Jesus – a lot of people like him. Do we, however, like only our favorite things about him. Or, do we pay attention to who he really is? The Gospel of Mark proclaims the good news [evangel] of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. [1:1] Perhaps this first chapter offers us something like a resume, revealing the real Jesus, not just someone we like to imagine. These stories from his early ministry will help each of us answer the pivotal question: But who do you say that I am? [8:29] Only by answering that question will we learn who we are. Today’s readings tell of Jesus’ baptism. Can we hear the voice of the Holy Spirit, speaking over the world’s chaos, pointing to Jesus, and giving to us identity, direction – real life?!
Old Testament Reading – Genesis 1:1-5: The Bible begins with a poetic description of our origins (beginnings, genesis). In the Hebrew language, wind and spirit are used interchangeably. See Acts 2:2.
Psalm 29: Can we see God at work in nature? To be sure, the results of powerful winds can be so devastating. Our faith challenges us to see that God has not abandoned creation. Yet God is much more than – is above – creation. Can we let the Holy Spirit help us see the natural world with humility and wonder, leading us to greater wisdom and greater praise for our Creator? See also Psalm 104:30; 1 Kings 19:11-12.
New Testament Reading – Acts 19:1-7: The early church experienced baptism in various ways. Thus we do not find the precise answers to specific questions about different practices that we may desire. Here we learn that John the Baptizer had followers who went out to spread his teaching. We also see two purposes in baptism: to wash away sin and to fill us with the life-giving Holy Spirit.
Gospel – Mark 1:4-11: Of the four gospels perhaps written first, Saint Mark is fast moving and short on detail. Most of the book (five of the sixteen chapters) is devoted to the last week of Jesus’ ministry. How does Jesus’ encounter with the baptizer help us understand Jesus? How does this story, including the recurrent theme of a voice over the water, help us understand ourselves, our identity and our purpose?
Sermon: Water, Words, Spirit
Key Verse: …a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. [Genesis 1:2]
