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Ramm, Bernard. Protestant Biblical Interpretation: A Textbook of Hermeneutics. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1970.

Ryrie, Charles. Biblical Theology of the New Testament. Chicago: Moody, 1959, 304 pp.

Scroggie, William G. Guide to the Gospels. London: Pickering and Inglis, 1948, rpt., 664 pp.

Tenney, Merrill C. Genius of the Gospels. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951, 124 pp.

_______. New Testament Survey. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1961.

The Amplified New Testament. (Scripture Quotations are from the Amplified New Testament, Copyright 1954, 1958, 1987 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.)

The Four Translation New Testament. (Including King James, New American Standard, Williams—New Testament in the Language of the People, Beck—New Testament in the Language of Today.) Minneapolis, MN: World Wide Publications.

The New Thompson Chain Reference Bible. Indianapolis: B.B. Kirkbride Bible Co., 1964,

Unger, Merrill F., Harrison R. K., (ed.). The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2006. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Water, Mark, AMG’s Encyclopedia of Jesus’ Life & Time. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2006. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Willmington, Harold L. Willmington’s Bible Handbook. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1997.

_______. Willmington’s Guide to the Bible. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1981.

The Commentaries

Barclay, William. Daily Study Bible Series. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press, Began in 1953.

Barnes, Albert. Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Kregel Classics, 1962. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Barton, Bruce, ed. Life Application Bible Commentary. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., various dates. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Bock, Darrell L. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, The Gospel of Mark. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 2006.

Burn, John Henry. The Preacher’s Complete Homiletic Commentary on the Gospel According to St. Mark. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1996.

Calvin, John. Calvin’s Commentaries. Public Domain. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Earle, Ralph. Mark: The Gospel of Action. Chicago: Moody Press, 1980.

Elwell, Walter A. Baker Commentary on the Bible. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2001. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Evans, Craig A. The Holman Apologetics Commentary on the Bible, The Gospels and Acts. Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 2013.

Exell, Joseph S. The Biblical Illustrator, Mark. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953.

France, R.T. The New International Greek Testament Commentary, The Gospel of Mark. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002.

Garland, David E. and Longman III, Tremper, ed. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Revised Edition, Volume 9: Matthew & Mark: Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010.

Gilbrant, Thoralf and Harris, Ralph W. The Complete Biblical Library New Testament Commentary. Springfield, MO: World Library Press. 1992. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Grogan, Geoffrey. Focus on the Bible Commentary: Good News from Jerusalem. Fearn, Ross-Shire, Scotland: Christian Focus Publications, 2003.

Gutzke, Manford George. Plain Talk on Mark. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1975.

Hendriksen, William. Mark. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1975.

Henry, Matthew. Commentary on the Whole Bible. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co.

Hiebert, D. Edmond. The Gospel of Mark: An Expositional Commentary. Greenville, SC: BJU Press, 1994.

Holman Bible editorial staff. Holman New Testament Commentary. Nashville: Holman Reference, 2001.

Hughes, R. Kent. Mark: Jesus, Servant and Savior. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2015.

Ironside, H.A. Expository Notes on the Gospel of Mark. New York: Loizeaux Brothers, 1948.

Jamieson, Robert; Fausset, A. R. and Brown, David. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown’s Commentary on the Whole Bible. Public Domain. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Lane, William L. New International Commentary on the New Testament, The Gospel of Mark. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1974.

MacDonald, William. Believer’s Bible Commentary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995.

MacLaren, Alexander. Expositions of the Holy Scriptures (17 volumes). Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group, 1988.

McGee, J. Vernon. Through the Bible (5 volumes). Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1990. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

McKenna, David L. The Preacher’s Commentary Volume 25: Mark. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2002.

Morris, Leon. The Gospel According to John. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1971.

Pfeiffer, Charles F. and Harrison, Everett F., eds. The New Testament & Wycliffe Bible Commentary. New York: The Iverson Associates, 1971. Produced for Moody Monthly. Chicago: Moody Press, 1962.

Phillips, John. Phillips Commentary Series. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2006.

Poole, Matthew. Matthew Poole’s Commentary on the Holy Bible. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1985.

Stein, Robert H. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Mark. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 2008.

Swindoll, Charles R. Mark: Swindoll’s Living Insights Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 2016.

Tasker, RVG. The Gospel According to St. John (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries). Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1960.

The Pulpit Commentary, Edited by H.D.M. Spence & Joseph S. Exell. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1950.

Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Began in 1958.

Various authors. The IVP New Testament Commentary Series (20 volumes). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1991–2009. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Various authors. The New American Commentary (43 volumes). Nashville: Broadman & Holman, various dates. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Walker, Thomas. Acts of the Apostles. Chicago: Moody Press, 1965.

Walvoord, John. The Thessalonian Epistles. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1973.

_______ and Roy B. Zuck, eds. The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2004. Via Wordsearch digital edition.

Abbreviations

THE BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

THE BOOKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

How to Use

everyWORD™

➊ Glance at the Subject Heading. Think about it for a moment.

➋ Glance at the Subject Heading again, and then the Major Points (1, 2, 3, etc.). Do this several times, reviewing them together while quickly grasping the overall subject.

➌ Glance at both the Major Points and Subpoints together while reading the Scripture. Do this slower than Step 2. Note how these points sit directly beside the related verse and simply restate what the Scripture is saying—in Outline form.

➍ Next read the Commentary. Note that the Major Point Numbers in the Outline match those in the Commentary. When applicable, a small raised number (DS1, DS2, etc.) at the end of a Subject Heading or Outline Point directs you to a related Deeper Study (shown on next page) in the Commentary.

➎ and ➏ Finally, read the Thoughts and Support Scriptures (shown on next page).

The everyWORD™ series and study system contains everything you need for sermon preparation and Bible study:

1. The Subject Heading describes the overall theme of the passage and is located directly above the Outline and Scripture (keyed alphabetically).

2. Major Points are keyed with an outline number guiding you to related commentary.

3. Subpoints explain and clarify the Scripture as needed.

4. Commentary is fully researched and developed for every point.

5. Thoughts help apply the Scripture to daily life.

6. Support Scripture provides one or more Bible verses that correspond to the Major Points and Subpoints.

7. Deeper Studies provide in-depth discussions of key words or phrases.

8. Scripture Callouts repeat segments of Scripture used in the Scripture and Outline sections below the Subject Headings

Woe to me, if I do not preach the gospel!

(1 Co.9:16)

The Gospel According to Mark

Introduction

AUTHOR: John Mark.

The early church fathers say that Mark was a companion of Peter. Some commentators claim that Peter furnished much of the material for the Gospel, whereas others say that Mark made notes of Peter’s preaching and later used the notes to write the Gospel.

Papias says: Mark, who was Peter’s interpreter, wrote down carefully all that he remembered of what Christ had said or done, though not in order. For he had neither heard the Lord nor been His disciple; but afterwards, as I said, he had been Peter’s disciple. Now Peter used to teach according to the needs, without giving an orderly summary of the Lord’s sayings. So Mark was not wrong in writing down some things as he recalled them. For his one concern was this—not to omit nor to falsify anything that he had heard (Papias, Frag.2:15. Quoted by William Barclay. The Gospel of Mark. The Daily Study Bible. Philadelphia, PA: The Westminster Press, 1954, p. xvii).

Scripture gives a good deal of information about Mark (see notes—Ac.12:25; 13:13).

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DATE: uncertain. Probably A.D. 67–70.

The fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 had not yet occurred (Mk.13). The church father, Irenaeus, says: Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own dialect, while Peter and Paul were preaching at Rome and laying the foundations of the church. After their departure, Mark, the disciple and interpreter of Peter, did also hand down to us in writing what had been preached by Peter (Irenaeus, Against Heresies III.I.1).

Note the word departure. It evidently means death. It is so used in referring to the Lord’s death (Lu.9:31) and to Peter’s impending death (2 Pe.1:15). The Anti-Marcionite Prologue says very clearly, After the death of Peter himself, he [Mark] wrote down this same gospel. . . . (Quoted from The Gospel of Mark. Introduction. The New Testament and Wycliffe Bible Commentary, ed. by Charles F. Pfeiffer and Everett F. Harrison. Produced for Moody Monthly by the Iversen Associates, NY, 1971, p.113.)

The deaths of Peter and Paul are thought to have occurred around A.D. 65–70. (See Introductory Notes, Author, 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy.) Therefore, Mark’s writing would have taken place somewhere around A.D. 67–70.

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TO WHOM WRITTEN: to the Roman world, the world at large, the Gentile mind.

Mark’s recipients are not familiar with Jewish terms and customs, for he constantly explains them. However, they are familiar with Christian history and terms. He never explains them (for example, John the Baptist, baptism, the Holy Spirit).

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PLACE WRITTEN: most likely Rome.

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PURPOSE: to show that Jesus is unquestionably the Son of God.

Mark states his purpose immediately upon beginning his Gospel: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mk.1:1). Jesus is declared to be the Son of God at His baptism and transfiguration by the thundering voice of God, This is my beloved Son. . . . (1:11; 9:7). Even demons cry out, I know thee, who thou art, the Holy One of God (1:24). The conclusion of the Centurion is, Truly this was the Son of God (15:39). Throughout His ministry Jesus Himself claims to be the Son of God time and again.

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SPECIAL FEATURES:

1. Mark is The Gospel of Realism. Mark reports Jesus’ life as it was with little interpretation. It is an on-the-spot, eyewitness account written in a straightforward manner. The account is unvarnished.

2. Mark is The Gospel of Action. The key word is euthys which means instantly, immediately, forthwith. It occurs well over thirty times. The Gospel paints a moving and vivid picture of the dramatic life of Christ. It rushes from event to event as if breathlessly moving toward one final ultimate climax.

3. Mark is The Gospel of Humanity or The Gospel of Emotion. Jesus’ humanity is forcibly pictured. Jesus is the carpenter (6:3); He was moved with righteous anger (3:5; 8:33; 10:14); He became weary (4:38); He marveled at the people’s unbelief (6:6); He became tired and needed rest (6:31); He was moved with compassion (6:34); He sighed (7:34; 8:12); He looked at the rich young ruler and loved him (10:21); He hungered (11:12).

4. Mark is The Gospel of the Eyewitness. Mark adds detail after detail to the events of Jesus’ life, details that could come only from an eyewitness. During Jesus’ temptation, He was with the wild beasts (1:13). Jesus named James and John Boanerges (3:17). He was very displeased with the disciples’ rejection of little children (10:14). When Jesus foretold His death, the disciples were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid (10:32). The common people heard Him gladly (12:37).

Outline of Mark

everyWORD™ is unique. It differs from all other study Bibles and sermon resource materials in that every passage and subject is outlined right beside the Scripture. When you choose any subject below and turn to the reference, you have not only the Scripture, but also an outline of the Scripture and subject already prepared for you—verse by verse.

For a quick example, choose one of the subjects below and turn over to the Scripture. You should find this system to be a marvelous help for more organized and streamlined study.

In addition, every point of the Scripture and Outline is fully developed in a Commentary section with supporting Scripture at the end of each point. Again, this arrangement makes sermon or lesson preparation much simpler and more efficient.

Note something else: The subjects of Mark have titles that are both biblical and practical. The practical titles are often more appealing to people. This benefit is clearly seen for use on billboards, bulletins, church newsletters, and so forth.

A suggestion: For the quickest overview of Mark, first read all the Division titles (I, II, III, etc.), then come back and read all the individual outline titles.

Outline of Mark

I. THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL: JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, 1:1–20

A. Jesus Christ and John the Baptist: The Good News and the Messenger of God, 1:1–8

B. Jesus Christ and His Baptism: A Decision for God, 1:9–11

C. Jesus Christ and His Temptation: Dealing with Temptation, 1:12–13

D. Jesus Christ and His Message: The Good News of God, 1:14–15

E. Jesus Christ and His Disciples: The Kind of People Called, 1:16–20

II. THE SON OF GOD’S OPENING MINISTRY: JESUS’ IMMEDIATE IMPACT, 1:21–3:35

A. Jesus’ Teaching and Its Impact: Launching a New Ministry, 1:21–22

B. Jesus’ Power over Evil Spirits and Its Impact: Delivering the Most Enslaved, 1:23–28

C. Jesus’ Power and Impact upon Each One: Caring for the Home and the Individual, 1:29–31

D. Jesus’ Power and Impact upon People in the Streets: Caring for the Whole World, 1:32–34

E. Jesus’ Source of Power and Its Impact: What Is the Source of Power, 1:35–39

F. Jesus’ Power over Leprosy and Its Impact: Cleansing the Most Unclean, 1:40–45

G. Jesus’ Power to Forgive Sin and Its Impact: Forgiveness of Sin, 2:1–12

H. Jesus’ Impact upon Matthew and His Friends: Reaching the Outcast and the Sinner, 2:13–17

I. Jesus’ Impact upon Young Disciples and Theologians: The Kind of Life Christ Brings, 2:18–22

J. Jesus’ Impact upon Religionists: Understanding the Sabbath, 2:23–28

K. Jesus’ Impact upon Authorities and Politicians: Understanding True Religion, 3:1–6

L. Jesus’ Impact upon Crowds and Evil Spirits: Seeking and Fearing Christ, 3:7–12

M. Jesus’ Impact upon the Twelve Disciples: Calling Choice People, 3:13–19

N. Jesus’ Impact upon Friends: Calling Jesus Mad and Insane, 3:20–21

O. Jesus’ Impact upon Religionists: Calling Jesus Demon-Possessed, 3:22–30

P. Jesus’ Impact upon His Own Family: Feeling Jesus Is an Embarrassment, 3:31–35

III. THE SON OF GOD’S CONTINUING MINISTRY: JESUS’ PARABLES AND HIS AUTHORITY, 4:1–6:6

A. The Parable of the Sower: How People Receive the Word of God, 4:1–20

B. The Parables Dealing with Truth: Truth and Man’s Duty, 4:21–25

C. The Parable of the Growing Seed: The Growth of Believers, 4:26–29

D. The Parable of the Mustard Seed: The Growth of God’s Kingdom, 4:30–32

E. The Use of Parables by Jesus: Why He Used Parables, 4:33–34

F. The Authority of Jesus over Nature: Rest and Peace, 4:35–41

G. The Authority of Jesus to Banish Demons: Hope for the Most Severely Affected, 5:1–20

H. The Approaches That Lay Hold of Jesus’ Authority: How to Approach Jesus, 5:21–43

I. The Rejection of Jesus’ Authority: Why Jesus Is Rejected, 6:1–6

IV. THE SON OF GOD’S TRAINING MINISTRY: JESUS’ INTENSIVE PREPARATION OF THE DISCIPLES, 6:7–8:26

A. The Sending Out of the Disciples, 6:7–13

B. The Death of John the Baptist: The Immoral vs. the Righteous, 6:14–29

C. The Need for Rest and Its Dangers, 6:30–34

D. The Attitudes Toward Human Need and Resources, 6:35–44

E. Five Wise Lessons for Service, 6:45–52

F. The Steps to Healing, 6:53–56

G. The Emptiness of (Man-Made) Tradition, Ritual, Ceremony, Works, 7:1–13

H. The Things That Defile and Make a Person Unclean, 7:14–23

I. The Steps to Caring for the Rejected, 7:24–30

J. The Verdict Sought for Our Service: Doing Everything Well, 7:31–37

K. The Need for Spiritual Food, Compassion, and Evangelism, 8:1–9

L. The Fault of the Spiritually Blind, 8:10–13

M. The Evil and Danger of Religionists and World Leaders, 8:14–21

N. The Necessity for Caring, 8:22–26

V. THE SON OF GOD’S CLOSING MINISTRY: JESUS TEACHES THE IDEA OF GOD’S MESSIAHSHIP, NOT MAN’S MESSIAHSHIP, 8:27–9:50

A. The Great Confession of Peter: Who Jesus Is, 8:27–30

B. The First Prediction of Death: God’s Messiah vs. Man’s Messiah, 8:31–33

C. The Issues of God and the Issues of Men, 8:34–9:1

D. The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Heaven’s Glory, 9:2–13

E. The Problem of Spiritual Immaturity and Powerlessness, 9:14–29

F. The Second Prediction of Death: Intensive Training on the Death of Christ, 9:30–32

G. The Disciples’ Terrible Ignorance of Messiahship: A Problem of Ambition, 9:33–37

H. The Basis for Tolerance, 9:38–41

I. The Terrible Tragedy of Sin, 9:42–50

VI. THE SON OF GOD’S LAST PUBLIC MINISTRY: JESUS DEALS WITH SOME SPECIAL ISSUES, 10:1–52

A. The Issue of Divorce, 10:1–12

B. The Issue of Children and the Truth About Children and Jesus, 10:13–16

C. The Rich Young Ruler: The Issue of Eternal Life, 10:17–22

D. The Issue of Wealth and Its Dangers, 10:23–27

E. The Issue of Rewards: What a Person Receives for Following Christ, 10:28–31

F. The Third Prediction of Death: The Issue of Christ’s Death, 10:32–34

G. The Issue of Ambition, 10:35–45

H. The Steps for Getting Help: Blind Bartimaeus, 10:46–52

VII. THE SON OF GOD’S LAST JERUSALEM MINISTRY: JESUS’ WARNING AND CONFLICT WITH RELIGIONISTS, 11:1–12:44

A. The Triumphal Entry: A Dramatic Warning, Jesus Is the Messiah, 11:1–11

B. The Fig Tree Cursed: A Warning Against a Fruitless Life, 11:12–14

C. The Temple Cleansed: A Warning to Those Who Abuse God’s Temple, 11:15–19

D. The Conditions of Prayer, 11:20–26

E. The Authority of Jesus Questioned: Two Choices Concerning Jesus, 11:27–33

F. The Parable of the Wicked Tenants: God and Israel, or God and Humanity, 12:1–12

G. The Question Concerning Civil and Religious Power: The State and God, 12:13–17

H. The Question About and Proof of the Resurrection, 12:18–27

I. The Question About the Greatest Commandment, 12:28–34

J. The Puzzling Concept of the Messiah, 12:35–37

K. The Warning to the Crowds and Religionists: Some Things to Guard Against, 12:38–40

L. The Widow’s Offerings: Real Giving, 12:41–44

VIII. THE SON OF GOD’S OLIVET MINISTRY: JESUS’ PROPHECY OF HIS RETURN AND THE END TIME, 13:1–37

A. The Signs of the End Time, 13:1–13

B. The Most Terrible Sign: The Abomination That Causes Desolation, 13:14–23

C. The Coming of the Son of Man, 13:24–27

D. The End Time and Its Warning to Believers, 13:28–37

IX. THE SON OF GOD’S PASSION MINISTRY: JESUS’ SUPREME SACRIFICE—REJECTED AND CRUCIFIED, 14:1–15:47

A. Jesus’ Death Plotted: A Picture of the Passover and Jesus’ Death, 14:1–2

B. Jesus’ Anointing at Bethany: A Study of Love, 14:3–9

C. Jesus’ Betrayal: Why a Disciple Failed, 14:10–11

D. Jesus’ Last Chance Given to Judas: The Appeal to a Sinner, 14:12–21

E. Jesus’ Institution of the Lord’s Supper, 14:22–26

F. Jesus’ Prediction of Peter’s Denial: How Jesus Treats Failure, 14:27–31

G. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: Bearing the Weight of Unspeakable Suffering, 14:32–42

H. Jesus’ Arrest: A Study of Human Character, 14:43–52

I. Jesus’ Trial Before the High Priest: A Look at Weak and Strong Character, 14:53–65

J. Peter’s Denial: A Picture of Failure, 14:66–72

K. Jesus’ Trial Before Pilate: The Picture of a Morally Weak Judge, 15:1–15

L. Jesus’ Cross: An Outline of Its Mockery and Events, 15:16–41

M. Jesus’ Burial: A Discussion of Courage, 15:42–47

X. THE SON OF GOD’S SUPREME MINISTRY: JESUS’ VICTORY OVER DEATH AND HIS GREAT COMMISSION, 16:1–20

A. The Proofs of the Resurrection, 16:1–13

B. The Lord’s Great Commission, 16:14–20

Chapter 1

I. The Beginning of the Gospel: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, 1:1–20

A. Jesus Christ and John the Baptist: The Good News and The Messenger of God, 1:1–8

(Mt.3:1–12; Lu.3:1–18; Jn.1:19–28)

1. The gospel of God[v.1]

a. Concerns Jesus Christ,DS1 the Son of GodDS2[v.1]

b. Began long ago: The prophets foretold it [v.2]

2. The promise of God to send a messenger: To prepare for His Son[v.2]

3. The mission of God’s messenger[v.3]

a. To be a voice: PrepareDS3[v.3]

b. To baptize [v.4]

c. To preach repentance and forgiveness of sins [v.4]

4. The impact of God’s messenger: Many responded[v.5]

a. They were baptized [v.5]

b. They confessed their sins [v.5]

5. The spirit of God’s messenger: Self-denial[v.6]

6. The message of God’s messenger[v.7]

a. The supremacy of Christ [v.7]

b. The power of Christ: To save and empower (baptize) you with His Spirit [v.8]

Division I

The Beginning of the Gospel: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, 1:1–20

A. Jesus Christ and John the Baptist: The Good News and the Messenger of God, 1:1–8

(Mt.3:1–12; Lu.3:1–18; Jn.1:19–28)

1:1–8

Introduction

Mark begins his Gospel with the simple words the beginning of. But the words that follow are not simple. They are profound and astounding: the gospel [good news] of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Our hearts should leap with a grasping, vibrant joy at the sight of these words; for God truly exists, and God has sent a glorious message to us through His Son.

Mark wastes no time in sharing the good news about the coming of God’s Son into human history. He jumps right to the subject of God’s messenger whom God sent to prepare the way for His Son. This is, Jesus Christ and John the Baptist: The Good News and the Messenger of God, 1:1–8.

1. The gospel of God (v.1–2).

2. The promise of God to send a messenger: To prepare for His Son (vv.2–3).

3. The mission of God’s messenger (vv.3–5).

4. The impact of God’s messenger: Many responded (v.5).

5. The spirit of God’s messenger: Self-denial (v.6).

6. The message of God’s messenger (vv.7–8).

1 The gospel of God. (1:1–2)

Mark opens his book by announcing his subject: the gospel of Jesus Christ. He says two things about the beginning of the gospel or good news (see note, Gospel—Ro.1:1–4 for more discussion).

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a. Concerns Jesus Christ, the Son of God (v.1).

The gospel concerns Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Note Mark’s exact words: the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not the gospel of Mark, but the gospel of Jesus Christ. This statement conveys three critical truths:

• Jesus Christ is the Subject of the gospel (see Deeper Studies 1, 2).

• Jesus Christ is the Author of the gospel. By Him and through Him the gospel is created and written. He brings the good news of God to the human race. He embodies, and He proclaims the good news about God to people (see Deeper Studies 5, 6—Mt.1:21; Deeper Study # 3—8:20).

• Jesus Christ is the Son of God (see notes—Jn.1:1–2; 1:34; 10:30–33; Ph.2:6; 2:7).

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b. Began long ago: The prophets foretold it (v.2).

Although the Subject and the Author of the gospel is Jesus Christ, the gospel began long before the birth of Jesus and the ministry of John. The gospel began long ago in the mind and plan of God. God foretold the gospel through the prophets of old. Mark mentions specifically Isaiah’s prophecy to point out that the message of Jesus Christ was not new. In essence, Mark says the same thing Paul would later say:

To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass. (Ac.26:22)

Deeper Study # 1

(1:1) Jesus (Gk. Iesous; pronounced ee-yay-soos): Savior; He will save. The Hebrew form is Joshua (yasha), meaning Jehovah is salvation; He is the Savior (Mt.18:11; Lu.19:10; Ro.8:3; Ga.1:4; He.2:14–18; 7:25).

Deeper Study # 2

(1:1) Christ (Christos): the words Christ and Messiah are the same name. Messiah is the Hebrew word, and Christ is the Greek word. Both words refer to the same person and mean the same thing: the Anointed One. The Messiah is the Anointed One of God. Matthew says Jesus is called Christ (Mt.1:16); that is, He is recognized as the Anointed One of God, the Messiah Himself.

In Jesus’ day, people yearned for the coming of the long-promised Messiah. Most people’s lives were harsh, hard, and impoverished. Under the Romans, the people felt that God could not wait much longer to fulfill His promise. Such longings for deliverance left the people gullible. Many arose who claimed to be the Messiah and led their trusting followers into rebellion against the Roman state. The insurrectionist Barabbas, who was set free in the place of Jesus at Jesus’ trial, is an example (Mk.15:6f) (see notes—Mt.1:1; Deeper Study # 3—3:11; notes—11:1–6; 11:2–3; Deeper Study # 1—11:5; Deeper Study # 2—11:6; note—Lu.7:21–23).

People assumed that the Messiah would be several things (see note, Davidic Prophecies—Lu.3:24–31):

1. Nationally, He would be the leader from David’s line who would free the Jewish state to be an independent nation and lead it to be the greatest nation the world had ever known.

2. Militarily, He would be a great military leader who would lead Jewish armies victoriously over all the world.

3. Religiously, He would be a supernatural figure straight from God who would bring righteousness over all the earth.

4. Personally, He would be the One who would bring peace to the whole world.

Jesus Christ accepted the title of Messiah on three different occasions (Mt.16:17; Mk.14:61; Jn.4:26). The name Jesus shows Him to be man—a human being. The name Christ shows Him to be God’s Anointed One, God’s very own Son. Christ is Jesus’ official title. It identifies Him officially as Prophet (De.18:15–19), Priest (Ps.110:4), and King (2 S.7:12–13). These three officials were always anointed with oil, a symbol of the Holy Spirit who was to perfectly anoint the Christ, the Messiah (Mt.3:16; Mk.1:10–11; Lu.3:21–22; Jn.1:32–33) (see note—Lu.3:32–38 for more discussion, verses and fulfillment).

2 The promise of God to send a messenger: To prepare for His Son. (1:2)

God had promised to send a messenger, a forerunner to prepare the way for His Son. God made this promise through Malachi, the last of the Old Testament prophets:

Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the

Lord

of hosts. (Mal.3:1; see Mt.11:10)

Isaiah, the most famous of the Old Testament prophets, predicted:

A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the

Lord

; make straight in the desert a highway for our God." (Is.40:3; see Mt.3:3)

Thought 1.

The Old Testament and the New Testament are one in purpose. They both point toward the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Thought 2.

A significant fact is seen here: God knows exactly what is needed to bring the gospel to humanity. He knew that a forerunner was needed; therefore, He planned and promised to send a forerunner. What was true of humanity as a whole is true with every one of us individually. God knows what is needed to bring the gospel to each of us. However, the responsibility to respond and to obey rests with us.

The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. (Mt.22:2–3)

But he said to him, A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ (Lu.14:16–17)

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Co.5:20)

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. (Re.3:20)

I have sent to you all my servants the prophets, sending them persistently, saying, ‘Turn now every one of you from his evil way, and amend your deeds, and do not go after other gods to serve them, and then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to you and your fathers.’ But you did not incline your ear or listen to me. (Je.35:15)

3 The mission of God’s messenger. (1:3–5)

God selected John the Baptist as the messenger who would pave the way for the Messiah. John was sent with a specific, threefold mission.

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a. To be a voice: prepare (v.3).

John was to be a voice calling people to prepare the way of the Lord (see Deeper Study # 3). Note that he was crying in the wilderness. The wilderness is a picture of our lost, sin-cursed world. The world is a wilderness full of dangerous, rough, uneven, thorny, and rocky roads. It is easy to get lost in the wilderness of the world, to stumble and injure oneself (see notes—Mt.18:11; Deeper Study # 1—Lu.15:4). It was in the wilderness of the world where the messenger of God had to cry, Prepare—prepare the way of the Lord.

Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning. (Mk.13:35)

Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. (Lu.12:35–36)

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b. To baptize (v.4a).

John baptized all who genuinely repented and sought God’s forgiveness for their sins. Their repentance was with a view to the coming Messiah; it prepared them to believe in and receive the Messiah when He arrived (see note—Mt.3:11).

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c. To preach repentance and forgiveness of sins (v.4b).

John preached repentance and forgiveness of sins. He called the people to repent, to turn from their sins to God (see Deeper Study # 1—Ac.17:29–30); then they were to be baptized in order to fulfill all righteousness (Mt.3:15). Baptism was part of the act of repentance. There was no true repentance without it. The people were called to acknowledge and feel genuine sorrow for their sin, turning from their sin to God. Part of their turning to God was being baptized. Those who were genuinely repenting would be willing to be baptized as an outward sign of their repentance. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. Those who truly repented and received God’s forgiveness were baptized (see Deeper Study # 4—Mt.26:28).

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. (Lu.13:3)

And Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Ac.2:38)

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out. (Ac.3:19)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 Jn.1:9)

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (Pr.28:13)

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the

Lord

, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Is.55:7)

Deeper Study # 3

(1:3) Roads—Prepare: this is a graphic scene. In ancient days, most roads were hardly more than rough, dusty paths. When a king was about to visit a certain place, a runner would run some distance ahead of the king and shout, Prepare! The king is coming. And the people would immediately begin to clean and level the road for the coming king. John was saying, I am but a voice crying, ‘Make ready! Prepare! The King is coming!’

4 The impact of God’s messenger: Many responded. (1:5)

John’s impact was enormous, both in Jerusalem and throughout the Judean region. Note the word all. All were flocking out to him and being baptized. Going out or went out and being baptized or baptized are imperfect verbs in the Greek text, indicating continuous action. There was a continual procession of people who kept going out to hear John’s preaching and to be baptized by him.¹

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a. They were baptized.

The baptism of so many Jews was shocking, for Jews were never baptized. Baptism was only for Gentile converts to the Jewish faith (see note—Jn.1:24–26).

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b. They confessed their sins.

Again, John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance; therefore, the people confessed their sins. Confession is a part of repentance. It includes admitting or acknowledging our sins, but it is more than that. The Greek root word of confessing (homolegeō) means to agree with or say the same thing about. When we genuinely confess our sins, we not only admit to them, but we agree with God that we need to forsake them. This results in repentance, in turning from sin and to God.

Thought 1.

An enormous impact will be made for God if three things are true:

• if the messenger is truly called of God as John was called.

• if the messenger lives for God as John lived.

• if the messenger witnesses and preaches for God as John witnessed and preached.

5 The spirit of God’s messenger: Self-denial. (1:6)

John lived with a spirit of self-denial. His living quarters were in the wilderness, that is, in the country (v.4). He deliberately chose to live away from the city with all its distractions and temptations, where he could be alone with God in meditation and prayer. Both his diet of locusts and wild honey (see Le.11:22–23) and his animal-hide clothing were simple.

Thought 1.

John knew that life was more than food and clothing and housing. He knew that he must not allow anything to distract him or the people from God . . .

• not living in extravagant luxury.

• not being dressed in the latest and most expensive fashion.

• not eating the tastiest dainties.

Therefore, he denied himself; he actually practiced self-denial. What a lesson for all believers, preachers and laypeople alike! (Ro.14:17).

Then Jesus told his disciples, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Mt.16:24)

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. (Lu.14:27)

For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Ro.8:13)

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Ga.5:24)

6 The message of God’s messenger. (1:7–8)

John’s message was clear and to the point. He did not try to draw a following for himself, but He called the people to look for Christ and to follow Him.

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a. The supremacy of Christ (v.7).

John preached the preeminence of Christ and the nothingness of self. John said he himself was less than a slave. Slaves were the ones who removed the sandals of guests and washed their feet. John said the One coming was so mighty, John was not even worthy to untie His sandals, much less wash His feet.

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b. The power of Christ: To save and empower (baptize) you with His Spirit (v.8).

John proclaimed the power of Christ, a power that far exceeded his. John said he could minister only physical substance: water baptism, a baptism that could only point toward God. But the One coming, the Messiah, would minister spiritual reality, the baptism of the Spirit of God Himself. John’s baptism was but a symbol, an act that demonstrated repentance. But the baptism Christ would bring, the baptism of the Spirit, would empower people and change their lives.

Thought 1.

The message of the messenger is to point to Christ and to Him alone.

Thought 2.

The glorious message of the gospel is twofold.

1) The One mightier than I has come, the One who rises above all and holds the answer for all people.

He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. (Jn.3:31)

Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. (Ac.2:36)

For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. (Ro.14:9)

Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. (1 Co.8:6)

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. (Col.1:18)

2) The One who can baptize [immerse] us with the Holy Spirit of God has come. The One who can fill us with the divine nature and save us from the corruption that is in the world has come (2 Pe.1:4).

And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high. (Lu.24:49)

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. (Jn.7:38–39)

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (Jn.14:16–18)

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. (Jn.16:7)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Ac.1:8)

And Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Ac.2:38)

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1 John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty, (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983), via Wordsearch digital edition.

B. Jesus Christ and His Baptism: A Decision for God, 1:9–11

(Mt.3:13–17; Lu.3:21–22; Jn.1:29–34)

1. His decision to be baptized and submission to God’s will[v.9]

2. His new beginning and the launching of His ministry[v.9]

3. His commissioning and empowering by the Holy Spirit[v.10]

4. His approval and encouragement by GodDS1[v.11]

Division I

The Beginning of the Gospel: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, 1:1–20

B. Jesus Christ and His Baptism: A Decision for God, 1:9–11

(Mt.3:13–17; Lu.3:21–22; Jn.1:29–34)

1:9–11

Introduction

At the very outset of Jesus’ public ministry, He was baptized. Jesus’ baptism serves as an example for us to follow, and it pictures what happens when a person makes a genuine decision for God. This is, Jesus Christ and His Baptism: A Decision for God, 1:9–11.

1. His decision to be baptized and submission to God’s will (v.9).

2. His new beginning and the launching of His ministry (v.9).

3. His commissioning and empowering by the Holy Spirit (v.10).

4. His approval and encouragement by God (v.11).

1 His decision to be baptized and submission to God’s will. (1:9)

Jesus’ baptism involved a momentous decision and a total surrender. Note the words Jesus came from Nazareth . . . and was baptized in the Jordan. In Nazareth, Jesus had everything that most people dream about: a happy home, a close-knit family, a profitable occupation (carpenter), friends, and all the fond memories that accumulate through the years of childhood and youth. Yet, He left it all; He left Nazareth to be baptized by John in the Jordan River. Why? Within Jesus’ mind was the call of God to launch the mission to save the world, a mission that demanded the sacrifice of everything:

• the sacrifice of all that He had in Nazareth.