John Mark: His Mistakes and God's Mercy | Pastor Daniel Batarseh (Gospel of Mark Bible Study Series)

Well, it is always exciting to be with you all on on the Lord's

day. But I am particularly excited

about today for many reasons and the main one is because as a

church we are embarking on a new journey together through a book

that we have never explored before.

And the excitement of this fresh study is not just in the fact

that we will be expounding on a new text, but also because you

and I will be going through touring through.

Genre, biblical genre that we have never, we've never really

explored for some of you who may not know over the past few years

on on Sunday, mornings in particular, we have taken the

time to look at many of Paul's Epistles, but for the first time

today, for the next several months, we will turn our

attention to dissecting and discovering and declaring

glorious truths from The Gospel. According to mark, The Gospel

According to mark. And this gospel is so riveting

for many reasons as we will see. But as we turn there you and I

will comb through it by the grace of God.

Chapter by chapter verse by verse with no time.

And in mind we just going to trust the Holy Spirit as we go

week by week and it is really my prayer that as we come to this

book, we will all be eager to seek the Lord for his help to

master. This scripture that deals

directly with the, the person, the ministry, the life, and the

death of the Lord Jesus Christ. And I believe the best way to

crack the Seal of the scroll of scripture is by actually not

touching any verse in the first chapter.

But to try to understand by the word of God, who the author is,

who is Mark Why is his name? The name that appears in the

copy of Mark's gospel in our Bibles?

Well many Church, fathers many scholars but those who lived on

even close to the disciples that we love and study about

unanimously, agree, that Mark, was the one who penned this text

there is little to no debate about it.

Tradition says, it and there are men who have lived even For 100

AD. That really, really believe that

Mark was The Man Behind the message.

And tradition, also tells us that Mark when he wrote this

from the human standpoint had an audience in mind and the

audience that he had, in mind were actually Roman Christians,

those who are Gentiles and there are things within the text

itself that validate that conclusion, or at least give

strong support to that suggestion.

When you see, how Now, Mark omits certain truths that you

would find perhaps In A Book Like Matthew who is writing to

Jews primarily. And when you see how Mark even

tries to explain certain things, though, briefly to those who are

non Jewish readers, you can see that the, he's not really

writing to those who might have an understanding a rich

understanding of the Old Testament.

In fact, a mark there is very few Old Testament references.

And so, you see these clues, that Mark is actually speaking

to Gentiles and people believed that he was actually speaking to

Christians who were found in Rome and some of you who are

here on Good Friday. Remember perhaps just one of the

verses that might indicate that truth and if you don't remember,

will go to Mark and go with me to Mark chapter 15, verse 21.

Mark 15:21

And notice what Mark says. And they compelled a pastor by

Simon of Cyrene who was coming in from the country, the father

of Alexander and Rufus to carry his cross.

Some of you who are remembering what I'm referring to if you

don't, if you weren't there on. Good Friday.

It's interesting to know that Mark includes a certain detail

about Simon of Cyrene and it is this that he was the father of

Alexander and Rufus not to us that that doesn't really help

necessarily and Unless we meditate upon it.

But what's so amazing? Is that the named Rufus

reappears and what book of all books the epistle to the Romans

when Paul himself addresses different Believers.

He says here in Romans 16 13 greet Rufus.

Greet Rufus. Chosen in the Lord.

Also his mother who has been a mother to me, as well.

As we think about it, when he's writing in his gospel account.

And he's saying, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander

and Rufus, the immediate readers are believing, we know who Rufus

is. Oh, Rufus your dad was Simon who

carried the cross. Who helped Carry the Cross of

our Lord and savior. And so there are great Clues and

insights that indicate this is, in fact to he is speaking to But

we should be further encouraged about Mark and this book because

the scripture is even give us particular insights about him as

a person about Mark himself. I'm so glad that we don't have

to speculate or look to history or church fathers to try to

figure out who this man was the Holy Spirit selectively brought

us certain information and data about him that.

If we take the time to this gather the different Aces, where

Mark is mentioned you and I will be incredibly edified to see how

knowing about, even just the men Mark will help us know what kind

of God we serve? And other practical truths that

will help us in our walk together as Believers.

And the way we're going to do that today as we even begin.

Mark is by dividing, our thoughts into three points.

The first one is understanding what God reveals to us about.

Mark, what is God revealed to us about Marc Rich things in there?

And in secondly, what God wants us to learn in choosing mark.

and when I mean choosing Mark, I mean choosing Mark to be an

author of a portion of the Holy scriptures, And lastly, though,

briefly what God wants us to learn about him through mark.

So again what we're going to learn about Mark, what we're

going to learn about God choosing Mark and what we're

going to learn about God through mark.

And as we come to the first thought, let's go to the first

place where John Mark has mentioned and the first place

where John Mark has mentioned, is in the riveting.

Exciting, thrilling book of Acts and so turn your Bibles to Acts

Acts 12 · chapter mention

chapter 12. And verse 12.

Mark's name is brought up during the telling of Peter's

miraculous escape from prison. and this, this chapter,

Primarily wants to teach us. The power of Prayer.

Yes, God's Providence and his sovereignty, but this whole

story is hinge around how a bunch of Christians crammed into

someone's house. And they were pleading with the

Lord on behalf of Peter and how God answered that prayer in such

an amazing way. And as you come to this point,

you realize That marks name is brought up in relation to where

the prayer meeting was held. We see here in verse 12.

When he realized this Peter, he went to the house of Mary, the

mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were

gathered together and were praying and when he knocked at

the door of the Gateway, a serving girl named Rhoda came to

answer John Mark is brought up in this place, for more reasons

than trying to help us differentiate between the

different Mary's that we find in the Bible.

That is helpful because it was just me.

Mary would think which Mary? So we know that it's the marry

the one who, who is the mother of this, John.

Whose other name is, Mark. That will that helps.

But there's far more things in here to realize for our own

benefit. The main thing to draw from this

portion of scripture is to learn the kind of home that John Mark

grew up in. Think about it for a moment.

There is a detail here that suggests that marry that marry

this, this woman who was the mother of John, Mark was a

wealthy woman. And the reason why it's not just

because she had enough space to host all these Christians.

But that she even had, as we read in verse 13, a servant girl

named Rhoda. And so, to have a home even with

a gate and to have servants. Perhaps indicates something

about this woman that she was independently strong and

financially secure. The fact that her husband is not

brought up, may suggest that she was a widow, but she was one who

could take care of herself and I just take care of Of herself,

but even host others in a special way.

And I, when I read that, I thought to myself this woman,

new great privilege. She knew great security.

And this family including John Mark though, they have

experienced such things. God was their priority.

The Lord and his work. Was their priority of this

household? Would it be a stretch to say

that John, Mark, grew up with a mother who had a Zeal and a

great love for this God, Not at all Rich's success security.

A grand home did not change or corrupt this faithful woman.

In fact, she utilized her resources for the sake of the

advancement of God's kingdom. Because what dominated, her

heart is what should dominate the hearts of every believer,

rich or not rich. And that is to make much of

Christ and to invest whatever God calls you to invest for the

sake of the glory of Christ. Money was not her master.

It was a means, it was a tool. It was an instrument, it was a

way in which she could contribute to the work of the

Gospel. And think about it.

I mean how did Peter escaping prison instinctively know to go

to this house? Why that house of all houses?

And I believe that reason why he knew to go to the house of Mary

was because Mary did not just have a one-time prayer meeting,

but the church met at Mary's house regularly.

The church met at This Woman's house and so Peter knew where to

go to find the Christians and to tell them that God had rescued

him in a miraculous way and it was very common in the early

church for people to open their homes.

For other Christians to come and sing and pray, and hear the

teachings and the doctrines of the Apostles.

You see it throughout the Epistles, Aquila and Priscilla

at the end of 1st Corinthians, Paul says that they greet you.

And also the church That meets in their house. and so I believe

Mary was among those who, who had a regular meeting in her

home, who had people come, where there is a place, they can seek

the Lord together and worship and fellowship, but it's worth

noting another detail about this household, especially about this

woman and her faith, that gives us the impression that she made

an impression on others, including her son, John, Mark,

What was the background behind this prayer meeting what was

going on behind the scenes. What was the?

What was the environment? Like, what was the context?

Like all you got to do is go to verse 1 of chapter 12 and see

what was happening about that time Herod.

The king laid, violent hands on some who belong to the church.

That is not a convenient time to have a prayer meeting.

When you have a politician, who has power and authority,

sniffing out the Saints, and all these soldiers on highwomen,

high alert for Christians. And yet at the same time, when a

leader was just killed and martyred and another one was

arrested where you feel, your faith is shaken and where you

feel like those that were called to, to Bear the message of this

truth are now in danger of losing their lives.

You have one woman named Mary saying, we need to have a prayer

meeting in my house. Fearless.

Strong. Serious.

Like a a serious disciple, she wasn't messing around so filled

with faith that she would rather die, put her life at risk.

Be put on notice so that she could pray with others and see

God fulfill his promise of prayer.

Even if Herod was looking out, And guess who was a witness to

all of that John Mark. John Mark.

He saw this. And because she was a woman who

served the Saints. Her home was exposed to some of

the greatest Servants of God. The history has known And in

such a way that John Mark would develop some precious

relationships with some of the most amazing leaders of the

Church of Jesus Christ. Think about it, this is what he

was exposed to his home. Was a church. think about the

songs, think about the meetings, think about the Miracles like we

just read so the question for fathers and mothers today, what

kind of environment is your home?

Is there an atmosphere of worship there?

Does the Peace of Christ abide there because Jesus Christ is

indeed Lord and sitting on the throne of that house.

Is that a safe haven? Not just physically, but

spiritually, or is or sin and evil and worldliness tolerated

and entertained. And you don't even need a devil

to knock on the door. They just have to come through a

certain channel on that screen. Do your children.

See like how John Mark saw how when there were problems mommy

and daddy pray? They get the kids together.

And they say, we really need God to hear us.

Let's pray and ask Jesus to help us.

Or do they see sheer panic? Do they see a distrust in the

god, that they apparently claimed to serve because we go

to church Sunday after Sunday. Can I talk to the Future mother

and father's? A lot of young people here.

Getting married engaged planning to have children soon.

May I ask you something in light of this text?

What kind of values are you establishing for your future

children to register when they consider what you do with your

resources, what you do with your time?

What kind of relationships you have?

Well, they come to the conclusion when they arrive at

an age where they can think and they can put things together

that Daddy loves money more than he loves God.

That Mommy is more interested in fashion than her faith.

These things are for instructions and I love how we

are introduced to John Mark in his home.

And with the mother that he had, and how she was a faithful woman

when there is great persecution. And even when she had great

prosperity in her name, the next thing we hear about John Mark is

in the neighboring chapter and we go to acts 13.

We realized that the Holy Spirit brought Paul and Barnabas

together as a missionary team. But we also learn in that very

same chapter that, that missionary team had an assistant

had somebody tagged along with them and would you know, it in

Acts 13 5? When they arrived at salamis,

they proclaim the word of God in the synagogue's of the Jews and

they had John to assist them. They had John to assist them.

Now we know that John and Mark are interchangeably used for the

same person we just read it. It's also emphasize again, acts

1225. But what we see here though

chapter 12 is the first time we're introduced to him.

It is in this chapter that we are told the first detail about

what he does. And what he did was assist, the

man was not an apostle. He was not a leader in the

church. He was not a prophet, he was not

a teacher, he was one who helped alleviate any burdens from those

who were dedicated to proclaiming the word of God.

He assisted, he came along their side, he did menial tasks,

perhaps he just helped make their Journey a lot easier.

We might wonder well how did this even come about?

How was John Mark able to even join this amazing team?

And I believe the answer is because of his relations with

Barnabas Colossians 4 tells us that Barnabas and Mark were

cousins, talk about the legacy of that family.

And even Barnabas was marks cousin, what were their family

meetings? Like Barnabas and Mark were

cousins. And so you can almost imagine

how Barnabas knowing his cousin, very likely younger than him,

which suggests him to Paul. Because he perhaps recognized

the giftings of the potential of this young man and said he would

really help us. If you just assisted Us in, Paul

took him at his word, he trusted him.

And this man comes along this young man, John comes along with

them, but something very embarrassing happens.

As, you know, something you can say almost tragic happens

because what happens here, doesn't just happen with John

Market. It affects even the relationship

between Paul and Barnabas. In verse 13.

Now, Paul and his companions set sail for pay photos and came to

/. God pamphylia and John left

them. He left them and returned to

Jerusalem. He Abandoned Ship he walked out.

I mean he just started. He just joined them.

And something something crept into his heart to convince him

that it's better for me to go back to Jerusalem.

Why Jerusalem, that's where home was, that's where Mary's home

was. And we are not told why I

believe, that's my Divine Design.

We are not told why, but it makes you think, was it?

Because of what? He just seen the great

resistance earlier in the chapter when Paul and Barnabas

are preaching and a demon-possessed, man, comes and

tries to bring about a curse and distractions.

Here's this young and seeing this happen and realizing, we

just started, we just started. And we have a whole journey

ahead of us. So, you wonder if the desire to

be, not warm bed of his back in Jerusalem to know, what it was

like to have servants, to be there, where there is ready, mom

cooked meals, the familiarity of his hometown, who knows what?

It was mingle with the fear of what's going to happen?

The unpredictability of ministering, the dangers I'm out

of here. I didn't sign up for this.

This. So, he walks out.

And no matter what the reason was it was enough for a

righteous, man, like Paul to be greatly disappointed, to be very

frustrated with him. Frustrated enough, that after

some time passes and they plan a second missionary journey.

Barnabas suggest John Mark again, and Paul says no way.

Absolutely not. And they go out and they go at

it and they go at it to the point where Barnabas and Paul

split and to missionary teams are created.

Yes, by God's grace but that came with great pain.

I'm sure. But what's so amazing is when

you think about John Marks relationship with Paul?

Again you many of you know this many years passed by and Paul's

final letter, he bids his spiritual son, Timothy to come

to his side before he dies, make haste, but he doesn't just say

may case. He says, make sure you bring

with you mark. Because he is very useful to me

in the ministry. I can't help but imagine or

wonder at least how is it that from acts 15 to 2nd Timothy?

Paul went from not even wanting John Mark to be his assistant to

wanting into his system at his, his Deathbed.

Having a fulfill some kind of ministry that he has in mind

before. He knows that he is going to

enter into Glory what happened? Because many years have passed

by between those times. And the only logical conclusion

with understanding how Paul functions is that Mark, Clearly

matured over time. That he developed character

courage. He got some guts in them again.

Enough to prove the Paul. You're the real deal enough to

prove to Paul. I want you to work with me

again. But here's a thought to

consider. Could it be that the Catalyst?

Could it be that the very thing that sparked the development of

this young man's faith and his concrete Devotion to the

ministry, was in connection to Some were willing to invest in

him. And disciple him even after his

disappointing, desertion. Because you know as I know that

much of that credit goes to a man like Barnabas who fought for

John Mark, who is willing to give him a second chance was

even willing to split from Paul so that he can have John Mark

get another shot at serving the lord.

And yes, there is no question that much of that Grace and much

of that patients came from his cousin Barnabas.

But I also believe that there was somebody else who played a

vital role in John Marks life. Maybe it's someone that you and

I never thought would actually play a role in John Marks life

but there is two little words in a certain letter that show us

the great possibility of a great man who helped somebody who

failed God at one point. Would you like to know who it

is? First Peter chapter 5. and verse

1 Peter 5 · chapter mention

13 at the end of the letter, notice what Peter says, as he

concludes his thoughts, She who is at Babylon.

Who is likewise, chosen sends you, greetings, and so does Mark

my son? So does Mark my son?

Not his physical Sun, obviously his child in the faith and some

would even say that. Peter very likely was the very

instrument that led John Mark to Christ with the gospel to begin

with that. We do not know for sure.

But one thing for certain is this, that these to spend much

time together Peter's not being loose with his words here, when

you. And I understand the dynamic

between Timothy and Paul, Paul often referred to him as my son,

my son, meaning what there's relationship there, there's

investment that does discipleship there.

You're my spiritual son, I'm concerned about your

development, I'm your spiritual father.

You come to me for Aid, and Grace, and help and instruction.

I mean, think about it. There must have been some

connection people met, including Peter in Mary's home, John Marks

home. So it makes me think that Peter

spent a lot of time in that living room Conversing with John

Mark, John Mark sitting at his feet, hearing the different

stories of the Miracles that conversions here in the

different teachings of an eyewitness account of Jesus life

and Ministry. What's also amazing here is that

even when he writes this in First Peter 5, you get the

impression that even Mark is with him physically.

I'm sending not just my greetings, but Mark, Mark is

greeting you as well. My son mark.

The relationship that these two shared.

Has introduced the notion early on in church history that Mark

received his source of all that he is written in the gospel of

Mark through the eyewitness account of Peter himself.

That he would sit with this man of God and Peter would explain

or he would travel with him when he would go and preach in

different places and he would hear over and over again Peters

angle on the story of Jesus Christ.

And he took notes, and he took notes, and he took notes, and

could it be that with Barnabas has encouragement?

And could it be that with that was also the investment of his

spiritual Father? Peter, who taught him, who

challenged him, who corrected him even after he deserted the

work of Jesus Christ? Very, very, very likely and I

can't help believe that. If that is the case, Computer

had no problem doing so because he himself knew what it was like

to receive a second chance. He knew what it was like to

Desert the cause of Christ. I took it further, he denied the

man. He denied his God.

And whatever sourness Peter felt from that shame.

At the same time, he was overwhelmed by The Compassion of

the resurrected Lord, who opened his arms and said, let me

restore you Peter I want to use you again.

I want to use you again. And here's the news of John,

Mark. He left Paul and Barnabas he

created frustration. Look at the ripple effect of

that of that choice. And who is ready to embrace him?

Peter. Peter in fact, there is a detail

in the gospel of Mark, when it comes to the account of Jesus,

resurrection, that is not found in Matthew that is not found in

Luke. And when you see it, perhaps

your heart will soar a little bit.

And perhaps the case that Peter was, in fact, the source of

Mark's account is very, very true.

It's in the last chapter of Mark and 16:7.

Look how Mark depicts a detail. Let's begin in verse 5.

And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right

side, dressed in a white robe and they were alarmed and he

said to them do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth who

was crucified, he has risen, he is not here.

See the place where they laid him but go tell his disciples

and who and Peter. Tell his disciples and Peter

that he is going before you to Galilee there.

You will see him just as he told you.

What's the detail? Was it detailed?

I'm that Matthew doesn't include that.

Luke doesn't include end Peter. The angel instructs them.

When you go back to the disciples, go back and inform

them that I want a personal meeting with them, but he could

have just said go and get the disciples and tell them.

But he doesn't. Because this messenger received

specific orders from Christ and what Christ wanted to make sure

that when these came back to the disciples that Peter would be

specifically called out. Make sure that Peter hears his

name, why is that? Because if I was Peter And I was

told the Lord wants to meet with the disciples.

I don't feel like a disciple after I denied him.

I'm not worthy to be known as a disciple.

I'm not in that category. I'm not in that group and the

Lord knows Peter's heart. He knows what's in his mind, he

knows that doubts, he knows the shame and the regret.

And so he makes sure that the message is loud and clear.

Call out Peter, he needs to be there.

Because I want to see him. I want to meet him and I want to

restore him. Make sure, Peter hears his name

and can you imagine Peter explaining that to mark?

It clearly made an impression on him because when he tells of it,

he he remembers that name, his name being called.

And here is a man who needs a second chance.

And we must meditate on this further, listen, very closely

this might set some of you free. What kind of Christians tend to

give others another chance? What are the ones who are much

more willing to do? So, I'll tell you who those who

have, truly tasted the healing forgiveness, and compassion of

the Lord. That's who If you ever feel like

you cannot, let go of your anger and bitterness towards someone

who has disappointed you agreeably hurts.

You even your ministry? I can I can give you something

according to the word of God based on this truth that can

help you let go of that grip or at least loosen it a little bit.

Have you ever in those times when you're rehearsing, what

they said, I can't believe it what they did.

How did they after all, I've given them and all the Opera in

the midst of all of that, all those crashing thoughts, take

the time to think about all the chances that the Lord has given

you. Really, unless you're perfect, I

would love to meet you. I'll be standing there. all the

times, the Lord has still used the all the times of the Lord is

still blessed you all the times, when where your thoughts have

wandered and the inconsistency of your own efforts And you've

evangelizing, you post and you preach and look at your life and

private yet. God has it's tricking you down?

I've said it before, I'll say it again.

We are so willing to eat up all the mercy that God wants to give

us and we don't want to give a sip of it to anybody else.

Think about, I assure you, if you truly meditate, if you have

a personal relationship with the Lord and you know what, it's

like to come broken before me and you know what, it's like to

grieve him. Even even the moment you've said

something or done something that you shouldn't have done and you

feel that piercing conviction and you come to the Lord can

gather all of that up and bring it before the offense of another

and say. How can I not when he is done?

So, Peter strong, Peter, Peter, confident, Peter, I won't deny

you. They can all deny you.

I ain't denying you Lord. I'll be killed with you.

That same overconfident proud. Self-righteous, Peter was broken

by his own failure. But he was also restored by The

Compassion of Jesus Christ. And so when he saw When he saw

John Mark come through those doors with with low, shoulders,

and embarrassment. Peter didn't go up and said,

yeah, I know, I didn't do it though.

Shame on you, you denied the work of Christ.

You just like the others in the garden who walked away.

I stood right there, nothing of the sort.

It's okay, John Mark. It's okay.

God is merciful, he's patient. You know, he called out my name

after he rose from the grave. He restored me personally.

It's amazing to know how meditating our own failures can

make us much more forgiving toward others.

I know a lot of counseling says, don't think about your past

failures? Don't think about how you

disappoint. No, I actually do it sometimes.

Don't do it to crush you but do it to encourage you.

To be as merciful as he has been to you.

Meditate on your own failures, especially in light of you,

being challenged of how to forgive somebody else.

And you'll realize you'll realize something about the

grace of God. That is undeserved And Peter

knew how to patiently work with Mark as one who deserted Christ.

One point in his own life. The fragments of marks life.

If they teach us anything, let him teach us to reject the

cynical attitude that we might have towards other believers.

That says, he, or she can never change.

That's not love, love believes all things.

Love believes all things. Hopes for all things.

And we thank God don't we week after week day after day hour by

hour, that God doesn't think that way about us.

That's what we learn about Mark. But what does God want us to

learn in choosing Mark? Well if you and I have been

stunned by the grace shown through Barnabas and Peter and

be prepared to be amazed further and that's what we discover in

what God wants us to learn in choosing Mark.

I mean the man was an apostle like Paul.

He wasn't an order. Like a Paulo's.

He wasn't a revivalist. Like Philip, he was a helper, he

carried luggage for the preachers.

He fetched lunch when they were preparing or praying or

preaching that was John Mark, that's the ministry that we are

given concerning him, and the thought is even more profound

when you think about not just got choosing such such an

unlikely candidate to be an author in the scriptures, but

think about the theme at least one of the main themes in this

book in Mark's gospel. And it is this The depiction of

the perfect faithful suffering. Servant of Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit used Mark to paint the picture of fulfilled

prophecy from Isaiah. That Jesus Christ is the servant

Messiah of Jehovah. And that is why in Mark you see

no genealogy given in the beginning of the book.

Because a servant is not worthy of his ancestry line, being

recorded. That is why you don't hear of

those who come from a far land to bring gifts to this child

because a servant is not worthy or deserving of such honor.

That is why there are fewer Parables and teachings in

marking comparison to Matthew and Luke.

Because what Mark is depicting, here is one, who is working

miracles and serving people. Because a true slave works and

performs deeds and there are so many indications that make this

theme so clear. And really vividly illustrates

the one who humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point

of death, even death on a cross. What's fascinating, though?

Is how a book like Mark, gloriously portrays.

The diligence, the humility, the suffering of Jesus Christ as a

servant was written by someone who was Not steadfast.

And not exemplary at one point in his service, to God.

Why? Why is that true?

Because the perfect minister of God, in the person of Jesus

Christ is also perfectly merciful.

You feel unqualified, good. That's the only people that

Jesus really uses. He Delights in choosing the most

unlikely and undeserving to his service.

And the one that he selected that would write about the

perfect service in the person of Jesus Christ was imperfect in

his service to Jesus Christ. That's the grace of God.

That's his love. He invites failures to come in

and be a part of the drama of the advancement of God's kingdom

in the world. Imagine that the honor of being

a writer in, God's word was given to a man who could not

endure the first few steps of ministry.

When an encouragement to those who feel often that they are

unqualified, welcome to the club.

Now, there's much more to say about Mark, being chosen by God,

but that has come to the thought about what we learn about God

through mark. So far, we discuss what we learn

about Mark and what we can learn about God choosing Mark, but we

briefly come to the conclusion of what God wants us to learn

about himself through this man. And besides the message behind

many of the Miracles that we will learn in the next few

weeks. Besides the, the clear Authority

that Mark wants to depict about the person of Jesus Christ,

despite the teachings, despite some of the things that he has

to say, despite the trueness of his deity, and about his

Humanity, despite the perspective on his son, Brings

in his final days on Earth you and I will also learn something

about the wonderful pattern for practical Christian service.

Oh yeah, we're going to hear, we're going to we're going to

hear things about the deity of Christ and we're going to see

the depth of his knowledge and the glories of his authority.

But you and I are also going to see, not just Jesus Christ, the

son of the Living, God serving with such Grace and humility and

patience you, and I are also going to understand the quality

of his service. The quality of his Service as he

came to serve the father and do all that he was told to do.

And this book will be very helpful for those who have a

desire to serve God. If not, it will be very, very

frustrating to you. But for those who have a heart

too, I want to serve him. Well, Mark, gives us the perfect

servant. I want to please him Mark.

Gives you the one who perfectly please them.

There are so many elements that are before us as a model for

Ministry. I mean, some, some of you notice

just by first glance at Mark, that we are even told by the,

the word immediately in that book about the promptness of

Jesus service. The fact that we go from

immediately, it's like you almost trying to catch your

breath immediately. Immediately immediately me

neither so cool. Why?

Because that is by Design even in itself.

We want to see how even in that Jesus.

Is portraying his prominence in serving the father.

No delay. No hesitation Wanting to Longing

To yearning to immediately immediately immediately.

How so uncommon Among Us. We hesitate and we delay and we

have all these excuses and one week we're really into it the

next week, we're not one week were so encouraged.

And next week, I don't know if I'm into this anymore, not

Jesus. Not the perfect servant.

And there's so many gems and Mark, where you see the

qualities of his service that encourages a oh, I want to be

like you Lord, in my brief life. I want to serve, like you Lord.

Look what you did here, may, I show you want to whet your

appetite a little bit. Let's go to Mark, chapter 10.

Mark 10 · chapter mention

In verse 20. What's happening here while

there's a rich young man? Who runs up to him and kneels

before him and asked him, good teacher, what must I do to

inherit eternal life? And Matthew writes about it.

Luke writes about it. Mark writes about it.

And then in verse 20, after Jesus gives them a challenge

about how he was really doing with the law of God, verse 20,

we read and he said, to him, teacher all these things I've

kept from my youth. And Jesus looking at him, loved

him and said to him, you lack. One thing, go sell all that you

have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in

heaven, and come follow me. Compare it to Matthew.

Compare it to Luke many similarities, Mark includes a

detail that Matthew and Luke do not have.

And it is this verse 21 and Jesus looking at him, loved him.

Loved him. Matthew doesn't say that Luke

doesn't say that. Mark says that, you know why

Mark says that I'll tell you why I believe he says it because

Jesus, as the perfect servant truly love those that He

ministered to He had real compassion.

This wasn't him saying okay father I love you deal with a

bunch of these humans. Now these despicable Sons and

Daughters of Adam. Okay, what do you want?

Do you want to know how to get to heaven?

Well, here we go. Jesus looking at him.

You know what that tells me when he looked at him there was love

in his eyes. Looking at him, loved him.

Can I ask you something? Do you love the people?

You serve. Or do you love the work?

Big difference. Does the preacher love the

people? He's preaching to it does he

love the sound of his own voice? Does he love the tops on the

back? You're so insightful preacher.

Well, I never saw that in mark. Jesus looking at him.

Loved him. And you see the compassion of

the Lord. Yes.

And all the gospels but even in mark because Mark has another

detail about Jesus service. You know what it is?

His hands, you'll see it in Mark.

How often he touches? How often he lifts?

How often he the hand is, brought up, he's intimate, he's

warm, he's in there, he's giving of himself when he serves and

he's not just compassion to those who were crippled with

disease or filled with demons. That wasn't the only suffering

that moved him, sympathy know Jesus was even move with those

who are suffering in their soul. He looked at this man who was

clearly struggling because there's an earnestness in him.

I want to know the truth. I want to know how I can inherit

eternal life, but there is this tug because he was wealthy.

And right before Jesus, he sees this tension, and Jesus looks at

him because there is a sincerity about him and he loved him as he

taught him. I want to be like Jesus.

I want to love those, I serve I want to look at them and I want

them to be able to see Christ in my eyes, there's nothing worse

than a minister when you really want to hold myself back here

who takes this as a job. Go be a businessman.

Loved him and said to him you like one thing even in his most

challenging words it was laced with love.

Even in his uncompromising message it was filled.

It was gushing with genuine compassion.

And these are just some of the things that you will see here.

His heart was moved. And he loved this man who was

wrestling with his soul. I'm excited to go through.

Mark, I hope you are. Because if we are faithful and

dissecting this word not just for insights, but for our own

sanctification, that one thing will be true of you.

And I coming out of this series, we will become better Servants

of the Lord Yeah, yes. We're going to we're going to

unpack. How Parables work and compare

them and be taught things. But again, let's start off,

right? Let's start off, right, say O

Lord, as we come to the Fulfillment of the prophecy of

the suffering, servant, I'm not in this for knowledge, the

knowledge is important, but Lord, I need you to do something

in my heart. So that as I seek to serve you

as a blood by child of God, people will see Christ in me.

Let's pray. Yes, Lord.

We come before you today. Thanking you for how rich your

word really is. And Lord, we just ask that in

this moment, you would give us the right heart as we approach

the word. Protect us from being like the

Pharisees who had so much knowledge but missed Christ.

Lord help us Behold Him in the next few weeks and months to

cherish him to understand him so that we would love him and

imitate him by your power by your grace.

And Lord, we are just moved already. by how Mark depicts

you, how the Holy Spirit through that man has shown us the great

love in Jesus, And Lord, we want to Worship You.

The King who came to serve to serve us to serve us to the

point of suffering for us. Lord, we are moved.

And we just want to give you praise in Jesus name, amen.