For the next mini-series from the Gospel of Mark (this one on Mark 1:14-45), rather than just going through the verses in order, I’d like to frame up a study of this passage around some questions. I hope that you will ponder each question and, after reading these verses from the Bible, form your own answers before reading through my comments. Remember, if the Holy Spirit tells you something different from what I’ve written, always go with His answer!
Here’s the first question: What was Jesus’ message and His purpose (as described here)? After all, if we wish to be the best possible followers of Jesus, understanding His message and His purpose seems pretty important. In verses 14-15, we learn that John [the Baptist] was imprisoned (which provides some timing about the start of Jesus’ ministry; see also Mark 6:17, Matthew 14:3), but we also learn what Jesus began to preach.
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!”
Mark 1:14-15 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/mrk.1.14-15.NIV
While John the Baptist’s role in God’s plan was important (just like your role and my role in God’s plan are important), this gospel – this good news – was delivered by Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus was preaching or proclaiming “the good news”. And, what was that good news? For one thing, it was time. After centuries of waiting, the anticipated Messiah was present, and the promised salvation of Israel had arrived (or, at least it was pretty close).
And, the Kingdom of God was close at hand. Note that the gospel of Mark here doesn’t say that Jesus started out by saying that He would die for the sins of the world, even though we might expect Jesus’ key message to be the salvation that He brought. Maybe Jesus also explained other things, or maybe – just like God’s plan continues to be revealed throughout history – Jesus taught the people only what they needed at each step. Having said that, we have the advantage, in the big scope of history, of knowing that it was almost time for the veil that separated God from mankind to be torn in two, and for every believer to have a restored relationship and justification with their Creator.
However, just like hearing the good news about Jesus Christ isn’t the end of the story today, Jesus called people in first-century Galilee to take action. They were expected to repent and believe. We might debate about the specific roles of works versus faith in the life of a Christian, but when Jesus taught both repentance and belief, we cannot – in good conscience – say that both aren’t expected of those who follow Jesus.
So, let’s remember that the good news Jesus brought wasn’t just about “getting saved”. It was about the Kingdom of God, which is an even bigger picture than that. The Bible shares more (elsewhere) that Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God, but let’s get started by following Jesus’ instructions recorded here in the Gospel of Mark: “Repent and believe the good news!”
From Sunday School lesson prepared for September 7, 2025
References:
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Mark, by Allen Black. © 1995 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 