[:en]SCRIPTURE: MARK 1
INTRODUCTION:
Mark was the shortest and the first among the four gospels. Mary, the mother of John Mark was a leader in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12). John Mark accompanied his cousin Barnabas in their first missionary journey with Paul but he left them. This had caused a division between Barnabas and Paul. because Barnabas took Mark along with him. However, Paul had acknowledged Mark’s ministry and later called him “my son” (1 Peter 5:13).
Mark wrote primarily for Roman readers with emphasis on the following: Jesus as the Servant of God. (Mark 10:44-45), discipleship and persecution.
Bible Verses:
“As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”[ “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” (Mark 1:2-3)
“ And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with[e] water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:7-8)
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:9-11)
“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15)
“ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Mark 1:17)
JOHN THE BAPTIST PREPARES THE WAY (vs. 1-8)
God had sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for the Lord. He preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin. People confessed their sins and John baptized them. But he declared: “I baptized you with water but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit (v. 8)
THE BAPTISM AND TEMPTATION OF JESUS (vs. 9-13)
When Jesus was baptized by John, the heaven opened and the Spirit descended on him like a dove. A voice came from heaven saying: “You are my Son whom I love. With you I am well pleased” (v. 11). The Spirit sent him into the desert for forty days where Satan tempted him.
THE CALLING OF THE FIRST DISCIPLES (vs. 14-20)
Simon and Andrew were fishing in the lake when Jesus said: “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (v. 17). Immediately, they left their nets and followed him. Then, James, son of Zebedee and his brother John also followed him.
JESUS DRIVES OUT AN EVIL SPIRIT (vs. 21-28)
During the Sabbath day, Jesus went to teach at the synagogue. A man with an evil spirit appeared and Jesus drove the evil spirit out. The people were amazed at his teaching and authority.
JESUS HEALS MANY (vs. 29-34)
Jesus healed the mother-in-law of Simon Peter who was in bed with a high fever. He also cured all the sick, the demon possessed and other various diseases.
JESUS PRAYS IN A SOLITARY PLACE (vs. 35-39)
Jesus went off to a solitary place very early in the morning to pray. He traveled to preach in the synagogues and drove out demons.
A MAN WITH LEPROSY (vs. 40-45)
Jesus cured a man with leprosy and told him to show himself to the priest and offer the sacrifices without telling anyone. But he openly spread the news about his healing.
EREFLECTION:
- Will you follow Jesus if he calls you?
- If you are suffering from any illness, ask God to heal you. Trust in His magnificent power.
- Remember to communicate with God through prayer every day.
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