Jesus' Opening Act

The Warmup Act

Most concerts have at least one opening act. Usually you have to sit through 45 minutes of some unknown up-and-comer before the performer you paid your money to see hits the stage. You give them polite applause but you while you check your watch. You can bet the farm that the warmup act hopes to be a headliner one day.

That was NOT the case for Jesus’ opening act. In the opening chapter of Mark’s Gospel, we meet John the Baptizer (Mk 1:4-8). He understood his place in the pecking order. John’s goal was never to have his name at the top of the bill. All he wanted was to get people ready for the real Headliner.

Peter’s Ghostwriter

Let’s back up just a bit for a little context. God is using a man named Mark to write a fast and furious bio of Jesus for a mostly Roman audience. Folks a lot smarter than me believe the author has an impeccable source for his material. We’re talking about Peter. Yeah, THAT Peter. The Apostle Peter.

While Mark gets the credit, he’s really a ghostwriter for the legendary leader of Jesus’ crew. So as we read the document we call the Book of Mark, put yourself in Pete’s sandals. You’re witnessing the story of Christ through the eyes and ears of the hotheaded commercial fisherman from Galilee.

Holy Road Construction

Mark uses the opening lines of his Gospel to broadly describe the holy road construction needed before Messiah arrives (Mk 1:1-3). Before Christ gets here, someone’s coming to prepare His way. There’s an opening act who will get everybody ready.

The writer then gets specific and reveals the identity of the one who took the stage just before Jesus. “This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven” (v4).

This is Mark’s way of introducing Jesus’ opening act. Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for John the Baptizer! 

It Runs in the Family

Without naming names, prophets like Malachi and Isaiah have hinted about the opener for centuries (Mal 3:1; Is 40:3-5; Mk 1:1-3). Jesus Himself compares John to the one and only Elijah (Mt 11:14; 17:10-13; Mk 9:11-13).

Dr. Luke tells us that Jesus and John are related. Cousins maybe. You see, their mothers are kin (Lk 1:36). The two boys actually met before they were born (Lk 1:41)! I guess you could say they were in adjoining wombs. Okay, maybe not.

The Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth goes out of His way say John is the greatest person who’s ever been born (Mt 11:11). Coming from the Son of God, that’s kind of a big deal.

Rocking the Wilderness

John’s not appearing at a huge stadium, large arena, or even the local amphitheater. “He was in the wilderness” (v4). No, this isn’t the name of a trendy new outdoor venue. He’s in the desert. He’s rocking the Judean wilderness somewhere near Jerusalem. That’s because this isn’t about the where but the Who and what of his message.

Mark tells us that the location doesn’t stop the crowds from coming. “All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John” (v5). Big crowds. Long lines. The prophet packs them in.

A Trunk Load of Churchy Baggage

In order to get folks ready for Messiah, John doesn’t tickle the ears and tell people what they want to hear. He tells them what they need to hear. He “preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven” (v4).

What they needed was to repent. What they needed was to turn from their sin and turn toward God. Repent. Boy, talk about a word that’s fully loaded with a trunk load of churchy baggage! For many of us, it conjures of memories of angry evangelists in three-piece polyester suits trying to scare us away from hell and into heaven.

Doing a 180

But let’s take a closer look at the word the writers of the New Testament use. “Repent” is a Greek word (μετανοια/metanoia) which means a turning around, about face, change of direction. It’s making a U-turn. Doing a 180.

It’s actually a compound word that literally means “after (Gr. μετα-/meta-) thinking (Gr. -νοια/-noia).” Repentance paints a picture of a correction of direction after reconsideration. It’s when we turn ourselves around. Maybe the Hokey Pokey IS what’s all about!

A Radical Change

In preparation for the coming of the Son of God, John the Baptizer makes folks aware of who exactly is on the way. His love. His mercy. His grace. His holiness. As a result, many make a radical change of heart which results in a radical change of life.

Once we understand who God is and what He expects from us, we think again. God’s Holy Spirit flips on the light bulb in our head and heart. We pull a U-ey. We turn FROM our own selfishness. We turn TOWARD the forgiveness only found in Christ.

The First Southern Baptist?

It’s about this time you can see how Jesus’ cousin earns the nickname John the Baptist. “All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River” (v5).

Don’t freak out. I understand why some of you might start to squirm when you see that description. I grew up in a Southern Baptist church. As our friends in recovery like to say, the first step to getting help is admitting you have a problem.

No, John’s not the founder of the Southern Baptists. His title has nothing to with a denomination and everything to do with dunking. Mark uses a Greek word we translate here as “baptized” (Gr. βαπτισμα/baptisma), which means submersion or going completely under.

Overwhelmed by God

One ancient writer uses this word to describe a sinking ship. Let’s be clear. I don’t think God really cares whether you’re sprinkled, dive headfirst, or soaked by a firehose. But can’t we all agree Jack and Rose weren’t exactly sprinkled after the Titanic hit that iceberg?

The best way to understand the idea behind baptism is something that completely and absolutely overwhelms. John’s message totally engulfs his audience in the love and grace of God. The result was a permanent change that prepped people to meet Messiah.

A Weird Wardrobe and Wacky Diet

Suddenly Mark drops in a crazy little commentary on John’s weird wardrobe and wacky diet. “His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and honey” (v6).

It’s pretty clear that John the Dunker wasn’t exactly into fashion and food. He was all about function. I’m pretty sure you won’t find clothes made from camel hair at Abercrombie & Fitch. And “locusts and honey”? We’re talking a seriously paleo diet!

NOT the Star of the Show

It’s at this point that John wants to make it clear that he’s NOT the star of the show. He’s only the opening act. The REAL Headliner is yet to come!

“John announced: ‘Someone is coming soon who is greater that I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of His sandals” (v7).

This reminds me of the scene from “Wayne’s World” when Wayne and Garth are blown away meeting Alice Cooper. They drop to their knees and shout, “We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!”

Trending on Twitter

Let’s cut to the chase. Put yourself in John’s sandals. It would be so easy to get the big head and begin to believe you’re a pretty big deal at this point. Have you seen the traffic coming out of Jerusalem? Check out the long lines for baptism! He’s trending on Twitter!!

But the Dunker refuses to be fooled by the massive crowds coming out of the city to see him. For those of you who think he’s hot stuff, just you wait. John doesn’t think he’s even good enough to help the Star of the show take off His shoes.

Getting in the King’s Grill

Don’t make the mistake of thinking he was some sort of self-deprecating shrinking violet. The guy had the guts to poke his finger in Herod Antipas’ chest and when he started shacking up with his brother’s wife (Mk 6:16-20). While this sounds like an episode of “The Real Housewives of Jerusalem,” getting in the king’s grill cost John his head (Mk 6:21-29).

The One on the Way

The Baptizer knew his role was to point people to the One coming from heaven. This is the long-awaited Savior God had promised for thousands of years. The Snake Killer (Gen 3:17). God’s Blessing to and through Abraham (Gen 12:1-3; 13:14-17; 15:5-5; 17:2-8). David’s Undying Descendant (2Sam 7:8-16).

All throughout the Old Testament, God drops some incredible hints about the Hero who was on the way. The coming Christ is THE Point of OT. Are there cool stories in these ancient documents? You betcha. But the big idea is the arrival of the Second Person of the Trinity.

Making Jesus Famous

With Messiah just about to take the stage, John’s job is to get everybody ready. Don’t mistake him for the headliner. If you think he’s something, just you wait.

In many ways, God calls Christ followers to be like the Dunker. Our job is not to be the star of the show. Our job is to point to Jesus. Our job is to make Him famous. So just politely step out of the spotlight as soon as you can.

The Jams of Air Jordan

John says his baptism may be pretty cool, but it’s nothing compared to the what the Son of God is about to do. “I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (v8). Getting drenched in the Jordan to symbolize turning from sin is sweet. But just wait until you’ve been overwhelmed by God’s Spirit!!

What’s the difference between John’s and Christ’s baptisms? Let’s see if this helps. Remember back when the NBA Slam Dunk Competition was still cool? The contest was the highlight of All-Star Weekend.

It always looked like Dominique Wilkins and Clyde Drexler were unbeatable. The crowd went crazy when the Human Highlight Reel and the Glyde rattled the rims.  That was until Michael Jordan cleared himself for launch from the free throw line. They don’t call him Air Jordan for nothing.

Forgiveness for the Past, Power for the Future

In the same way, you might think the Dunker had serious skills until you saw Jesus jam. John’s baptism only took care of the sins of our past. Jesus brings a baptism that preps us for the future with the power of the Spirit!

For Mark, John, and the folks in the lining up along the Jordan, Jesus’ baptism of the Holy Spirit is still to come. Dr. Luke writes all about the time it first happened just after the Lord headed home to heaven (Acts 2:1-4).

The Slam Dunk of Salvation

Since that crazy day at Pentecost, Jesus has been baptizing every one of His followers with the Spirit of God. Paul tells the Corinthians that each believer’s body is actually a temple for the Holy Spirit (1Cor 6:19).

God’s overwhelming message leads to the slam dunk of salvation! I guess you could say Jesus is the undisputed champ of the eternal dunk competition.

So What Do WE Do?

So what in the world does what Mark has to say about John the Dunker have to do with you and me? For Pete’s sake, I don’t even wear sandals.

If you don’t mind, allow me to ask a few questions? Have we repented? Have we done a 180 from our selfishness and turned to the grace of God?

Have we confessed our sin to others? Jesus’ kid brother James says it’s really important to have a group of friends we can tell about what we’ve done wrong (James 5:16).

We need to remember that repentance and confession aren’t a one-and-done kinda thing. No, we don’t need to run to the front of the church each time the preacher offers the Gospel. But it’s a great idea to stay in a continual attitude of turning from sin and telling others we trust all about it.

Jesus Loves You More than Momma

If I’ve turned to Jesus, I can be sure He’s baptized me in His Spirit. Just because I don’t feel overwhelmed doesn’t mean He hasn’t. The Third Member of the Godhead will not only give you faithfulness you didn’t think you had but will constantly remind you about the One who loves you more than your own momma.

Know Our Role

Finally, John gives a great example of knowing our role. He realizes he’s not the headliner. He’s not the star of the show. Over in the Gospel of John (not THAT John, but one of Jesus’ apostles), the Dunker goes so far as to say his rep must reduce while Jesus’ glory gets greater and greater (Jn 3:30).

Rick Warren is right. The opening line in The Purpose Driven Life reads, “It’s not about you.” It’s not about me. It’s not about the Dunker. It’s ALL about Jesus.

Like John, we’re only the opening act.

©2017
Jay Jennings

We're Talkin' about Practice

“Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress” (1Tim 4:15).

“But we’re talkin’ about practice. What are we talkin’ about? Practice? We’re talkin’ about practice, man. We’re talkin’ about practice. We’re talkin’ about practice.” These are the infamous words of Allen Iverson back in 2001. So A.I. missed a few practices. Not a problem for him. It’s the game that matters. I mean, we’re talkin’ about practice.

Two thousand years before the Answer started breaking ankles with his killer crossover, the Apostle Paul was talkin’ about practice. He writes to Timothy, “Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, os that all may see your progress” (v15). Don’t just talk about the Gospel. Don’t just think about His Good News. Lace up your sneakers and live it out. Stop flapping your gums and do it. I mean, we’re talkin’ about practice.

This is a big deal for the young pastor and his fellow Ephesian followers of Jesus. A team of false teachers who’ve talked a big game but lived very little of it have distracted folks from the true message of the Gospel. They’ve been selling a spiritual snake oil that’s really nothing more than demon doctrine (1Tim 4:1-2). With Paul on divine assignment in Macedonia, he’s turned to his protege Timothy to get the church of Ephesus back on track (1Tim 1:3-7). His assignment is clear. Fill the leadership void with godly men and women of integrity (1Tim 3:1-12). Return to the message of God’s goodness and hit the gym to get CrossFit (1Tim 3:14-16; 4:3-10).

But Paul makes it clear that Tim is to get in top spiritual shape for a reason. He’s not just lifting to get ripped. He’s training himself to “practice these things, immerse yourself in them” (v15). Spiritual disciplines such as Bible study and praying are great…but ONLY when they have an impact on how you live. Otherwise it’s a total waste of time. Nobody’s impressed with your six-pack biblical abs if you’re living just like the rest of the world. You get yourself in Gospel shape to be the living Gospel to your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your coworkers. 

When the apostle tells Pastor Tim to “practice these things” (v15), he uses the Greek word meletao. It actually means a couple of different ideas. On one hand, it describes focusing with intensity or giving your full and total attention to something. But it also means to train, exercise, and rehearse carefully and precisely. In ancient Greek literature, writers use this term to paint a picture of public speakers diligently practicing their speeches in private first. I mean, we’re talkin’ about practice.

While most translators of the New Testament can’t really seem to agree on the exact words, they all agree with what meleato means. 

“Be diligent in these matters” (NIV).

“Take pains with these things” (NASB).

“Put these things into practice” (NRS).

“Give your complete attention to these matters” (NLT).

“Practice and cultivate and meditate upon these duties” (AMP).

“Practice these things” (GNT).

“Cultivate these things” (The Message).

Do these things with focus on detail. Go out of your way to implement them properly. Don’t just think about them but do them. Don’t just do them mindlessly, understand their meaning. Know why you do what you do. Let your actions be the outward response to the work God’s doing inwardly. 

Paul’s command to Timothy is in the present tense. What’s the big deal about that? The pastor isn’t just to do them once and move on. You can just as easily translate this as “keep on practicing these things.” Willing and worshipful obedience to God’s commands is not a one-and-done kinda thing. It’s not a checklist you accomplish and then toss in the trash. Remember, following Jesus isn’t a phase or something you knock out during at church camp when you’re thirteen. We keep on keepin’ on. We “keep on practicing these things.”

This explains we get our idea of practicing law or medicine. I’ve always been uncomfortable with putting my health in the hands of someone who’s still working things out by practicing. It’s one thing to get your hair cut at the barber college. The original meaning of our English word “practice” back in the 1400s was “to pursue or be continually engaged in a profession, skill or craft.” Do I treat my obedience to Christ like a craft? Am I honing my skills and doing everything I can to get better at doing what He tells me? I mean, we’re talkin’ about practice.

So just what exactly is Tim to practice? What are “these things” (v15)? Chances are they’re closely related his other mentions of “these things” we see here in this section of the letter. Paul is “writing these things” so folks will know how to live as members of God’s family (1Tim 3:14). If Tim will “put these things before the brothers,” he’s serving Jesus well (1Tim 4:6) The apostle encourages the young pastor to “command and teach these things” concerning the Gospel (1Tim 4:11).

Specifically, “these things” include focusing on the Mega Messiah Mystery which God revealed as our rescue in Jesus (1Tim 3:16). He saves us because we can’t save ourselves! Receive gratefully and enjoy fully God’s creation as a wonderfully good gift (1Tim 4:3-5). Pursue a godliness never goes out of style, either in this life or the one to come (1Tim 4:8). Leave it all on the field for others because Jesus gave everything He had for us (1Tim 4:10). Proclaim and explain the Gospel and apply it to my everyday life (1Tim 4:13). 

Paul tells us that the best way to devote yourself to practicing these things is to totally “immerse yourself in them” (v15). This phrase in the original Greek literally means “in these things be.” If you truly want to experience the love and grace of Jesus, get out of the kiddie pool dive into the deep end of the Gospel. It’s scary when you’re feet don’t touch the bottom. I have to put my total and complete trust in Christ when I’m up to my eyeballs. Stop splashing around where it’s shallow. Go out past the ropes. 

Remember when Jesus invited a fisherman named Simon head for deeper water (Lk 5:4)? Another time, our Savior asked this same disciple to take a stroll on the stormy Sea of Galilee (Mt 14:28-29). I love the lyrics to Hillsong United’s song “Oceans.” “Your grace abounds in deepest waters.” Do you hear Him? He’s urging you and me to get in over heads in our trust of Him. Go deep. Get in over your head. Immerse yourself. In these things be

My continual obedience and immersion in God’s ways aren’t just for me. According to the apostle, you do this “so that all may see your progress” (v15). He uses a Greek word (Gr. prokope) which describes advancement, forward movement, making headway, or improvement. It literally means a “cutting ahead” or “beating forward.” Picture an explorer busting his tail to blaze a trail. Cutting through the jungle with a machete going somewhere they’ve never been before. It’s very hard work.

In the same way, progress in our walk with Jesus can be hard. I admit that there are times when my flesh wants to turn back instead of following my Savior in obedience. I don’t want to give up my incredibly comfortable, me-centered life. But God has SO much more for me as He calls me to a life of godliness. It’s in that journey of submission to His ways that I actually find His best for me, what Jesus calls the abundant and overflowing life (Jn 10:10). He gives us His strength to accomplish what we could never do on our own (Jn 15:5). As a matter of fact, His power surges best when we admit our weakness (2Cor 12:9-10).

Seeing what God can do in your life gives those around you a front row seat to who He is and what He can do. It’s important “that all may see your progress” (v15). This reinforces Paul’s words just a couple of verses back to “set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1Tim 4:12). The best leaders are the best followers. Godly leaders show what obedience to the Lord looks like. The apostle told his friends in Corinth that if they had any doubt following Jesus to follow him (1Cor 11:1). Do you have folks you can follow when you don’t know what to do? And don’t doubt your impact on the people around you. Whether you realize or not, others are watching your progress.

Paul’s talkin’ about practice. He's talking about the continual and willing devotion to Jesus and His commands. Diving into the deep end of the Gospel pool. Others are watching what God is doing in my life as I follow Christ. I mean, we’re talkin’ about practice.