Bible Study: Gospel of Mark

Jesus is Always Good News: Mark 1:14-15

We listened to Pastor Steiger’s sermon covering the onset of Jesus’ ministry (listen to the sermon here: http://livinghopecolorado.org/index.php?option=com_music&view=album&album_id=2&Itemid=23 or read the notes (in 2 parts) here http://hccbiblestudy.blogspot.com/2007/08/jesus-is-always-good-news.html and here http://hccbiblestudy.blogspot.com/2007/09/to-be-called-by-christ-mark-116-20.html ).

The first part of the message, focusing on verses 14-15, emphasized how Mark used the term “handing over” to describe John the Baptist’s arrest, and how this is repeated and played out in the life of Jesus and the early martyrs…this sobering situation provides the backdrop for Jesus to begin His ministry. In the “dark hour” and potential fright of looking at this possibility of persecution for bearing the name of Christ and doing what God has called us to do, Jesus always enters with light and joy: He always brings and always is good news!

Jesus’ first “sermon,” His central message, is recorded in v. 15: the kingdom of heaven is here, is present, and we need to (1) repent and (2) believe the good news of Christ. Pastor Steiger emphasizes that Jesus calls us both to leave and turn away from our sin and our spiritual blindness and death, and, to turn to Jesus and fill ourselves with the truth and person of Christ.

This part of the sermon ends with these thoughts: “My relationship with Jesus is primary to my circumstances. It is not my current situation that gives meaning to my relationship with Jesus; it is the relationship that gives meaning and hope to my circumstances. The richness and depth in my relationship with Christ does not flow from my state of affairs; it is something that provides grounding and stability in all conditions.”

To Be Called By Christ: Mark 1:16-20

The last part of the sermon moves from contemplations of the kingdom of heave and Jesus as good news, to an initial look at what it means to a disciple (follower) of Jesus. When we repent and turn to Jesus, what does this mean? What does it look like?

The first account in Mark on this topic, recorded in v.16-20, help us see a few foundational things: First, “Jesus initiates the call...The only qualification Jesus’ disciples seem to have is his desire for them to be disciples. Any achievement tied to following Christ is subsequent to the call—it is not their achievement that draws Christ to them, it is Christ’s call that draws them into the depths and wonders of the Kingdom of God.” Second, “anyone can respond to Jesus’ call. And third, “we are called to a journey. We all learn step by step what it means to follow Christ, and we learn it together.”

May the Holy Spirit work in us an overwhelming desire to know Jesus, to follow Him, to love Him, no matter the cost!