First Sunday in Lent Year B 21st February 2021
Lectionary readings: Genesis 9 v8-17; Psalm 25 v1-10; 1 Peter 3 v18-22; Mark 1 v9-15.
Being ‘saved’ really is ‘good news’.
One way of linking together this week’s readings is to explore the theme of being ‘saved’.
In the story of Noah and the ark, God saves creation (all of us) from drowning. God promises Noah (and all living creatures) that never again will creation be destroyed by a flood. (v9,11).
The Psalmist is praying for guidance and help. “Show me your paths and teach me to follow. Guide me by your truth and instruct me. You keep me safe and I always trust you.” (v4,5).
In Mark’s gospel, we are taken back to the start of Jesus’ ministry; to the time of his baptism and temptation; followed swiftly, as always in Mark, by the next point of action. ‘Jesus went to Galilee and told the good news that comes from God. He said “The time has come! God’s kingdom will soon be here. Turn back to God and believe the good news!” (v14b,15)
In case you missed it, the ‘good news’ that Mark is referring to is mentioned in the previous verses:
- This is the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (v1)
- John the Baptist appeared in the desert and told everyone “Turn back to God and be baptized! Then your sins will be forgiven.” (v4)
- John says “I baptize you with water, but he (‘someone more powerful’ =Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!” (v8)
- Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and John baptized him in the River Jordan. (v9)
- As soon as he came out of the water, he saw the sky open and the Holy Spirit coming down on him like a dove. (v10)
- A voice from heaven said “You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you”. (v11).
In a few short verses Mark has stated that Jesus of Nazareth is ‘The Christ’ (= The promised Messiah), God’s anointed one. God’s own dear Son. Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
The Hebrew meaning of the name Jesus is ‘God saves’. In backing up John’s call to turn to God, Jesus is inviting people to have their sins forgiven and their hearts filled to overflowing with God’s love for others. These people then find themselves playing an active part in God’s salvation plan.
In my Bible dictionary, salvation is described as: ‘The major theme of the Bible. The outworking of God’s eternal plan to deal with the problem of human sin. God spoke of a Messianic figure who would save all people from the power, guilt and penalty of sin. This role was fulfilled by Jesus’.
Salvation in relation to individuals, is defined as: ‘A gift from God, which anyone may receive by exercising faith in Christ and repentance of their sin. (Acts 20 v21). Through this salvation, people become part of a new creation in Christ, (2 Corinthians 5 v17), their sins are forgiven, they receive eternal life and become children of God. They receive the Holy Spirit, who enables them to live a new life based on God’s requirements and to spread the gospel to others (Acts 1 v8; 2 v38). The basis of salvation is the person and work of Jesus’.
Peter, using the benefit of hindsight, sums up the work of Jesus; “Christ did this to bring you to God.” (v18b). Peter and Mark are talking about what Jesus has done to save us, through his life, death and resurrection; reconciling us with our loving heavenly Father.
Bible quotations are taken from the Contemporary English Version.