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Mark 1: 1
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, ….
More than 2,000 years ago, a very important person died. And His death has serious significance to the lives of all men and women. It is unfortunate that many still have not heard about it. Today, about 2.1 billion people are still ignorant of this great event.
In these modern times, news travels fast. Within minutes, we see and hear breaking news on radio, television and of course, the internet. However, when news gets a day old, it becomes history. But the news I’ll share with you is always new. The news you are about to hear is called euangelion in Greek – “gospel” or “good news” in English.
1. The Meaning of Gospel
The word euangelion is a Greek word. It is commonly heard but also commonly misunderstood. Often, it is not translated adequately because there is no equivalent in some languages. Some Bible translations give only a partial meaning.
The term euangelion is a political term, not a religious one.
It was used during the Roman Empire and only by the Romans. The primary meaning is “royal proclamation”, i.e. news proclaimed from the royal palace. It was a message of utmost importance as it affects all subjects of the empire.
The news is twofold:
First, it tells of bad news! It announces the death of an emperor and no one is happy at the news of death.
Second, it tells of good news! The euangelion is also good because a new emperor had been chosen and would be enthroned! A new era for the empire had begun! Potentially better prospects were coming; life would not only move on but a bright future was expected.
For example, an euangelion could be:
“Julius Caesar is dead! Augustus is the new Caesar!”
Christians took the concept of the euangelion and attached a new meaning and message. They proclaimed the concept in reverse! First, the Good News … then the bad news.
Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
Lordship means full control over the entire universe. Everything in the universe is under the rule of Jesus. In Acts 2: 36, Peter proclaimed that the Jesus whom his listeners had crucified several weeks earlier, God had made him Lord!
This is reinforced by the Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Philippians. In Philippians 2: 9-11, it says:
God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
We move back to Acts 2. Peter’s audience realized the great mistake they had made! Killing an emperor demanded capital punishment. Killing God would certainly demand much more! But the guilty ones could never afford to pay! So, Peter’s audience asked what they should do. Listen to Peter’s reply.
Repentance means a radical about-face. A change of heart and mind is required. They must look at Jesus, not as a criminal but sovereign king. They must enthrone Jesus as their new king in their lives.
Baptism is the external demonstration of the internal change. People who truly repent show their changed attitude by declaring in public, the effective Lordship of Jesus. And that day, 3,000 people did just that! Later, many others who heard the euangelion did the same. Today the proclamation of the Gospel continues; and the number of the followers of Jesus is growing.
But before you make Jesus your Lord, the one who is in control over your life now must be dethroned. There is only one throne in your life and only one person can sit on it and rule your life. Jesus cannot be Lord of your life until the present lord is dethroned!Jesus demands absolute authority and exclusive control over your life.
2. The Importance of the Gospel
Every country has its own set of social greeting. Cambodians will say “Chumreapso!” to say hello or “Chumreap leah!” to say goodbye. The Thais say “Sawasdee!” while a Laotian will say, “Sabaydee”.
During the time of the Roman Empire, people greeted each other in the name of the current Emperor! So, in Jesus’ time, people greeted each other saying, “Augustus is Lord!” This was to show respect and loyalty to their emperor. It was very important for subjects to know and declare their Lord. Subjects need to address their Lord personally.
During those days if you wished to know who the followers of Jesus were, you just say, “Good morning!” and the reply would identify the person’s lord and loyalty! Christians were known to say, “Jesus is Lord!” instead of “Caesar is Lord!” The Christians could not hide the truth of their authority, loyalty and faith! Some emperors like Nero felt so threatened that he arrested Peter and Paul – and executed them!
3. The Gospel and You
Rev Dr Betia, in his ministry of 43 years, has met many people who thought they were Christian simply because they were born in a Christian family. Some claim to be third-generation Christians and they have been consistent churchgoers. But when asked about the Gospel, many are not sure. Some wondered what he was talking about.
This might be the first time you heard of the euangelion. Today you are confronted with the Lordship of Jesus. The news is not for your information or amusement; it is for you to make a choice.
Remember, your choice will not affect the Lordship of Jesus, but your choice will affect you! Jesus remains the Lord of heaven and earth and of all people, with or without you!
However, you cannot be part of his Kingdom if He is not your Lord. Your kingdom membership depends on who your lord is. Which kingdom will you be going to when you move to the next dimension of existence? Religion is not the issue here. It is not the temple to which you go but the Person to whom you have given control over your life now and the next.
The euangelion is news that changes your life, destiny and eternity! God desires to make your life the best. The choice is yours now.
2,000 years ago, Jesus met Andrew, Peter, John and James on the shores of Lake Galilee and said, “Follow me!” The men left their boats, fishing nets, families and servants to follow Him.
Rev Dr Betia: “Today, Jesus is extending the same invitation and command to YOU, our listener. You could do one or any of the four things:
Simply Listen ….