Mark Chapter 1
As we begin the gospel according to Mark, it is important to note that Mark or John Mark was not one of the twelve disciples but probably was a part of the larger group of disciples that followed Jesus and His ministry. Bible scholars believe that much of what Mark wrote was actually dictated to him from Peter.
It is fascinating to think about Peter retelling the things that he saw firsthand and Mark recording those words. The style of the book is to record the servant of God – who is Jesus. He wanted people to see that the Son of God was about His Father’s business in a heart of service. Mark records one event right after another, depicting how busy Jesus was while here on earth. Jesus had come with GOOD NEWS and there was no time to waste.
Let's Reflect
1. Notice that Mark does not begin his writings with the birth of Jesus. Who does he first write about?
2. What message did this man preach? See verse 8.
3. Mark describes the baptism of Jesus and how the heavens were tore open. What do you think that means and what form did the Spirit of God look like that came down from heaven?
4. Mark briefly mentions the temptation of Jesus and the arrest of John. Jesus identified with mankind as He was in the wilderness and as He was tempted by satan. He also identified with man through His baptism. Jesus was the servant of God and of men. During His time of temptation who ministered to Him?
5. Mark gives a little more detail as he describes Jesus calling of some fishermen to become “fishers of men”. Whom did Jesus call?
6. While Jesus was teaching in the synagogue there was a man with an unclean spirit, a demon who cried out. He most likely interrupted the teaching of Jesus with his outbursts. What name did the demon call Jesus by?
7. As you read through the chapter there are several mentions of Jesus healing people of demon possession. Do you get the idea that the enemy was trying to stop the ministry of Jesus?
It is important to note that if one does not have the Spirit of the Living God residing in them, they are vulnerable to the spirit of the enemy entering in. “Exposure to things such as spiritism, astrology, occult practices and drugs are dangerous. They open doors to the demonic world that are better left closed.” [Guzik]
8. In verse 37 Mark records that the disciples were looking for Jesus and they found Him praying and the wording tells us that Jesus must have needed a few moments of solitude to spend with His Father. Then He was ready to move on. What did Jesus want to do next?
9. The last few verses describe the miraculous healing of a man with leprosy. This man knew that Jesus had power to heal him if it was His will. What did Jesus respond to this man?
10. Jesus gave instructions to the man who was understandably overjoyed with his miraculous healing, to keep quiet about it. That seems odd. In fact, Jesus said, “see that you say nothing to anyone.” This man did not listen, he did the opposite. To understand why Jesus had instructed this man to keep quiet look back to verses 14 and 15. Why did Jesus come? Notice also in verses 25-28 that Jesus told the demons to be quiet. Jesus showed that He was the authority and did not allow the enemy to speak and to make attempts to ruin His mission. What was the result of this man, healed of leprosy, telling other people about his miracle?
Devotionals
