Disciples Global Network

Redemption and God's Kingdom arrived in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, starting with his baptism by John – Mark 1:1-3. The Gospel of Mark opens with a declaration that combines passages from the Old Testament to provide the scriptural basis for the ministry of John the Baptist , and to set the stage for Christ’s mission . Mark begins with a note of fulfillment.

It was only when he died that the Roman centurion in charge of the execution recognized that Jesus was the Son of God . Everyone in the Gospel of Mark is incapable of recognizing who Jesus is, except for John the Baptist, Peter (momentarily), and the Roman centurion at his execution, and Peter’s moment of insight proved fleeting. Even the Baptist began to question the identity of Christ when he was imprisoned by Herod Antipas.

Jesus reveals the meaning of Scripture, the understanding of the future, and the nature and mysteries of God . Jesus unveils the Divine mysteries, and only he is qualified to reveal the nature and glory of the unseen God. All the promises of God find their fulfillment in him.  Christ unlocks the scriptures, and there is no true knowledge of God apart from him. The Creator of All Things is found in Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus is the Son of Abraham, the heir of the promises, and the Messiah who implements the inheritance of his people . The Gospel of Matthew begins by declaring that Jesus is “ the son of David, the son of Abraham .” He is the descendant who fulfills the promises made to the Patriarch. This identification introduces the theme of fulfilment that characterizes Matthew . Through Jesus of Nazareth, the covenant promises become concrete realities.

God sent Jesus to provide salvation for men, women, and children of all nations, and everlasting life in the age to come . After his resurrection, Jesus declared, “ All authority in heaven and on earth is given to me! Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations .” And so, he sent his disciples to announce the salvation accomplished by his death “ to the ends of the Earth .”