New Teaching – Mk 1:14-28
The long awaited Messiah has come, been inaugurated and declared the acceptance of His mandate. He has proven obedient and able to personally stand against the ruler of this world. His ministry now begins.
14 Now after John had been]taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (NASB®)
What was Jesus’ message?
It is interesting to note that John was not merely taken into custody but “delivered up” (gk. paradothenai), a precursor to the events within God’s control. It is at this point that Jesus initiates His ministry to publicly declare God’s message of Messiah.
The predicted time has arrived and with the Kings arrival now realized, the establishment of His Kingdom is not far off. The opportunity to turn from our own opinions and embrace God’s desire to provide a better situation in Christ is here.
Am I willing to consider God has a bigger plan?
What stands in the way of my trusting God?
16 As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 19 Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.(NASB®)
What does it mean to follow Jesus?
Unlike the normal accepted practice of a disciple seeking out their teacher (Rabbi), Jesus comes to where Simon and Andrew are and invites them to “follow me”. Not unknown to Jesus, they had previously left John the Baptist and chosen to follow the teaching of this new Rabbi. Jesus does not invite them to a deeper study of Torah but in unprecedented fashion, to follow Him personally. His promise is to transform them into effective partners in His mission.Without hesitation, they left what was likely a successful business and followed Jesus.
Likewise, James and John while involved in repairs, leave not only a successful business but family to respond to Jesus’ determined summons.
Do I recognize that Jesus want to use me?
What holds me back from following?
21 They *went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and began to teach. 22 They were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.(NASB®)
What was surprising about Jesus teaching?
What would be common practice on the Sabbath, they went to the synagogue where Jews gathered to worship and learn. Visiting Rabbi’s would sit and expound a traditional interpretation of Scripture. But on this Sabbath Jesus taught with such power and command that the hearers were literally cut to the core. He did not rely on established exposition or quote other Rabbi’s but stood on His own revelation.
Am I committed to gathering with other believers?
Do I allow God’s Truth to convict me?
23 Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24 saying, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” (NASB®)
Why the sudden outburst?
We may presume to have the luxury to decide the true identity of Jesus but the supernatural world has no confusion. With the sudden appearance of the King of Kings the demon screams in an attempt to take control of the situation. Has judgment arrived prematurely? This may be a man standing before them but this is also God.
Am I aware of Jesus presence?
Who do I say Jesus is?
25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” 26 Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him. (NASB®)
How did Jesus react?
Jesus will not be distracted from His Father’s mission but silences the interruption and demands the immediate departure. There is no stand-off but inescapable, even though reluctant, obedience.
What has my undivided attention?
Do I understand the difference between recognition and submission?
27 They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” 28 Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee. (NASB®)
How did the people react?
Once again the people are struck with wonder. Not only does He teach with a never before seen authority but this Sovereignty extends to the spirit world. This is news worthy of telling others but not impressive enough to “repent and believe the good news.”
Was Jesus just a great teacher?
What do I tell others about Jesus?
I Will Follow – Chris Tomlin- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ohvhmGSfxI
Follow You – Leeland – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJeW3HlDqPA