TIME TO MAKE A CHANGE:
What do you say when you are sick and tired of doing the same thing you have always done and keep getting the same old negative results? It’s time to make a change. But how?
“Welcome back! This is the beginning of a new 13-part series. We are studying the Book of Mark.
In this series, we peel back the layers of history and meaning in the writings of Mark.
Through the eyes of Mark, we see the transformative power of faith and redemption echo in his words.
This exploration is not just about understanding a biblical text but about discovering how timeless messages of hope, change, and transformation are as relevant now as they were then.
Join us as we seek to uncover the lessons of change hidden in the
ancient words of Mark, applying them to our lives today in practical and meaningful ways.
Together, let us uncover the layers of history, personal struggle, and redemption that make this gospel a compelling narrative for our day.
But, before we begin, as always, let’s invite God’s Presence.
Inviting God’s Presence.
Almighty God, You have said that if we lack wisdom, you will give it to us. Through the eyes of Mark, give us wisdom and understanding that we might experience positive change and transformation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The Book of Mark
(Lesson 1)
The Beginning of the Gospel
Part 1 Introduction
We are journeying through time, change, and transformation as we observe the contemporary relevance of the ancient writings of Mark. Mark’s writings illustrate how messages from the Bible inspire and guide us in our modern world.
Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel (Mark 1:14, 15, NKJV).
Mark illustrates here that Jesus begins His public ministry with urgency and a call for change, signaling a pivotal moment in biblical history.
Just as a new chapter was starting then, each of us faced moments where we have had to embrace change and a new start, a new beginning.
The Gospel of Mark is about an encounter with Jesus’ transformative powers that bring about a new beginning.
Mark is one of the first four books in the New Testament that tells us about Jesus’s life. However, these books do not tell us who wrote them.
The Gospels do not necessarily identify the authors by name, with the exception of the Gospel of John, which hints at its writer being the beloved disciple in John 21:20, 24, offering the closest connection to an identified author.
20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”
24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. (John 21:20, 24)
From early times the first four books in the New Testament have been linked to or associated with disciples of Jesus such as Matthew and John or apostles of Jesus such as Paul.
For example, Colossians 4:14, 2 Timothy 4:11, and Philem 1:24 show that the Gospel of Luke is associated with Paul.
And 1 Peter 5:13 shows that the Gospel of Mark is associated with Peter.
So, although the author of Mark does not give his name, Early church traditions tell us that John Mark, who had traveled with Paul and Barnabas, according to Acts 13:2, 5 wrote the Gospel of Mark.
2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
5 And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant. (Acts 13:2, 5)
John Mark also later became an associate of Peter according to 1 Peter 5:13
13 She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son. (I Peter 5:13)
The first thing we want to do in this series is learn about Mark. Who is he? What does the Bible tell us?
We discover that Mark failed early in life. Later, he changed and ended up writing a book about Jesus’ life.
We therefore look at why he failed. Then, seek to understand how he changed and later wrote the Gospel of Mark.
Mark’s personal journey is a testament to change, growth, and resilience.
John Mark’s story is no different from anyone today who encounters Jesus and decides to make a change, moving from failure to restoration.
His story can be placed in a modern-day setting, telling of how an individual encounters Jesus changed their personal and professional setbacks to make a comebacks in which they achieved great things.
Early on, John Mark was deemed a failure, even as a minister for Christ. What caused his setback? Read Acts 12 and 13
Then Continue to Part 2: The Fail Ministry
The Book of Mark
(Lesson 1)
The Beginning of the Gospel
Part 2: The Failed Missionary
The writer of the Gospel of Mark is a person from the early Christian church whose story begins subtly but grows in significance. He starts off seemingly as a minor character. He offers profound insights on making a change from fear to faith and the power of redemption.
In the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 12:12, we are introduced to John Mark during a pivotal and dramatic moment in the Christian church.
12 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. (Acts 12:12)
At this time, John Mark is just a young man, living between A.D. 44 and 46, residing in the house of his mother, Mary a woman apparently of means who used her resources to support the early church.
It was in her home that believers gathered for a prayer meeting, made famous in Acts 12, in which they fervently prayed for Peter’s release from prison.
This incident paints a vivid picture of the community of faith and the power of God.
It tells of Peter’s escape from prison, how it happens, what actions are taken, and then Herod’s death.
As pointed out in the study guide, which you can obtain free at sabbath.school or ssnet.org.
The study guide expresses that the outcome of Peter and Herod, the King shows a striking and even humorous contrast.
The king had Peter arrested and placed in prison with the intent of turning him over to be killed after the pass-over. Instead, Peter bounded in chains between two prison guards, sees his chains fall off his hands, and by the hand of an angel, he is free from prison.
In the meantime, ironically, King Herod, who planned for Peter’s death, arrayed in his royal robe, was struck dead by an angel of the Lord.
John Mark does not play a key role at this time, but he is introduced at this point.
This helps us to understand his later connection with Barnabas and Paul.
In Acts 13, we read about Paul and Barnabas’s first missionary journey starting around A.D. 46. John Mark does not come on the scene until verse 5, and even then, he only has the role of a helper or servant. His journey begins with promise but soon encounters turbulence.
By verse 13, we learn that John Mark decides to return to Jerusalem, leaving the missionary work behind.
No reason is given for why he leaves. Without any description of his feelings or emotions, it is open to the imagination on what motivated his withdrawal from the missionary effort.
We, however, can be sure this journey was filled with hardships and challenges.
Ellen G. White, in the book The Acts of the Apostles, suggests that Mark was overwhelmed by fear and hardship, a natural human response to daunting challenges. It says:
“Mark, overwhelmed with fear and discouragement, wavered for a time in his purpose to give himself wholeheartedly to the Lord’s work. Unused to hardships, he was disheartened by the perils and privations of the way.” ”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 169.
In other words, things got too hard, and John Mark wanted out. Have you ever been in that position? What did you do?
How often have we found ourselves in John Mark’s position? Facing difficulties, whether in personal or professional ventures or spiritual commitments, it might lead us to want out.
But our failures are rarely the end of our stories; rather, they can be turning points in our lives for change, growth, and deeper commitment.
Although John Mark failed, he was given a second chance. How did this experience change him?
Read Acts 15.
Then View the next segment of this video, Part 3: A Second Chance
The Book of Mark
(Lesson 1)
The Beginning of the Gospel
Part 3: A Second Chance
Have you ever faced a setback that seemed to spell the end of your hopes and dreams, only to be given a second chance that fundamentally transformed your life so that you make a comeback? This is John Mark experience. His story is one of rejection, redemption, and the power of mentorship in which someone believes in one’s potential. Ijpoiop
In Acts 15:36–39, we encounter a significant conflict between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, which resulted in a sharp disagreement and, ultimately, their separation.
36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.”
37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark.
38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.
39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; (Acts 15:36-39)
Thwe core of the dispute is John Mark’s earlier decision to leave Paul and Barnabas during a missionary journey. Paul’s reason for rejecting the young man is expressed in Acts 15:38.
Paul felt that anyone who withdrew from their divine mission, especially given the serious and difficult nature of their work, was not reliable enough to be part of the team, and understandably so.
For Paul, dedication and resilience in the face of adversity were non-negotiable.
Missionary life, particularly in the ancient world, was not easy.
In fact, 2 Corinthians 11:23–28 helps us see just how demanding it was.
Paul depended on his fellow missionaries to help carry the load of such challenging work and turbulent conditions.
From his perspective, one who deserted so quickly did not deserve a place on a missionary team that involved fighting hand-to-hand against the forces of evil.
Barnabas, on the other hand, saw things differently. He knew John Mark Mark’s potential and did not want to leave the young man behind.
Besides being John Mark’s cousin, Barnabas deeply believed in giving second chances. Therefore, Barnabas did not want to leave the young man behind. So, a deep dispute arose between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark that led them to go their separate ways.
Paul continued his missions with Silas, while Barnabas chose to mentor and reinvest in John Mark.
This decision speaks volumes about Barnabas’s character and his commitment to nurturing potential.
Acts, however, does not tell us why Barnabas chose to take Mark with him.
In fact, this passage is the last place that the two men appear in Acts.
Interestingly enough, however, it is not the last place Mark is mentioned in the New Testament.
Despite Paul’s initial rejection, John Mark’s story did not end there.
Later scriptures, such as Colossians 4:10, 2 Timothy 4:11, Philemon 1:24, and 1 Peter 5:13, highlight his journey of redemption.
These scriptures show a marked change in how he was perceived. An amazing change seems to have occurred in Mark. Remarkably, Paul himself, in these passages, acknowledges John Mark as a valuable co-labor and even calls for him to join in further missionary work, reflecting a complete turnaround in his opinion of him.
1 Peter indicates that Peter also had a close relationship with Mark, further underscoring the integral role he eventually played in the development of the early Church.
As the study guide states, Paul and Peter’s books were most likely written in the early A.D. 60s, some 15–20 years after Mark’s experience in Acts 15.
This shows that Mark clearly recovered from his failure, most likely because of the trust that his cousin, Barnabas, placed in him.
John Mark’s journey helps us see the profound effects of giving or receiving a second chance.
His story teaches us that one’s past does not define one’s future.
We can always make a change. And it shows that the belief others place in us can be transformative.
By offering support for someone who may be weak, we can be instrumental in changing the course of their life.
Now that we know about John Mark, we can look at the Life and teachings of Jesus through his eyes. Read Mark 1:1-8
Then Continue to the next Segment of this video, Part 4: The Messenger
Now that we know a little something about the writer of the Gospel of Mark, we unpack the first eight verses of Mark, Mark 1-8, which sets the stage for our transformative journey.
They establish the key characters and divine messages that lay the groundwork for understanding Jesus Christ’s mission and identity.
Mark 1:1–8 introduces us to three main characters: Jesus Christ, God the Father, and John the Baptist.
These verses are not merely an introduction but a foundation for the entire gospel narrative.
- Jesus Christ is declared as the central figure right from the start in Mark 1:1
“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1).
This statement not only highlights His identity but also sets the tone for His divine purpose.
- God the Father is implied in Mark 1:2, referencing God’s promises in the Old Testament.
2 As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” (Mark 1:2)
Here, verses from Exodus 23:20, Isaiah 40:3, and Malachi 3:1 are weaved together, prophesying of the coming of God’s messenger who prepares the way for the Messiah.
Exodus 23:20 – refers to an angel that God will send before Israel to bring them to Canaan.
20 “Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. (Exodus 23:20)
Isaiah 40:3 speaks of God appearing in the wilderness with a highway prepared before Him.
3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God. (Isaiah 40:3)
Malachi 3:1- speaks of a messenger going before the Lord to prepare His way.
1 “Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:1)
- John the Baptist is portrayed as the messenger in Mark 1:4. The combined scriptures from the Old Testament Exodus 23:20, Isaiah 40:3, and Malachi 3:1 clearly describe his role: he is the one preparing the way for Jesus. John’s preaching in the wilderness and his call for repentance serve as a direct fulfillment of these prophecies.
What’s more, His attire is indicative of Elijah, as described in 2 Kings 1:8, reinforcing his role as the messenger.
2 Kings 1:8 describing Elijah
8 So they answered him, “A hairy man wearing a leather belt around his waist.” And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.” (2 Kings 1:8)
John speaks of one greater than himself.
In Mark 1:7-8 John humbly states his unworthiness even to untie Jesus’ sandals. This is John’s profound acknowledgment of Jesus’ divine authority and John’s own subordinate role.
The anticipation builds as John contrasts his own baptizing with water to the one Jesus will offer with the Holy Spirit, highlighting the transformative power that Jesus brings.
Note that Exodus 23:20, Isaiah 40:3, and Malachi 3:1 speak of a journey.
This journey is depicted throughout the scriptures, from Exodus to Isaiah and Malachi. It symbolizes a journey, not just in a physical sense but a spiritual one, leading to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
This journey, as introduced in Mark 1, starts with preparation and a call to repentance, setting the stage for the unfolding of Jesus’ redemptive and transformative mission.
Who is the main character in the Gospel of Mark? Read Mark 1:9-13 Then Continue to the next segment of this video: Part 5: Jesus Baptism
The Book of Mark
(Lesson 1)
The Beginning of the Gospel
Part 5: Jesus Baptism
We are now at a pivotal point in the Gospel of Mark. It is here where the divine and human natures of Jesus are beautifully displayed at His baptism.
This event not only marks the beginning of His ministry but also illustrates the profound dual identity of Jesus as both fully God and fully man.
In Mark 1:9–13, we witness a remarkable event: Jesus’ baptism by John in the Jordan River.
This scene is crowded with profound symbolism and divine confirmation as to who Jesus is.
In Mark 1:9, we see Jesus the Messiah, instead of baptizing John, is baptized by John.
While this act aligns with humanity’s need for repentance, paradoxically, it sets Jesus apart; as He is sinless, He has no need for baptism.
His willingness to be baptized, however, shows His humility and His solidarity with us humans.
As Jesus comes up from the water, the heavens open, and a divine revelation and approval are manifested.
Mark 1:10 tells us that the Holy Spirit descends on Him like a dove.
He hears the voice of God from heaven, “ ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased’ ” (Mark 1:11, ESV),
This affirms Jesus’ divine sonship and God’s delight in Him, echoing the sentiments of his mission.
Pointing to the importance of Jesus’ baptism, our study guide indicates that the events with
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit presented together, affirming the beginning of Jesus’ ministry is significant.
We will see the importance of this event echoed at the cross in Mark 15, where many of the same elements will reoccur from that scene.
Mark 1:12 tells us that immediately after Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit “drove” Him into the wilderness. The Greek term used here is a common word used in the Gospel of Mark to describe driving out demons.
This same word is used later when Jesus commands demons, emphasizing the authority and power at play.
It is used here to illustrate the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ life.
As indicated in Mark 1:13, Jesus was in the desert for 40 days.
There, He was tempted by Satan. This period parallels with our trials, tribulations, and temptations.
Despite the presence of the adversary and the danger of wild animals, the angels were there to minister to Him.
Mark’s passage is crucial in understanding Jesus as both fully God and fully human.
His baptism and the subsequent trials showcase His humanity. He undergoes baptism and faces temptations, just as we do.
Yet, His divine nature is unmistakably highlighted by the heavens opening, the Spirit descending, and God’s voice affirming His identity. Eo[eeae[ei
His duality is essential for His role as our Mediator. Only someone who is both fully God and fully man can perfectly bridge the gap between Heaven and Earth.
This provides an amazing image of Christ, our Lord and Savior, our God.
Because Jesus is fully God, and also fully a human being. He is, therefore, our brother and our example of how we should live.
Such amazing love that God would send His own Son to embody humanity, to share in our struggles, and ultimately, to redeem us.
Understanding God’s incredible love is a strong motivator for change and transformation.
Mark 1:14 and 15 assert that Jesus preaches the gospel of the kingdom of God. What was Jesus’ message? Read Mark 1:14-15
Then Continue to the next segment of this video, Part 6: The Gospel According to Jesus
The Book of Mark
(Lesson 1)
The Beginning of the Gospel
Part 6: The Gospel According to Jesus
Now we look into the profound message of Jesus in Mark 1:14-15, where He outlines His mission and the imminent fulfillment of prophecy.
This passage not only calls for individual change and transformation but also connects to a grand historical timeline that affirms Jesus’ role in divine salvation history.
We unpack the three key components of Jesus’ message and explore their significance against the backdrop of biblical prophecy.
Mark 1:14-15 summarizes the simple and direct message of Jesus in three parts:
- Time Prophesy: “The time is fulfilled”
Here, Jesus refers to the culmination of a specific prophetic period. This isn’t just any moment; it’s the divinely appointed time foretold in Daniel 9:24-27, marking the arrival of the Messiah’s ministry. Jesus declares that the prophetic clock has reached its critical juncture.
- Covenant Promise: “The kingdom of God is near”
This part of Jesus’ message promises the imminent establishment of God’s kingdom. It is a call to recognize the closeness of divine rule and mercy, urging listeners to see the reality of God’s rule that is about to be manifested more clearly through Jesus.
- A Call to Discipleship: “Repent and believe in the Gospel”
Jesus invites everyone to change their ways and embrace the gospel. This is not merely a call to change behavior but a profound invitation to transform one’s life in response to the nearness of God’s kingdom.
The time prophesy that Jesus refers to in Mark 1:15 is the 70-week prophecy of Daniel 9:24–27.
As indicated in the study guide, This prophecy finds fulfillment in the baptism of Jesus, where He is anointed with the Holy Spirit and begins His ministry according to Acts 10:38.
38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. (Acts 10:38)
The amazing 70-week prophecy is illustrated in this chart:
Daniel’s prophecy outlines a timeline of “seventy weeks” or 490 years, where each day represents a year as indicated in Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6. This period starts in 457 B.C. with the decree by Artaxerxes, King of Persia, for the Jews to rebuild Jerusalem.
He made a decree for them to complete the work of restoring Jerusalem. You can read about this decree in Ezra 7.
The “sixty-nine” prophetic weeks, or 483 years, leads up to A.D. 27 aligning with Jesus’ baptism, the descent of the Holy Spirit, and the beginning of His earthly ministry.
This timeline places Jesus’ crucifixion in the middle of the final week, around A.D. 31, which took place three and a half years later.
The completion of the seventieth week occurred in A.D. 34 when Stephen was stoned and the gospel message started going to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews.
Jesus’ declaration that “the time is fulfilled” directly connects His ministry to the prophecy, illustrating that His coming was divinely appointed and set in the prophetic calendar.
Jesus, fully God and fully human, message of the kingdom being near and the call to repentance are grounded in the understanding that the events in his life were not random but a part of God’s redemptive plan laid out before the foundation of the world.
Therefore, Jesus’ initial message in Mark is more than a call to personal change; it is a profound announcement that God’s prophetic timeline toward salvation is being fulfilled in Him.
As we reflect on this message, let us consider how the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies in Jesus’ life reassures us of God’s control and His plans for humanity in every generation.
It invites us to not only believe in the historical accuracy of these events but also in their ongoing impact on our lives, encouraging us to respond with faith and repentance.
As we move forward, let this understanding deepen our faith, change our lives, and transform our daily living, knowing that we are part of a larger, divine story that continues to unfold.
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