Spiritually Yours

A Practical application of principles contained in the International Sunday Lessons

 UNIT 1. JESUS’ LIFE (GOSPEL OF MARK)

 LESSON ONE

BAPTISM AND TEMPTATIONS

Mark 1:4-13

KEY VERSE: “And there came a voice from heaven, saying, THOU art MY BELOVED SON, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).

In the Gospel according to Mark, THE LORD JESUS is presented as THE SERVANT OF THE LORD, and “for this reason stresses action and deeds rather than words or family pedigree.” “For even the SON OF MAN did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give HIS life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

We find in this lesson, JESUS being baptized (v.9) and afterwards being tempted (v.13). However, prior to that we find “…all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him (John) and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins” (v.5). Yet, when John baptized JESUS, heaven opened, the SPIRIT descended on HIM in the form of a dove, and a voice came from heaven and said, “Thou art MY BELOVED SON, in whom I am well pleased” (1:11). Then the SPIRIT “immediately” sends JESUS out into the wilderness for 40 days, “tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts (v.13). Finally, we discover the angels ministering to HIM.

1.      PEOPLE ARE HUNGRY FOR THE WORD (Mark 1:4-5)

In these verses, we see John’s preaching having such an impact on the people that they were continuously coming back to hear what he had to say. Now it may not be strange for the people to want to hear a word of truth, but what is surprising is that they ended up “confessing their sins.” Further, the fact that they had to walk about 20 miles downhill and returning uphill showed that there had to be an extreme desire to experience that which John preached about. I have serious doubts that the response had anything to do with the messenger, as it had to do with the truth of the message he brought.

Today, if we realized the impact we could have on this starving world by simply imparting the plain truth of the messages contained in THE WORD without any embellishment, we would then be able to see a miraculous transformation in the lives of those around us who are just looking for the best way to live their lives in this present age.

2.      BEAR WITNESS TO THE “TRUE WITNESS” (vv.6-8)

These verses contain the ‘key’ to not only the ministry of John, but also to the success of our ministry today. At first glance, thinking from a contemporary perspective, one would think that John’s appearance and dietary habits would be a reason for people to not want to come into contact with him. However, we find that the message that he preached overshadowed his look. For, John preached of the long-awaited coming of the MESSIAH.

While there were some who thought that John himself was that “ONE,” it of the utmost importance to emphasize the fact that he immediately pointed out to them the truth that it was not him. Through his preaching, as we should through our ministry to the LORD, he emphatically made it clear that while all of the people were excitedly following him and continuously coming out to see and hear him preach, they should be more concerned about THE ONE OF WHOM HE (WE) PREACH, “…ONE MIGHTIER than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose” (v.7).

This is the true essence of our ministry to a dying and starving world today. We are not to be so concerned about drawing attention to ourselves or gaining notoriety for our preaching, or ministry, as we should be about helping people to understand that while we have limited abilities to help meet their superficial spiritual needs, JESUS can fulfill a deeper hunger within the soul that only he could meet.

3.      IT AIN’T WHERE YOU COME FROM…IT’S WHERE YOU’RE GOING! (vv. 9-11)

Much has been written and discussed about the simple facts contained in verse 9, …JESUS came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in the Jordan.” In those days the question was asked, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” by Nathaniel when he heard of Jesus’ works. But more important is Philip’s response, “come and see” (John 1:46). We too are more concerned about where one is living or even where they came from before they lived there; or, where one serves their ministry more than the ministry that is served. It is noteworthy that GOD is has no more respect for one church over another nor one neighborhood over another. GOD is looking for a people who would avail him or herself, whoever they are wherever they are, to HIS service to HIS people.

When we make ourselves available to be used by GOD in HIS service to HIS people, then we will receive the same response that JESUS HIMSELF received after being obedient to the guidance and leadership of HIS FATHER. “And straightway coming up out of the water he saw the heavens opened, and the SPIRIT like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, THOU ART MY BELOVED SON, IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED.”

When we are baptized and called into GOD’S service, we should then allow GOD to lead, guide, and direct our steps so that all who observe our ministry will know that we are following the GOD’S plan for our lives. Then regardless of where we

came from, all will know where we are going: TO SEE THE KING.

4.      JUST BECAUSE WE’RE SAVED DOESN’T MEAN THAT LIFE WILL BE EASY! (vv.12-13)

It is interesting to note that as soon as JESUS was baptized “immediately” HE was driven into the wilderness (v.2). In this walk of life it may appear that as long as you are in the world, doing all that you desire to do all is well. But as soon as you decide to change your life for the better, especially in the service of THE LORD, Satan and all of his demons seem to start to attack from every side. That is why it is so important for us to learn from JESUS’ experience that just because we have been baptized does not mean that Satan is going to leave us alone. It is just the opposite. For as long as we are following the ways of the world we are already cooperating with him and his system. But when we decide to break away from the world and its sin filled system, it is then that Satan fells the need to draw us back into his rule and away from GOD’S WILL.

It was ordained by GOD that JESUS not only demonstrate to us HIS identification of the temptations that we endure, but also that we have the strength and ability to overcome such temptations if we only realize that in addition to calling us to a work GOD will also equip us to carry out that work, in spite of Satan’s interference and obstacles. More important, GOD will always send HIS ANGELS TO MINISTER TO US when we most need it.

THINK ABOUT IT!!!!

Spiritually Yours.

Rev. Chris Lowe, Sr. DD