SCRIPTURE: MARK 1
INTRODUCTION:
John Mark was the cousin of Barnabas, and the son of Mary, a leading woman in the Jerusalem church. He had accompanied Paul in his missionary journey. Mark was the first to write down the events of Jesus’ life. This book was the shortest and the most detailed of the four Gospels. It tells about the stories of Christ’s ministry and his miracles. It presents Jesus Christ as the Servant of God and ended with the Savior’s death and resurrection. This book was written to encourage Roman Christians and to prove that Jesus is the Messiah.
JOHN THE BAPTIST PREPARES THE WAY (vs. 1-8)
Isaiah the prophet had made this prophesy: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way, a voice of one-calling in the desert, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” And John the Baptist fulfilled this prophesy. John came and was preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. They confessed their sins and were baptized by John in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist and he ate locusts and wild honey. He preached this message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (vs.7)
THE BAPTISM AND TEMPTATION OF JESUS (vs. 9-13)
Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River of Nazareth in Galilee. 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.” (v. 11). At once, the Spirit sent him out into the desert with the animals for 40 day and being tempted by Satan. And the angels attended him.
THE CALLING OF THE FIRST DISCIPLES (vs. 14-20)
After John was put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached this message: “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (v. 15). As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake. And Jesus said” Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of omen.” (v. 17). At once, they left their nets and followed Him. As he went farther, he saw James, son of Zebedee and his brother John preparing their nets. Without delay, Jesus called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.
JESUS DRIVES OUT AN EVIL SPIRIT (vs. 21-28)
They went to Capernaum and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. Then a man who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out: “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!” (v. 24). Jesus replied sternly: Be quiet!. Come out of him!” (v. 25). The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. The people were all amazed about his teachings and authority that even the evil spirits obey His orders. News about him spread over the whole region of Galilee.
JESUS HEALS MANY (vs. 29-34)
Jesus went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever. Jesus went to her, took her hand, helped her up and the fever left her. That evening after sunset, people brought all the sick and demon-possessed to Jesus. Jesus healed all the diseases and drove out many demons that the whole town had gathered.
JESUS PRAYS IN A SOLITARY PLACE (vs. 35-39)
Jesus got up very early in the morning and went to a solitary place to pray. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, Jesus said: “Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages – so I can preach there also.” (v. 36) So they traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
A MAN WITH LEPROSY (vs. 40-45)
A man with leprosy begged Jesus to make him clean. Filled with compassion, Jesus cured him. But Jesus warned him not to tell this to anyone but go and show himself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded as a testimony for his cleansing. Instead, he spread the news.
THOUGHTS:
The coming of Christ was prophesied by Isaiah and Malachi in the Old Testament. It was announced by John the Baptist in the New Testament. John was the one preparing the way for the Lord. John came to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins. Today, God can also use you to bring the message of salvation to the lost and the needy world. You can be His servant to share His wonderful work.
Mark began the Gospel with the story of John the Baptist instead of the story of Jesus because his audience was primarily Roman Christians. Important Roman officials during their time were always preceded by an announcer of herald. When the herald arrived in town, the people knew that someone of prominence would soon arrive. So he began with John the Baptist, whose mission was to announce the coming of Jesus.
John chose to live in the wilderness to get away from distractions and concentrate on God’s instructions. His ministry focused on repentance and baptism. His preaching was to prepare people to accept Jesus as God’s Son. But prior to receiving Christ, one needs to denounce the world’s attraction, sinful temptations, harmful attitudes and seek forgiveness.
John’s clothing was made of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist. He distinguished himself from the religious leaders whose flowing robes reflected their great pride in their position. He was humble to proclaim that Jesus, the Messiah would be greater than he.
Reasons why Jesus was baptized:
- To begin his mission in bringing the message of salvation to all people.
- To show support for John’s ministry.
- To identify with our human nature and sin
- To give us an example to follow.
- To declare faith publicly.
When Jesus was baptized, the Spirit descended like a dove on Jesus and the voice from heaven proclaimed him as God’s divine son. Here we see three members of the Trinity together – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. After being baptized, he went to the wilderness where Satan tempted him three times. But Jesus used the Word of God against Satan and won. When we face temptations, remember to use God’s Word. But you can only use them if you read His Word and keep it by heart.
The Jewish leaders adhered to the Sabbath law and proclaimed that it was against the law to be healed on the Sabbath day. But Jesus demonstrated that Sabbath was meant to benefit humanity. So, his act of healing on the Sabbath was permissible.
Prayer is very important because it is the vital link between us and God. Despite His busy schedule, Jesus broke away from others to talk with God. How about you? How is your relationship with God? Do you pray everyday?
Leprosy is an incurable disease. The Jewish leaders declared people with leprosy unclean. The lepers were despised and being excommunicated. But Jesus touched the man with leprosy and healed him. All of us have sinned. And sin is equivalent to leprosy inside our body. By sending His Son Jesus, God has touched us, giving us the opportunity to be healed.