Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Guttenberg, IA and St. Paul Lutheran Church in McGregor, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Mark 1:2-8.
St. Mark opens his narrative in a dramatic way by citing the Old Testament promise that the LORD will send a messenger to prepare His way. When the dust settles, John appears as the fulfillment of that promise. He preaches repentance as the gift of God to sinners. Those sinners come from all over to confess their sins and receive baptism and the gift of forgiveness in view of what Jesus will do by His death on the cross. John’s wardrobe and diet identify him as the one who comes in the spirit and power of Elijah, whose ministry John often mirrors. John’s preaching identifies Jesus as the Savior who comes to bring completion to all of God’s promises. John pours the water of baptism; Jesus is the One who pours the Holy Spirit.
“The Gospel in Action” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Mark. The Evangelist hits the ground running with the very first verse of his Gospel account, and he never lets up the pace. As one deed of Jesus comes right after another, always paired with His authoritative Word, St. Mark proclaims the good news that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, revealed conclusively by His death on the cross.
