1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Mark begins his Gospel with this wonderful statement. This is the beginning, but of what? The story opens quite in the middle of things. Perhaps, beginning doesn't mean the start of things but the underlying elements upon which it all rests. This, then, would be the basis of the gospel—"the good news," though there will be times when it will seem like anything but "good news." That's when we, as readers, will have to dig deep and strive to hear its promise.
Jesus Christ can be understood in several ways. As object, this is an account about Jesus Christ, about his work and ministry. But as subject, this will be an account from him, given by him in practical demonstration of the truth of his words. Additionally, Christ is the Greek rendering of Messiah, meaning "anointed." It referred to the one whom God would anoint and send as Saviour. Lastly, Jesus Christ was called Son of God. Absent from many early manuscripts, this title summarizes Mark's confession of faith. Jesus was not one of many; he was unique; he was Son. From the very first line, then, we've been told Jesus is both Messiah and Son.
