A New BeginningSample

Good news!

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1)

After zooming in on “the beginning” yesterday, we now encounter the word “gospel.” Another important term! This Greek word means good news. This is how Mark summarizes his message.

The coming of God's Son to this world is good news. That is remarkable because we humans are not quite in a position to interact with God as if He were our equal. On the contrary, when He appears, His coming evokes deep awe and fear. His holiness does not fit into our limited, sinful reality. The prophet Isaiah expressed it this way when he saw God in a vision, “Woe is me! For I am lost … for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:5). Moreover, our sin cries out for punishment. Therefore, when God appears, we may expect Him to condemn us.

But Jesus, the Son of God, says, “I did not come to judge the world but to save the world” (John 12:47). Therefore, His coming is announced as “good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10).

What is the best news you have ever had? Was it also related to Jesus Christ?