Take Two: Mark 1, Proverbs 11

As we begin our study of this gospel, a couple of background things may assist us. Early church tradition credits Peter as the primary source of information that is chronicled here by the author (possibly John Mark...however he is not identified). Tradition also holds that the gospel was written in Rome, and most likely between AD 64-65 (since there is only veiled inference to persecution...a prominent feature after Nero AD 65). If Peter is a primary source, then it occurred after AD 62 (when Peter arrived in Rome).

Mark is one of the synoptic gospels (meaning it agrees with Matthew and Luke) in purpose and material addressed. Contemporary scholars generally hold to the hypothesis that Mark was the first gospel written, though there is no universal consensus. (NOTE: Several early church fathers held to a Matthean priority).

95% of the material covered in Mark is also covered in Matthew or Luke. Only 5% of the material addressed is unique to this gospel (which is another reason scholars believe it was the first to be written). What we do know...is that the gospel of Mark was in circulation and being commented on by the early second century (AD 120, by Papias).

Most scholars believe that Mark had non-Jewish readers in mind when writing this gospel. Perhaps, if written in Rome, the presence/ concentration of Gentiles would have influenced this approach.

Mark begins with this statement: "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (Mk 1.1). Christ rarely referred to Himself in Messianic or Deistic "terms," however, at times He did. Mark begins with the conclusion He has drawn and widely represented the thoughts of firsthand witnesses (like Peter and the Apostles)... that Jesus was, in fact, the Son of God. It is clear from Mark 1.2-8, that He is presented as the Savior/Messiah as well. Mark 1.9-11 bears witness to God's unique affirmation of Jesus as His own Son and in His pleasure in Christ's ministry and life. Jesus is not pictured as a highly gifted or evolved teacher...but as the unique Son of God and Savior of the World.

Mark 1.14-15 gives the thrust of the message that Jesus preached: The Kingdom of God is at hand (defined...by me elsewhere...as the rule and reign of Christ in the hearts of men), so, repent and believe. F0r more on this, see the recent messages I preached 2/1/09 and 2/8/09 specifically. They are available on this website or on the sermon archives at http://www.calvaryofpensacola.org/audio.html .

The call to action and the response of those hearing the teaching of Jesus was one of "change." Notice that Simon and Andrew "left their nets" (Mark 1.18), and James and John "left their father" to follow Jesus (Mark 1.20). The uniqueness of Christ and his teaching in the field of religious guys is obvious in the response of those in the synagogue (Mark 1.21-28). His teaching was affirmed by the presence of supernatural power (i.e. the effecting of miracles). Further, He spoke with absolute authority...not as a scholar citing other scholars for evidence (Mark 1.22).

His powerful preaching and the working of miracles caused His fame to spread widely and drew throngs of people from all of the surrounding areas. We can draw two things from this:

• First, there were great needs all around Him in the lives of people and the contemporary religion of the people did not need those needs.
• Second, Though His message was one of absolute surrender (a hard message in today's times), people willingly responded because they wanted desperately to find relief for that which afflicted them.

Some say that the thrust of the gospel today should focus on healing and social justice. These people cite the miracles worked by Jesus as a primary reason for their view. While we ARE called to heal and to speak for those who are most vulnerable in society (AND MUST DO MORE OF IT), we must never forget that the primary responsibility of Christ followers is to follow after Christ. He said that His purpose was to proclaim the gospel (the good news of God's Salvation...and the coming of the Kingdom...along with the challenge to repent and believe) everywhere. His preaching was primary...not his social ministry. Social ministry gives evidence of the Kingdom and gives an opening for the gospel, but is not the primary responsibility of the church or of Christ followers (Mark 1:35-38).

To effectively communicate the gospel and call others to repentance and belief...we must be willing to minister to people where they are. This means close connection with those afflicted by the enemy and suffering. We must be willing to touch the "lepers" of the world...while proclaiming God's Salvation (Mark 1:39-45).

I will confess that I struggle to maintain balance in these areas in my own life. To preach only --makes the message empty. To heal only--only makes the condemned "more comfortable". Both proclamation and ministry are required to effectively communicate the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Proverbs 11:13 is the takeaway. Our character is revealed...not in what we say (so to speak) but in what we do. One cannot go about claiming to be trustworthy and acting as a talebearer ( a gossip). Trustworthy people control their tongues and protect the dignity of others by concealing matters that are dealt with. Do you "bury" things...or display them over and over...even when they have been dealt with time and again? The answer reveals character.