Foundations Week 31, Day 4

Scripture Read: Mark 1
Title: Jesus Establishes His Ministry

H.E.A.R. 
(H) Highlight verse: "And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee."  Mark 1:28

(E) Explain:  The Gospel of Mark is a fast pace Gospel with a sense of urgency (in the ESV Bible the word "immediately" is used eight times in chapter 1).  Unlike the other Gospels Mark begins with Jesus' ministry as an adult and speaks nothing of his birth or childhood.  We must keep in mind that Mark not one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ.  It is believed that Mark wrote his gospel based upon the reports given to him by the Apostle Peter.  He in a way presents "just the facts" and gives account of all of the works of Jesus Christ to show that he truly is the Messiah.  He talks about Jesus' authority to teach and his power over evil and sickness.

There is a lot of ground covered in chapter one beginning with the ministry of John the Baptist and continues through Jesus' healing ministry.  He speaks about John being the fulfillment of Malachi 3:1 and describes his ministry purpose.  John came to call people to repentance, baptizing them and preparing the people for the coming Messiah.  We also read a detailed account of Jesus' baptism of John and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove.  Mark briefly tells about Jesus' temptation in the wilderness and then launches into His ministry beginning with calling the disciples and giving account of Jesus' ministry of healing.  He speaks of Jesus' authority over demons, and sickness and because of his ministry He became well know among the people.  His fame spread throughout the surrounding region.  

(A) Application:  In Marks no nonsense account of Jesus' life he establishes who Jesus is and what his purpose was.  According to the ESV Study Bible, "Mark addresses an audience which is largely unfamiliar with Jewish customs.  He intends to familiarize then with those customs, because only then will they understand the coming of Jesus as the culmination of God's work with Israel and the entire world." [1]  The Gospel of Mark addresses the same for us today. 

However, most importantly the passage for today establishes Jesus' ministry and shows us the importance of discipleship.  Mark stresses the message and work of Jesus Christ.  His message was one of repentance and his work was in calling his disciples to follow him and showing them the power of God through his healing ministry.  This shows me that as a disciple of Jesus  we are called to follow him, share his message and hold fast to his teachings.  Jesus has authority over all things, thus establishing Him as Lord  of all.  It is our job and calling as disciples to share the message of repentance, deliverance and hope to the world.  It is our job to make sure his fame is spread to show the world that He is indeed Lord and Savior of all.

(R) Respond: Lord, may I be a faithful disciple who proudly proclaims your Lordship and authority to the world.  As  a disciple may I faithfully proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. 

[1]Bayer, Hans, study note on the Gospel According to Mark in ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013), 1890.