How the Gospels Begin—Mark - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets: "Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.'"
Mark 1:1-3

How the Gospels Begin—Mark
Mark's Gospel presents our Lord Jesus as the Servant of God, the One diligent in business for God here upon earth. He Himself said He had not come "to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mk. 10:45). But the Holy Spirit makes very clear from the opening of the Gospel that this One, whom He will present throughout this book as a tireless Servant going about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the Devil, is no less than the Son of God. Birth and background of the Servant are not mentioned, but He and John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Him, are presented as subjects of Old Testament prophecy. God's delight in this One who will humbly serve Him on earth is expressed very early in this Gospel.

Immediately afterward the Spirit drives Him into the wilderness, and after that He begins His public ministry, an active ministry characterized by the word immediately (or straightway in kjv), and exercised in prayerful dependence. In this first chapter we see Him busily moving from early morning into the night, calling disciples, delivering from the power of the devil, healing the sick, preaching the Word, and cleansing from leprosy.

John Mark, the young relative of Barnabas who had initially failed in service for the Lord (Acts 13:13; 15:37-39), is the writer of this Gospel. He was later restored to usefulness for ministry after apparently having been mentored first by Barnabas and later by Peter (1 Pet. 5:13). Occupation with the faithful, devoted service of the Lord Jesus was no doubt a major factor in Mark's restoration, and has been a blessing to countless others since.

Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.