Study of Mark

(Mark 1:1 KJV) The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

The gospel is of Jesus Christ, this declares Him to be the Son of God.

2  As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

This brought the people's attention to the fact that the Lord was coming, that God was sending a savior. Very seldom did a famous king or prince come into a city unannounced. A herald usually went before them

For some reason God seems to send messengers before the final one who is the bring salvation to all appears. Some believe as John the Baptist prepared the first coming of Christ, Elijah the prophet will prepare the second coming.

For the second coming, Jesus said " Rev 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

Some believe this John the Baptist was Elijah that was to come and others believe Elijah himself will come to announce the Lord's  second coming.

Yet Jesus said that He will come as a thief, unannounced. At another place it says behold He comes with the clouds and every eye shall see Him. Maybe the pre-tribulation believers are right and He actually comes twice. Once unannounced to take believers to be with Him and then later after the tribulation when every eye shall see Him and those that pierced Him. A lot of things to ponder. Never should we dispute about these things and get angry if someone disagrees but freely discuss these issues. They are very interesting if people will calmly speak of them and the scriptures pertaining to them and not get hot under the collar if someone sees things differently. So much is gained if we study the scriptures with a heart seeking after God and not just to win arguments in our favor.

13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

Mat 11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.

Here Jesus said the John the Baptist was the Elias which was to come. He was not Elijah himself but came in the spirit and power of Elijah. 

Matt 17:11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.
13 Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

(Mark 1:3 KJV) The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

John the Baptist was a fulfillment of prophecy at that time, whether the original Elijah will return in the future or not is calls for further study of the scriptures.

(Mark 1:4 KJV) John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Notice that the reason John came was not only to announce the coming of the savior, but to call to repentance. He baptized in water for remission of sins. The water did not save in itself but symbolized the washing of the water of the word which cleanses of sin. Baptism is an outward act of something taking place in the heart. Genuine repentance will bring a change of heart and life. Repentance means to turn around or change. There is no salvation apart from repentance. John taught it and Jesus Himself taught it. No matter how men have tried to skip this requirement and have people receive Christ with no repentance, it is required. The apostles taught it also. True salvation is accompanied by genuine repentance and change of life.

Matt4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mark 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

In another place

3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

In the book of Acts 2:

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Rev 3:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

All through the scriptures repentance is taught as the way of salvation. To repent one must recognize that he has sinned and is in need of repentance. If we don't recognize that need, we can't repent.

(Mark 1:5 KJV) 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.

This is something we don't hear of much anymore, confessing their sins. These not only repented, they confessed their sins. They wanted that stuff out of them and wanted it gone. This should be our desire. If we want to receive Christ and enter heaven but still hold on to our sin, it is not going to work. This may be why many are half-hearted and have trouble with sin. God will not force His Spirit upon anyone. We receive as much of God as we desire. We are as close to God as we want to be. Yet, God is willing to pour out His Spirit and give to all who seek Him, He will not say, no. It's our decision to seek or to go our own way.

(Mark 1:6 KJV) 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;

 John realized one thing only and that was he was here for a purpose. He devoted himself totally to that calling.

(Mark 1:7 KJV) And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

He gave all glory to the one to come and took no glory upon himself. His desire was to get people to repent and turn to Christ not draw followers after himself. This should be what all preachers, ministers and teachers should do. Never should we try to rob God of His glory. Salvation comes from God not us. We are to be lights to show others Jesus, never ourselves. We should have the attitude that Jesus is the worthy one and feel unworthy ourselves.

So much for this self-esteem attitude of today. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourself in the sight of God and He will lift you up. Let God do the lifting up, we are to be humble yet bold in the Lord. Go in the spirit of meekness, yet firm in our foundation. In all things seek to give glory to God to get people to God, we should stay in the background, Jesus in the foreground.

(Mark 1:8 KJV) I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

This is the promise of power. Jesus was to baptize with something greater than water. A baptism of power for service. This was to be the strength one needed to live godly in this present world, to comfort in time of sorrow, to teach when we lack understanding, to heal the sick, to work miracles for the glory of God, to preach the gospel and do what God calls us to do.

(Mark 1:9 KJV) And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

Imagine Jesus, who did not sin and did not need to be baptized, was baptized by a normal man. He said that it was to fulfill all righteousness. A commandment of God is water baptism. Jesus himself was baptized. Baptism symbolized a changed life and new beginning, washing away sins. It was an outward act of what was taking place in the heart. It was an outward act and testimony of receiving the word of God which does the real cleansing from sin. The washing of the water of the Word.

Not only was Jesus baptized but Jesus did a lot of things that He did not have to do. He did not deserve to die but He died for sin, even though He did no sin. When death came upon Jesus, He died unjustly. The wages of sin is death but Jesus was suffering the penalty of death unjustly. He did not deserve the wages of sin since He did no sin. That way His death can count for us who believe. The just suffered for the unjust.

That is why we have to realize that we have sinned and need this sacrifice to count for us. If we don't receive this and repent of sins, we cannot be saved. We will then have to suffer the penalty for sin ourselves. If we choose to pay for our own sins, we can't escape because there is nothing we can do that is good enough to pay for sins. Our own righteousness apart from Jesus Christ counts for nothing. I don't care how good we are and what wonderful things we may do for mankind, it will not matter if we do not accept the plan of God for our salvation. God made a plan to save mankind. Who do we think we are to try to climb up some other way? How long would we last working for a company and not following the rules and plans the owner of the company makes? If we try to run things our own way no matter how good we think they are, if they were not according to the wishes of the company owner, we would soon get booted out.

It's time human beings returned to acknowledging their creator and His sovereignty. We try to do things our way and look what a mess it makes. Man has never succeeded to run things by his own way. We need God. There has not ever been a perfect society. We need God as a nation and we need God as individuals.

(Mark 1:10 KJV) And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

Here is another witness of God's stamp of approval upon Jesus Christ as His own Son.

(Mark 1:11 KJV) And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

There was an actual voice from heaven speaking.

(Mark 1:12 KJV) And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

Notice that immediately after the Son of God was exalted, He was driven into the wilderness and was tempted by the devil.

(Mark 1:13 KJV) And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

He went without food during this time. Satan tempted Him in all points so that Jesus could identify with our temptations and weaknesses. This was not so we could justify ourselves in sin but so that when He became victorious over sin, we could be victorious also through faith in Him.

(Mark 1:14 KJV) Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

Now we see the time of departure for John the Baptist, since his work was finished. This is so against what we seek today. I hear the term, Get a life, so much. John considered not his own life but lived in obedience to the Lord.

He understood that the job he was to do was done, he had to go to the Father in Heaven. Lest we faint at the thought of this, we should consider that the reward of everlasting life and eternal joy couldn't be compared to anything in this life. All the riches and fame in this world can't be compared to heaven and the presence of God. We are here for just a short time. Heaven is forever. Yet, so many forego that promise of eternal life just to have a little fun here.

(Mark 1:15 KJV) And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Again and again we are reminded to repent and believe the gospel. The gospel means, a good message. This is the plan of God for our salvation. Repent and believe is the only requirements for eternal life.

(Mark 1:16 KJV) 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.

Now we see Jesus begins to call others into the ministry of spreading the gospel. God's plan is to use us. He could have sent angels to spread the gospel but he uses us through the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Mark 1:17 KJV) And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

Instead of fishing for fish they were to become fishers for men. They sought the salvation of man. This of course includes women. The word men used here imply both men and women. This does not offend me like some get offended. I understand the implication and there is no need to change the word just to please those that are offended by it's language.

(Mark 1:18 KJV) And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

A requirement for following the Lord. We cannot go into the ministry in a half-hearted attitude.

(Mark 1:19 KJV) And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

I believe the Lord had already prepared their hearts to want to seek God.

(Mark 1:20 KJV) And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

They left right away but did not leave their father alone with no help. There were hired servants to take their place. Whether or not the father agreed to this is not mentioned but it shows that the work of the Lord has the higher priority. A house, possessions, jobs, and everything else is for nothing if souls are lost for eternity.

(Mark 1:21 KJV) And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.

After Jesus was baptized, tempted, and called His helpers, He then began His teaching ministry.

(Mark 1:22 KJV) And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

The people knew right away that this man was different. He taught with authority. He taught like He knew what He was talking about and like He had every right to say the words HE said.

(Mark 1:23 KJV) And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

Right away the words of Jesus is witnessed by the power of God. Signs and wonders are done here to confirm the word and bring glory to the Lord. This is to prove to those present that this is the Christ.

(Mark 1:24 KJV) Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

Another thought here is that when Jesus began to preach the word, it made Satan tremble. The word is powerful. It scared the demons in this man and they cried out in fear. Jesus didn't get angry at the man but at the spirits which were inside the man. He could see with the eyes of the Spirit that the man needed deliverance from the power of Satan.

(Mark 1:25 KJV) And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

Jesus spoke not to the man but to the demonic spirits. At the Power of the Holy Spirit with the spoken word of Jesus, the unclean spirit had to flee.

(Mark 1:27 KJV) And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

Jesus spoke with authority, like He had every right to command and it was done. This shocked the people because they have never seen this before. This man was different.

(Mark 1:28 KJV) And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

Naturally this brought Jesus fame.

(Mark 1:29 KJV) And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

They practiced much hospitality in those days. Traveling was long and frequent. People lodged travelers on a regular basis. Jesus was welcomed in many homes.

(Mark 1:30 KJV) But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.

I never read anywhere in the New Testament where Jesus left anyone behind sick. Healing the sick accompanied His message of repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

(Mark 1:31 KJV) And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

Immediately the fever left this lady. She got up right away and began to minister to the visitors.

(Mark 1:32 KJV) And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

Imagine news of healing seemed to travel fast and they didn't have our modern news media. Demon possession causes some things and people need delivered and healed by God's power. How do we know which is which? This is why we need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. By the Holy Ghost, which God gives to those who obey Him, can the sick be healed and the demons are cast out. He gives discernment as to what is the cause of ailments.

(Mark 1:33 KJV) And all the city was gathered together at the door.

The expression "all" naturally does not mean each and every individual in the city but the city as a whole. A great gathering and representation of the city. Same as the expression "All the world came to be taxed." That only implies the part of the world under the domain of the Roman Empire at that time. There were tribes and peoples that were not under the rule of Rome in existence at that time.

(Mark 1:34 KJV) And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

Divers means, many sorts of diseases. Different kinds, forms and causes. Devils can and do speak. That term, "The devil made me do it," is sometimes true. Not always, though, we can't use it as a cop out not to do right. I wonder why Jesus did not want the devils to make Him known. The devils knew who Jesus was. This should be a warning to us. Just because someone can tell our fortunes and sometimes tell all about us does not mean that person is of God. Satan uses people too and though Satan's knowledge is limited, he does know things and can cause fortunetellers to get it right sometimes in order to deceive us. These devils knew who Jesus was. Maybe Jesus did not want to be revealed at this time because He knew that His purpose was to die for the sins of mankind. He did not seek earthly fame. Jesus could have been rich with the power He had. He could have taken over and ruled the world then and there. Ever wonder why He did not exercise this power. The devil even offered Him this power. Jesus refused. Why? Jesus knew that the reason He came in the flesh, born of a woman, was to take our punishment for sin upon Himself, thereby buying our salvation and eternal life. We could not have been saved any other way. The law said, "The soul that sins, it shall die." All mankind from Adam until now has sinned and must pay for that sin with death. Jesus died in our place, the just for the unjust so that His death can count for those who believe and they can receive eternal life and not have to pay for their own sins.

(Mark 1:35 KJV) And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Mark 1:35: Jesus knew where His strength lay. Jesus always took time alone with God to be refreshed spiritually. Remember He was God but He was also man. He was flesh. He could be tempted. While He lived in the flesh, He was capable of anything that we are capable of. The difference was, He overcame and yielded to the will the Spirit instead of the will of the flesh. The secret of overcoming power is through a constant vigilant prayer life. Never should we got so busy, even doing the work of God that we don't take the time out to pray. Recently in preparing for our vacation, I have one son who desires to have a room to himself. My husband did not understand that. Why does he want by himself and is willing to pay for a separate room himself? As his mother, I knew the answer because I know how my son is. He needed a room alone to read the bible and pray. He needed that spiritual strength and depended on it. Unless you are a person of prayer, you won't understand that. Much cheaper to share the hotel rooms than have separate rooms. Oh that we all would realize the need to seek God and depend on Him for strength. It's wonderful to have fellowship and love with other believers but the real strength is being in tune with God on a one on one basis. We need Him first then the fellowship with others. I always want my children to love going to church but more than that I want them to have a relationship with God that does not depend on the church or any other individual, not even the pastors and teachers. That way if we are ever cut off from family, friends and the church, we still have God and know how to seek Him.

(Mark 1:36 KJV) And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.

Notice how, when we determine to seek the Lord, we will be hindered at times even by good well-meaning people. Simon was not an agent of Satan. He sought Jesus for the good of the people. We must be determined to find uninterrupted time with the Lord.

(Mark 1:37 KJV) And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.

People were seeking Jesus.

(Mark 1:38 KJV) And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.

Jesus recognized the He needed to get the message of the gospel to other towns. If the gospel falls on good ground and brings forth good seed, it should start bringing forth fruit right away to produce more fruit. It should not just stay there. After preaching in one place, others should rise up and began the work of God so that the gospel can go forth to another place thereby spreading the gospel all over the world.

(Mark 1:39 KJV) And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

Casting out devils is part of the preaching of the gospel. A vessel filled with the Holy Ghost is able to determine whether something is a sickness, infirmity or demon possession. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit to deliver from these things.

(Mark 1:40 KJV) And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

If we want healing, we must ask for it.

(Mark 1:41 KJV) And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

I don't remember one time in the scriptures where Jesus ever said no to healing. Did He ever say, "You are to remain sick for the glory of God." "You can't be healed now but in God's own time." "You are too evil, and God can't heal." "You are suffering for the glory of God." "You can't be healed now and you can't understand why, you just have to trust God." I don't remember once He saying anything like that to anyone. Yet I hear us saying things like that today.

Instead I hear Him saying, "According to your faith, be it unto you." "Ask and receive that your joy may be full." "Whatever you ask in My Name, it shall be done." "They shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover." "All things are possible to him that believes." "If two or three agree as touching anything, it shall be done of my Father in Heaven." There is more. IN the book of James. "The prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise him up and if he has committed sin, it shall be forgiven him."

No matter how we try to explain away these scriptures, they are still there.

(Mark 1:42 KJV) And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

Healing came immediately.

(Mark 1:43 KJV) And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;
44  And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Yet notice Jesus charged the man not to say anything to those on the way to the priest.

Why did Jesus want the man to keep quiet? This man was to fulfill the law of cleansing according to the commandment of Moses. Could it be that until Jesus died and rose again the old law was still in place and not yet fulfilled? Could it be that he knew the man would be ridiculed and questioned and he would not be able to withstand the pressure? Could it be that Jesus did not want to become famous but fulfill the purpose for which He came, to die for our sins? Then too, maybe Jesus wanted to get the gospel to many more people and did not want to be hindered by staying in one place to long according to the will of the people. Lots of thoughts here.

(Mark 1:45 KJV) But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

Verse 45 gives us a hint to why Jesus may have made that request. Jesus could no more openly enter into the city but had to go into the desert. Maybe I am wrong but it looks to me like Jesus healed to help and relieve the suffering of the people rather than try to made a big name for himself. I welcome any comments on this subject.

Mark 2