Reflection Points on Mark 1:1-15 Mark announces that we are at “the beginning” of the good news of Jesus Christ (1:1), but his Gospel starts near the end of Jesus’ life. Rather than describing Jesus’ earlier life, Mark introduces us to John the Baptist. Given who you are today, when did your story begin? Mark’s Gospel begins with a proclamation of who Jesus is (1:1). Part of the drama of Mark’s Gospel lies in how Jesus is perceived by his contemporaries. Will they be able to recognise him as the Messiah sent by God; indeed, as God’s Son? Will I accept what Mark has to say about Jesus, even if it means modifying my image of Jesus? Will I welcome the Jesus proclaimed by Mark as good news for me? Mark says, “people from the whole Judean countryside & all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, & were baptised by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins” (1:5). What sins am I reluctant to confess? John proclaimed “I am not worthy to stoop down & untie the thong of his sandals” (1:7). If a person as great as John had such reverence toward the one who came after him, what should my attitude be towards Jesus? “A voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’” (1:11) Who do I say that Jesus is? “The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.” (1:12) How have I experienced the Spirit’s leadings & promptings? How have I had to do battle with evil? What meaning do I find in Mark’s account of Jesus’ time in the desert (1:13)? Jesus begins his public ministry by proclaiming “The time is fulfilled, & the kingdom of God has come near; repent, & believe in the good news.” (1:15) How would I have responded to Jesus’ message about God’s reign if I had been in his original audience? How do I respond today to the message of Jesus? .