Jesus doesn’t just speak with authority and act with authority, Jesus is authority. Is he your authority?

The stage has now been set by Mark for the ministry of Jesus. John as been the herald of his coming. His Father and his Spirit had also heralded his identity as the long-promised Messiah. He had faced his inaugural conflict with the kingdom of darkness. Now John the Baptist has been imprisoned. It was time for Jesus to begin his ministry in word and action. These verses record a summary of the message Jesus preached, and the impact he made upon people as he summoned them to respond to it.

Mark begins his gospel by telling us two simple things. First, the gospel is about Jesus Christ. It is not good advice about how to live, but good news about a person. Then secondly, Mark sets the scene for Jesus by telling us about John the Baptist and the significance of his life and ministry.

We can learn a ton from Jethro’s advice to Moses, but how we apply it to our life matters and Jesus actually makes it possible.

In the Christian life, fighting is involved… and yet God is victorious, and the Lord is your banner.

Through bread and rest God teaches his people to rely on his provision.

Singing is what God’s people do in response to what he has done for them.

The LORD provides a means and a mediator for the deliverance of His people.

God leads His people, goes with His people, and fights for His people in order to develop their faith in the Lord. Exodus isn’t merely about God delivering His people, it’s also about His desire for them/us to live with radical trust in Him.