The Lord Saves

Mark 1

In the Book of Mark, we see Jesus from a more general perspective than in the other Gospels. What we do know from reading through Mark is that the Christians (followers of The Way; followers of Jesus) of Rome had come early to a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ and had a vibrant testimony for him, but would soon face much censoring, suppression, and persecution.

Mark, a good pastor, provides the Roman Christians and us a fresh and exciting biographical portrait of Jesus. Through his pen and parchment, he presents Jesus as the perfectly obedient Servant of God and shows what it would mean to be His disciple. Jesus' obedience cost Him His life on a symbol of ridicule, but His life and message is vindicated by His resurrection from the dead and an ascension into heaven.

This resurrection is what separates Him from all others claiming to be god and us from the religions across the world focused on "good works" or "DO." With Jesus, it is "DONE." He paid it all! He paid the price for our sin by laying down His life for all humanity, died a cruel death, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, was raised from the dead, to defeat sin and death and offer hope to all who will believe.

Tradition holds that John Mark, who apparently was brought to the Lord by Peter, wrote this Gospel using Peter’s sermons as his main source. Thus, Mark lets us see Jesus through Peter’s eyes. Mark, the unfaithful servant who deserted Paul on his first missionary journey, apparently was faithful in his service with Peter and was therefore chosen to write this Gospel of the obedient Servant and Savior of the world. Peter stayed in the home of Mark’s mother after his release from prison.

But as we see in the opening sentences of Mark 1, even a Servant must have credentials, and our Lord has the very best. His coming was prophesied by Isaiah and Malachi and announced by John the Baptist, the one proclaiming in the wilderness, while eating a weird locust diet and wearing itchy garments, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

“A voice of one crying out: Prepare the way of the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.” Isaiah 40:3

Jesus is the Greek rendering of the Hebrew name Joshua, meaning, “the Lord saves.” Christ is the Greek word for the Hebrew “Messiah,” which means, “Anointed One.” This is the title of the promised King, the descendant of David who would rule the kingdom and deliver his people for all eternity. The title Son of God tells us Jesus is more than a mere man. He’s fully divine; he’s the God-Man.

The Father and the Holy Spirit commended Him, and Satan could not defeat Him. He is a Servant you can trust.

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” 12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. 14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming 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.” Mark 1:9–13 (ESV)

But what can He do? What is His work?

He can guide our life; give us peace, joy, and hope. He can make our life complete, successful, purposeful, impactful and fulfilling.

“As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17 “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for, people.” 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 Going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat putting their nets in order. 20 Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.” Mark 1:16-20 (ESV)
He can overcome Satan—the one seeking to destroy and devour humanity. He can overcome sickness and use each follower to bring the message of love, salvation, and hope to a lost and needy world.

You too can be a servant of the Servant and share in His wonderful work.

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. Mark 1:35–42 (ESV)

Where did the Servant get His power? He depended on the Holy Spirit and prayer. He did not allow the demands of the work to rob Him of the time He needed to renew His strength. If the holy Son of God needed to pray, how much more do you need to pray! In the Lord’s service, you cannot “run on empty.”
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“Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28–31 ESV

Today, will you seek out Jesus if you haven’t already? Will you investigate and search for answers to your questions?

If you have chosen to repent and follow after Jesus, will you, like John and John Mark, testify to the truth you know of Him with those who don’t? Will you pray for three others in your circle who don’t know Jesus personally? Will you meet with 2 others in to help disciple them in God’s Word and Jesus’ Walk? Will you spend time with one whom is farther along in their spiritual journey and seek accountability in your daily walk with the Spirit? Choose this day to live out loud for Jesus!

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