Prepare the Way: What the First Three Weeks of Mark Teach Us About Jesus, Identity and the Power of Repentance
May 15, 2025
At Cross Point Church, we’ve launched a year-long journey through the Gospel of Mark. In our first sub-series, “Prepare the Way”, we’ve studied Mark 1:1-15 and what it means to start disciplined, spiritually grounded and truly transformed by Jesus.
Whether you’re walking through this series in real time or just discovering it through this blog, the first few weeks of The Gospel of Mark explore some of the most life-changing spiritual questions we all face. Questions like:
How do I build a consistent habit of reading the Bible?
What makes the Gospel of Mark unique?
How do I find my identity in Christ instead of my performance?
Why is repentance important?
Why was Jesus baptized, and should I be?
Below is a summary of each week’s message, key Scriptures, and life-applicable takeaways that can help disciple you wherever you are in your faith journey.
Week One – “What Makes Mark So Powerful?”
Scripture:Mark 1:1; Overview of the Four Gospels Speaker: Annie F. Downs Pain Point Answered:How do I build a consistent Bible reading habit that actually changes me?
Annie F. Downs began our study of the Gospel of Mark by sharing how reading the Gospels helped her develop a sustainable, transformative rhythm of reading the Bible. Her journey began with a simple goal: read the four Gospels every month for a year. That practice didn’t just change her quiet time, it changed her life.
She highlighted that Mark is the eyewitness retelling of Peter’s experience with Jesus.. It’s quick, raw and action-packed – making it accessible and energizing for new and seasoned Bible readers alike.
Key Takeaways:
You don’t have to read the Bible every day to be changed, but every day you do will change you.
Mark’s Gospel shows that ordinary people can persevere and be transformed.
Jesus is not only full of compassion; He’s incredibly smart, attentive and constant.
Mark 1:1 is the only moment Mark shares his personal opinion: “This is the beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.”
Week Two – “Grounded in the Gospel”
Scripture:Mark 1:2–8 Speaker: Kevin Queen Pain Point Answered:How do I stay spiritually grounded in a chaotic culture?
Pastor Kevin invited us to step into the shoes of the early church, imagining the Gospel of Mark being read aloud in the catacombs of Rome during persecution. That historical lens adds weight to every word. We explored how Mark intentionally starts by contrasting Jesus with Caesar Augustus, who was called “son of god” and “savior of the world.” Mark boldly claims that Jesus, not Caesar, is the true King.
Key Takeaways:
Our identity is not in our performance, talent or success, but in Christ.
Spiritual grounding starts with repentance: a return to the grace and truth of Jesus.
John the Baptist’s role was to prepare hearts through repentance and baptism, a call that still stands today.
Repentance isn’t a punishment – it’s a daily invitation to live free of shame and aligned with God’s purpose.
Week Three – “Jesus, Baptism and Your Identity”
Scripture:Mark 1:9–15 Speaker: Kevin Queen Pain Point Answered:Why should I be baptized, and what does baptism really mean?
This week answered an interesting spiritual question: Why was Jesus baptized if He was without sin? Pastor Kevin walked us through how Jesus was baptized to identify with us, the people He came to save. In contrast, our baptism is how we identify with Him; His death, burial, and resurrection. It’s not a finish line, but a starting line for a life of faith.
Key Takeaways:
Jesus’ baptism was a powerful act of humility and solidarity with us.
It’s also a Trinitarian moment—the Father speaks, the Son is baptized, and the Spirit descends.
After Jesus’ baptism, He enters the wilderness. Spiritual highs are often followed by spiritual challenges, which makes being grounded in the Word all the more important.
Jesus’ first public message (Mark 1:15) includes four calls:
The time (Kairos) has come
The Kingdom of God is near
Repent
Believe the good news
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. As we walk verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark, we believe God will shape our character, deepen our hope and transform our hearts.
Want to start today?
Read Mark 1:1–15
Watch or rewatch the sermons at crosspoint.tv/mark
