CHAPTER 5 :: The Father at Jesus’ Baptism (Mark 1:9-11)
Storybook
Peter saw John baptize Jesus and passed his experience on to Mark. Mark might have thought, “What a spectacle that must have been!” The Old Testament scriptures tell us Isaiah’s cry for God to reveal Himself. It read, “Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down” (Isaiah 64:1).
The Jews believed a fabric barrier separated God from humanity; in the Temple, the veil before the Holy of Holies portrayed this thought. This veil shielded the priests from God’s personal presence in the temple. As sinful men, they would die when they came into God’s immediate presence.
Mark knew his Jewish readers would understand that God “opened the heavens” when Jesus died by ripping, from top to bottom, the veil, which separated God from His people. That rent veil showed that Jesus had opened the way into God’s presence when He died on the cross. Because He died for all men, but especially believers, God welcomes believers into His immediate presence.
At Jesus’ baptism, the Father announced that Jesus pleased Him. God the Father testified that Jesus is His Son.
First, Mark introduced Jesus as the Son of God.
Next, the Old Testament prophecies identified Jesus as the coming Messiah.
Here, God the Father introduced Jesus as His beloved Son.
The Holy Spirit at Jesus’ Temptation (Mark 1:12-13)
Introduction
Mark’s audience, about 25 or 30 years after Jesus rose from the dead, were the Christians in Rome who faced persecution. He knew Jesus’ victory over Satan would encourage them during their temptations.
Storybook
Peter told Mark he’d already told the Romans about Jesus’ victory. But they had protested that Jesus could withstand temptation because He is God. Peter clarified that even Jesus was reluctant to face His temptation, just like they are. That’s why the Holy Spirit had to compel Jesus to meet Satan’s test. So, Mark made two points to his original audience: Jesus is human, and humans avoid persecution.
Both members of the Godhead have introduced Jesus. God the Father Named Jesus as His Son, while the Holy Spirit gives a more human perspective: Though Jesus, like all humans, is reluctant to face Satan’s temptations, Jesus successfully faced them.
Symbolism
The 40 days Satan tempted Jesus represented one day for each year the Israelites wandered in the wilderness. He overcame where “that generation” failed by depending on God.
Summary
In these first thirteen verses, Mark has five witnesses who introduce Jesus as the Son of God:
Mark himself (1:1)
The Old Testament prophets (1:2-3)
John the Baptist (1:4-8)
God the Father at Jesus’ baptism (1:9-11)
The Holy Spirit at Jesus’ temptation (1:12-13)
In the next several verses, Mark gives us two messages from Jesus and the responses to His call (14-20).
