The Identity of the King. Mark 1:9-11.
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Dear Royal Priesthood,
Mark finally reveals the identity of the King. Jesus of Nazareth. This revelation brings together the three members of the Trinity as confirmation of the divine design of Jesus’ earthly mission.
Appearing (v. 9). John has just talked about the superiority of Jesus’ ministry and baptism to that of his own. Yet on Jesus’ revelation as the King, he comes to the Jordan to be baptized by John. Jesus is submitting to baptism by his messenger, confirming John as a true prophet, but also occasioning a dramatic transition from John’s ministry to that of himself.
Anointing (v. 10). As Jesus came out of the water, the heavens were torn open and the Spirit descended on him like a dove. We are left in no doubt about the divine approval of Jesus, but it is also made clear to us that the Spirit has come to be with Jesus in his ministry on earth. What Jesus did, he did by the power of the Holy Spirit. This also points to the direction God’s ministry is going to be performed on earth and recalls John’s earlier statement, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (v. 8).
This is the game-changer. For centuries, God’s people had struggled with his commandments. Now God is supplying the Holy Spirit, first to enable Jesus in his ministry and then to enable believers.
Affirmation (11). The Father himself spoke from heaven and declared that not only was Jesus his “beloved Son,” but also that the Father was totally pleased with the Son. This is blanket approval for everything Jesus says and does. The Father is happy with it. In ancient times it was common for a King to make his son a co-regent so that the son had the authority to rule the realm on the father’s behalf. The son would be addressed as king and would have all the authority to rule.
This was the case, for instance, when Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah in 605 BC. He was regent in Babylon (Daniel 1:1). When Jesus started his ministry, it had all the blessing and authority of the Father. That is why the Father later says to the disciples, “Listen to him” (9:7).
Your Loving Pastor Chris.