Power and Glory Unveiled in Mark’S Gospel

By Raymond J. Zeman

Mark's Gospel is the briefest of the four gospels, but is frequently more vivid and detailed than the parallel accounts in Matthew and Luke. Written principally for the Roman world, this Gospel presents Christ as the Servant of the Lord, emphasizing the Passion of Jesus, sent to minister and to give his life a ransom for many. It is a book of deeds and contains short discourses and few parables. Christ fulfills Messianic prophecies as found in Isaiah 42:1-21; 49:1-8; 50:4-11; 52:13-15; 53:1-12, and Zechariah 3:8-10.
Christs ministry of miracles, fellowship with sinners, selection of disciples, and teaching of the multitudes revolve around self-giving love being climaxed at the Cross followed by His glorious Resurrection. Although Christ is depicted in the Gospel of Mark as a servant, the strong emphasis upon His miracles and His mission unveils His Power and Glory.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499007817

Raymond J. Zeman

Dr. Raymond J. Zeman received his BSMS degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Engineering. He received his MBA degree from Baldwin-Wallace College and a Doctor of Biblical Studies and Ph.D. degrees from Bethany Theological Seminary. He has served as a corporate executive and director of numerous companies and as a visiting lecturer at various colleges and universities. In addition, Ray was a pastor of two Massachusetts churches, retired from both, and moved his consulting, Bible teaching, and writing to North Carolina. An essay written by Ray, entitled “The Effects of Spiritual Guidance in the World Today,” was entered into the Congressional Record, Proceedings and Debates of the 84th Congress, First Edition, Vol. 101; No.72 dated Tuesday, May 3, 1955, by the representative to Congress, Oliver P. Bolton, sponsor of the bill that added “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance. Ray is currently a member of the Advisory Board Case Western Reserve University, School of Engineering, and a Bible teacher in the Davidson, North Carolina area. He is also active in the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors and is focusing on the preservation of the 1799 John Davidson Aaron Willard clock. He and his wife have three children, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Ray has published and taught Hope Unveiled in the Book of Revelation, Power and Glory Unveiled in Mark’s Gospel, and Instructions for the Lord’s Return Unveiled in Thessalonians. In 2015 the Raymond J. Zeman Entrepreneurship Suite at Case Western Reserve University School of Engineering Think[box], located in the Richey Mixon Building (Cleveland, Ohio) will open. The Zeman Suite will be a location for students to collaborate, innovate and invent along with educators, mentors and facilitators who can assist students and faculty to become tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and technology leaders. Think[box] brings together the medical, engineering, legal, and management disciplines, preparing graduates to work in the company they established at Case Western Reserve University.

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 by Raymond J. Zeman, D.B.S., Ph.D.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2014907754

ISBN:      Hardcover         978-1-4990-0782-4

               Softcover           978-1-4990-0783-1

               eBook                978-1-4990-0781-7

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright ©

1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Rev. date: 06/08/2015

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Contents

Acknowledgment

About The Author

Introduction

Chapter One

The Gospel of Jesus Christ Mark 1:01-08

The Baptism of Christ Mark 1:09-11

The Temptation of Jesus Mark 1:12-13

The Gospel of the Kingdom Mark 1:14-15

Qualities of Those Called Mark 1:16-20

The Galilean Ministry Begins Mark 1:21-28

Jesus Heals Mark 1:29-34

Jesus’ Ministry Continues Mark 1:35-45

Chapter Two

A Palsied Man Is Healed Mark 2:01-12

The Calling of Levi (Matthew) Mark 2:13-17

The Question of Fasting Mark 2:18-22

A Sabbath Controversy Mark 2:23-28

Chapter Three

Sabbath Healing Controversy Mark 3:01-06

Jesus’ Impact Mark 3:07-12

Men Chosen By Jesus Mark 3:13-19

Opposition To Jesus Mark 3:20-22

Parables About Satan Mark 3:23-30

Jesus and His Family Mark 3:31-35

Chapter Four

The Parable of the Soils Mark 4:01-20

The Parable of the Lamp Mark 4:21-25

The Parable of the Seed Mark 4:26-29

The Parable of the Mustard Seed Mark 4:30-34

The Calming of the Storm Mark 4:35-41

Chapter Five

The Demon-possessed Man Mark 5:01-10

The Drowning of the Swine Mark 5:11-20

A Dying Girl and a Sick Woman Mark 5:21-43

Chapter Six

Jesus Rejected By His Own Mark 6:01-06

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Mark 6:07-13

The Death of John the Baptist Mark 6:14-29

Like Sheep Without a Shepherd Mark 6:30-34

Jesus Feeds Five Thousand Mark 6:35-44

Jesus Walks on Water Mark 6:45-52

The Gennesaret Healings Mark 6:53-56

Chapter Seven

Man-made Tradition Mark 7:01-13

Clean and Unclean Mark 7:14-23

The Syrophoenician Woman Mark 7:24-30

The Healing of the Deaf-mute Mark 7:31-37

Chapter Eight

Jesus Feeds Four Thousand Mark 8:01-09

Pharisees Request a Sign Mark 8:10-13

The Disciples Do Not Understand Mark 8:14-21

The Bethsaida Blind Man Mark 8:22-26

Peter Acknowledges the Messiah Mark 8:27-30

Jesus Predicts His Death Mark 8:31-33

The Cost of Discipleship Mark 8:34-9:1

Chapter Nine

The Transfiguration Mark 9:02-13

The Possessed Son Healed Mark 9:14-29

Preparing for Christ’s Death Mark 9:30-32

The Disciples’ Ambition Mark 9:33-37

A Lesson in Tolerance Mark 9:38-41

Sin and Its Consequences Mark 9:42-50

Chapter Ten

The Marital State Mark 10:01-12

The Little Children and Jesus Mark 10:13-16

The Rich Young Man Mark 10:17-22

The Danger of Wealth Mark 10:23-27

Rewards Mark 10:28-31

Jesus Again Predicts His Death Mark 10:32-34

James and John’s Ambition Mark 10:35-40

Authority Versus Service Mark 10:41-45

The Healing of Blind Bartimaeus Mark 10:46-52

Chapter Eleven

Jesus’ Entry Into Jerusalem Mark 11:01-11

The Cursing of the Fig Tree Mark 11:12-14

Jesus Clears the Temple Mark 11:15-19

Pray, Believe and Forgive Mark 11:20-26

A Challenge to Jesus’ Authority Mark 11:27-33

Chapter Twelve

Parable of the Vineyard Mark 12:01-12

Questioning Taxes to Caesar Mark 12:13-17

Questioning Marriages in Heaven Mark 12:18-27

The Greatest Commandment Mark 12:28-34

The Son of David Mark 12:35-37

Jesus Condemns the Scribes Mark 12:38-40

The Poor Widow’s Gift Mark 12:41-44

Chapter Thirteen

Disciples Ask for Signs of the End Mark 13:01-07

A Period of Tribulation Mark 13:08-13

The Abomination of Desolation—Part I Mark 13:14

The Abomination of Desolation—Part II Mark 13:15-23

The Second Coming of Christ Mark13:24-27

Christ’s End Time Warning Mark13:28-37

Chapter Fourteen

Plotting Jesus’ Death Mark 14:01-02

The Anointing of Jesus Mark 14:03-09

Judas’ Betrayal of Jesus Mark 14:10,11

Jesus’ Passover Preparation & Betrayal Pronouncement Mark 14:12-21

The Lord’s Supper Mark 14:22-26

Jesus’ Prediction of Peter’s Denial Mark14:27-31

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane Mark 14:32-42

Jesus’ Arrest Mark 14:43-52

The Secret Trial of Jesus Mark 14:53-65

Peter’s Denial of Christ Mark 14:66-72

Chapter Fifteen

Jesus’ Trial Before Pilate Mark 15:01-15

The Mocking and Crucifixion of Jesus Mark 15:16-25

The Death of Jesus Mark 15:26-41

The Burial of Jesus Mark 15:42-47

Chapter Sixteen

The Resurrection of Jesus Mark 16:01-13

Jesus’ Appearance and Ascension Mark 16:14-20

Appendix I Map of Israel

Appendix II The Galilee Boat

References

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

A special thank you to P. A. Roth, a dedicated editor, contributor and proofreader

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Raymond J. Zeman received his BSMS degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Engineering. He received his MBA degree from Baldwin-Wallace College and a Doctor of Biblical Studies and Ph.D. degrees from Bethany Theological Seminary. He has served as a corporate executive and director of numerous companies and as a visiting lecturer at various colleges and universities. In addition, Ray was a pastor of two Massachusetts churches, retired from both, and moved his consulting, Bible teaching, and writing to North Carolina.

An essay written by Ray, entitled The Effects of Spiritual Guidance in the World Today, was entered into the Congressional Record, Proceedings and Debates of the 84th Congress, First Edition, Vol. 101; No.72 dated Tuesday, May 3, 1955, by the representative to Congress, Oliver P. Bolton, sponsor of the bill that added under God to the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ray is currently a member of the Advisory Board Case Western Reserve University, School of Engineering, and a Bible teacher at the Lake Norman Baptist Church, Huntersville, North Carolina. He is also active in the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors and is focusing on the preservation of the 1799 John Davidson Aaron Willard Tall Clock. He and his wife have three children, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Ray has published and taught Hope Unveiled in the Book of Revelation (2008), Power and Glory Unveiled in Mark’s Gospel (2014), Instructions for the Lord’s Return Unveiled in Thessalonians, Hope Unveiled in the Book of Revelation (2015), and Christian Faith Unveiled in the Epistle of James.

In 2015 the Raymond J. Zeman Entrepreneurship Suite at Case Western Reserve University School of Engineering Think[box], located in the Richey Mixon Building (Cleveland, Ohio) will open. The Zeman Suite will be a location for students to collaborate, innovate and invent along with educators, mentors and facilitators who can assist students and faculty to become tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and technology leaders. Think[box] brings together the medical, engineering, legal, and management disciplines, preparing graduates to work in the company they established at Case Western Reserve University.

INTRODUCTION

Mark (John Mark) was a companion of Peter according to the early church fathers; Mark was not an apostle. He began his association with Peter as his interpreter and later his disciple. Peter referred to Mark as my son in 1 Peter 5:13. It appears that Mark later met Peter in Rome and discussed Peter’s preaching about Jesus Christ. Mark then used these discussions as the basis for his gospel.

The date of the writing of this gospel is uncertain. The destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in A.D.70 had not yet occurred. The church father, Irenaeus, says that after the death of Peter and Paul,  . . . Mark, the disciple and interpreter of Peter, did also hand down to us in writing what had been preached by Peter (Irenaeus, Against Heresies III.I.1). The death of Peter is thought to have occurred circa A.D.67 during the persecutions by the Emperor Nero. Therefore, Mark’s writing most likely occurred circa A.D.65-70. Perhaps the earliest gospel, it was written primarily to the Roman gentile audience and considered to be a source for the three gospels to follow.

The purpose of the gospel is to declare that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Mark states his purpose in the first verse, The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mk.1:1). Jesus is declared to be the Son of God at His baptism and transfiguration by the thundering voice of God, Thou art my beloved Son… (Mk.1:11). Even demons cry out, I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God (Mk.1:24). The conclusion of the centurion is Truly this man was the Son of God (Mk.15:39). Throughout His teaching ministry Jesus proclaims Himself to be the Son of God, which emphases His authority over all.

Features of Mark’s Gospel include:

1. Mark is the gospel of Jesus’ adult life as it occurred with little interpretation.

2. Mark is the gospel of the day-to-day description of the life of Christ moving toward an ultimate climax, the Resurrection (Mk.16:1-20).

3. Mark is the gospel of Jesus’ humanity, which is depicted in the following examples:

• Jesus is the carpenter (Mk.6:3).

• He was moved with righteous anger (Mk.3:5; 8:33).

• He became weary (Mk.4:38).

• He marveled at the people’s disbelief (Mk.6:6).

• He recognized that the disciples needed rest (Mk.6:31).

• He was moved with compassion (Mk.6:34).

• He hungered (Mk.11:12).

4. Mark is the gospel of the eyewitness, Peter. Mark records details of the events of Jesus’ adult life that could only have come from an eyewitness such as Peter. An eyewitness would lend credibility to such events.

5. Mark is the gospel that unveils the power and the glory of Jesus Christ.

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CHAPTER ONE

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

Mark 1:01-08

Now (1) THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD;

Mark begins his writing with the words the beginning of. But the words that follow are not simple; they are profound. Mark’s exact words are the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not the gospel of Mark. The gospel consists of the story of the life of Jesus Christ and His teachings, including the good news concerning salvation and the kingdom of God. He proclaims the good news about God to man. Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Now (2) AS IT IS WRITTEN IN THE PROPHETS, BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER BEFORE THY FACE, WHICH SHALL PREPARE THY WAY BEFORE THEE.

God foretold the coming of the gospel through the prophets of old. I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets (Jer.35:15). The promise of God is to send a messenger to prepare the way for His Son. God promised through Malachi, the last of the Old Testament prophets, Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me (Mal.3:1). God knew that a messenger to prepare the way was needed; therefore, He promised to send one. God knows what is needed to bring the gospel to mankind.

Now (3) THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.

In the wilderness the messenger cried, Prepare, which is the mission of God’s messenger. John the Baptist is the messenger who paves the way for Jesus Christ. The world is a wilderness full of dangerous and rocky roads. It is easy to get lost in the wilderness, to stumble, and injure oneself. John’s mission is to tell the people, those who have injured themselves through sin, that One is coming Who can save them from their sins and provide eternal life (Mt.18:11). In order to prepare for the Lord, one must repent (v.4). It was in this world of sin that John the Baptist was to carry out his mission.

Mark quoted Isaiah, the most famous of the Old Testament prophets, who said, The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God (Is.40:3). The Old Testament, Isaiah, and the New Testament, Mark, are both directed toward the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Now (4) JOHN DID BAPTIZE IN THE WILDERNESS, AND PREACH THE BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS.

John was the son of Zacharias, a temple priest, and his elderly wife Elisabeth, daughter of Aaron (Lk.1:5-13). John was of the order of priests, a Levite, who normally would minister in the temple in Jerusalem, but God called him to a wilderness ministry to prepare the way of the Lord. He is referred to as John the Baptist who baptized all who believed in the Messiah (Mt.3:11). John preached repentance and forgiveness of sin through Christ. John’s practice was to baptize anyone who came to him in repentance. After true repentance, the person would be baptized to fulfill all righteousness (Mt.3:15). Water baptism is a ceremonial cleansing, which demonstrates publicly that one is a follower of Jesus Christ. Water baptism is not for salvation.

Now (5) AND THERE WENT OUT UNTO HIM ALL THE LAND OF JUDAEA, AND THEY OF JERUSALEM, AND WERE ALL BAPTIZED OF HIM IN THE RIVER OF JORDAN, CONFESSING THEIR SINS.

The impact of John’s preaching spread into all of Judea. Large numbers were coming to him to be baptized in the Jordan River, both Jews and gentiles, confessing their sins. The Jordan River is the principal river in the Holy Land, about twenty miles from Jerusalem, flowing south from Mount Hermon to the Dead Sea.

Now (6) AND JOHN WAS CLOTHED WITH CAMEL’S HAIR, AND WITH A GIRDLE OF A SKIN ABOUT HIS LOINS; AND HE DID EAT LOCUSTS AND WILD HONEY;

The lifestyle of John the Baptist was one of self-denial. His living quarters were in the wilderness, that is, the limestone desert between the Dead Sea and the center of Judea. He chose to live away from the city with its distractions and temptations. He wanted to live where he could be alone with God in meditation and prayer. His clothing was simple, made of camel’s hide with a belt of animal skin. This is similar to the clothing of Elijah (2 Ki.1:8) who was also a messenger from God (Mal.3:1).

John’s food was simple and available, locusts and wild honey. Jewish law permitted locusts to be eaten, as they were classified as insects (Lev.11:21-23). Locusts could also refer to the locust bean or carob, which was food for the poor. The honey could be that of wild bees or sweet sap from certain trees.

John knew that life was more than food, clothing and shelter. He must not allow anything to distract him or the people he served from God. Therefore, John did not live in luxury, dress extravagantly, or eat delicacies (Rom.14:17). He practiced self-denial.

Now (7) AND PREACHED, SAYING, THERE COMETH ONE MIGHTIER THAN I AFTER ME, THE LATCHET [strap or laces] OF WHOSE SHOES I AM NOT WORTHY TO STOOP DOWN AND UNLOOSE.

The message of John the Baptist was the preeminence of Christ and humility of self. John said he was less than a slave. Slaves loosened the sandals of guests and washed their feet. John said that the One coming was so mighty that he (John) was not worthy to untie His sandals or wash His feet.

Now (8) I INDEED HAVE BAPTIZED YOU WITH WATER: BUT HE SHALL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY GHOST.

John said he could baptize only with water, which would symbolize God’s cleansing of their souls from sin. But the One coming, the Messiah, would baptize with the Holy Spirit. All believers are baptized with the Holy Spirit as soon as they put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. This is the promise and the power of Christ.

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The Baptism of Christ

Mark 1:09-11

Jesus’ baptism demonstrates what occurs when a person makes a decision for God. It involves a submission to God, identification with God and His people, a commissioning from God, and the receiving of God’s approval.

Now (9) AND IT CAME TO PASS IN THOSE DAYS, THAT JESUS CAME FROM NAZARETH OF GALILEE, AND WAS BAPTIZED OF JOHN IN JORDAN.

Jesus’ baptism involved a decision and a surrender. In Nazareth Jesus had shelter, a family, an occupation as a carpenter, and friends. Yet Jesus left Nazareth to be baptized by John in the river Jordan. Jesus responded to God’s call to launch His mission to save the world, a mission that demanded:

• The sacrifice of all that He had in Nazareth.

• The sacrifice of a long earthly life. By choosing the mission of God, He was to be killed in thirty-six months.

• The sacrifice of His Godly righteousness. He was to become the sin-bearer for the world (1 Pt.2:21-24).

• The sacrifice of God’s presence. In death God was to forsake Him (Mt.27:46-49).

It was a decision with consequences for Jesus to leave Nazareth and be baptized. By being baptized Jesus was surrendering to God’s will and mission to save the world. The decision to follow Jesus Christ is an important one. Luke 9:23 says, "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

Jesus’ baptism involved an identification. His baptism was the beginning of a new direction in His life. His baptism was an identification with John the Baptist’s ministry, a movement of the people back to God and an announcing of the coming of the Messiah. Through baptism Jesus was identifying Himself as the Son of Man, declaring His humanity to the people.

Now (10) AND STRAIGHTWAY COMING UP OUT OF THE WATER, HE SAW THE HEAVENS OPENED, AND THE SPIRIT LIKE A DOVE DESCENDING UPON HIM:

Jesus’ baptism involved a commissioning, which is defined as an authority granted for a particular action or function (Random House Dictionary), an empowering. This occurs as the heavens open and the Spirit descends upon Him. Jesus was being commissioned and set apart by God. The Spirit of God descended upon Jesus in a form like a dove. This event was not only identifying Jesus as the Messiah, it was declaring that the Spirit of God and His power were upon Jesus. The man, Jesus of Nazareth, was being empowered by the Holy Spirit to do the work of God. The Spirit descended upon Him, not in Him (Lk.3:22). For man the Holy Spirit’s presence is within.

Now (11) AND THERE CAME A VOICE FROM HEAVEN, SAYING, THOU ART MY BELOVED SON, IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED.

Jesus’ baptism involved God’s approval. As Man, Jesus Christ needed the assurance of God. So much was being required of Him, and He was to pay an enormous price to serve God. He needed encouragement and approval from God. What God did was profound as He was speaking directly to Christ saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. However, Matthew describes this event by saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (Mt.3:17) as if he were presenting Christ to the masses.

In a similar manner God meets the needs of His followers. He speaks to the hearts of man and provides signs of approval and encouragement. As He has promised in Isaiah 41:10:

"Fear thou not; For I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

And in Isaiah 43:2:

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

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The Temptation of Jesus

Mark 1:12-13

Now (12) AND IMMEDIATELY THE SPIRIT DRIVETH HIM INTO THE WILDERNESS.

Immediately after the Spirit descended upon Christ at His baptism, the same Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. The words driveth Him (ekballei), to force, convey the necessity of the wilderness experience for Christ. Jesus was driven by the Spirit to be tried and tested, not to make Him fall, but to make Him stronger and better prepared to follow God’s plan.

Trials can be stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. They are opportunities for the Spirit of God to use in making one stronger and more able to do God’s work. As in James 1:2-5:

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (various trials); knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

After having a trial experience, one may be drawn nearer to God and be spiritually strengthened, as found in Psalms 73:28:

"But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works."

Now (13) AND HE WAS THERE IN THE WILDERNESS FORTY DAYS,

Christ was driven by God into the wilderness to remain for forty days. There are other references in Scripture to forty days. In Exodus 24:18 Moses spent forty days on Mount Sinai when he received the Ten Commandments. In 1 Kings 19:8 Elijah traveled forty days to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God, strengthened by the food the angel gave him. Matthew 4:2 states that Jesus fasted for forty days. Although the forty days may be a literal forty days, in Hebrew it may refer to a fair amount of time.

The wilderness is covered with rocks and precipices, often a desert with wild beasts. It is in this location that Christ spent forty days being tested.

God wills that one is to conquer the wild, to triumph over a wilderness experience, but His presence and power are needed to conquer and triumph. God sent Jesus into the wilderness only after the Spirit had come upon Him. As in 1 Corinthians 10:13:

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

God was with Jesus as God is with His people.

(13) TEMPTED OF SATAN;

From God’s perspective to be tempted indicates a positive test; from Satan’s perspective it means enticement to sin; from Christ’s perspective to be tempted is to test His ability to carry out God’s plan.

Jesus faced three temptations in His forty-day wilderness experience (Mt.4:2-10). Having eaten nothing, He was challenged by Satan to create bread from rocks (Mt.4:3). Christ’s response was, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Mt.4:4). Then Satan challenged Christ to cast Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple (Mt.4:5,6). Christ responded, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God (Mt.4:7). The last temptation by Satan was to offer Christ all the kingdoms of the world if Christ would fall down and worship him (Mt.4:8,9). Christ’s response was, Get thee hence, Satan: . . . Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve (Mt.4:10). If Christ would have yielded to the temptations, the consequences of sin would result and God’s purpose would not be fulfilled.

Temptation is of Satan; it is not of God (Mt.4:1; Lk.4:1-2; Rev.12:9) as it is a lie and a deception. Temptation must be rejected as it can destroy a person eternally. The warning from 1 Peter 5:8 is:

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

Jesus was tempted immediately after His baptism and the launching of God’s great mission of salvation. When a decision is made to follow Christ, one is confronted with temptation. Satan confronts a person who is set free from sin by God; set free from the fear of death by God; and set free from condemnation by God, knowing that he will have eternal life. Once Christ is accepted as Lord and Savior, it is a permanent condition, as God promised in John 5:24:

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

And in Romans 8:38,39:

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(13) AND WAS WITH THE WILD BEASTS;

The beasts of the wilderness would have included the leopard, lion, bear, wild boar, jackal, scorpions, and serpents. When Jesus was with the wild beasts, they did not devour Him. God placed Jesus among the wild beasts for His protection throughout the forty days.

(13) AND THE ANGELS MINISTERED UNTO HIM.

While Jesus was in the wilderness, the angels ministered to Him. Jesus did not have to face the temptations alone. God saw to it that He had whatever provision was necessary. Jesus relied upon God through all the temptations. God provides victory over temptation for all believers (Eph.6:10-18).

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The Gospel of the Kingdom

Mark 1:14-15

Now (14) NOW AFTER THAT JOHN WAS PUT IN PRISON, JESUS CAME INTO GALILEE, PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD,

Mark says Jesus began to preach the gospel throughout Galilee when John the Baptist was put in prison. This statement serves as an approximate time when Jesus began to minister in Galilee. One year had passed since Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Mk.1:13). Mark does not report the events that took place between the temptation of Jesus and the imprisonment of John (Mt.4:12). They are conveyed in John 1:35 through 4:54. The order of events after the temptation of Jesus was as follows:

1. Two of John’s disciples, Andrew and Simon Peter, became followers of Jesus in Galilee (Jn.1: 35-42).

2. The next day, Jesus, accompanied by Andrew, Simon Peter, James, and John, left Judea and continued in Galilee. It was there that Philip and Nathaniel became followers of Jesus (Jn.1:43-51).

3. On the third day the first miracle of water into wine took place at Cana in Galilee at the marriage feast (Jn.2:1-11).

4. Jesus then took His family and His followers to Capernaum remaining there only a few days (Jn.2:12).

5. The Passover was at hand, so Jesus went to Jerusalem to celebrate it (Jn.2:13). It was then that the first cleansing of the temple took place (Jn.2:14-25).

6. During the Passover Christ also witnessed to Nicodemus about being born again (Jn.3:1-21).

7. Jesus then began to move about Judea and to preach openly and to baptize (Jn.3:22). But His ministry posed a problem for John the Baptist and aroused the opposition of the religious leaders. Consequently, He left Judea and returned to Galilee (Jn.3:23-4:3).

8. It was at this point that Mark resumed the story of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus chose Galilee to be the center for most of His ministry (Mt.4:23).

Now (15) AND SAYING, THE TIME IS FULFILLED,

The gospel declares that the time is fulfilled for the coming of Christ, God’s Messiah. It was time for the salvation of man to be preached. The time is fulfilled refers to 1) world and religious events and 2) prophecy concerning the coming of Christ.

The people of the Jewish nation lived the law, but were spiritually starved. The worship of self, of pleasure, and of numerous gods, left people empty and unfulfilled. Many were now ready to have this void filled. Since the world was at peace under Roman rule, the spread of the gospel could now occur without restraint. The world at that time had a system of roads and navigational channels for mass travel, which would allow Christianity to become widespread. This also brought commercial travelers to metropolitan centers where Christian believers were concentrated.

Prophecy had prepared mankind for the coming of Christ. God foretold that a messenger (Elijah) must first come and prepare the way (Is.40:3; Mal.3:1; 4:5). The messenger came in the person of John the Baptist (Mt.11:10-14). John’s ministry of preparing the way for the Messiah was complete. It was time for the Messiah to appear, proclaiming the gospel of God’s kingdom. God fulfilled His promise to prepare the way for His Son. He will fulfill His promises to believers (Is.43:2).

(15) AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND:

The Kingdom of God is made up of the entire universe with all of God’s creatures. The gospel declares that the Kingdom of God is near, which is supported in Luke 16:16:

"The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it."

And from Romans 14:17:

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

(15) REPENT YE, AND BELIEVE THE GOSPEL.

God’s Word declares that a person must repent and believe the gospel. Both repentance and belief are essential. Repentance by itself does not satisfy God’s law that was formerly broken. A person may repent and change from his former life, but repentance is not enough. God is a just God and payment by someone must be made for the laws broken. Jesus kept the law perfectly. He lived a sinless life (Heb.4:14,15; 7:26; 1 Pt.1:19; 2:22). Because He was the righteous Man, He could represent every man and make Himself the ideal Payment (death on the cross) that would satisfy the broken laws of God.

Since all are sinners, in order to find salvation, Jesus’ righteousness must be imputed to man. The moment one accepts Christ, His righteousness is imparted to that person. This is why a person must believe in Jesus Christ. This is the gospel preached by Jesus Christ throughout Galilee. The person who becomes acceptable to God is the person who repents and believes that Jesus Christ is God’s Son (Mk.1:1), the Lord and Savior. Jesus is the propitiation for sins (Rom.3:25; Rom.5:1). As found in 2 Corinthians 5:21:

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

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Qualities of Those Called

Mark 1:16-20

Jesus called ordinary men. They were not religious leaders, nor political leaders from Israel’s ruling body, the Sanhedrin, nor religious scholars. They were ordinary men performing everyday tasks for the survival of their families. Yet Jesus chose them for the qualities they possessed.

Now (16) NOW AS HE WALKED BY THE SEA OF GALILEE, HE SAW SIMON AND ANDREW HIS BROTHER CASTING A NET INTO THE SEA: FOR THEY WERE FISHERS.

The disciples of Jesus were workingmen. Jesus saw Simon and Andrew… casting a net into the sea. Further up the lake He saw James… and John his brother… mending their nets (v.19). The person whom Jesus calls would be industrious and hard-working. A study of God’s call throughout Scripture will support this. For example, consider the call of Amos as found in Amos 7:14,15:

"Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel."

Compare the call of Elisha in 1 Kings 19:19:

"So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him."

And in 1 Corinthians 15:58 is found:

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Now (17) AND JESUS SAID UNTO THEM, COME YE AFTER ME, AND I WILL MAKE YOU TO BECOME FISHERS OF MEN.

Jesus calls a person to a life of work, not to a life of ease and comfort. He calls a person to invest his life, not to waste his life. As found in Luke 9:23,24:

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."

The primary call is to become fishers of men, not to become administrators, builders, fundraisers or any other nonspiritual task. People today forget that the purpose of the church is to foster evangelism and spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Mark 16:15 says:

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

And in 2 Timothy 2:2,3:

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

All can be fishers of men and draw people to Christ.

Now (18) AND STRAIGHTWAY THEY FORSOOK THEIR NETS, AND FOLLOWED HIM.

The disciples of Jesus