Mark 1
Mark 1
Despite being called the Gospel of Mark, it’s written from Peter's words and account. Peter is not only recounting his time spent with Jesus, but through his narrative, he is sharing what is most important to him and a greatly needed reminder for us as we read the Gospel of Mark - Peter and Mark want to emphasize Jesus’ universal call to discipleship.
So let us start by digging into Mark 1.
What is interesting about Mark compared to the other synoptic gospels (Matthew and Luke) is that he doesn’t start with the birth or lineage of Jesus. He begins with the prophetic message of John the Baptist. I think this is telling of Mark and Peter - for the evidence isn’t the fulfilled prophetic message of the line of David but of the signs of the coming Messiah from Isaiah. Then throughout the chapter, we see Jesus initiate his ministry with baptism, a little wilderness trip filled with temptation, then he calls his disciples and does his ministry.
It sets up everything so well! This gospel dives into the life we believers are called to live by following the life of Jesus. Peter knows that, and we immediately see that emphasis on discipleship - Jesus lives out obedience (baptism and the wilderness). He then calls friends to join (verses 16- 20). Once Jesus has called his disciples, he models the life of ministry. He heals, preaches the gospel, and proclaims kingdom truth all.
This is a summary reminder for those who follow Jesus - we must trust God in his communion with us as we are sent. We are to gather community and live it shoulder to shoulder. We are to proclaim the gospel and teach all that Jesus has taught us, bringing healing in word and deed to those sick because we know the Doctor.
Church, this should uplift our eyes not as a cute summary of Jesus but as a call to obedient lives sent out in the very name we are following - Jesus.
Are you encouraged by this text? If so, lift a song of praise to Jesus! If you don’t surrender, what is holding you back? Maybe you feel stuck in the wilderness. Perhaps you haven’t found the right people to rub shoulders with. Whatever it is, do you trust that God will hear you and provide for you?
