Jesus is the culmination of the Old Testament’s narrative, embodying the hope and promise first hinted at in the Garden of Eden. The Gospels of Matthew and Mark, through their intricate storytelling and probing questions, invite us into a profound exploration of Jesus’ identity. They challenge us to see beyond his historical figure to the profound significance of his teachings and life.
The question of Jesus’ identity is a central theme across the Gospels. Mark 1:24 shows demons recognizing his authority, questioning, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” The crowds marvel at his teaching in Mark 1:27, saying, “A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits, and they obey him.” The religious leaders question his authority in Mark 2:7, wondering, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Each encounter, from his authority to his lineage, peels back misunderstandings to reveal Jesus’ true nature. His upbringing in Nazareth, a place of little expectation (John 1:46, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”), only adds to the mystery of his identity.
The baptism of Jesus is recorded in all four Gospels (e.g., Matthew 3:17, “And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'”) marks a critical moment in the biblical narrative. This divine affirmation precedes a period of temptation (Matthew 4:1-11), underscoring the gravity of Jesus’ mission and the spiritual battle surrounding it.
The words spoken at Jesus’ baptism echo key Old Testament texts, affirming his identity and mission. He is tied to the Davidic line (Psalm 2:7, “You are my son; today I have become your father.”), identified as the suffering servant (Isaiah 42:1, “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him.”), and likened to Isaac (Genesis 22:2, “Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.'”).
Jesus’ ministry responded to and fulfilled Scripture. His teachings and life were steeped in Jewish tradition, engaging with and transforming Old Testament concepts. This integration of Jesus’ identity with the Old Testament narrative illustrates the continuity of God’s redemption plan, positioning Jesus as the story’s climax from Genesis to Revelation.
Jesus’ use of “Abba” to address God (Mark 14:36, “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”) reveals an intimacy and dependence that redefine divine sonship. This profound relationship challenges our understanding of God and invites us into a similar intimacy, transforming our perception of what it means to be children of God.
Jesus’ identity and mission are deeply intertwined with the scriptural narrative that prefaces his earthly ministry. Through the Gospels and the Old Testament, we’re invited to understand Jesus as the fulfillment of divine promises, the beloved Son revealing the Father’s heart, and the Savior whose life, death, and resurrection bring hope and redemption. This journey through Scripture illuminates Jesus’ identity and invites us into a deeper relationship with God, grounded in His unfolding plan for humanity.
~PW 🌮🛶
*This is based on reflections from some of Marty Pickup’s writing
Phillip W. Martin 
Leave a comment