Mark 1-2

A verse-by-verse exploration of Mark 1-2. Mark focuses on Jesus' authority over various forces such as sickness, nature, spiritual forces, and death. Comparing this study with our previous series of Matthew, give us a view of Jesus' Kingship and His Service to His creation because of His Kingship.

There's great emphasis on how Jesus performs miracles to demonstrate his divine power rather than relying on man's knowledge, practices, or business structures. Mark addresses a Gentile readership, a primary Roman one at that and one which would be heavily invested in placing a great deal of stock in their own strength and practices to complete everything, Mark highlights Jesus' miraculous deeds to affirm his deity.

Our study this week examines who Jesus calls to follow him and the significance of his choice of disciples, distinguishing between genuine followers and hirelings. The narrative juxtaposes the dedication of the disciples with the superficial commitment of hired workers. Stories like healing a paralytic and cleansing a leper demonstrate Jesus' immediate and compassionate response to faith. The sermon also examines Jesus’ teachings on the principles of fasting, the Sabbath, and calls for sinners to repentance. The necessity of establishing a daily relationship with God through prayer and scripture is underscored to align oneself with God's purposes. In the end, practical applications for prayer, fasting, and Sabbath observance in contemporary Christian life are presented, encouraging believers to seek deeper understanding and live in alignment with God's will.