Bible Study with Danelle

Before we begin digging into this next book of the Bible, the Gospel of Mark, I want to give you just a bit of background regarding this testimony.

The Gospel of Mark is presumed to be the first one written in approximately 55-65 AD by Mark. Mark was an early follower and worked in ministry with the apostles Paul and Peter as well as other early leaders of the church. It is thought that much of Mark’s information came from Peter.

This book is the shortest gospel and focuses more on what Jesus did rather than everything He said. It is quick moving and concise, but the perfect account of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection as we lead up to Easter.

The gospel begins with Mark quoting from Isaiah 40:3 which foretells the works of John the Baptist.

A voice cries:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God”

Isaiah 40:3

From the last prophet in Israel, Micah, to John the Baptist it had been over 400 years,. so when John came proclaiming baptism of repentance for sins and immersing people in water, it drew a lot of attention. Some even thought him to be the Messiah, but John told them:

“After me come he who is lighter than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with he Holy Spirit.”

Mark 1:7-8

As we learn, Jesus came to John in the Jordan river and was baptized. And what a miraculous baptism it was. God himself spoke from heaven “You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.” My mind tries to imagine that moment, but I can’t even begin to comprehend how those that witnessed it felt. After so long they had been waiting for a sign that all that had been prophesied was happening before their eyes. I can only imagine it being overwhelming and feeling like a dream.

Question: Picture this moment in your head and place yourself at the river Jordan that day. What thoughts and feelings would have gone through your mind?

Mark then immediately writes about Jesus going into the wilderness for forty days being tempted by satan. He does not go into great detail as to all that occurred, but if you are not familiar with it, I suggest reading the account in Matthew 4:1-11. My biggest take away from that encounter Jesus has with satan is that even Jesus was tempted by satan, but He used scripture to ward off satan’s temptations. It was the most powerful tool. It is a reminder to me that I have to build up my “toolkit” as well of memorized scripture to help me say no when satan’s temptation comes (because it will).

Question: Do you have some scriptures memorized for when you are tempted by sin? What are they?

As we continue reading this section, Mark writes about the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and calling on His first disciples: Simon, Andrew, James and John. All were fisherman in Galilee. Jesus called them to follow Him. Drop everything (their lively hood, their homes, their family) and follow Him. He tells them they will be fishers of men. Mark tells us they immediately left with Him. They just left their nets, their father and went with Jesus.

Question: What do you think it means to be a fisher of men? If Jesus were to call on you today, are you prepared to drop everything to help make disciples?

As we meditate over these scriptures today, I pray that you will take time to journal about the questions above. If you feel led, you can leave your responses in the comments here.

I pray as we begin this season of Lent, we will all grow closer to know Jesus. Who He is, what He did for us, and how we can pick up the calling to be fishers of men.