Don't just follow the crowd. Know exactly why it is that Jesus came.
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Other DIG DEEPER posts on Mark
Read the chapter in an outlined format:
Watch / Listen to the DIG DEEPER video:
Mark 1 Summary
v1-8 - The gospel begins using the same opening words as Genesis ("the beginning") and by showing how John the Baptist fulfills Old Testament prophecy.
v9-13 - Jesus' baptism & temptation are described in Mark's trademark rapid fire manner.
v14-45 - Jesus begins His ministry by announcing that the Kingdom of God is near. Mark quickly moves from one event to the other, using the word 'immediately' nine times.
Dig Deeper
Nearly everyone, believers and nonbelievers alike, have a theory as to what Jesus' ministry was all about, but most people get it wrong. Jesus didn't come to end poverty, solve social justice issues or establish a Christian nation. Rather, He makes His intentions clear right off the bat in verse 15:
The
time is fulfilled,
and the Kingdom of God is at hand;
[therefore] repent and believe in the gospel.
Some people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught with authority. When Jesus called the first disciples, they immediately dropped what they were doing and followed Him.
But that's not what most people wanted from Jesus. The crowds were enamored with healings and miracles. They could care less about the Kingdom of God; they just wanted their immediate problems solved, and they saw Jesus had the power to do this, so His fame spread.
But Jesus stayed on mission. Instead of capitalizing on His fame, Jesus withdrew to a desolate place so that He could spend time in silence and in prayer (which is a habit we should emulate).
His new disciples finally find Him, eager to bring Him back to the crowds so the miracle parade can continue, but Jesus rebuffs them, telling them it was time to move on, so that I may preach..., for that is why I came out.
Be sure that you know why Jesus came, and put yourself in a position in life to hear His gospel preached as much as possible.
AAA Prayer:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father, who tore heaven open to express His pleasure with Christ
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray for a strong appetite to hear the gospel preached.
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
