Yesterday morning we thought together about some heavy terminology used by Mark in the first verses of his account of Jesus: Beginning, Gospel, Messiah, Son of God, Wilderness, and Jordan. It may have felt like an extended vocabulary lesson at times (!), though these words form the hook to – and outline of – the remaining 16 chapters.

As such, reflecting together on some of the following questions may be helpful:

How have we allowed the beginnings of other narratives to shape us in ways that distract us from relying upon God’s new beginning more fully? (like focusing on the founding of our church, our country, etc.)

Are there ways in which we have allowed good news to become something other than the gospel Jesus inaugurates?

Have we unknowingly anointed persons other than Jesus as our leader or guide through life?

How best could we spend time reflecting upon how God was with us in the “wilderness times”? And, are there ways we could communicate that with one another?

And, who has been a John the Baptist in your life, preparing you for the One who is to come?