Kingdom Comes Series

ESSENTIAL KING JESUS: KINGDOM COMES

MARK 1:14-15

#kingjesus

(?) USE AUDIO BIBLE: Mark Chapter 1:1-45 (?) [5:24]

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/esv/Mark.1

INTRODUCTION… The Word Essential

The word ‘essential’ means ‘of the utmost importance.’ ‘Essential’ means ‘basic,’ ‘indispensable,’ and ‘necessary.’ We might say that air, food, and water are essential for life. Exercise and good nutrition are essential for good health. Gas is essential for a vehicle to continue working. Some of us might say companionship, joy, and clothing are essential for life as well. I suppose we could debate a few of those.

There are some things we may think are essential that probably are not. Shelter may or may not be necessary. I feel like people can and do live outside and all the people who camp prove shelter is overrated. The internet is not essential for life even though we may feel that it is. TV and movies are not essential.

In the past few years, the word ‘essential’ got connected with the word ‘worker’ meaning “those who conduct a range of operations and services in industries that are essential to ensure the continuity of critical functions in the United States.” During the height of COVID in 2020, if you were essential you kept your job and if not, you perhaps lost your job. ‘Essential’ is not a bad word in and of itself, but we may not like it especially if someone somewhere in some office termed us non-essential.

Today we are beginning a sermon series on the Gospel of Mark that I’ve themed ‘Essential King Jesus.’ Each week we will take a look at one passage in a chapter. First week, chapter 1. Second week, chapter 2. And so on. Each week a passage from that chapter. My prayer overall is that as we make our way through the Gospel of Mark, that we will encounter the Essential King Jesus and bolster our faith or perhaps find it for the first time. And… each week I want to share with one essential truth that is important for us to believe and then also communicate to others about Jesus. We are going to focus on the Essential King Jesus.

BACKGROUND ABOUT MARK

Before we get into our passage for today, I’d like to share a little background about the Gospel of Mark. Eusebius, one of the earliest Christian historians, tells us (Ecclesiastical History iii.39.15) that Papias, Bishop of Hierapolis (around 140 AD) said: “Mark, having become Peter’s interpreter, wrote down accurately, though not in order, all that he remembered of the things either said or done by Christ… he was careful to omit nothing of what he has heard or to make any false statements.”

Mark, also known as John Mark, was a young man who accompanied the Apostle Paul on a few of his journeys (Acts 12, 13, 15). He became an associate of the Apostle Peter and received all the information in his account from Peter. In fact, 1 Peter 5:13 (ESV) says: “She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.” Peter means “my son in the Gospel” and was Peter’s close friend. He probably was the actual one who wrote down the words of 1 and 2 Peter as Peter dictated the letters to him.

I find this important in that this Gospel account, this telling of the life and events and teaching and miracles and conversations we have written in Mark come right from someone who walked and talked with Jesus. The Gospel of Mark is the recollections and testimony of Simon Peter. That is trustworthy!

TRANSITION

Anyway, I find that interesting and important as we look through these trustworthy chapters over the coming weeks and discover the Essential King Jesus.

MARK CHAPTER 1

There is quite a lot of significant information, theology, and truth in Mark 1.

We see John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus’ ministry (1:1-8).

We see the baptism of Jesus (1:9-11) which begins His public ministry.

Jesus is driven into the desert and tempted by Satan (1:12-13).

We see Jesus beginning His ministry in verses 14-15.

Jesus calls His first disciples, who I might add, includes Simon Peter (1:16-20).

Jesus heals a man with an unclean spirit (1:21-28).

We then have some summary verses about Jesus healing, teaching, and travelling (1:29-39).

The chapter concludes with Jesus healing a leper in a profound way (1:40-45).

TRANSITION

I’d like us to focus on verses 14-15 today.

READ MARK 1:14-15 (ESV)

“Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

As we look at these two verses, I see Jesus beginning His ministry with a bang. His words are spot on and direct our focus on God and His Kingdom. Let’s dig into verses 14-15.