Under the Surface is a companion to our weekly sermon series, exploring some of the background, theology, and interesting details that didn’t make it into Sunday’s sermon. We’ll go beneath the surface of the text, connect what we’re learning to the New City Catechism, and consider how these truths shape the way we follow Jesus.

Episode 1 — Mark 1:1–8 | Prepare the Way

In our first episode, we go beneath the surface of Mark 1:1–8 to look at how Jesus’ teaching was reliably preserved through an oral culture and living eyewitnesses, why John the Baptist looks so much like Elijah, and the significance of his ministry taking place in the wilderness and at the Jordan River. We’ll also connect Mark’s opening portrait of Jesus to New City Catechism Questions 21–23 and why it matters that our Redeemer is both truly human and truly God.

In the opening words of Mark’s Gospel, we are confronted with the most important question we can ask: Who is Jesus? Mark introduces Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Son of God and Lord of all, while John the Baptist shows us how we meet him—with repentance, humility, and confidence not in ourselves but in Christ, the One who alone can make us new through the Holy Spirit.

Grace Heights Church

Grace Heights Church

Grace Heights Church

Grace Heights Church

Grace Heights Church

Grace Heights Church

Grace Heights Church

Grace Heights Church