Bible Study - Everything (1) - JESUS Calls - Mark:14-20 - December 3, 2017

Bible Study – Everything (1) – JESUS Calls – December 3, 2017

This is lesson one (1) in our series entitled “JESUS Changes Everything.”

Our focus scripture is Mark 1:14-20.

Following JESUS is a life-changing adventure, and you are invited.

We begin a new series. It is a seven-week study entitled “JESUS Changes Everything.” The Study Theme “JESUS Changes Everything,” as written in the “Herschel Hobbs Commentary,” page 6, Winter 2017-18, LifeWay, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN is a very good overview of our study.

[“no one questions the influence of Jesus Christ on culture and history, but Christians know Jesus is more than just a significant person in history. He is the supreme revelation of God, the Son of God come to earth. This truth is foundational to Christianity, but it is more than just a doctrinal statement. In His love, Jesus came to earth to bring us into a relationship with God – and that changes everything. Jesus cares about every aspect of our lives, and He calls us to follow Him so that He can transform us to be like Him. (My addition: transform us, through the power and indwelling of the Holy Spirit,)

In these sessions, we will see how Jesus calls us into the adventure of following Him. This life of discipleship is characterized by obeying HIS teaching and bearing Spiritual fruit for God. As we follow Jesus, we’ll inevitably go through difficult times where we are called to trust Him and rely on Him rather than ourselves.

We will be reminded that Jesus provides everything we need, including salvation, healing, provision, and correction. He truly does change everything for us.]

The Gospel according to Mark is thought to be the first gospel recorded. It is generally accepted that it was written by Mark, also referred to as John Mark. [Some think it was written by an apostle of JESUS and dedicated to John Mark. One speculation is that it was written by Peter and dedicated to Mark.] The Gospel according to Mark is believed to provide much of the foundation material for the other Gospels – Matthew and Luke.

The Gospel according to Mark, as well as Matthew and Luke are referred to as “synoptic” gospels. They are a synopsis of the life and ministry of JESUS and written to cover the time period of JESUS life, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension.

The Gospel according to John, addresses the application and meaning of GOD sending HIS Only SON, in the flesh, to earth to live as a human, to be tempted as humans are tempted, yet without sin. The Apostle John looks back at certain events in the life of JESUS and interprets them in light of GOD’S intent for them to reveal truth.

Mark was a young follower of JESUS. He wrote about himself being a streaker, as recorded in Mark 14:50-52 (The arrest of JESUS)

50 Then they all deserted Him and ran away.

51 Now a certain young man, 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, also known as John Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas on missionary trips to proclaim the Gospel. In fact, John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas as recorded in Colossians 4:10:

10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as does Mark, Barnabas' cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),

John Mark’s mother was a Jewish Christian and owned a house in Jerusalem as recorded in Acts 12:12:

12 When he realized this, he (The Apostle Peter) went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many had assembled and were praying.

It is thought that it was Mary’s house, the mother of John Mark, where JESUS and HIS disciples celebrated the last supper before the crucifixion of JESUS.

Six of our seven lessons in this series will be scripture based in Mark. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Mark 1:1-13: (Lead-in)

The Messiah's Herald – 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: Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.

3 A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way for the Lord; make His paths straight!"

Isaiah 40:3: 3 A voice of one crying out: Prepare the way of the Lord in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.

The herald or forerunner of the promised Messiah, John the Baptist, is described by the Prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament some 700 years before John the Baptist and JESUS.

4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

John the Baptist preached repentance and forgiveness of sins, whereas, JESUS conquered sin and its consequence of eternal death. John the Baptist got the attention of the people to prepare themselves to experience their sins being washed away by the shed blood of “The Lamb of GOD” through faith in JESUS.

5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were flocking to him, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins.

6 John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.

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 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 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; I take delight in You!

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.

Let’s read Mark 1:14-15:

Ministry in Galilee

14 After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the good news of God:

15 "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news!"

It seems that John the Baptist’s arrest was a sign to JESUS that John had completed GOD’S mission for him and now it was the time for JESUS’ ministry to begin. JESUS went to Galilee and began to preach "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news!"

The time is fulfilled – The Promised Messiah, sent by GOD, has come to earth to redeem mankind from sin and its consequence of eternal death. That is Good News. How it is accomplished is the Gospel.

What is the “kingdom of GOD?” The Kingdom of GOD is not an earthly domain but it is the Spiritual realm which functions under the authority of GOD. It has come near but has not been fulfilled but it was a “work in progress.” GOD allowed HIS only Son to come to earth to be born 100% human with the ability to sin and die. This was GOD’S plan in the beginning to redeem man from sin and its consequence, eternal death. GOD stated that plan in Genesis 3:15:

15 I will put hostility between you (Satan) and the woman, and between your seed and her seed (JESUS). He (JESUS) will strike your head, and you (Satan) will strike his heel.

A strike to the head is fatal and that will be the final blow of victory over sin and JESUS will deliver that final blow.

GOD allowed HIS only SON to leave Heaven and leave HIS Glory in Heaven to come to earth to be born a human and live, as a human, in this fallen world.

What was at stake, if JESUS failed? I quickly add that GOD is GOD and HE knew the conclusion but not all the players in the heavenly realm knew. Prayerfully ponder these thoughts:

The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:10-13:

10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength.

11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil.

12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.

These are the forces in the heavenly realm. GOD is sovereign over all including the universe. Likely, when HE allowed JESUS to be born as a human these evil forces were salivating over the possibility that JESUS would fail and doing so would have compromised GOD’S authority. The Good News is that GOD is sovereign. JESUS conquered these evil forces, when GOD resurrected HIM. Greater is HE (JESUS) that is in you than he (Satan) who is in the world. Christians are to live in the victory JESUS won. This does not mean Christians will be free of troubles or issues.  

13 This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.

Notice in verse 12, there is a hierarchy in the heavens. Notice the reference to rulers. Tie this with 1 Corinthians 2:7-8:

7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,

8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

GOD has a plan and purpose which is kept hidden until it has accomplished its purpose. JESUS lived in complete obedience to GOD’S commands. JESUS said in John 5:19-30:

The Authority of the Son

19 So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.

20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.

21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.

22 The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son,

23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.

24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

Faith in JESUS equals eternal life! And being born into the Kingdom of GOD as the child of the King!

25 "Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.

26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.

27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man (The Promised Messiah).

28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice

29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

Witnesses to Jesus

30 "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.  

We read in John 17:5:

5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

JESUS’ disciples asked HIM to teach them to pray. As recorded in Matthew 6:9-10:

9 Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

The Kingdom of GOD was not established upon earth until the sinless Lamb of GOD gave HIS life by the shedding of HIS blood to pay in full the price for sin. Once JESUS gave HIS life, the barrier resulting from the penalty for sin was removed. But each person must place his or her faith in JESUS and HIS passion to experience the miracle of rebirth in his or her spirit/Spirit.

As proof that the penalty was paid in full, GOD raised JESUS from physical death. JESUS was raised from the dead and given HIS Glorified body as proof to all who will place their faith in HIM. Christians will receive forgiveness for their sins, eternal life, Spiritual rebirth into the family of GOD as HIS Sons or Daughters, Citizenship in the Kingdom of GOD and so much more. It is a free gift to us who accept JESUS but it cost JESUS HIS life.

JESUS told a parable which gives us additional insight into the love of GOD for the human race. Let’s read Matthew 21:

The Parable of the Tenants

33 “Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place.

34 When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit.

35 “The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third.

36 Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way.

37 Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.

38 “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’

39 So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

40 “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”

41 “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.”

42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “ ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

43 “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.

44 Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”

45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them.

46 They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

GOD sent HIS only SON to earth to be born a human, yet GOD. JESUS accomplished HIS mission. Most of the Jewish religious missed the coming of the promised Messiah. What a shame to look and anticipate such a Glorious event and not embrace it.

GOD made many attempts to reach HIS chosen people, the Jews through the prophets but they rejected HIM. Then HE sent HIS only Son, JESUS, and they rejected HIM. Sad indeed!

Do you know JESUS as your Savior? Have you made HIM the LORD of your life? If not, now is your opportunity – Dear JESUS, please forgive me for my sins. I believe that You gave your life for me to pay, in full, the penalty for my sins. Thank you for loving me so much. I ask You to come into my heart right now and I thank you for saving my soul. Please give me the strength to live in Your power through the indwelling Holy Spirit. If you prayed this or something similar tell a Christian friend you are now a Christian. Ask JESUS to help you find a church or group that teaches and lives as JESUS desires for Christians. Study the Bible and talk to GOD about your needs and stop and listen.

Notice, as we read about JESUS calling these early disciples: Did they hesitate or did they respond immediately?

Let’s read Mark 1:16-20:

The First Disciples

16 As He was passing along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, Simon's brother. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen.

17 "Follow Me," Jesus told them, "and I will make you fish for people!"

18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

19 Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in their boat mending their nets.

20 Immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.

When JESUS calls, do not hesitate. HE calls people to salvation and HE calls to people to obediently serve HIM. That may mean going into full-time Christian work or secular work as a mechanic, garbage collector, attorney, business person and the list goes on.

There is more to this life than what we see. It is preparation for eternity. Will you spend eternity in Heaven with GOD and JESUS or barred from them because of sin. Sin forms a barricade around your life and prevents you from having the right relationship with GOD.

Accept JESUS as your Savior and make HIM the LORD of your life. The choice is yours to make. JESUS gave HIS life just for you because HE loves you and so does GOD. Enter into the Kingdom of GOD and enjoy all the rights and privileges of being born into the family of GOD for eternity. Prayers and Blessings!!!