Mark 1:35-45 Jesus, you in there?
Jesus knew his strength came from God … and he needed regular times alone with God.
We are no different. Before we get weary from doing good things, we need to sneak away to a private place. Just me and God. Jesus called it a prayer closet. Imagine Jesus slipped off alone, praying. Getting wisdom and strength and dealing with his calling to teach truth to a difficult people. Then all of a sudden, “Hey Jesus!” … knock, knock, knock … “you in there?”
Verse 37 reminds me of my mom wanting quiet time to do her business in the bathroom when suddenly 3 little kids burst in with their issues and complaints that just can’t wait. Both Jesus and my mom were troopers. ”I’ll be there in a minute,” carries such promise when you need Jesus … or when you can’t open a pickle jar by yourself.
THINK
- What do you do when you need to get away? What about when you need to get away with God?
- According to vs 38-39, how did Jesus view his mission?
- Vs. 40. Why is the leper unsure about Jesus’ desire to help? (see Leviticus 13)
- What is significant about Jesus touching the leper prior to healing him?
- Where do you need Jesus’ special touch this week? How can you “touch lepers” in your community?
Mark 1:21-34 Believe in Jesus? Demons?
The same book that introduces us to Jesus introduces us also to our enemy.
Satan exists. He is not a fairy tale figure of speech referring to mankind’s general badness. Demons exist … they are fallen angels of God. Satan and demons hate God and all that God loves. Guess where that leaves us? Loved by God, hated by demons.
THINK
- What is most striking about the account between Jesus and the evil spirit?
- How does Jesus’ healing compare with his exorcism? What new realm of authority is seen here?
- Vs 33. Do you think a crowd would gather today to see this happen? Why?
- Does our culture (even those who claim to be Jesus followers) have trouble believing in demons? Why?
Mark 1:14-20 “Hey you, losers! Follow me.”
There was no dilly dallying of these guys when Jesus called them.
They jumped on his offer. They had nothing to lose, because they were … well … losers. And people who have nothing to lose are willing to take bigger risks. We see this same issue come up later when Jesus also asks a young wealthy man to follow him (Matt 19:16-22). The young man wanted to be a Jesus roadie too, but didn’t want to give what he had to the poor. Having too much, or thinking we are already “there” is such a hinderance to what Jesus really has for us.
What’s so neat about this leaving that the disciples do is that they all take up a new identity immediately. Losers no more! They still don’t have it all together. They still don’t really get Jesus yet. But their identity is totally lifted and changed by their relationship with Jesus. It’s time for us losers to unite, and stand firm in the identity that God has given us. Peculiar? We are, and we should love it.
Think:
- What is the good news? What practical, “right now” difference does God’s kingdom make?
- Why did the disciples decide to follow Jesus? What seems unusual about their response?
- Spiritually speaking, are you still preparing the nets? Thinking about leaving the boat? Following hard after Jesus? Feeling left behind?
- What is it about Jesus that makes you want to follow him?
Mark 1:1-13 John T. Baptist: PR Rep Extraordinaire
Mark 1:1-11
Background:
- John is the forerunner of the Messiah … i.e. THE transition from Judaism to Christianity (Mt 11:14).
- John’s audience is Jewish.
- It is possible that John the Baptist was influenced by the Qumran Community (the people of the Dead Sea Scrolls). Curious? Google it … it will only make you more in love with the way God works with his people.
Why did John baptize? In the Old Testament, people were immersed in water as part of the ritual purification … being restored. John, and the Qumran community, used this as a sign of re-devoting to God. LIstening was not enough. Knowing was not enough, one must act/do.
Why baptize in the muddy Jordan river? This area of the Jordan was really unsuitable on many counts, but primarily because it was a day’s walk from Jerusalem. It is still the same today, except, of course, people can ride their Seqways to the river.
On the other hand … it was the very spot the great prophet Elijah had been swept up to heaven in a fiery chariot (2 Kings 2:4:11). Ironically, John also looked like Elijah, wild-eyed and wearing a camel-hair garment girded with a leather belt. John intended those who saw him to be reminded of Elijah … the prophet who called God’s people to devote themselves to God again.
There can be no doubt that the word of a new Elijah spread like wildfire. More on Elijah (1 Kings 17 – 2 Kings 9).
Forcing a decision? John’s PR move brought “all the country of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem” down to the Jordan to hear John … and make a decision. Would they begin to follow God again?
John’s location required action on a person’s part before they ever heard him speak. Were they looking for God or just entertainment? Were the people willing to travel 2 days (1 to the river and 1 back home) to hear from God? Would they yield themselves to an ancient purification rite that had always been part of the path to God?
NOTE:
- Jesus, our example in life, was baptized. We ought to, too.
- Jesus was tempted. It was not sin, but a plan of Satan. After a spiritual experience with God, be aware that Satan will be the next to visit you. Temptation, frustration, confusion and other evil schemes will almost always follow great spiritual highs.
Thoughts for yourself:
- Who is the wildest preacher you’ve ever heard? What made them “wild”? How did you respond to his/her message?
- John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord in these people’s lives. Who has prepared the way for God in your life?
- John told the people to “prepare for the Lord” and to “make straight paths” in their life for God. How should you prepare yourself for God? What would it mean for you to make a straight path in yourself for God?
- When Jesus came out of the water, after being baptized, God spoke audibly. What would you like to hear God say to you?
- What would happen if you went away from your normal life to deal with your temptations and issues for 40 days?
