In the Book of Mark, one can find an opening where everything focuses on Jesus Christ: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1) These words set the stage for everything written in the book.
The Book of Mark may be the shortest among the four Gospels, but it is still very important. For a testimony to be valid, both the Old and New Testaments demand for that testimony to be established by two or three witnesses (Deut 19:15, 2 Cor. 13:1). Therefore, the testimony of Jesus written in any one of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) is backed up by the other three gospels, making the Book of Mark indispensable.
In chapter 1 of Mark, Jesus is given a firm identity. He is the Messiah written about by the Prophets. He is the Messiah whom John the Baptist (or John the Immerser) baptizes. He is the Messiah whom the heavens open for, so that the Spirit is seen descending like a dove and the voice of the Heavenly Father is heard, saying, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).
It is a beautiful picture of the Godhead revealing their Presence in a single moment. Do our hearts stop to catch that? Do we see how there are two divine witnesses in the baptism declaring WHO Jesus was? And how there are also two other witnesses—John the Baptist and the crowd– watching this all unfold?
Just as there were witnesses during the time of Jesus, so are there witnesses now.
As we go through everyday, are we mindful of Jesus’ testimony being revealed in our lives? There are people witnessing the things we do and the things we say. Whether we are aware of it or not, we are walking testimonies of Jesus. We are witnesses of our Savior.
Also, whether we are aware of it or not, we have the Godhead looking at us and knowing our identities. We are not baffling mysteries to be solved. To the Father, we are known and loved. And like Jesus, we give our Father pleasure as we exist in the world for Him.
People who are longing for hope and meaning in their lives are looking for straightforward examples of what is true and good. Do we reveal the Messiah? Are we good witnesses of His love and reality?
Our lives are a testimony. Just as we have seen and known the reality of Christ, let us not be afraid to reveal Him to others.
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Janina Marie Rivera is the Editor-in-Chief of One Voice Magazine, a teacher of world literature, and a student of the Bible. She enjoys reflecting on life’s curve balls and plateaus. She resides in the Philippines, the country known for people who smile a lot.
