The Jesus People Should Know - Mark 1 - September 6, 2009

Sunday School Lesson – The Jesus People Should Know- September 6, 2009

This begins a new series of study entitled “Know Jesus.”

Our scripture for the next two (2) months will be in the Book of Mark.

The Book of Mark, although second in the Bible, it was likely the first Gospel written. It was likely written between 64 and 65 A. D. Bible scholars believe that the Apostle Peter urged Mark to write his account of events regarding the life and ministry of JESUS. Although the human author never gives his name, early accounts attribute the writings to John Mark. John Mark was not one of the twelve (12) disciples. But his mother was a Christian who lived in Jerusalem and her home was used as a meeting place for fellow believers’. Speculation is that the Apostle Peter presented the Gospel to John Mark and he accepted CHRIST as his SAVIOR. Mark was the cousin of Barnabas. He accompanied Paul and Barnabas on the first part of Paul’s first missionary journey.

Some Bible scholars believe that Mark was referring to himself, when JESUS was arrested, in Mark 14:51-52: (Was John Mark the first streaker?)

51 Now a certain young man,[12] Perhaps John Mark who later wrote this Gospel having a linen cloth wrapped around his naked body, was following Him. They caught hold of him, 52 but he left the linen cloth behind and ran away naked.

Mark’s account of the life and ministry of JESUS is fast paced, which we will see as we study it. It is the shortest of the Gospels. However, Mark reported more miracles than any of the other Gospels. Mark’s purpose was to present JESUS, HIS life, HIS works and teachings to the Christians in Rome. His readers would have been mostly Gentile Christians, likely either facing or potentially facing death and persecution for their faith in JESUS.

Let’s read Mark 1:1-3:

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:[1] Other mss read in the prophets Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.[2] Other mss add before You 3 A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make His paths straight!”[3] Mal 3:1; Isaiah 40:3

Mark begins by acknowledging JESUS as the Son of GOD. He used the word “beginning” and then he quoted from Old Testament prophesy. The prophesy quoted came from GOD through the Prophet Isaiah regarding the messenger of GOD who would be the herald or forerunner urging people to prepare their hearts for the coming of the promised Messiah. Mark’s use of the word “beginning” tied all the events back to GOD. John the Baptist was GOD’S messenger, who heralded or announced the coming of the promised Messiah, JESUS.

A herald would run ahead of a king or an important person to announce his coming. A herald would ensure the road ahead was safe to travel and repair any pot holes that could hinder travel. A herald or forerunner would give those ahead an alert that this person was coming and give them time to prepare for his arrival. Likewise GOD sent John the Baptist to herald the coming of CHRIST. The Greek word for Messiah is CHRIST and the New Testament is written in Greek. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew thus Messiah.

We know that John the Baptist preached in the wilderness. He preached repentance and to prepare for the day when a person would be fully redeemed by the Messiah.
Matthew began his gospel account with the genealogy of JESUS. Dr. Luke began his account surrounding the birth of JESUS. The Apostle John began his account going back to the beginning “the Word” and he told how the Word became flesh. Each account gives us additional information and collectively, they give us a wonderful picture of the life and ministry of our SAVIOR and LORD JESUS.

Mark used “gospel” which in Greek meant “good news” or “good message.” The word was originally used to announce the victory after a battle or to announce the birth of a new king or the rise of a new king. Remember the birth of JESUS was announced by the angel, “Behold I bring you Good News of great joy.” In the first few words of Mark’s account he sets the stage for what he was writing. What he was writing had its’ origin with GOD and was fulfilled by HIS SON JESUS. The Good News is when a person accepts JESUS CHRIST as his/her SAVIOR, he/she is cleansed of all sin, is freed from the bondage of eternal death and will live with GOD and CHRIST for eternity. When we add information from the Book of John we know that JESUS said that a person must be born-again in the spirit. John, Chapter 3:5-8:

5 Jesus answered, “I assure you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit,[2] Or spirit, or wind; the Gk word pneuma can mean wind, spirit, or Spirit, each of which occurs in this context. he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I told you that you[3] The pronoun is pl in Gk. must be born again. 8 The wind[4] The Gk word pneuma can mean wind, spirit, or Spirit, each of which occurs in this context. blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Mark referred to JESUS as “the” Son of GOD. This was a title which ties JESUS to the “beginning.” It reveals that JESUS was not created by GOD for this special occasion but that HE is the eternal Son of GOD and has always been with GOD. Christians are referred to as “sons of GOD” and I add “daughters of GOD.” There is only one SON of GOD.

We fast forward to John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness.

Let’s read Mark 1:7, 9-13:

7 He was preaching: “Someone more powerful than I will come after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of His sandals. 8 I have baptized you with[6] Or in water, but He will baptize you with[7] Or in the Holy Spirit.”

The Baptism of Jesus
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. 10 As soon as He came up out of the water, He saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending to Him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: You are My beloved Son;[8] Ps 2:7 I take delight in You![9] Or In You I am well pleased [10] Isaiah 42:1

The Temptation of Jesus
12 Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness 40 days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels began to serve Him.

John the Baptist or Baptizer was preaching repentance from your sins and prepare for the coming of the Messiah. John the Baptist was JESUS’ cousin. He recognized JESUS as the promised Messiah and he did not consider himself worthy to untie HIS sandals and wash HIS feet. In that day the wealthy would have a servant whose duty was to untie a guest’s sandals and wash his/her feet. That servant had about the lowest duty on the duty roster. John the Baptist was saying he was not worthy to approach JESUS even to untie HIS sandals from a spiritual sense because HE was GOD’S SON incarnated in a human body.

John the Baptist knew that JESUS would be baptizing believers with the HOLY SPIRIT. John the Baptist baptized with water which was a place holder until the believer could receive the HOLY SPIRIT. We need to keep in mind that baptism is a symbol that a believer has died to sin (confession), died to his/her old life (repented) and has been resurrected from his/her old life to walk in newest of life in CHRIST (Born-again believer is empowered and assured by the HOLY SPIRIT).

The message that John the Baptist was preaching was missing “the passion of CHRIST” because CHRIST had not given HIS life to pay the debt for sin required by GOD. Therefore, John’s baptism left those who repented of their sins to use their will power to remain faithful to their commitment to live a Godly life. Whereas, after the death, resurrection, ascension of JESUS and the return of the HOLY SPIRIT, all believers are indwelled by the HOLY SPIRIT, WHO confirms their faith and empowers them to live according to the will of GOD. CHRIST is the living water that bubbles up from within and overflows as believers obediently live for HIM and serve HIM.

The baptism of JESUS:

John the Baptist was reluctant to baptize JESUS because he knew who JESUS was. JESUS was not baptized because HE had to repent of HIS sins. JESUS was baptized as an act of obedience to inaugurate the beginning of HIS ministry. The HOLY SPIRIT falling upon HIM empowered HIM for HIS ministry. The Trinity was present at the baptism of JESUS – GOD the FATHER spoke from heaven, JESUS was being baptized and the HOLY SPIRIT descended upon JESUS.

The temptation of JESUS: (Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13 recorded more details regarding the temptation of JESUS.)

Following the baptism of JESUS, the HOLY SPIRIT drove or led HIM to the wilderness to be tempted or tested. The word “drove” indicates to me that JESUS did not have a choice. The wilderness experience was a necessity. This is often so true following our salvation. Satan means “adversary.” Satan is the enemy of GOD, as well as the children of GOD. First, Satan does not want any person to accept CHRIST as his or her SAVIOR. Second, if Satan fails to prevent a person from accepting CHRIST as his/her SAVIOR, then he will do everything he can to neutralize or discourage a new believer by tempting him/her.

Believers will find strength when they are tempted provided they seek to overcome the temptation through the power of GOD. If they resist the temptation, then, they are strengthened each time they resist but be careful not to become complacent or over confident.

I used to think I could walk through hell itself and come out without smelling like smoke. But I learned that spiritual arrogance made me vulnerable. GOD has ways to deal with spiritual arrogance.

GOD’S Word tells us that we will not be tempted beyond that which we are able to resist. But I think stubbornness can lead us to go beyond the circle of protection and a believer can end up in trouble. GOD will never leave us even though we are in spiritual trouble. GOD allows it because HE knows the end result, if we look to HIM for deliverance. We may have to go through the fire before we get our head screwed on straight again.

No matter how close we think we are to GOD, we must never take our eyes off of JESUS, HIS care and HIS power. Believers always need HIM, even the Pope or any famous religious leader needs HIM. The closer believers get to GOD, the more they realize how much they miss the mark and how much they need and depend upon GOD’S grace.

Satan tried to give JESUS a short cut to redeem mankind. JESUS fought the onslaught of Satan with the Word of GOD. That is why believers must hide GOD’S Word in their hearts. Encountering Satan can either strengthen the believers’ relationship with CHRIST or defeat them. Believers have a choice. Believers must learn that their power and protection over Satan is covered by the shed blood of JESUS. JESUS has already defeated Satan. Focus on JESUS the victor.

Believers need to be aware of the influence Satan can have over their lives through their old life. When temptation comes, do not place yourself in a position that enhances the possibility to yield to the temptation but flee and quickly turn your thoughts to JESUS. Confess it to the LORD.

Quote scripture that reinforces the victory that all believers have in CHRIST and focus on the fact that HE has defeated Satan and won the victory over sin and death. Fill your hearts and minds with scripture assuring you of the victory you have through CHRIST and HIS shed blood. You belong to GOD and are kept by HIM for all eternity.

I often have to recall 1 John 4:4 - 4 You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One (JESUS) who is in you is greater than the one (Satan) who is in the world.

JESUS is in all believers and Satan is in the world. JESUS has already defeated Satan and so have believers but they must keep their eyes upon JESUS.

Let’s read Mark 1:21-28:

21 Then they went into Capernaum, and right away He entered the • synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach. 22 They were astonished at His teaching because, unlike the • scribes, He was teaching them as one having authority. 23 Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out,[15] Other mss add to the beginning of v. 24: “Leave us alone. 24 “What do You have to do with us,[16] Lit What to us and to You Jesus—Nazarene? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” 25 But Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be quiet,[17] Or Be muzzled and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit convulsed him, shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him. 27 Then they were all amazed, so they began to argue with one another, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority![18] Other mss read What is this? What is this new teaching? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” 28 His fame then spread throughout the entire vicinity of Galilee.

In that day, synagogues could be established if there were ten (10) Jewish men interested in establishing one. They worshipped on Saturday and it was common for them to invite a rabbi or scribe to read and interpret the scripture. JESUS would go to the synagogue and teach. This was such an occasion. Capernaum was the headquarters for JESUS’ ministry.

JESUS entered the synagogue and began to teach. HIS hearers were amazed. They were use to a person quoting some other rabbi or learned person regarding the interpretation of the scriptures. JESUS was a breath of fresh air. HE did not have to quote someone else. HE spoke directly because HE knew the truth. HIS hearers knew the difference.

When the HOLY SPIRIT is working, as HE was when JESUS was teaching, Satan had to step in and try to create a distraction. Those present in the synagogue were astonished, so a man possessed by demons came on the scene. He acknowledged that JESUS was the “Holy One from God.” JESUS did not need publicity from Satan or the distraction. JESUS rebuked the unclean spirits and they came out of the man. This demonstrated that JESUS had authority over the spirit world. (If you ever think you are encountering an evil spirit always claim the blood of JESUS verbally.)

This got the attention of those in the synagogue and they were amazed.

Being amazed is one thing but yielding your life to the ONE WHO has the power over sin, death and the spirit world is vital. The fame of JESUS spread.

Do you know JESUS through the miracle of rebirth or do you just know about HIM because of HIS fame? There is an eternal difference between the two. HIS desire is for you to know HIM and learn of HIM as you accept HIM as your SAVIOR, yield your life to HIM, build a relationship with HIM and obediently serve HIM as HE leads you. If you have not made that commitment, please do so right now.