Mark 1

Mark 1:1

The gospel is neither a discussion nor a debate. It’s not good views, but Good News. And Mark wastes no time in getting to its heart.

Mark 1:2

Mark quotes only two prophecies in his entire Gospel: this one, from Mal_3:1; and Isa_40:3, which refers, of course, to John the Baptist.

Mark 1:4

The baptism of Johnthis one who came to prepare the way for Jesus Christwas not for salvation, but for preparation. It was for the one who knew he had missed the mark, the one who knew he was a sinner, the one who knew he needed a Redeemer. Thus, John’s baptism was preparatory, but not complete, for Jesus had not yet died for their sins.

Mark 1:5

As John called people to repent, suddenly Jesus showed up, requesting to be baptized. Jesus had no sin. What did He need to confess? Why would He ask to be baptized by John? I suggest two reasons… Although baptism is indeed a symbol of death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6), the word baptizo was initially used with regard to dying cloth. Material “baptized” in colored dye would assume the color of the dye. Therefore, baptism is not only a symbol of dying, but of dyeing. What is Jesus doing here? He’s identifying with us. Dipped in the same water we are, not ashamed of us, but identifying with us, He meets us. We take on the same color in the water of baptism. Regardless of the fact that two thousand years separate us from this event chronologically and six thousand miles geographically, we identify with Jesus and He with us through baptism. Not only does Jesus’ baptism illustrate His identification with us, it shows His submission to the Father, for through baptism, Jesus said, “I have come to die.” Every other teacher, philosopher, or guru came to liveand yet, their so-called “ministries” were interrupted by their deaths. Not so with Jesus. He came to die. Death didn’t interrupt His ministry. It fulfilled it.

Mark 1:10

Conceived as He was by the Spirit in the womb of Mary, the Spirit was already in Jesus. But here we see the Spirit coming upon Him at the beginning of His ministry, empowering Him for service.

Mark 1:11

Although it seems too good to be true, if you’re a believer, this word of the Father applies to you as well, for, according to 2Co_5:21, you are in Christ. I can go through the day praising the Lord, casting my burdens upon Himnot because of who I am, but because of where I am, not because of what I’ve done or haven’t donebut because I’m in Christ.

Mark 1:12

Mark’s use of the words “immediately” and “straightway” eight times in his first chapter alone illustrate the speed with which he moves through his account. Directly following the glorious experience of hearing the voice of His Father, the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. Why? Not to do Him in, but to show Him off… Suppose you go to the local Jeep dealer and say, “I’m thinking about buying a Jeep.” After opening the door of his latest model, a salesman would say, “Hop in"and proceed to drive you to some rough terrain, where he would shift into four-wheel drive and take you off-roadflying over hills, splashing through rivers. Why? Not to damage the car, but to show you what it can do. So, too, in driving Jesus to the wilderness, the Father was saying, “Watch My Son. No matter what Satan throws at Him, He will come through beautifully.” And the same thing is true of you and me. You see, only what the Father allows can come into our lives. Therefore, when temptations, trials, difficulties, wilderness experiences, hard times come our way, it is because the Father has allowed them in order to silence Satan’s accusation that you only serve God in easy times, and to show you off to a doubting world.

Mark 1:13

Forty days puts us in mind of the forty years God’s people wandered in the wilderness. Because the law will never lead a man into the Land of Promise, Moses, who speaks of the law, was unable to lead the people into the land. No, it was Joshua, whose name is the Hebrew form of “Jesus,” who brought the people into the land flowing with milk and honey. Because of his sin, the first Adam lost the dominion over nature given to him (Gen_1:28). Contrast this with the Last Adam, Jesus Christ, to whom dominion is returned as evidenced by the wild beasts that surrounded Him in the wildernessa sneak preview of the coming kingdom wherein the wolf shall lie down by the lamb (Isa_11:6). Where Adam failed in the garden, Jesus came through in the desert.

Mark 1:14

Of the twelve men Jesus called, at least seven were fishermen. To be a fisherman, one must possess patience and perseverancequalities as valuable in fishing for men as in fishing for fish. I find it interesting that Peter and Andrew were casting their nets into the sea when Jesus called them. On the other hand, James and John were mending nets. The ministry of Peter and Andrew was evangelism, as evidenced by Andrew repeatedly bringing people to Christ, and Peter preaching the sermon on the Day of Pentecost that “caught” three thousand people in the net of the gospel. The ministry of John and James, by contrast, was that of mending people through their emphasis on both the heartfelt and practical nature of love. Whatever your temperament personally, watch the Lord use it in your own ministry. The fact that Zebedee had servants meant that he had money. Therefore, when James and John left their father and the nets, they were leaving a bright future vocationally and financially. Yet they could do no other, for they found a higher calling than simply money. Filet of sole failed in comparison to saving souls. They were “hooked” and their “net” worth skyrocketed when they chose to follow the One who would impact eternity through their lives.

Mark 1:21

The synagogue is not the temple. The templewhere sacrifices were made, where the priesthood servedwas in Jerusalem. Synagogues, on the other hand, dotted the countryside of Israel, having come into being during the Babylonian captivity when Jews were unable to worship at the temple in Jerusalem. Usually small in structure, synagogues were established wherever ten or more Jewish males lived, and were not places of sacrifice, but of study, worship, and prayer. They were overseen not by the traditional priesthood, but by laymen through a council of eldersone of whom was appointed ruler. When a rabbi would come into the area, the ruler of the synagogue would invite him to come and speak on the Sabbath day. As we see in the Book of Acts, Paul took advantage of this, going from synagogue to synagogue preaching Jesus.

Mark 1:22

The scribes would speak from authorities, quoting rabbis in their teachings. Jesus, however, spoke with authority. “Ye have heard it said…but I say unto you…” He declared (Matthew 56).

Mark 1:23

Although this man may have sat undetected in the synagogue week after month after year, it wasn’t until Jesus showed up that all hell broke loose quite literally. This should not be surprising. Whenever the Son of God shows up, the forces of hell respond.

Mark 1:25

The demon left, but not before he tore up this individual. So, too, when we rid evil from our liveswhen we say, “Yes, Lord, have Your way,” as old habits, relationships, patterns are forsakenthere may be some tearing initially, but we will also experience freedom and blessing eventually.

Mark 1:29

Peter took Jesus home with him after churchalways a good thing to do. I hope we’ll increasingly get to the place where, when we leave Bible studies and services, we won’t be those who quickly move into the next activity, but will learn to bring the Lord home.

Mark 1:30

You who spend time in worship and Bible study, beware. Satan will attempt to discourage you by causing fever in your home, heat in your house. But bring Jesus home with you and watch a miracle happen.

Mark 1:31

Throughout his Gospel, Mark emphasizes the touch of Jesus. Jesus heals not only through the word He speaks, but through the touch He sharesnot only telling us what to do, but touching us and encouraging us as well.

Mark 1:32

Jesus had been serving, touching, giving, teaching, praying, healing. And yet, as was His practice morning by morning, He woke early to receive instruction concerning the day before Him. “This is great!” said the disciples. “All men seek You! Everyone wants You!” You will find yourself frazzled and fried if you listen to such voices. Your priorities will get mixed up; you’ll feel wiped out; your ministry will be done in; your heart will be weighed down. It was having “come forth” from the place of prayer that Jesus could say with confidence, “Let’s split. My Father has other plans for Me today.” The Key to Keeping Focused A Topical Study of Mar_1:32-38 They accused Him of being a glutton and a winebibber, of being born illegitimately and casting out demons by the power of Satan. But no one ever accused Jesus of being busy or unapproachable, uptight or upset. Our culture values busyness. In our society, the busier one is, the more important he is. But in reality, deep within our hearts, we know that barely making it here, narrowly making it there is not the way life was meant to be. Jesus moved in serenity and tranquilityopposite of what we value in our society, but what we desire innately. How did He do this? As I read Mark’s Gospel, I am increasingly convinced that Jesus’ life focused on three things… The Father’s Will In talking about His relationship with His heavenly Father, Jesus said, “Truly I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise” (see Joh_5:19). “I’m not doing My own thing,” Jesus said. “I’m not pursuing My own pleasure, toying with My own hobbies. My life is about one thing: What I see and hear the Father doing and speaking. My own will? I have none.” This was seen nowhere more clearly than in the Garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus prayed, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup of My suffering pass from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Thy will be done” (see Mar_14:36). The Father’s Heart Regarding His earthly ministry, Jesus was able to say, “I always do those things which please the Father” (see Joh_8:29)not simply keeping His commandments and following His instructions, but pleasing Him. It’s one thing if my kids obey me. But it’s something altogether different if they hear my heart and want to please me. That’s the way Jesus was. He heard His Father’s heartbeat. The Father’s Time “Son, they’re out of wine,” Mary said, implying He do something. “Mine hour is not yet come,” Jesus answered. “This isn’t the right time” (Joh_2:4). “Lord, come quickly,” Mary and Martha said. “The one you love is sick” (see Joh_11:3). Yet Jesus wouldn’t go until the time was right. He waited for His Father’s timing before moving in any direction. What did this do? It freed Him completely from every other demand. We feel frazzled because we’re always trying to figure out, “Should I do this? Should I go there?” We see opportunities open before us, and we think that because we’re busy, we’re accomplishing a lot. But so does the chicken running in circles whose head has been cut off. People who don’t know any better might look at him and say, “Wow! Look at all he’s doing. He’s really living.” In reality, however, he’s in the process of dying because he’s disconnected from his head. So, too, when you and I lose contact with our Head, Christ Jesus, watch what happens. We’ll run here and sprint there; do this and attempt thatbut although the world may applaud us, in our hearts, we’ll know something is inherently wrong. Jesus didn’t do this. There was a sense of tranquility and serenity about Him because He was focused intently on one thing singularly: pleasing His Father. When I wake up every morning, I don’t have to go through mental gymnastics or philosophical acrobatics concerning the question of whether or not I should brush my teeth. No, as did most of us, I decided a long time ago that I’d brush my teeth every morning. And because of that, I don’t spend my day thinking about the question of doing so. The same should be true of spiritual disciplines. Many people think the practices of Christianity are legalistic and confining. Not true. They’re freeing and liberating, for we are free from wondering whether or not whatever we consider a non-negotiable priority in our lives will fit into our schedules. The recent winner of the all-city handball championship in Portland was unusual because, at thirty-seven years of age, he was relatively old for a handball champion. It was also unusual because he didn’t start playing the game until he was thirty-five. But more unusual than his age or his newness to the sport was the fact that, having lost his right arm as a Vietnam War veteran, he played handball with only one hand. When asked how he had won, he pared his answer down to one word: decisions. “Every time the ball comes toward my opponents,” he said, “they must decide right hand or left hand. I, however, am absolutely sure which hand I’m going to use. There’s no debate.” I like that! When you simplify your life concerning certain nonnegotiable issues, you no longer ask, “Should I pray this morning? Should I go to Bible Study on Wednesday?” Should I be in church Sunday night?“for the decision has already been made. The question then arises, “How do we discern the will, time, and heart of God?” Watch what Jesus does in our text… After teaching the multitude in Capernaum, after healing the sick, and casting out demons, Jesus rose early the following morning to pray. Meanwhile, His disciples realized that everyone was looking for Him. In my imagination, I hear them saying, “Wow! Good job, Jesus! You came through perfectly! Everybody wants You now. Now You can establish Your kingdomin a beach town no less!” But Jesus said something remarkable when He said, “Let us go into the next towns.” The word translated “town” is an interesting Greek word used only once in all of the New Testament. It refers to an un-walled town, a town with no protection, no identity, but rather just a place on the map. Thus, Jesus was saying, “Let’s leave Surf City and go to Cow Town.” This amazes me. I mean, if, as an athlete with aspirations to make the pros, you heard that the 49ers and the Seahawks, the Giants and the Royals all wanted you, would you say, “What an answer to prayer!” or would you say, “Let’s get out of here”? If, as a businessman, you realized every corporation in the career of your choice was on the phone saying, “Please come and work for us. We need you. Name your salary,” would you disregard their calls? Didn’t Jesus come to reach people? Didn’t He come to establish the kingdom? Wouldn’t it be wise for Him to take advantage of the publicity and the opportunity in Capernaum? Wouldn’t this be a great moment for “Christianity”? Why would Jesus leave Capernaum? The answer lies in the second half of verse Mar_1:38: “for therefore came I forth.” The place from which Jesus came was the solitary place of prayer (verse Mar_1:35).

As He talked to His Father, Jesus was given direction for the day. Thus, even when demands were placed upon Him or seemingly good opportunities opened before Him, He wasn’t swayed. How often you and I get detoured and distracted by hearing, “All men seek for you.” We spend time talking about a “great opportunity” and pursue itonly to find we’re tired. Not so with Jesus. The will of the Father, the timing of the Father, the heart of the Father directed Him to go to the un-walled cities that day. And that’s what He did. The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.Isa_50:4 Morning by morning, Jesus was awakened to hear the directions of His Father that He might know how to speak during the day. If Jesus needed to pray day by day by day to hear a word, to gain direction so that He might move in priority and peace and serenity, how much more do we? Not only is prayer communion with God, but it is also a commandment from God. At least two hundred times in the Scriptures the command to pray is given. Thus, prayer is not a suggestion. It’s a command. Why? I suggest two reasons… Preparation Because life is oh-so-short, our Father has a very big job to do in the seventy, eighty, or ninety years we’re here in order to teach us the language we’ll be speaking for eternitythe language of prayer. Is it because doctors were mean and brutal that they used to spank babies upon birth? No. Babies come out of a closed environment into a whole new world in which they must breathe immediately. Time is limited. So doctors used to spank themcausing them to cry out and breathe in. Mission accomplished. So, too, our Father must get us breathing and communicating. So He spanks us. “Why are You doing this, God?” we sob. Then we inhale. And the process begins in which we are being prepared for the environment of eternity in which prayer is the language spoken. Because our ability to serve in the next billion years depends upon how we communicate with the Father now, He says, “I’m going to have to send you through some difficulty from time to time in order that you will cry out to Me and learn about prayerfor that is the only way you will be prepared for the ages to come.” Participation And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.Mat_13:58 The Lord not only prepares us for eternity through prayer, but He partners with us in prayer. This means that the relationships we’re developing, the kids we’re parenting, the places where we work will not be blessed without our partnering with the Lord. He has chosen to use you as a partner in what He desires to do. I once read an article about a couple in South Africa who saved a seven-day-old puppy from the belly of a python after they heard the puppy yelping inside of the snake. The wife held the snake by the tail while the husband shook the snake’s head and rubbed its bulging stomach until the snake’s jaws opened and the puppy was forced out. After massaging the puppy’s chest, the puppy started to breathe again. I don’t mean to be cute, but in this, I see a real parallel with what we’re called to do. I hear the faint yelp of people in our communities, people who are trapped by the devourer, the serpent, the devil. They’re caught up in all kinds of stuff, deceived by what the world has to offer. And here’s our Hero, Jesus Christ, who will take the head of that serpent and begin to shake it even as Genesis foretold He would (Gen_3:15). Our job, then, as His bride, is to join hand in hand with Him, binding the work of the Enemy, allowing our families and our communities to be free. Do you hear the faint cry of people caught in the grasp of the Enemy? Will you say, “Yes, Lord, I will partner with You through prayer, through intercession, with a focus in my life and a determination in my heart to obey You.”? If that be our heart, if that be our prayer, our lives will begin to take on the peace and purpose, the stability and tranquility, the flavor and focus of Jesus.

Mark 1:39

Jesus did the unthinkable when He reached out to touch the leper. By going to the priest, the leper would be able to confirm his healing, and Jesus would be insulated from the circus mentality that all too often typifies today’s healing ministries.

Mark 1:45

Over and over again in the Gospel accounts, we hear Jesus say, “Don’t tell anyone.” And yet, as did the leper, we see people spreading the word radically. Then, after His death and resurrection, we hear Jesus say, “Now go into all the world.” And what do we do? We “say nothing to any man.” We have it all backward. Because the healed leper spoke too soon, Jesus was hindered from going into the city. But how many times do we speak too late and hinder someone from coming to Him? Whether we be over-eager ex-lepers, or staid and shy churchgoers, what we must do is God’s willnothing more, nothing less, nothing else.