THE GOSPEL OF MARK "Behold My Servant"!

The approval of the Father                    chapter 1vv9-11.

           A BAPTISM THAT OPENED THE HEAVENS!

"It came to pass in those days.... These are historical, verifiable events.   Jesus came from Nazareth to be baptized by John in Jordan.   This was His identification with the people of Israel;   the word "in" is really "into" that is He was identified with all that the Jordan represented.   Joshua, who first led them in, failed to occupy the whole land;   enter the perfect servant "...who will not fail..."( Isaiah 42v4).   There were many baptisms at this time, but none like this......"And straightway, coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened.   It is only in very rare and special situations that heaven is opened, (such as Ezekiel 1v1;   Acts 7v56;   Revelation 19v11.)   ON THIS UNIQUE OCCASION THE HEAVENS WERE OPENED INSTANTANEOUSLY!   It is as if the heavens could not contain themselves, overflowing with pleasure at this great event.   The word for "straightway" is used no less than 43 times, translated, variously as "immediately, forthwith, anon, straightway".   This key word gives the picture of non-stop activity, one which is well suited to the gospel of the servant.   It is the action, and activity, and accessibility of the servant being presented throughout the book.   The echoes of the prophet Isaiah resound all through  the book "Behold my servant whom I uphold, mine elect in whom my soul delighteth." (chapter 42v1)

• "The heavens opened "  The physical significance is awesome We cannot be sure how this can be explained; certainly it is a supernatural  phenomenon.   What we know of the vast expanses of the universe forbids the concept that earth could view heaven instantaneously by natural means.   There are many instances in the bible where heaven became visible, but this relates to the unseen world of spirits that we humans cannot comprehend by the laws of physics we know;   this is another dimension to which we are not party, yet it has been the experience of many, both audibly and visibly through the centuries.   The force of the word is that the heavens were "cloven" or "rent asunder".   In a moment the heavens were visible, and a vision of the descending Spirit was seen, and the voice of the Father was heard .   The scene is awesome, the triune God, Father, Son, and Spirit in unison, at the inauguration of the Son, the second member of the Godhead, into humble service on earth!   The spiritual significance is even greater;   in Deuteronomy 28v12, and also in Malachi 3v10 the promise was given to Israel, that on obedience and repentance of heart God would open heaven and pour out unlimited blessing, but that never came because of persistent sin.   Now the heavens are open on the one through whom all blessings will flow to all people.   The multitude came to baptism, confessing their sins.... Jesus came, having no sins, but identifying Himself with our sins, and full unfettered blessing from heaven will flow... but only through Him!
• "...the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him"     The invisible Spirit in bodily form as a dove. The comprehensive imagery of the dove is detailed in scripture;   symbol of rest from disturbances(Psalm 55v6-8);   symbol of beauty(Psalm 68v13);     symbol of purity (Song of Solomon 5v2; 6v9);   symbol of security(Song of Solomon 2v14);   symbol of mourning (Isaiah 38v14, Ezekiel 7v16);  symbol of innocence ( Hosea 7v11, Matthew 10v16).   The particular aspect here is that of rest;  the story in Genesis 8vv8-11, where Noah sent forth the dove into the earth deluged by flood, reveals that the dove will not rest in any place "the dove found no rest for the sole of it's feet, thus the symbol of sensitivity.    The picture is this;   the Spirit of God found no resting place on earth until the Christ came!   He also only finds rest in those who are in Him.   The full powers of the Holy Spirit came upon Him at this the outset of His public service for God... John records in his gospel "...God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him.."
• "...and there came a voice from heaven, saying Thou art my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."        The voice of the Father in absolute approval of His life and His service.   In the slums of Nazareth(both materially and spiritually)   He had brought nothing but pleasure to the Father, who is now proud to send Him into service that would bring unlimited blessing, both locally, and universally.   This is the record of how it unfolded.

               Let All On Earth Awake And Take Notice!
                    The Spirit rested on Him;   the Father approved Him...no one else!!