Let’s start at the beginning…
I. Mark gets RIGHT to the POINT. (v.1-8)
A. The long AWAITED coming of GOD. (v.1-3; Mal. 3:1; Is 40:3)
B. Right HERE and RIGHT now. (v.4-8)
Mark is, as far as we know, the first gospel that was written. Scholars tell us that Mark had listened to Peter’s stories of Jesus and compiled them very intentionally into the gospel we have before us today. He’s got a point to make…and he’s going to take us on a journey to prove his point.
1. Kid’s question: When have you had to wait a long time for something that you wanted? What was that like?
2. To the Jewish listener Mark was making a clear claim that God had come to earth. How might that have impacted these first people reading the gospel of Mark?
II. The TRINITY on the RIVERBANK. (v.9-13)
A. Jesus MODELS humble SURRENDER. (v.9)
B. The DIVINE ENDORSEMENT. (v.10-11)
C. A TEST of FAITHFULNESS. (v.12-13)
Mark also moves fast, from story to story. In the short span of 5 verses communicates one of the most powerful and profound experiences of Jesus. The entire Trinity is represented in the single moment that launches the ministry of Jesus.
3. What does the fact that Jesus was baptized mean to you? How do you think John felt when he did it?
4. When have you had a mountaintop to valley spiritual experience? Why do you think God does things that way?
III. The MISSION of GOD. (v.14-20)
A. The good NEWS of the KINGDOM. (v.14-15)
B. The CALL to RESPOND. (v.15)
C. The BEGINNING of an UNLIKELY team. (v.16-20)
“Your mission, should you choose to accept it…” This is also important to Mark, and should be to us as well. We are invited to join Jesus in what he is doing. This small task of transforming the world and everything in it.
5. Why is the presence of the Kingdom of God good news to you?
6. What might “repent and believe the good news” look like in your life this coming week?
IV. PREPARING ourselves for the MESSIAH. (v.3)
A. This is JUST the BEGINNING. (v.1; Acts 1:1-2)
B. REPENTANCE as RE-THINKING. (v.4,15; 2 Pet. 3:9)
C. Be OPEN to SURPRISES. (Mk. 8:33; Lk. 1:38)
D. HUMBLE surrender to God as our METHOD. (v.9,12; Phil. 2:5-8)
So what does this say today. Jesus came 2000 years ago, but He still comes through us each and every day. How can we best prepare ourselves to be who He calls us to be; to be the instruments of His mission in the world?
7. How does seeing repentance as “re-thinking” change your understanding of the call to repent?
8. When has God surprised you? How can you be open to future surprises?