Pastor Ben Lee shared from the Gospel of Mark (Mark 1:1-8).
God preserved four Gospels to give us a complete picture of Christ (an historical account of his coming) through four different people – Matthew the theologian, John the evangelist, Luke the historian and Mark the journalist. Pastor Ben shared other details about Mark - Mark’s Jewish name was John and he was the cousin of the Apostle Barnabas. His eyewitness accounts came from the Apostle Peter. Peter called him a son of the faith. He was also Peter’s interpreter when he preached. He was fascinated by two characteristics of Jesus – the human carpenter (the humanity of Jesus) and Son of God (the divinity of Jesus). He is the Ruler who Serves and the Servant who Rules. The first 8 chapters of Mark spoke about who Jesus is, and the last 8 chapters spoke about why Jesus came.
Pastor Ben shared about John Mark being the first witness. The second witness are the prophets of the Old Testament. Mark used three quotes from the Old Testament in Mark 1:2-3 - Exodus 23:20 “messenger”, Malachi 3:1 “messenger” and Isaiah 40:3 “voice”. John the Baptist was the voice in the wilderness, declaring Jesus’ coming. In the same way, we are to be His messengers to declare His second coming.
Pastor Ben spoke about the two main emphasis in Mark 1:1-8. That is,
1. Jesus is the Good News (Mark 1:1-3) (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
The gospel means “good news”. Good news refreshes the soul (Proverbs 25:25). The Name of Jesus – comes from the Hebrew name “Joshua” which means “God is our salvation.” Mark also introduced Jesus as Christo (the anointed one in Greek) which the same as “Messiah” in Hebrew.
2. Share the Good News (Mark 1: 4-8)
“The Gospel is neither a discussion not a debate. The Gospel is an announcement.” – Dr Paul S.Rees
Pastor Ben spoke about John the Baptist. It was important that Mark wrote about John the Baptist as it was for the Roman audience. The Romans’ perspective was that a herald would come before the King came, and John was Jesus’ herald. His conception was a miracle as his parents were old and barren. He was filled with the Spirit in the womb. Jesus and John were familial relatives. He was also the first prophet after 400 years of prophetic silence.
A. John’s life illustrated the Gospel
- The impact of God’s messenger (vv.4-5)
John lived a life of impact and Pastor Ben encouraged us to do the same. He lived in the physical desert to illustrate how Israel was in a spiritual desert. His message was powerful because his character demonstrated it.
- The character of God’s messenger (v.6)
John the Baptist lived a life that reflected the gospel. He lived away from distractions and extravagance. His lifestyle was marked by simplicity, humility and self-denial. Pastor Ben encouraged us to live a life that models the Gospel. He also shared from Luke 3:11-14 on such a lifestyle taught by Jesus. Do our lives attract people to Jesus? We are called to live a life that is wholly devoted to Christ.
B. John’s proclamation communicated the Gospel
- Repentance (v. 4) – a change of heart that results in a changed life.
God offers us a new start and direction – God desires for us to be restored in relationship with Him. Repentance brings us back to the presence of God. John baptized them in the baptism of repentance (a public declaration), which he made known was different from the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
- Forgiveness (v. 4) – God gives forgiveness where there is repentance
Before we can be forgiven, we need to acknowledge we need forgiveness from God. John pointed to others that Jesus is coming and He desires reconciliation with us.
- Christ (vs 7 – 8) – Christ’s preeminence and power
Christ’s preeminence – John exalted Jesus in his preaching, stating how Jesus is infinitely greater than him. Christ’s power - John spoke about what Jesus would fulfil what John was preparing people for. Jesus gives us the baptism of salvation – we are baptised into the community of believers. (1 Cor 12:13) John lived a life that pointed others to Christ.
John shared a clear message and lived consistently to his message. He lived a life of humility and pointed others to Christ – the Messiah. We are called to be His messengers even as we live a life connected and reconciled to Him.
Discussion Questions
1. Why is the Good News special for you? [15 min]
Leader’s Notes: A question for members to recap and reflect on what the Good News means for them. Jesus came to save us from our sins and from eternal death. Leaders can encourage members to share on their salvation experience and how they were first touched by the Good News. Members can also share about how and what Jesus sent them free from.
2. John the Baptist was Jesus’ messenger and prepared the way for Him. He lived a life set apart for Christ. What would it look like for us to live a life set apart for God in today’s present world and age? [15 min]
Leader’s Notes: This is a question for members to reflect and share on what a Godly lifestyle should look like as compared to following the values taught by the world. Leaders can also ask the question – “Do our lives attract people to Jesus?” What are the reasons if yes or no?
Leaders can also go through Jesus’ teaching in Luke 3:11-14 on what a lifestyle set apart for God would look like:
- Share with others who are in need, particularly in practical ways (see Luke 3:11)
- Live uprightly, honestly and with integrity (see Luke 3:13-14)
- Do not be greedy and learn to be content with what we have been blessed (see Luke 3:14)
- Do not accuse anyone falsely and thrive in the truth (see Luke 3:14).
These stand in contrast with the values taught in the present world and age. Members are challenged to make a stand and choose to live faithful to live a life set apart for God and in accordance with His Word. Members can also reflect on how we are blessed to be recipients and that we are called to be sharers of the Good News.
3. What are some barriers you face in sharing the good news? Share a friend whom you wish to share the good news with this year. [15 min]
Leader’s Notes: A question for members to share and pray for each other. Commit the outreach plan to God in prayer.
