Lectionary Calendar

Saturday, December 21st, 2024
the Third Week of Advent

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Mark 1

MatthewMat 28 MarkMrk MarkMrk 2

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Introduction

INTRODUCTION
READ: Mar 10:42-45 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

We’re starting the Gospel of Mark…

Some background, by way of the Cherubim that Ezekiel saw by the river Chebar: Eze 1:10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.

They are identified as Cherubim in Eze 10:20-22 This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims. 21 Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings. 22 And the likeness of their faces was the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar, their appearances and themselves: they went every one straight forward.
1. 4 Faces of Jesus:
  1. Lion
  2. Ox
  3. Man
  4. Eagle
2. Matthew – written to the Jews showing Jesus is the Messiah : over 100 references to the OT and over 100 prophecies fulfilled. Jesus is depicted by the Lion…as the Lion of the tribe of Judah!
3. Luke – written by Dr. Luke, is very detailed…very chronological, and was written to the “Thinking” Greeks. It shows that Jesus was a man, just like them…and yet, He was fully God as well. Luke is depicted as the Man.
4. John – written so that “All may know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God”…was written to everyone including the church. It depicts the miracles of Jesus…it is not a synoptic gospel, as John just wrote of Jesus as the Holy Spirit led, not necessarily to show all of His life. Jesus, as God, is depicted by the Eagle.
5. Mark – written to the Roman world and depicts Jesus as the Suffering Servant : much of the Roman world were servants. These servants didn’t know God, they didn’t know Judiasm, they weren’t educated and so there was a familiar identification with Jesus. As to authorship, tradition has it that Peter was dictating this gospel to John Mark, and it just gives them the facts – and the main one was that Jesus came to be a servant just like them! Thus, Jesus is depicted as the Ox – the beast of burden.
  1. Remember John Mark, we find him in Acts as the cousin of Barnabas – whose name means “the son of consolation”. John Mark went with Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey but in Acts 14, in Pamphilia, Mark turns back and leaves Paul and Barnabas.This same Mark is the one Paul and Barnabas disputed about in Acts 15 and caused them to split their partnership and thus, even though divided became multiplied in their missionary efforts.
  2. Most (but not all) scholars agree that the Gospel of Mark was the first of the four gospels written…the others think it was Matthew. An exact date for it isn’t known but a scholarly guesstimate is around A.D. 50.

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Introduction

INTRODUCTION
READ: Mar 10:42-45 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

We’re starting the Gospel of Mark…

Some background, by way of the Cherubim that Ezekiel saw by the river Chebar: Eze 1:10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.

They are identified as Cherubim in Eze 10:20-22 This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims. 21 Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings. 22 And the likeness of their faces was the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar, their appearances and themselves: they went every one straight forward.
1. 4 Faces of Jesus:
  1. Lion
  2. Ox
  3. Man
  4. Eagle
2. Matthew – written to the Jews showing Jesus is the Messiah : over 100 references to the OT and over 100 prophecies fulfilled. Jesus is depicted by the Lion…as the Lion of the tribe of Judah!
3. Luke – written by Dr. Luke, is very detailed…very chronological, and was written to the “Thinking” Greeks. It shows that Jesus was a man, just like them…and yet, He was fully God as well. Luke is depicted as the Man.
4. John – written so that “All may know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God”…was written to everyone including the church. It depicts the miracles of Jesus…it is not a synoptic gospel, as John just wrote of Jesus as the Holy Spirit led, not necessarily to show all of His life. Jesus, as God, is depicted by the Eagle.
5. Mark – written to the Roman world and depicts Jesus as the Suffering Servant : much of the Roman world were servants. These servants didn’t know God, they didn’t know Judiasm, they weren’t educated and so there was a familiar identification with Jesus. As to authorship, tradition has it that Peter was dictating this gospel to John Mark, and it just gives them the facts – and the main one was that Jesus came to be a servant just like them! Thus, Jesus is depicted as the Ox – the beast of burden.
  1. Remember John Mark, we find him in Acts as the cousin of Barnabas – whose name means “the son of consolation”. John Mark went with Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey but in Acts 14, in Pamphilia, Mark turns back and leaves Paul and Barnabas.This same Mark is the one Paul and Barnabas disputed about in Acts 15 and caused them to split their partnership and thus, even though divided became multiplied in their missionary efforts.
  2. Most (but not all) scholars agree that the Gospel of Mark was the first of the four gospels written…the others think it was Matthew. An exact date for it isn’t known but a scholarly guesstimate is around A.D. 50.

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Verses 1-13

The Gospel of Jesus Christ
1. Mar 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
  1. John the Baptist
    1. Mar 1:2-3 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
      1. Mark begins talking about John the Baptist by saying that the prophets prophesied about him:
      2. Mal 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
      3. Isa 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
  2. The Son of God
    1. Mar 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
      1. Right off – Mark proclaims Jesus as the Son of God – God incarnate…and if that isn’t enough – Mark in describing John the Baptist in v. 3, tells us that John was crying out, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord”.
      2. Mark is clearly identifying Jesus as LORD!
  3. The Good News
    1. Mar 1:2-3 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
      1. The GOSPEL means good news, and the good news is that Jesus took our place, paid for our sins with His own body and died in our place for us!
      2. 1Pe 2:21-24 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
      3. Rom 5:6-9 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
      4. Joh 3:16-18 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
      5. Mar 1:4-8 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
        
        John’s ministry was the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
        
        Baptism for the outward show of the inward repentance – much like we baptize only ours is for the inward transformation…that we are new creations in Christ!
        
        Repentance (Greek: metanoia) means literally a change of mind or direction. They were to turn away from tradition and the world and turn to the coming Messiah.
        
        Jesus preached repentance as well…we are to turn our eyes off of the world and ourselves and turn them to Him…forsaking everything else and simply following Him!
        
        Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
      6. Mar 1:6-8 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
        
        John was a rough kind of guy…wearing woven camel’s hair clothes (like burlap) and eating bugs dipped in honey (this is not carab beans…it is the word for the bug: locust).
        
        John’s attitude is one that is noteworthy…he said, in comparing himself to the coming Messiah – he wasn’t worthy to untie his shoes!
        
        We could all do with a healthy dose of his humility. We are nothing, yet God loves us, blesses us and uses us for His glory! WOW!
        
        Finally, we see that John says that Jesus will baptize us with the Holy Ghost – the Holy Spirit: will emerse us in the power, love, & sound mind and wisdom of GOD! We have the Holy Spirit living in us and have the mind of Christ when we place our faith – our hope and trust in the the work of Jesus on the cross for the forgiveness of sins!
        
        Luk 11:11-13 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
        
        Eph 5:15-18 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
  4. Jesus of Nazareth
    1. Mar 1:9-13 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. 13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
      1. Jesus was perfect in all the law…all of the customs and in all of mankind. He had no sin; Jesus therefore didn’t need to be baptized by John, but was baptized so that there were no questions about His heart issues!
      2. When Jesus came out of the water – we have a picture of the trinity: the Son standing in the Jordan, the Holy Spirit descending upon Him like a dove, and the Father saying “Thou are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”.
      3. Then Jesus went into the wilderness – Matthew and Luke tells us that He fasted for the 40 days and was then tempted by the Devil…yet, without sin. Why? So He could understand our temptation and we could see that He is able to help and understand our problems and thus bring us compassion.
        
        Heb 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
      4. Jesus came to serve…to serve US! He came to bring us abundant life and set us free from our guilt and shame, from the bondage of our sin and flesh and to give us a new life…both here on earth and in Heaven!
      5. He shows us His goodness, His blessing because of His great love for us!
      6. Joh 15:8-12 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

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Verses 1-13

The Gospel of Jesus Christ
1. Mar 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
  1. John the Baptist
    1. Mar 1:2-3 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
      1. Mark begins talking about John the Baptist by saying that the prophets prophesied about him:
      2. Mal 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
      3. Isa 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
  2. The Son of God
    1. Mar 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
      1. Right off – Mark proclaims Jesus as the Son of God – God incarnate…and if that isn’t enough – Mark in describing John the Baptist in v. 3, tells us that John was crying out, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord”.
      2. Mark is clearly identifying Jesus as LORD!
  3. The Good News
    1. Mar 1:2-3 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
      1. The GOSPEL means good news, and the good news is that Jesus took our place, paid for our sins with His own body and died in our place for us!
      2. 1Pe 2:21-24 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
      3. Rom 5:6-9 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
      4. Joh 3:16-18 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
      5. Mar 1:4-8 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
        
        John’s ministry was the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
        
        Baptism for the outward show of the inward repentance – much like we baptize only ours is for the inward transformation…that we are new creations in Christ!
        
        Repentance (Greek: metanoia) means literally a change of mind or direction. They were to turn away from tradition and the world and turn to the coming Messiah.
        
        Jesus preached repentance as well…we are to turn our eyes off of the world and ourselves and turn them to Him…forsaking everything else and simply following Him!
        
        Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
      6. Mar 1:6-8 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
        
        John was a rough kind of guy…wearing woven camel’s hair clothes (like burlap) and eating bugs dipped in honey (this is not carab beans…it is the word for the bug: locust).
        
        John’s attitude is one that is noteworthy…he said, in comparing himself to the coming Messiah – he wasn’t worthy to untie his shoes!
        
        We could all do with a healthy dose of his humility. We are nothing, yet God loves us, blesses us and uses us for His glory! WOW!
        
        Finally, we see that John says that Jesus will baptize us with the Holy Ghost – the Holy Spirit: will emerse us in the power, love, & sound mind and wisdom of GOD! We have the Holy Spirit living in us and have the mind of Christ when we place our faith – our hope and trust in the the work of Jesus on the cross for the forgiveness of sins!
        
        Luk 11:11-13 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
        
        Eph 5:15-18 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
  4. Jesus of Nazareth
    1. Mar 1:9-13 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. 13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
      1. Jesus was perfect in all the law…all of the customs and in all of mankind. He had no sin; Jesus therefore didn’t need to be baptized by John, but was baptized so that there were no questions about His heart issues!
      2. When Jesus came out of the water – we have a picture of the trinity: the Son standing in the Jordan, the Holy Spirit descending upon Him like a dove, and the Father saying “Thou are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”.
      3. Then Jesus went into the wilderness – Matthew and Luke tells us that He fasted for the 40 days and was then tempted by the Devil…yet, without sin. Why? So He could understand our temptation and we could see that He is able to help and understand our problems and thus bring us compassion.
        
        Heb 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
      4. Jesus came to serve…to serve US! He came to bring us abundant life and set us free from our guilt and shame, from the bondage of our sin and flesh and to give us a new life…both here on earth and in Heaven!
      5. He shows us His goodness, His blessing because of His great love for us!
      6. Joh 15:8-12 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

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Verses 14-15

INTRODUCTION
READ: Luk 4:18-21 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
1. The Gospel of Mark…
  1. We see Jesus as a Servant in Mark (ref. Mar 10:45)…
  2. We remember that Mark is written to the Roman world and depicts Jesus as the Suffering Servant as mmany in the Roman world were servants.
  3. Last Week we look not only at the introduction to Mark, but that Mark opens immediately addressing the Gospel of Jesus Christ – similarly, Paul said, in Rom 1, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ…”
  4. We also saw that in the very first verse…Mark declared Jesus to be the Son of God!
  5. …and then he told us briefly about the ministry of John the Baptist.
  6. This morning, we begin with the ministry of Jesus and ask how it can influence us!
A Radical Message
1. Mar 1:14-15 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
  1. The Kingdom
    1. Jesus begins by saying, “The kingdom of God is at hand…”
    2. Jesus was a preacher…and He brought the message of God’s rule on earth, though not in the manner that was popularly expected or desired; Contrary to the expectations of most people in His day,
      1. Jesus brought a kingdom of love, not subjugation;
      2. of grace, not law;
      3. of humility, not pride;
      4. a kingdom for all men, not only the Jews;
      5. and to be received voluntarily by man, not imposed by force.
    3. Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand”: When Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom of God, He wanted people to know that it was near - as close as your hand…and that NOW was the time for them to encounter the kingdom of God.
    4. The time is fulfilled: There are two ancient Greek words that can be translated time. One is chronos, meaning simple chronological time. The other is kairos, which means “the strategic opportunity, the decisive time.” Jesus used this second word when He said, “the time is fulfilled.”
    5. His idea was, “The strategic time for the kingdom of God is now. Now is your time of opportunity. Don’t let it pass you by.”
    6. THIS IS STILL TRUE TODAY…DON’T MISS WHAT JESUS HAS FOR YOU TODAY!
  2. Repent
    1. Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
      1. Repent means “to change the mind”…in this case about our lives, God and Whom we should follow!
      2. Thus, here, we are called to change our life’s direction from the world, our flesh and the devil and turn it towards God and His kingdom…
      3. Act 20:21 (to the elders of Ephesus at Miletus) Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
      4. Without true repentance…truly turning your eyes, heart and life towards God, you can’t possibly have true faith!
  3. Believe the Gospel
    1. Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
      1. We must believe that we are sinners, and that we need a savior.
      2. We must believe we can never be good enough in our own righteousness, and humbly ask Jesus for forgiveness and trust in the WORK that HE did on the cross. (it’s never about what we do that brings righteousness).
      3. When we believe, we will have no problem professing that Jesus is our Lord, because we have turned to Him, asked for forgiveness and have placed our hope in Him.
      4. But looking at Jesus, Mark shows us that the focus of Jesus’ ministry was preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God.
      5. Jesus was a preacher who did wonderful miracles, not a miracle worker who sometimes preached.

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Verses 14-15

INTRODUCTION
READ: Luk 4:18-21 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
1. The Gospel of Mark…
  1. We see Jesus as a Servant in Mark (ref. Mar 10:45)…
  2. We remember that Mark is written to the Roman world and depicts Jesus as the Suffering Servant as mmany in the Roman world were servants.
  3. Last Week we look not only at the introduction to Mark, but that Mark opens immediately addressing the Gospel of Jesus Christ – similarly, Paul said, in Rom 1, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ…”
  4. We also saw that in the very first verse…Mark declared Jesus to be the Son of God!
  5. …and then he told us briefly about the ministry of John the Baptist.
  6. This morning, we begin with the ministry of Jesus and ask how it can influence us!
A Radical Message
1. Mar 1:14-15 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
  1. The Kingdom
    1. Jesus begins by saying, “The kingdom of God is at hand…”
    2. Jesus was a preacher…and He brought the message of God’s rule on earth, though not in the manner that was popularly expected or desired; Contrary to the expectations of most people in His day,
      1. Jesus brought a kingdom of love, not subjugation;
      2. of grace, not law;
      3. of humility, not pride;
      4. a kingdom for all men, not only the Jews;
      5. and to be received voluntarily by man, not imposed by force.
    3. Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand”: When Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom of God, He wanted people to know that it was near - as close as your hand…and that NOW was the time for them to encounter the kingdom of God.
    4. The time is fulfilled: There are two ancient Greek words that can be translated time. One is chronos, meaning simple chronological time. The other is kairos, which means “the strategic opportunity, the decisive time.” Jesus used this second word when He said, “the time is fulfilled.”
    5. His idea was, “The strategic time for the kingdom of God is now. Now is your time of opportunity. Don’t let it pass you by.”
    6. THIS IS STILL TRUE TODAY…DON’T MISS WHAT JESUS HAS FOR YOU TODAY!
  2. Repent
    1. Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
      1. Repent means “to change the mind”…in this case about our lives, God and Whom we should follow!
      2. Thus, here, we are called to change our life’s direction from the world, our flesh and the devil and turn it towards God and His kingdom…
      3. Act 20:21 (to the elders of Ephesus at Miletus) Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
      4. Without true repentance…truly turning your eyes, heart and life towards God, you can’t possibly have true faith!
  3. Believe the Gospel
    1. Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
      1. We must believe that we are sinners, and that we need a savior.
      2. We must believe we can never be good enough in our own righteousness, and humbly ask Jesus for forgiveness and trust in the WORK that HE did on the cross. (it’s never about what we do that brings righteousness).
      3. When we believe, we will have no problem professing that Jesus is our Lord, because we have turned to Him, asked for forgiveness and have placed our hope in Him.
      4. But looking at Jesus, Mark shows us that the focus of Jesus’ ministry was preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God.
      5. Jesus was a preacher who did wonderful miracles, not a miracle worker who sometimes preached.

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Verses 16-20

A Radical Call
1. “Follow Me”
  1. Mar 1:16-20 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. 19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. 20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
    1. Jesus begins by saying, “Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men”
    2. Leave everything you know, your livelihood, your family and follow me!
    3. We may not do this physically, although in radically different countries it would be required (like Muslim countries)…
    4. But this is mentally and spiritually what we are called to do when we choose to follow Jesus.
    5. Luk 9:23-26 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? 26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.
2. The Response
  1. Mar 1:18-20 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. 19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. 20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
    1. The call of Jesus should be so compelling to us that we are willing to leave EVERYTHING to follow Him and His leading…
    2. Luk 9:57-62 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
3. The Mission
  1. Mar 1:17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
    1. This call has two implications…
    2. First, Jesus makes the profession (that we must believe as a promise): if you follow me, “I will make you to become…”
      1. Jesus is committing to the disciples that He will not stop changing us and making us into a vessel fit for honor. > Jesus is committing Himself to them!
    3. Secondly, the disciples have the responsibility to allow Jesus to make them into “fishers of men”. That means continual submission to Jesus / continually seeking His will and following His leading / to a lifetime of obedience to the One who loves them SO MUCH!

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Verses 16-20

A Radical Call
1. “Follow Me”
  1. Mar 1:16-20 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. 19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. 20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
    1. Jesus begins by saying, “Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men”
    2. Leave everything you know, your livelihood, your family and follow me!
    3. We may not do this physically, although in radically different countries it would be required (like Muslim countries)…
    4. But this is mentally and spiritually what we are called to do when we choose to follow Jesus.
    5. Luk 9:23-26 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? 26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.
2. The Response
  1. Mar 1:18-20 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. 19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. 20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
    1. The call of Jesus should be so compelling to us that we are willing to leave EVERYTHING to follow Him and His leading…
    2. Luk 9:57-62 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
3. The Mission
  1. Mar 1:17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
    1. This call has two implications…
    2. First, Jesus makes the profession (that we must believe as a promise): if you follow me, “I will make you to become…”
      1. Jesus is committing to the disciples that He will not stop changing us and making us into a vessel fit for honor. > Jesus is committing Himself to them!
    3. Secondly, the disciples have the responsibility to allow Jesus to make them into “fishers of men”. That means continual submission to Jesus / continually seeking His will and following His leading / to a lifetime of obedience to the One who loves them SO MUCH!

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Verses 21-28

Radical Authority
1. Teaching with Authority
  1. Mar 1:21-22 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. 22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
    1. This is the Word of God teaching the Word of God! :o)
    2. Joh 1:1, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
    3. Jesus taught with authority because He IS the WORD!
    4. The Road to Emmaus…the two disciples were taught by Jesus the gospel – and Luk 24:32 And they said one to another, “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?”
2. Spiritual Authority
  1. Mar 1:23-24 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. 25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
    1. Imagine the scene: a guy has been sitting near you in the synogogue for years…maybe you thought him a bit mean or odd; but when Jesus comes in he suddenly starts speaking very weird and loud and identifies Jesus as the Holy One of God!
    2. Then Jesus essentially tells him to “SHUT UP” (literally in the Greek: “be muzzeled”) and come out of him…
  2. Mar 1:26-28 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. 28 And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.
    1. And he does…the spirit obeys Jesus!

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Verses 21-28

Radical Authority
1. Teaching with Authority
  1. Mar 1:21-22 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. 22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
    1. This is the Word of God teaching the Word of God! :o)
    2. Joh 1:1, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
    3. Jesus taught with authority because He IS the WORD!
    4. The Road to Emmaus…the two disciples were taught by Jesus the gospel – and Luk 24:32 And they said one to another, “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?”
2. Spiritual Authority
  1. Mar 1:23-24 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. 25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
    1. Imagine the scene: a guy has been sitting near you in the synogogue for years…maybe you thought him a bit mean or odd; but when Jesus comes in he suddenly starts speaking very weird and loud and identifies Jesus as the Holy One of God!
    2. Then Jesus essentially tells him to “SHUT UP” (literally in the Greek: “be muzzeled”) and come out of him…
  2. Mar 1:26-28 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. 28 And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.
    1. And he does…the spirit obeys Jesus!

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Verses 29-31

INTRODUCTION
1. READ:
  The Gospel of Mark…
  1. The theme of the Gospel of Mark is seeing Jesus as a servant: (ref. Mar 10:45)…
  2. We remember that Mark is written to the Roman world and depicts Jesus as the Suffering Servant as mmany in the Roman world were servants.
  3. We opened in Mark 2 weeks ago and observed that Mark jumps right into the gospel – the good news of Jesus coming to earth to take our place…suffering and dieing on the cross then rising 3 days later that we might have the promise and hope of eternal life if we believe that He did indeed die and rise for us and we ask Him for forgiveness and choose to follow Him.
  4. Last week we looked at how radical Jesus was…He had a radical message of repentance: turning from the world and its ways and turning to God.
  5. We saw that He had a radical call…and that He desires us to respond immediately to His call and walk following after Him…
  6. And we finished last week looking at the radical authority of Jesus over demons and the spiritual realm.
  7. Today, we will finish Mark 1 by looking at a day of ministry in Jesus’ life – and the power over sin that He holds!
Noon
Mar 1:29-31 And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon (immediately) they tell him of her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

CONTEXT: Mar 1:21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
1. This is lunchtime – right after their time in the synagogue…and they’re heading home to Peter’s to eat…
2. They get home, find Peter’s mother in law sick (Luke says she has a “Great Fever”) and so they immediately tell Jesus…
3. Look for His compassion and care…Matthew says, “He touched her hand”, then Luke says, “He rebuked the fever”, then Mark tells us He took her by the hand and lifted her up and as when she arose, the fever left her.
4. Look, though – the God of the universe is so caring that He touched her
5. Think of how Jesus describes Himself: Mat 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
6. And then, with radical authority, He rebukes the fever – illness?, spiritual? …we don’t know but we DO know He has power over it!
7. And then, as the natural result of being touched by Jesus, she serves – Him and them. {Mark 10:45}
8. QUESTION? As we experience and encounter Jesus in our own lives, is our natural response to deny ourselves … think of others and serve Him and them? It may be that Jesus is calling you right now!
9. In fact, Heb 10:22-25 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
10. The last thing that Jesus wants the church to do is to become stagnate. Sometimes we can simply sit and receive a solid diet of the Word of God without ever applying it. But the Lord wants us to receive, in order that we can give. He doesn't want us to be idle but active.

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Verses 29-31

INTRODUCTION
1. READ:
  The Gospel of Mark…
  1. The theme of the Gospel of Mark is seeing Jesus as a servant: (ref. Mar 10:45)…
  2. We remember that Mark is written to the Roman world and depicts Jesus as the Suffering Servant as mmany in the Roman world were servants.
  3. We opened in Mark 2 weeks ago and observed that Mark jumps right into the gospel – the good news of Jesus coming to earth to take our place…suffering and dieing on the cross then rising 3 days later that we might have the promise and hope of eternal life if we believe that He did indeed die and rise for us and we ask Him for forgiveness and choose to follow Him.
  4. Last week we looked at how radical Jesus was…He had a radical message of repentance: turning from the world and its ways and turning to God.
  5. We saw that He had a radical call…and that He desires us to respond immediately to His call and walk following after Him…
  6. And we finished last week looking at the radical authority of Jesus over demons and the spiritual realm.
  7. Today, we will finish Mark 1 by looking at a day of ministry in Jesus’ life – and the power over sin that He holds!
Noon
Mar 1:29-31 And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon (immediately) they tell him of her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

CONTEXT: Mar 1:21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
1. This is lunchtime – right after their time in the synagogue…and they’re heading home to Peter’s to eat…
2. They get home, find Peter’s mother in law sick (Luke says she has a “Great Fever”) and so they immediately tell Jesus…
3. Look for His compassion and care…Matthew says, “He touched her hand”, then Luke says, “He rebuked the fever”, then Mark tells us He took her by the hand and lifted her up and as when she arose, the fever left her.
4. Look, though – the God of the universe is so caring that He touched her
5. Think of how Jesus describes Himself: Mat 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
6. And then, with radical authority, He rebukes the fever – illness?, spiritual? …we don’t know but we DO know He has power over it!
7. And then, as the natural result of being touched by Jesus, she serves – Him and them. {Mark 10:45}
8. QUESTION? As we experience and encounter Jesus in our own lives, is our natural response to deny ourselves … think of others and serve Him and them? It may be that Jesus is calling you right now!
9. In fact, Heb 10:22-25 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
10. The last thing that Jesus wants the church to do is to become stagnate. Sometimes we can simply sit and receive a solid diet of the Word of God without ever applying it. But the Lord wants us to receive, in order that we can give. He doesn't want us to be idle but active.

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Verses 32-34

Evening
Mar 1:32-34 And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. 33 And all the city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.
1. Look at the wording of this passage…it says they brough ALL that were diseased to Him and them that were possessed with devils…and ALL the city was at the door!
2. But in v34 is says, “He healed many that were sick” & “…and cast out MANY devils”
3. Why not all?
  1. Rom 8:26-29 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
  2. Isa 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
  3. Jer 18:1-6 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. 5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
4. Although we are NOT Israel…God can and will do with us as He likes…knowing what is best for us as we seek to serve Him (and not ourselves) in His Kingdom for HIS GLORY (it’s all about HIM!)

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Verses 32-34

Evening
Mar 1:32-34 And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. 33 And all the city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.
1. Look at the wording of this passage…it says they brough ALL that were diseased to Him and them that were possessed with devils…and ALL the city was at the door!
2. But in v34 is says, “He healed many that were sick” & “…and cast out MANY devils”
3. Why not all?
  1. Rom 8:26-29 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
  2. Isa 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
  3. Jer 18:1-6 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. 5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
4. Although we are NOT Israel…God can and will do with us as He likes…knowing what is best for us as we seek to serve Him (and not ourselves) in His Kingdom for HIS GLORY (it’s all about HIM!)

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Verses 35-39

Morning
Mar 1:35-39 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. 36 And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. 37 And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. 38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. 39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
1. “In the morning”: After such a long day as the day before, would we not excuse Jesus for “sleeping in”?
2. Yet He made less time for sleep and more time for prayer.
3. (Spurgeon) “Look no man in the face till thou hast seen the face of God. Speak thou with none till thou hast had speech with the Most High.”
4. Jesus prayed…not becaue He was weak, but because He was strong, and the source of His strength was His relationship with God His Father.
5. And…Jesus knew that pressure and busyness should drive us towards prayer, not from prayer.
6. Look also: Jesus prayed in a solitary place: Jesus knew the importance of solitary time with God. While it is good and important for us to join with others in the presence of God, there is much in our Christian life that can only be learned and experienced in a solitary place with God.
7. This is more than “I pray all the time” kind of prayer. It is a wonderful thing to commune with God all through the day, and to constantly shoot up prayers to heaven. But don’t you think Jesus did that also? Yet He still thought it was vital to take time out for prayer in a solitary place.
8. Again, Spurgeon says, “Woe unto that man whose devotion is observed by everybody, and who never offers a secret supplication. Secret prayer is the secret of prayer, the soul of prayer, the seal of prayer, the strength of prayer. If you do not pray alone, you do not pray at all. I care not whether you pray in the street, or in the church, or in the barrack-room, or in the cathedral; but your heart must speak with God in secret, or you have not prayed.”
9. And this prayer…prepared Jesus the the rest of the day’s ministry as we see in v. 36-39.

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Verses 35-39

Morning
Mar 1:35-39 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. 36 And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. 37 And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. 38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. 39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
1. “In the morning”: After such a long day as the day before, would we not excuse Jesus for “sleeping in”?
2. Yet He made less time for sleep and more time for prayer.
3. (Spurgeon) “Look no man in the face till thou hast seen the face of God. Speak thou with none till thou hast had speech with the Most High.”
4. Jesus prayed…not becaue He was weak, but because He was strong, and the source of His strength was His relationship with God His Father.
5. And…Jesus knew that pressure and busyness should drive us towards prayer, not from prayer.
6. Look also: Jesus prayed in a solitary place: Jesus knew the importance of solitary time with God. While it is good and important for us to join with others in the presence of God, there is much in our Christian life that can only be learned and experienced in a solitary place with God.
7. This is more than “I pray all the time” kind of prayer. It is a wonderful thing to commune with God all through the day, and to constantly shoot up prayers to heaven. But don’t you think Jesus did that also? Yet He still thought it was vital to take time out for prayer in a solitary place.
8. Again, Spurgeon says, “Woe unto that man whose devotion is observed by everybody, and who never offers a secret supplication. Secret prayer is the secret of prayer, the soul of prayer, the seal of prayer, the strength of prayer. If you do not pray alone, you do not pray at all. I care not whether you pray in the street, or in the church, or in the barrack-room, or in the cathedral; but your heart must speak with God in secret, or you have not prayed.”
9. And this prayer…prepared Jesus the the rest of the day’s ministry as we see in v. 36-39.

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Verses 40-45

The Leper
Mar 1:40-45 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. 42 And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. 43 And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; 44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. 45 But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.
1. Leprosy can be seen as a parable or type of sin…
2. It is the modern-day disease called Hansen’s disease and it affects the nervous system and its sensitivity.
3. Leprosy starts as a small spot and gets shiny and white and loses feeling at the location of the spot. As the disease progresses, the sensitivity loss (including touch, burn, pain, cold, pressure) spreads with it. Most often it moves to the eyes, nose, ears and extremities.
4. We picture in our minds people with leprosy who are missing fingers, noses, ears, hands and feet. All of this comes, not causes by the disease, but by injury due to the lack of sensitivity.
5. The similarities to sin are seen in the lack of sensitivity…Paul said, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump”. As we allow compromise into our lives…we become insensitive to the sin associated with the compromise.
6. When one compromise becomes acceptable in our lives…then another “really won’t be that bad”. And sin and compromise continue to spread!
7. Sin will eventually kill us after crippling us and damaging our relationship with Jesus and those around us! Satan seeks to kill, steal and destroy…and when we allow sin to continue unchecked in our lives – that is exactly what happens.
8. Compromise is allowed in our lives because of a hard heart – we are hard to an area of sin (usually because we have either been culturally taught it is ok or because we practice it). Jesus wants to give us a soft heart – one that is sensitive to all sin and follows after His heart…but sadly, we don’t because of our selfishness and lust and evil desires.
9. The Bible has at least 45 verses about a hard heart…a few include:
  1. Eph 4:17-20 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
  2. Rom 2:5-6 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
  3. Heb 3:12-13 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
  4. Psa 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
  5. 2Ch 34:26-27 And as for the king of Judah (Josiah), who sent you to enquire of the LORD, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard; 27 Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.
CONCLUSION
1. Where is our heart today? Do we acknowledge that we are full of sin – and that we need a savior?
2. Do we believe that Jesus took our place and suffered and died for us that we might have eternal life through Him if we’ll only turn to Him and follow Him?
3. Have we given our life to Him – do we seek His touch, forgiveness and leading? Pray with me…

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Verses 40-45

The Leper
Mar 1:40-45 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. 42 And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. 43 And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; 44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. 45 But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.
1. Leprosy can be seen as a parable or type of sin…
2. It is the modern-day disease called Hansen’s disease and it affects the nervous system and its sensitivity.
3. Leprosy starts as a small spot and gets shiny and white and loses feeling at the location of the spot. As the disease progresses, the sensitivity loss (including touch, burn, pain, cold, pressure) spreads with it. Most often it moves to the eyes, nose, ears and extremities.
4. We picture in our minds people with leprosy who are missing fingers, noses, ears, hands and feet. All of this comes, not causes by the disease, but by injury due to the lack of sensitivity.
5. The similarities to sin are seen in the lack of sensitivity…Paul said, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump”. As we allow compromise into our lives…we become insensitive to the sin associated with the compromise.
6. When one compromise becomes acceptable in our lives…then another “really won’t be that bad”. And sin and compromise continue to spread!
7. Sin will eventually kill us after crippling us and damaging our relationship with Jesus and those around us! Satan seeks to kill, steal and destroy…and when we allow sin to continue unchecked in our lives – that is exactly what happens.
8. Compromise is allowed in our lives because of a hard heart – we are hard to an area of sin (usually because we have either been culturally taught it is ok or because we practice it). Jesus wants to give us a soft heart – one that is sensitive to all sin and follows after His heart…but sadly, we don’t because of our selfishness and lust and evil desires.
9. The Bible has at least 45 verses about a hard heart…a few include:
  1. Eph 4:17-20 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
  2. Rom 2:5-6 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
  3. Heb 3:12-13 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
  4. Psa 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
  5. 2Ch 34:26-27 And as for the king of Judah (Josiah), who sent you to enquire of the LORD, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard; 27 Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.
CONCLUSION
1. Where is our heart today? Do we acknowledge that we are full of sin – and that we need a savior?
2. Do we believe that Jesus took our place and suffered and died for us that we might have eternal life through Him if we’ll only turn to Him and follow Him?
3. Have we given our life to Him – do we seek His touch, forgiveness and leading? Pray with me…

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Brown's Commentary on the New Testament is reproduced by permission of author. All other rights reserved.

Bibliographical Information
Brown, Jim. "Commentary on Mark 1". "Brown's Commentary on the New Testament". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnc/mark-1.html. 2017.

Bible CommentariesMark 1

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Mark 1