SERMONS FROM THE BOOK OF MARK

Sermons by Dr. Neil Chadwick


Introduction:

Christians are "People of the Book" - we place highest value on the record left to us by faithful men and women of God, many of whom gave their lives defending the truth contained in this book.

Consequently, we value the careful, consistent, consecutive reading and study of the Scripture. While there may be occasions for sporadic Bible reading, the normal pattern is one of consistency. Why? Faithful, consistent reading, study, and preaching of the Bible accomplishes the following:

    1. Honors the written Word.

    2. Provides a balanced nourishing diet.

    3. Removes selection from our personal interests and likes, exposing us to teachings we otherwise might miss or avoid.

    4. Lessens the possibility of missing an important truth.

    5. Understands, by full faith, that the Spirit is able to speak to everyone at some point. Of course there is a need for patience, not every sermon is a bell ringer for every person.

This is our approach to preaching on the Book of Mark.

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

Introduction.

    A. The title is, "Kata Markon", "According to Mark".

    B. Note, it is the "Gospel of Jesus Christ", not the "Gospel of Mark".

    C. However, Mark, as a faithful servant of the Lord, was used to write it down. Who was he? He was John (his Jewish name) Mark (his Latin name).

I. Mark was curious and interested about the Lord: the first possible notice of him was in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Mark 14:51,52 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

    A. It was the custom of writers of that day to include themselves without identifying themselves.

    B. If this is John Mark, the story indicates his curiosity and interest, but he is not yet ready to commit himself - perhaps people today are like that, want to hang around, curious, interested, they attend church, but are not ready to make a commitment.

    C. We should not be too hard on Mark (or even on Peter, although in this story he took out the sword to defend the Lord, and soon afterwards denied Him.)

II. Mark was around people who prayed. It was his mother who hosted the church in Jerusalem. Perhaps her home was the location for the Last Supper, which would explain why Mark was in the Garden; but certainly it was her home where the prayer meeting was held when Peter was imprisoned.

Acts 12:12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

    A. Imagine the impact when Peter showed up at the door!

    B. Mark was exposed to Peter, receiving much of his information from him. Please note that there seems to be no effort to make Peter look good.

    C. No doubt Mark was influenced by the church being together in prayer; this was the precedent for what we used to call "cottage prayer" meetings.

III. Mark was willing to help in the ministry, in any way possible; he accompanied Barnabas and Saul on their first journey (as a minister, i.e., servant) but soon abandoned them and returned home.

Acts 12:25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Acts 13:5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

Acts 13:13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

    A. Mark went as a helper, showing a willingness, but perhaps his commitment was not strong enough.

    Serving in ministry produces joy but not ease; although at times fulfilling, it also includes hardship.

    B. Mark left the missionary party perhaps because:

      1. He wasn't ready for the spiritual warfare going on (facing the evil of "Elymas" the sorcerer, whom Paul struck blind);

      2. He did not feel he should continue because he did not expect the journey to continue beyond Cyprus; or

      3. He was upset because the leadership had changed from Barnabas to Paul; or perhaps he quit.

      4. Due to the rugged mountainous travel ahead.

    C. Mark returned to Jerusalem

    Being a servant means a willingness to follow godly leadership - in ministry, you can't always have it your way, which is obviously contrary to the American norm of "individualism".

IV. But Mark was willing to try again. Preparing for the second journey, Barnabas wanted Mark to go, Paul didn't - they argued and split up.

Acts 15:37,38 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

    A. These are two kinds of people: TASK ORIENTED, and PEOPLE ORIENTED. But hopefully, we should not have to make this kind of choice, the church needs both, in partnership.

    B. We are thankful for the "Encourager" who sees the value, and is willing to give a second chance.

V. In the end, Mark received commendation. Paul recognized the value that Mark had for the ministry.

Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

According to Philemon 24, Mark was with Paul in Rome. 2 Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

2 Timothy 4:13 The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. (Could he have meant the Gospel of Mark? Quite possibly.)

I Peter 5:13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

    A. Mark became the first to put into writing the account of Jesus, likely receiving from Peter the eyewitness accounts.

    B. He lived his life out serving the Lord, ministering to the ministers, and serving the whole Body of Christ.

Conclusion:

    A. Perhaps someone here is like Mark.

    B. Interested, curious, and having been around people of prayer. Perhaps having failed to carry through at some time in the past.

    C. Some may feel they're no longer worthy of ministry. Hopefully there will be someone else who believes in you and encourages your return to the Lord's work.

    D. One important message of Mark is, God still has a purpose and a place for you.

  • - - Return to Top of this Page
  • - Email a Link to this Page
  • - Go To Next Sermon by Dr. Neil Chadwick
  • - Back To Sermons Page or to the Sermons Alphabetical List
  • - - Download This Sermon 
    This Page's Title Is:

                       
    Your Name Is:

                       
    Your Email Address Is:

                        
    Your State and Country:

    Please identify your vocation:

         Senior Pastor.     Associate Pastor.
            Youth Pastor.    Lay Minister.
                  Church Member.

    Which section of this site would you most likely return to?

         Sermons     Articles     Stories   
             Poems     Hymns    Articles for Leaders
               Marriage Articles         A Bit of Humor

    Would you like to receive the free weekly E-mail Circular?

      YES

    If you have a web page, would you like to establish a reciprocal link?

      YES

    Feel free to add a comment or prayer request: