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我们或许会以为，耶稣那改变世界和创造历史的大工，是应该以一个重要的宣告来开始的；我们可能预见到这是一件至关重要的大事 —— 就好像国家选出总统或首相时那样重要。

然而，神宣告耶稣的事工开始的方式却颇为低调，而且也是私下进行的 ——那时耶稣仍未招聚任何门徒或跟随者来见证这件事。

此外，神的权能没有像雄鹰呼啸而至，而是像鸽子翩然降临。那在创造时曾运行在水面上的神的灵，（参创 1:2）现在同样透过耶稣显出恩慈，祂向我们发出一个征兆，就是一个崭新的创造开启了，而这新的创造也必定是看为好的，看为甚好的。在这里，马可福音带给我们属天的视野，看到耶稣是神独一、至爱、蒙神喜悦的儿子。

无论你怎样看你自己，这里有一个绝妙的提醒：神已经降临这个世界，以慈爱的心意带来一个新的创造，而这个创造中也包括了你。你生命中有哪些地方需要被耶稣基督更新、祝福，重新再造呢？在第十五节中，耶稣亲口宣告说：“日期满了，神的国近了！你们当悔改，信福音。”

We might think that the world-changing and history-making beginning of Jesus’ ministry would begin with a major announcement. We might expect that this would come out as a big deal—like when a nation’s president or prime minister is elected.

But the heavenly declaration that opens Jesus’ ministry is rather low key. It is also rather private—Jesus hadn’t yet gathered any disciples or followers to witness this event.

What’s more, the heavenly power does not swoop in like a great eagle with exposed talons. Instead it is described as gently arriving like a dove. The Spirit of God, who had hovered over the waters of creation (Genesis 1:2), similarly graces the person of Jesus, giving us a sign that a new creation is getting under way and that this new effort will also be good, very good. Here in Mark we are given the heavenly insight that Jesus is the unique and truly loved Son with whom God is well pleased.

No matter what you think of yourself, here is a wonderful hint: God has come into the world with the loving intention of bringing about a new creation that includes you. What in your life needs to be re-created by the transformation and blessing of Jesus Christ? Jesus himself declares in verse 15: “The time has come…The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”