A New Topic

I am helping lead a study of the gospel of Mark. As I have been reading and interacting with the story, I thought it would be great to engage in a conversation as we study this good news together. So hear goes!!
All quotes are from a commentary on the gospel of Mark by my dear friend James Edwards. He is smart and deep and sheds great light on this book. So I am letting him help me along the way.
Mark 1
"The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God." v.1 The gospel which Jesus proclaims is in fact the gospel - the good news about himself. (from the NET Bible)
"In Mark's understanding, therefore, the gospel is more than a set of truths, or even a set of beliefs. It is a person, "the gospel of Jesus Christ." The kingdom that God inaugurates is bodily present in Jesus of Nazareth." p.25
Jesus is the good news. As I read and study Mark, I want to come to know Jesus in a deeper way. This isn't about knowing about him but about knowing him in such a way that the good news spills out of me in an attractive, compelling way.
I  love the story of Jesus' baptism. The sky splits apart much like the dividing of the Red Sea, the Spirit descends into Jesus, and "a voice came from heaven: 'You are my one dear Son; in you I take great delight.' v.11 God declares to all present and all who read who Jesus is. Do I believe Jesus is God's Son? It is where this journey begins. Being like Jesus means I humble myself and am open to and listening for whatever word God might speak.
Follow me - v. 17 I am invited to follow Jesus, a person - not a religion or a set of rules. Rules are easier. This journey into knowing Jesus demands more of my eyes, heart and mind. "Only as Jesus is followed can he be known." p. 50 I follow as Jesus teaches with authority - am I listening? jesus casts out demons - can this be real? Jesus heals the sick - I have much to learn about healing in Jesus' name. Jesus spends time alone in prayer - quiet, stillness, listening. I return to my practice of centering prayer. Jesus responds with compassion to those who ask for help. What is my response?
I have much to learn from Jesus. thank you Mark for your gospel that is Jesus.