Mark 1:38-39

Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Rev. M. Sylvia O. Vásquez, Rector
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Walnut Creek)

What a joy to know we have a God that is so concerned for our lives that healing us from a mere fever and healing us from a catastrophic illness like leprosy are equally compelling in God’s eyes!

God shows us by action and example that there is no situation that can diminish our lives when we believe in God’s message of salvation. You might be wondering what salvation really means. Just what is this “Good News” we hear about in Mark’s Gospel? Salvation is not only about what happens to us after we die. It is more about what happens to us in this earthly existence. The message God wants us to believe is that we are not alone in our challenges and obstacles. We are saved from hopelessness, isolation, alienation, and believing we have nothing for which to live.

We have proof of God’s love for us by what Jesus did on the cross. At any point in his ministry, Jesus could have avoided the Jewish leaders who were against him or said something that would have satisfied Pontius Pilate and avoided the death penalty. But he decided to be true to his calling and did not change his message of love and reconciliation. Jesus died on the cross to show us how much God loves us and cares for each one of us.

Jesus asks us to treat each other the same, from the most important to the regular folks. Jesus asks us to be willing to offer healing to all regardless of their position in society. This is a good time to practice what you believe.

Let us pray, God of love and God of our salvation, pour out your spirit of compassion, that all who believe in you will treat all people with dignity and respect, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. AMEN.

Mark 1:14-15

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 is near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Jeff Reed, Senior Pastor
Hillside Covenant Church (Walnut Creek)

Introductions are important. First words always shape the flavor of everything that follows. To this point, the first words of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark lay a foundation for all that will follow. There are four central ideas in these seminal words.

“The time is fulfilled.” Hear in this that God is in control of all of history and that His timing is perfect. He knows where things stand, and He knows what He will do. Paul will later echo the same idea: “when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son” (Galatians 4:4). “The kingdom of God is at hand.” Hear in this the good news that God’s actual active rule had broken into the broken world in the person of Jesus, and the beginning of the great reclamation project was on. Jesus was serious when He taught us to pray, “on earth as it is in heaven”! “Repent.” Hear in this the compelling call to all humankind: think differently than you ever have before. Leave off your attempts to earn heaven! See yourself as God sees you—precious, but in desperate need of an absolute and entire saving. “Believe in the good news.” Hear in this the free offer of such a salvation. See in this the merciful hand of rescue. Reach out and grab on to that hand, which is none other than Jesus’ hand, extended to you, a hand that in three years from this pronouncement would be pierced by a nail, holding Him to a cross so that He could extend the offer to hold you forever. These then are the first words of Jesus. Hear them again today for the first time.

Your timing and Your control are perfect. Your rule continues to take hold of the world. I turn from confidence in myself to confidence in You, Jesus, banking on Your rescue, and living to love You and others out of gratitude.

Mark 1:4-8

And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and 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 will come one more powerful than I, the thongs 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.”

Rev. Layne Kilbreath
Faith Christian Fellowship (Walnut Creek)

At the invitation of a locust-eating-camel-skin-wearing-desert-dweller, “the whole Judean countryside and all of Jerusalem streams out for baptism in the Jordan River, the same river where John humbly baptized God the Son whose sandals he was unworthy to untie. This baptism was for the churchgoers of the day, for repentance and the forgiveness of sin. It was a cry to change their hearts and minds and change their way of living.

Luke expands this story (3:1-22), emphasizing both God’s beaming approval of his Son and John’s particular in-your-face brand of challenge only a locust-eater could bring, a rant for a true repentance evidenced in everyday life. After baptism, the crowds ask: “What should we do?” John replies: “Anyone with two shirts, share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” In short, live as obediently as Jesus and turn around when you don’t!

Mark emphasizes the simple life-giving news on how to turn around and obediently follow Jesus. John says, “I baptize you with water, but he (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Here, before the Spirit drenches those disciples at Pentecost and flows freely in the world, we’re reminded that we can never repent, turn around to live God’s way, and bear God’s fruit in our everyday lives without God’s help. God alone helps us share clothes, food, and forgiveness.

In this lent season, hear Jesus’ invitation of love through John’s challenging rant. Hear the Spirit’s invitation to rest in God’s love. Remember that God saved those who streamed into the desert from slavery before he gave them the laws they now broke. Remember the good news: Just like the churchgoers of that day, we’re invited out of slavery to walk in Jesus’ straight way, a particular path he’s already carved into the road for each of us.

Jesus, I accept your heartfelt invitation. Thank you for inviting me to walk with you.