Messiah comes - Mark 1:14–8:26
The Messiah comes with powerful words and deeds. In this section of the Gospel Jesus demonstrated his authority and power over sickness, the natural world, religious traditions, and demonic forces. People repeatedly responded in fear and amazement.
Early Ministry- Mark 1:14–3:6
The Early Ministry in Galilee. Jesus began his ministry in Galilee, a mountainous region of northern Palestine.
The Call of the Disciples - Mark 1:14-20
Mark's story begins with the call of four of the disciples. Later Mark will focus again on all of the disciples. Their response to Jesus is an important theme in Mark's gospel.
The gospel is the good news. - Mark 1:14-15
The
gospel is the
good news. It is the announcement that the
kingdom of God is near! In its fullest sense the kingdom of God is the eternal rule of God among his people in the new heavens and new earth. Jesus could proclaim its nearness because as the Messianic King he offered its blessings. In the storyline of the four gospels the kingdom is present in the ministry of Jesus, but the fullness of its presence will not be realized until his return in glory. See the article on the kingdom of God. The proper response to that good news is to
believe and
repent. See
WCF 15.1
Sea of Galilee - Mark 1:16
The
Sea of Galilee is a lake about 12 miles long and 7 miles wide. In Jesus' day it was the center of a prosperous fishing industry.
Fishers of men - Mark 1:17
From the moment Jesus called the disciples Mark emphasized two things. First, the call to
follow was a call to be with Jesus. Second, it was a call to be ambassadors for Jesus, carrying out the ministry he gave them. The disciples were with Jesus learning from him in an intimate setting, and they became
fishers of men.
Immediately - Mark 1:18-20
Mark used the word
immediately over 40 times in this gospel. Often it indicates speed or urgency. That is clearly the case here. The disciples immediately left their vocation and the family business. In this way Mark highlighted the question,
Who is this man Jesus who speaks with such authority? The fact that the family of James and John employed
hired servants makes it clear that at least some of Jesus' disciples came from a higher economic and social class than much of the population of Galilee. If John is the unnamed disciple of John 18:15 this helps explain how he knew the High Priest and gained admission to the inner court at Jesus' trial.
Teaching and Healing around Capernaum - Mark 1:21-45
Mark's Gospel builds suspense through the amazing stories of Jesus' powerful healing ministry. The growing crowds began to hinder his preaching.
Mark 1:21
See the note on Capernaum at 2:1. The
synagogue was the center of Jewish life in the all communities except Jerusalem where the temple served that purpose.
One who had authority - Mark 1:22
Mark did not report what Jesus said on that day. Instead he emphasized the reaction of the people. They were
astonished. This is a major theme in the Gospel. Mark used many different words (
shock,
fear,
marvel, and
amaze and others) to communicate this same thought. In this case they were amazed at Jesus' teaching
authority. The scribes and the rabbis of Jesus day did not teach in their own authority. Their authority was the authority of the traditions they passed on. Jesus taught in his own authority and the people recognized the difference and were astonished.
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