In The Word
Read: Mark 1:1-15
Preaching of John the Baptist
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You,
Who will prepare Your way;
3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness,
‘Make ready the way of the Lord,
Make His paths straight.’”
4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6 John was clothed with camel’s hair and worea leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey. 7 And he was preaching, and saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals. 8 I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
The Baptism of Jesus
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; 11 and a voice came out of the heavens: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.”
12 Immediately the Spirit *impelled Him to go out into the wilderness. 13 And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him.
Jesus Preaches in Galilee
14 Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
The gospel according to Mark was written around 50 AD,and is considered to be the first of the four gospels, placing this work about 18 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This gospel letter was written in Rome by John Mark, a young Christian, who may have been a part of the larger following of Christ, but not one of the 12 disciples. Mark was the nephew of Barnabas and traveled with Barnabas and Paul on a missionary journey, but for whatever reason, turned back and abandoned Barnabas and Paul. Paul was so upset about this that he refused to let Mark come on the next trip with them. Mark’s failure could have been detrimental to his walk and testimony, but he corrected his mistake.
Even though a Godly man like Paul did not want Mark traveling with him, Barnabas took him along and allowed him to prove himself. He also sat under Peter for a while, learning and growing in his faith and character. Peter viewed him as a son (1 Peter 5:13), and most believe he was the major influence in Mark’s life to write the first gospel. Later, Paul reunited with Mark and viewed him as very important.
You may have failed God and others in your life, but like Mark, if you keep the faith and remain faithful, God will still use you to bring His message to the people around you. Find a Barnabas to help you, and the Pauls and Peters of the faith will accept you. Through your renewed faith, God will can use you you mightily.