Mark presents Jesus as the Servant. Jesus is protrayed as a man of action - a servant busy about His Father's business. He was hearing, comforting, teaching! Mark shows that the Lord chooses His disciples to be with Him and to be sent out by Him. quipped by the Master through example and instruction in order to minister like the Master! Christ was always instantly obedient to His Father's will..."at once" "immediately!!! Those words are used 41 times in Mark. When the Lord gave instructions - people responded IMMEDIATELY!!! What is your response?
John's Baptism: a public announcement of the person's decision to change their mind about Who Jesus is. When John baptized Jesus we have the complete picture of the Trinity in this one scene. 1. Jesus the Son 2. Holy Spirit descending LIKE a dove 3. The Voice of the Father speaking from above John's baptism was preparation so that people would be ready to meet and trust the Messiah! The people had to go into the wilderness to hear John...but they went! Are you traveling in the "spiritual wilderness" of life rather than entering into the rest that the Lord has for His people? Hebrews 4:9
The Lord was immediately MOVED to the desert - He faced temptation and His defense was the Word! Likewise, our defense is and should be the Word!!!
John was arrested and Jesus went to Galilee preaching. He called Simon and Andrew - fishermen. He told them "I will make you fishermen for the souls of men!" The Lord was doing and continues to do: calling ordinary people to extraordinary tasks! Are
you aware of your "call"? = the ministry of reconciation - "fishers of the souls of men and women"! What ever your vocation and what you DO - always be mindful of His CALL - He has a plan for YOU!!!
AT ONCE they left their nets and followed. Zebeedee's sons, James and John did likewise...they left IMMEDIATELY - to follow Jesus. They did not desert their father...apparently he had a fishing business - the Scripture mentions the "hired" men. We must NOT neglect the elderly - not desert them! Their care might be an important part of your calling.
The five went to Capernaum and on Sat. morn, they entered the synagogue. Jesus preached. People were surprised - He did not quote others but spoke with authority. Jesus' disciples acted UNDER His authority - He acted and spoke IN His authority!
The demon possessed man was there and the demon spoke out loudly. People were amazed as the demons left the man upon Jesus' command. "Why even evil spirits obey His orders!" Yes, and the demons KNOW Who Jesus is!!! A man can KNOW (intellectually) and is not saved! "trust in, rely on, cling to!" - Scriptural saving belief!
News of this happening spread throught Galilee.
Jesus went to Simon and Andrew's house. Simon's mother-in-law was ill --- high fever and she was in bed. Miraculously, Jesus went to her bed and took her hand - she was healed!!! Not in a few hours (as she regained strength - but immediately!)
She prepared their meal - her response to healing was a demonstration of giving THANKS - SERVICE!!!! Discipleship involves ministering to others! This experience made two main points: *established before men the dignity of women! *women as well as men can render significant service!
People came - some to be healed and some to watch. Many were healed and many demons were cast out. Jesus departed for the wilderness before day break V.35. Is this not a good example for you and me? IF your work demands many hours, awake a little earlier each day and "break away to a deserted place" and spend time with Him, the Living Word that equips you for the day to keep the Written Word!
The disciples came to get Him in the quiet place and He told them, "We must go to other towns and give My message to them too - for that is why I came!" What about us - his disciples today? Are we not supposed to "go and give His message?"
And they went and released many from bondage...sickness and demons.
The leper knelt in front of Jesus and said, "If You want to, You can make me well again." Jesus said as He touched the leper with pity, "I want to - be healed!" IMMEDIATEDLY he wa healed. Jesus gave him instructions to do the proper thing about being declared clean but also told him to not tell. BUT HE SHOUTED!
Let's look closely about the leper: Jesus touch is probably the first loving touch he had felt. Leprosy is a picture of sin: *deeper than the skin *spreads - defiles and isolates, *renders things only fit for the fire. The lost sinner is worse off than the leper. Jesus healed with the Word and His touch!just as He will and does today. Allow Jesus to touch and speak a healing Word to someone today through you!
So many crowds came that the Lord stayed in the barren wastelands and people came to Him there. We do not want to "travel to the barren lands (discouragement, rejection, confusion, depression, illness, suffering)" but perhaps that is where we will learn our greatest blessings.
Mark's major emplases: *Jesus was the Messiah *Jesus' ministry included preaching the good news as well as teaching and healing *He possessed divine authority *His mniracle working power revealed His diety *Called people to place faith in Him and become His disciples *to give His life for people's redemption *sought to keep His Messiahship hidden until He had sufficient time to teach what kind of Messiah He was (that's why He told folks to "NOT tell") *called His disciples to selfless service that included suffering.
A good outline of Chapter 1:
1. preparing for God's work 1-13 2. declaring God's message 14-20 3. demonstrating God's power 21-34 4. continuing in God's will 35-45
John had preached repentence - changing the mind about Who Jesus is and having a willingness to turn from their sins! Jesus preached repentance and offered Himself! Repentence is not enough, Positive faith in Jesus!!! Repentance with faith can become a remorse to destroy! CONVICTION is not conversion. I John 1:12
Lessons from Mark 1: *If the Son came as a Servant - then being a servant is highest of callings "Never more like Jesus than when we are serving." *God shares His authority with Him servants. If you are UNDER His authority, you have the right to exercise authority. *To be servant - be sure you have compassion because people will come to you - rarely will they ask if it is convenient.
WHAT A PRIVILEGE TO BE ONE OF GOD'S COMPASSIONATE SERVANTS!!!!
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