Bible Chapter: Mark 1

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Mark is the shortest and most succinct of the gospels and may have been the first gospel written.  Mark did not cover the birth or childhood of Jesus, but started out with Him as an adult at the beginning of His ministry.  This book covers much of what Jesus did and not as much of His teachings.
    Chapter one starts out with John the Baptist and Jesus’ baptism.  John was in the desert region preaching repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  He was telling that Jesus would come.
    After His baptism, Jesus went to the wilderness for a period of temptations.  After the temptation, Jesus began to gather His disciples who would follow Him during the next three years.  Jesus preached repentance for the time that had been promised throughout the Old Testament was come.  He would fulfill the prophecies of the Messiah.  The temptation of Jesus was real and powerful.  That is encouraging to remember that He knows what we go through.
    Mark told of Jesus going to Capernaum and meeting a demon-possessed man.  He commanded the demon to leave.  The people were amazed at the authority Jesus had.  They questioned how it was that the evil spirits listened to and obeyed Jesus.
    Jesus went to Simon and Andrew’s house where the crowds followed.  He healed many and delivered many of being possessed by evil spirits.  News was quickly spreading about what was happening.  I can imagine how word spread through those small towns.  People were excited. Some were coming to see a show.  Some were coming to see the power of God help people.  When God’s power is somewhere, people are drawn.

2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The power and authority of Jesus.  Since Jesus never changes, neither does His power and authority.  Jesus gave a good example to show us that He went away to pray.  I need to continue to remind myself of how important this is.  Simon and some others found Jesus and said everyone was looking for Him.  Jesus said they should go through the villages of Galilee and preach.  Jesus did that and healed and delivered many people.  I need to hear from God and then do what He says.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I can help people to see Jesus, that He never changes.  I think of the words of the song, “I’ve just seen Jesus, and I’ll never be the same again”.  That is true for everyone who really meets Him.