The Way - Day 092 (Mark 1)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
This gospel was obviously written by the person whose name it bears. Although Mark, also known as John Mark, was not one of Jesus’ twelve disciples he received a firsthand account of Jesus' ministry from the Apostle Peter. We learn much of what we know about Mark through reading the book of Acts. Luke, the writer of Acts, reveals that John Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but somewhere along the way deserted them. John Mark’s actions caused a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas which resulted in the two separating as ministry partners. Through time, John Mark matured and restored his relationship with Paul, once again becoming useful in the ministry (2 Timothy 4:11). It was probably due to his connection with Peter which brought spiritual maturity to John Mark.
History teaches us that it is likely that John Mark wrote his gospel from Italy sometime in the early 50’s possibly making it the earliest gospel. Mark’s audience seems to be mainly Roman or Gentile believers. He focused on presenting Jesus as the suffering Servant and centered much of his writing on Jesus’ acts of service and sacrifice. Most of his gospel focuses on the ministry of Jesus with an emphasis on the human side. Mark reveals a Jesus who experienced feelings such as compassion, grief, and disappointment while also exposing His limitations (4:38; 11:12; 13:32). Probably one of the key verses in the gospel of Mark is found in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom [price paid to free slaves] for many.” Mark’s emphasis on Jesus’ servanthood should cause us to evaluate our own lives in service to others. If the very Son of Man committed His life to others, than we also should devote our time to humble service.

It had been 400 years since a prophecy had taken place (Malachi 1:1-4:6) or any events had been recorded in the Old Testament (Nehemiah 13:4-30). Some call these years (approximately 424-26 BC) the four hundred silent years because no one heard from God, but we can be assured that He was still in control of all which was happening. Those four centuries of silence were broken when John the Baptist stepped on the scene (around 26 AD) preparing people for the coming of the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ. John the Baptist is really the last prophet of the Old Testament and the forerunner of Jesus Christ. He brings the Old Testament and the New Testament together.

It was customary in this time for kings to send a messenger ahead to make sure the roads were clear ahead of him and announce the soon coming of the king to the people, who would prepare themselves for the king’s arrival. Although Jesus was not a typical king, John the Baptist was used by God as a messenger to preach repentance to the people so that they would prepare their hearts for the arrival of the Messiah. Quoting from Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1, Mark records the prophecy about this messenger, "Behold, I send a messenger before your face, who will prepare Your way before You. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.'" Of course this four hundred year old prophecy was fulfilled in John the Baptist. Mark also details that "John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission [forgiveness] of sins" (1:4). John's ministry was one calling Israel to repentance for their sin and disobedience of God. Some have understood that John the Baptist taught water baptism as a necessity for salvation; however, Scripture clearly teaches that no work in necessary for salvation to take place. How do we reconcile this? I believe in ancient times and even into the early church era, repentance of sin and baptism went hand in hand. In other words, when a person recognized their sinfulness before God they immediately confessed their sin and were baptized in water to symbolize the washing away of sin. The act of baptism does not bring salvation but should be the natural result of those who have confessed their sin before a holy God. Mark details that the people responded to John's message of repentance and writes, "Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins" (1:5). Confession of sin is simply an agreement with God that a person's sin is against Him and causes separation from God. Without that acknowledgment, a person cannot be restored to God. Since Jesus had not yet died for the sins of all mankind, the people were repenting of sin and looked forward in faith to the promised One, whom they did not know at this point. Salvation has always been by faith.

John's message to his listeners is recorded here by Mark, "There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit" (1:7-8). At some point in John's ministry, Jesus shows up and John baptizes Him (1:9). Although Jesus did not need to be baptized, He set an example for mankind and identified Himself with sinners. His baptism was symbolic of His future death, burial, and resurrection. John's baptism probably had its foundation in Old Testament cleansing rituals whereas Christian baptism identifies the person with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection for our sins. Immediately following Jesus' baptism, God the Father proclaimed pleasure with His Son's actions and sent a dove (Holy Spirit) symbolizing His empowerment for ministry. People often overlook baptism as a necessary part of their Christian life, but it is healthy for us to remember that Jesus Himself was baptized evidencing His submission to the Father's will. Although baptism is not required for salvation, I believe it is the first step in spiritual growth. When we are baptized, we are identifying ourselves with the sufferings of Christ for our sin, but also His resurrection power which enables us to be effective in ministry for Him.

After Jesus' baptism by John, He was immediately whisked off by the Holy Spirit to the wilderness where Mark says that He is "tempted by Satan" for the next forty days. What a way to begin your public ministry! Mark does not digest much information about the temptation (see Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13 for further details). Mark does add that Jesus was completely alone only accompanied by wild beasts; however, Mark does reveal that the angels ministered to Him during this time. Following His resistance of temptation, Jesus begins preaching that the "kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel" (1:15). The kingdom of God is fulfilled in two aspects - His rule over the hearts of men and a future literal reign on earth for 1,000 years. When Jesus commands people to repent and believe we must be reminded that these two things must be the reaction to God's gift of salvation.

Jesus has been baptized, tempted, and is now beginning His public ministry. His next step is to call out men to assist Him in ministry. Mark records here that Jesus approached Simon and Andrew and then James and John. All of these men were fishermen, but Jesus told them He was going to change what they were fishing for if they chose to follow Him. Instead of fishing for fish they would become "fishers of men" (1:17). This term describes that they would now be involved in pulling men out of the bondage of sin through sharing the gospel - repentance and faith lead to forgiveness. This must have been a pretty big life change for them - they were used to spending all their time on the water, but now they would be interacting with Jesus and many people. The gospel writers don't seem to indicate that there was much hesitation in their response to Jesus' calling them to be disciples. They were obviously convinced that He would do something extraordinary, but I'm sure nothing could have prepared them for what lied ahead.
As Jesus called each of these men to follow Him, we also are called to know Him (through His word) and tell others about repentance and faith, which are necessary for salvation. Our lives are full of schedules, plans, and dreams but God desires to use us for His benefit. As we begin to understand His heart (through prayer, reading His word, and church) we should follow Him in our daily life. Instead of being selfish, we should commit to doing God's will. Being "fishers of men" is not just a call put out to a couple guys 2,000 years ago; the command goes out to us. Bring men to repentance and faith and then help them become worshippers of God.
Dear God, make me a fisher of men. Use me to bring others to You and may I exemplify a life which would give pleasure to You.

Jesus enters Capernaum, a town on the Sea of Galilee, and heads straight for the synagogue (Jewish place of worship) to teach. Mark records that those listening were amazed because of Jesus' sense of authority when He taught (1:22). Instead of teaching as the scribes (interpreters of Old Testament Scriptures), Jesus taught as One who was experienced and authoritative yet compassionate and personal. The scribes only vocalized that which they had heard from other rabbis, but Jesus was God therefore making Him the ultimate source of knowledge and truth. Of course this situation of amazement was short- lived as a demon possessed man disrupts Jesus' teaching, but He quickly casts out the evil spirit (1:23-26). Those who witnessed this power were astonished and from this point on His "fame" began spreading throughout the region" (1:27-28). Moving from this scenario, Jesus goes to Simon Peter's house where He finds his mother-in-law sick (1:29-30). Jesus quickly intervenes and heals her (1:31). After a long day, people had been hearing about what Jesus had done so they brought all the sick and demon possessed of the region to be healed by Jesus (1:32-33). All of those who came with sickness and infirmities were healed through the power of Jesus (1:34). If you are keeping score, Jesus prevailed over the demons and physical sickness which was plaguing many people. When Jesus' work was done in Capernaum, Mark writes that the next morning, "having risen a long while before daylight, he went out and departed to a solitary [deserted] place; and there He prayed" (1:35). I wish I knew what Jesus was praying about. Some scholars have suggested that He was praying in response to the people's superficial commitment to Him. In other words, people were only seeking Him for what He could do for them physically, not what He could do for them spiritually. I'm not sure we can be certain about His specific prayer, but the fact that He prayed is significant. I'm convinced that Jesus did not have to pray, after all, He was God. But we must also remember that Jesus was also man. In His humanity, Jesus recognized His need for God's strength to accomplish His mission.

I believe prayer is a lost form of worship in modern Christianity. I'm saying this as one who is at times guilty of ignoring the example of Christ who prayed. At the core of prayer is the admission of our need for God's power and strength to accomplish His will, which brings Him all glory and fame which He alone deserves. Yes...prayer is being thankful, confessing sin, asking God for help on behalf of others, but prayer is ultimately an admission of need. Not the need for more money, more physical health, more happiness or more stuff. Prayer is simply our verbalization of need for God Himself. If Jesus needed to pray, so do we. Jesus submitted Himself to do the will of His Father and obviously depended on God's power and strength to enable Him to fulfill God the Father's purpose. Again, if He needed to do that, so do I. Withdraw to a solitary place today and confess your need for God's power and strength to help you accomplish His will knowing that obedience to God will bring the most glory to Him.

After a long day of healing and meeting the physical needs of others, Jesus rested and then rose up early the next morning to pray. Mark records that He found a solitary place, probably away from the crowds of the city so that He could be alone (1:35). However, Jesus' time of prayer was interrupted when Peter (and a group of others) found Him and revealed that everyone was looking for Him (1:36-37). Capernaum was most likely buzzing with excitement over the previous night's miracles. Instead of going back to Capernaum, Jesus suggested that they "go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth" (1:38). He was well aware that the crowds would swell, but that He needed to move on in order to continue preaching salvation through faith and repentance. So, Jesus continues preaching throughout Galilee and doing many miraculous works (1:39). Mark specifically mentions Jesus' encounter with a leper who came begging to be healed. The leper declared in faith, "If You are willing, You can make me clean" (1:40). Observing the faith of the leper, Jesus is "moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, 'I am willing; be cleansed" (1:41). Mark documents Jesus’ emotional connection with the leper as He saw his helpless condition. No one wanted to touch lepers for fear of becoming ceremonially unclean, but Jesus touched him. The leper is healed (1:42) and Jesus commands him not to tell anyone what had happened so that overwhelming multitudes would not hinder His ministry (1:43-44). "However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction" (1:45).