Jesus' Galilean Ministry

Mark 1:21-39 - all happens before He came back to Jerusalem
Jesus is with at least 4 of the disciples:  James, John, Andrew, Peter.  Perhaps more.

I)  Demons = a big part of Jesus' ministry - so doing a quick overview!

(1)  They are called "unclean (unholy) spirits" - or "demons"
often translates "evil spirits" - come from two different words

(2)  They are a real and present danger
on one hand, are not human.  However, are real persons, personages

(3)  Generally assumed to be fallen angels
Satan's rebellion - Luke 10:18
1/3 of angels fell with him?  Rev. 12:4
Not created evil but with the potential for evil.  God doesn't create evil.

(4)  They oppose God and all that is Godly 
Which = believers!!  - Rev. 12:17   We can anticipate demonic attacks during Christian life.

(5)  They are doomed to destruction - Matt. 25:41

(6)  They know that - Mark 1:24  (different instance = Matt. 8:29)

(7)  They recognized Jesus 
in his humanity - "Jesus of Nazareth..."
in his deity - "the Holy One of God"
in his Authority and power - Mark 1:25-26
(hence they obey reluctantly -- because they have to!!)

(8)  They are still with us today
But.... most visibly active in times and places of:
      (A)  unusual Divine manifestations - example:  Jesus' day
     (B)  places of satanic worship - example:  voodoo, witchcraft, etc.    That's when many times see great deal of holy Spirit activity as well.

So,
(9)  We should be informed, aware, alert.  1 Pet. 5:8-9

But,
(10)  We need not focus on them - Phil. 4:8
beyond, gospels = little interaction with demonic occurrences (until Revelation)
instead = teaching and Focus on Christ!!

Now.... Contrast... Knowing and Believing
            and ......Trusting 
James - "you believe in one God?.... "

NOTE:  Both demons AND humans recognized....

II)  Christ's Authority - Mark 1:22, 27

His authority was evident in...
(a)  His teachings  (John 7:46 - "never has a man spoken..."
(b)  demon expulsions
(c)  Miracles
Last two showed His power over Spiritual world, and natural world

Note again: Recognizing His Authority is not the same as Submitting to His Authority.
On one hand, all will eventually submit
However, blessings (both now and future) are reserved for those who willingly submit!!!

III.  Christ's Purpose - Mark 1:38
He didn't come PRIMARILY to cast out demons, work miracles, cure physical ills, etc.

He came PRIMARILY to ... Preach the Good News!!!  To redeem mankind.  The other things were secondary.

Which = what He wanted His disciples to be about.... "let us go some where else - nearby villages so I can preach there    Mark 1:38

Which = what He wants us to be about.....  Matt. 28:18-20 - Go and share the good news. 
All authority = in charge of EVERYTHING!!

Closing Scripture:  Rom. 15:13

God's Call(s) on Your Life

Mark = the most abbreviated gospel.  But, all 4 gospels together are not the full picture!!
John 21:24-25
So.. on one hand, we have only a partial picture.  However,we have all the picture we need to become believers, ambassadors, etc.  John 20:30-31

That said, Mark 1:12-13, 14-15
NOTE:  time between vs. 13 and vs. 14 = 1 year!?  (Jesus' early ministry)

Mark leaves out... for example:

(1)  wedding at Cana, water into wine, 1st. miracle - John 2

(2)  1st. cleansing of Temple - John 3

(3)  Meeting with Nicodemus - John 3

(4)  Meeting with (Samaritan) woman at the well - John 4

(5)  rejection of Jesus by His own ... synagogue @ Nazareth - Luke 4:28-30

(all this between vs. 13 and 14) 

Back to Mark 1:14 - Merely a time reference?  Answer is more than that!!!  John 4:1-3

Point = John the Baptist = popular with the people, but at odds with the religious establishment and local politicians.  example:  "troublemaker" - results in his arrest and execution (under Herod Antipas)

Compare Jesus:  popular with people, but at odds with leadership.
But ..."his time had not yet come"  (ie:  the time for Him to fulfill His role as Messiah) so.... He leaves Judea, Jerusalem for the countryside (Galilee) - Matt. 4:12

All this = relevant to next passage - Mark 1:16-20

Point:  this is not a spur of the moment, emotionally charged decision!  These guys had known Jesus a year before this calling!! They've been following Him on and off since the day after His baptism.  John 1:35-45

This = well thought out, carefully weighed response to a HIGH CALLING!
(on one hand, they couldn't know all this calling would entail .. however, they didn't answer without consideration!!!  not blindly!!  They knew what they were doing.   Following with head, not only with heart!

Application:  God's Call(s) on Your Life!

I)  The call to Salvation - Mark 1:14-15   "repent"  (turn)  "believe"  (embrace)
comes t all men ... 1 Tim. 2:3-4, 2 Pet. 3:9, Rev. 22:17
On one hand, this call should cover all calls - (Savior and LORD!)
However, as we grow, learn more of what He wants ...
Are additional calls.  

II)  The call to return - because have drifted, strayed, turned away.
Example:   Prodigal son, Peter at the Lord's breakfast (was embarrassed and ashamed, but came back),
Rev. 2:4-5 

III)  The call to greater commitment
not because have strayed, but because have grown and learned (as here!)
Maybe call to greater service.  Will certainly include call to grow,  develop, become.  He calls every Christian to this.

 IV)  The call to 'higher service'
Maybe ... vocational ministry, an office, a position, a duty, task, service

V)  A call to a particular duty, task, service
long term, short term
within the church, secular
Examples:  medical - teacher - politician

in all these cases
(1)  the Call is from God - (not simply your choice) - is Divine calling

(2)  The call is to serve Him - may be serving people, BUT = serving Him 1st. 
Example:  Peter:  "do you love me?  then "feed my sheep!"  He's not serving sheep, he's serving God 1st.

(3)  The goal is to further the Kingdom
May include a living wage - BUT .. the motivation = serve the Lord
Example:  Levites called to serve, but provided for by the people.

Our call tends to be.....
(1)  Non-verbal, non-audible - (contrasted with the disciples)  We mostly hear a still, small voice.

(2)  Nevertheless, compelling  (But, is still can be ignored!!)

Therefore, (3)  it's a matter of both head and heart
Worthy of consideration, reasoning!!! - not just an emotional decision.  

Additional notes:  the Call ....
(4)  May not be pleasing! 

(5)  may not be pleasant! 
examples:  Jonah, Jeremiah

(6)  Usually in line with your giftedness!!
(Though you may not recognize that!!!  ie;  the prophets
 

Therefore:  (7) generally recognized by others  (their confirmation)

(8)  Generally fruitful - but not necessarily by man's measure!!!  Example:  Jeremiah - preached 40 years, not one convert!  (Jesus at the cross)

The call includes the obligation of Self Development
on one hand, with the call comes provision
However, you must take opportunity to develop gift, ability - 2 Tim. 2:15
This = lifelong, never ends in this life

So, listen for the call(s)
Consider the call (with head AND heart)
Commit, re-commit, develop 'self 

Trust God to use you .. to His glory!! - 1 Cor. 15:58

The Temptation of Jesus

Last week = Baptism - Mark 1:9-11 - declaration of Sonship
This week = Temptation - Mark 1:12-13

Mark = brief account.  So, add Matt. 4:1-11 - Vs. 6 from Psm. 91:11-12
Also Luke 4:1-2   (tempted the full 40 days)
        Luke 4:13  ("until .... opportune time")

First:  a word study/ Bible Study

The word used here in the Greek is (peer-od-zo) means TEMPT or TEST   When translated, was based on the context as to which word was used.

(noun) #1.  A Temptation -- to do evil, a solicitation, enticement to ACT contrary to God's will  (as here)

(noun) #2. A test, a testing - Gen. 22:1-2, Heb. 11:17
God's purpose = (A) to reveal your heart  (to you and to others)
                          (B)  to develop your character

distinction between temptation and test?  = James 1:13
ie:  (A)  God can't be tempted WITH Evil
     (B)  God doesn't tempt (us) WITH Evil
BUT (C)  God does allow us to BE TEMPTED!!  He did not offer the evil, but allowed it!

And then (D)  God uses that temptation for our Good!!  
ie:  to (A) reveal our heart.  (to 'self and others)
         (B)  Develop our character
Example:  Peter - Luke 22:31-32 - Satan's intent is to show that Peter is nothing but chaff, worthless.  God allowed this so Peter will see what's inside him.

#3.  When we test God - Matt. 4:7 
This = challenge God!  Call Him out!  try to provoke Him to action!!  Ex. 17:1-2, 17
Essence = "are you God?  Sovereign?  Present?  Caring? Faithful? 

This doesn't mean should never question God, but means should trust Him ... when don't get answer, or don't understand answer.  Example:  Job - "though He slay me.... yet will I trust Him"

Exception:  when invited to test!!! - Mal. 3:10

Back to the story:  NOTES ON TEMPTATION

#1.  Satan is Real - if he wasn't, Jesus wouldn't be talking to, fighting with him.
But ... (a)  he is not omnipresent  (therefore has minions, demons)
and    (b)  he is not behind ALL temptations!  James 1:14-15 - evil in 'self tempts

#2.  Satan will attempt to draw you away from God.
summary verse:  1 Pet. 5:8-9  "Resist ... By standing"
ie:  he can attempt to draw you out of God's will.  However, he cannot push you out!  You step out!  

#3.  God may allow that  (ie:  Both temptation and failure!!)
Good news = Satan cannot touch you without permission
Bad news = he often gets permission!
Examples:  Job, Peter, Christ!!
Note:  Rev. 13:5-10

#4.  IF God allows it... He will USE it!  Rom. 8:28
all temptation has potential for good!! 
(again) to Reveal character  (to 'self/ to others)
           to Develop character
example: Peter - better man because he failed  - Deut. 8:2-5

Failure needn't be fatal!!  Contrast Peter and Judas Iscariot
Failure CAN BE (and should be) motivation for improvement  (Peter)
What we do with the failure is the big issue.

#5.  Temptations will continue throughout life - John 16:33

#6.  Jesus' response to temptation (Satan) was the PROPER use of God's Word - Satan used God's Word, too, but improperly.
On one hand, the Word = sword of the Spirit! - Eph. 6:17
However, must be properly handled!! - 2 Tim. 2:15
Contrast a sword in the hands of a swordsman vs a novice)

Additional note:  All Jesus' responses were from Deuteronomy.  A book we tend to overlook!  Might be a lesson here!!

Testing will happen to show you what's inside!!!
                                                                     

The Baptism of Jesus

 Mark 1:9-12

(story in all 4 gospels - shows importance and significance!!)

Putting all 4 accounts together we learn.....

(1)  Jesus came FROM Nazareth in Galilee.  (about 43 miles) - to the place where John was baptizing.

(2)  He came TO be baptized!! - Matt. 3:13  - purpose for the journey

(3)  John objects - Matt. 3:14

(4)  Jesus' reply - Matt. 3:15  - "fulfill all righteousness" 

(5)  Holy Spirit descends on Him
   "like a dove" (form? appearance?)
   "as He was praying"
   "in Bodily form"
Luke 3:21-22

(6)  A Voice  "from heaven" - (Matt., Mark, Luke)
Matt.  "this is my Son..."
Mark and Luke  "You are my Son...."
Question:  who heard the Voice?  Jesus?  John?  Others?

(7)  John the Baptist SAW the Spirit - John 1:32-34  (confirmation!!)

(8)  Luke adds  - Luke 3:23  "about 30 years old"  - baptism at the beginning of His ministry

Question:  What's the significance of "dove"? 
Answer:  sign of Divine Anointing ... (for His ministry)
Isa. 42:1  "...spirit on Him...."     Luke 4:14-21

Before ministry = temptation by Satan!  (Matt., Mark, Luke)

So... WHY was Jesus baptized??

On one hand, symbolism = washing away sin
However, with Jesus = NO NEED!!

So... back to Matt. 3:15 - "proper for us, fulfill righteousness"  - mild paraphrase = "it's the right thing for us to do"

Exactly why it's "right thing" ???  Don't know!  BUT .... in baptism ...
    (1)  Jesus identifies with John - validates John's ministry, John's message

    (2)  Jesus identifies with mankind - ie.  doesn't exclude Himself from something He'll ask all followers to do!!  Heb. 2:14-15

    (3)  Jesus models humility - He didn't HAVE to submit to baptism

 All this leads to a deep theological consideration ...

ie:  THE DUAL NATURE of Christ
ie:  He was FULLY MAN and FULLY GOD ... at the same time!!!  = incredible mystery!!

On one hand, He was (fully) Human!   normal pregnancy, birth, growth - Luke 2:40, 52
Experienced weariness, hunger, thirst ... AND DEATH!!
Rose with same physical body (though glorified) - Luke 24:36-43
Ate after the Resurrection!!!  Ascended with same body!!!  - Acts 1:9
had human mind, emotions.... frustration, sorrow, grief....

On the other hand, He was (fully) DIVINE - (ie  God .. at the same time!!)
John 1:1, 20:28, Heb. 1:8, 2 Pet. 1:1  Isa. 9:6
Was a HUGE thing for a Jew to declare Jesus God

How Possible???  - don't know - 1 Tim. 3:16
On one hand, beyond our comprehension
On other hand, beyond comprehension DOES NOT mean beyond possibility!!

BUT .. IF you can accept  this, you can see that .... - (this is the mystery of Christianity)

#1)  As MAN, He is our perfect MODEL - for mankind
Heb. 4:15  (again)  "tempted.... yet without sin"
So... 'What Would Jesus Do?" WWJD => What should I do?

#2.  As God, He was the Perfect Substitute
Who could pay for sin except God?
So.... Phil. 2:6-8 - (emptied self of Privileges, not of Deity!! 

#3.  As the God-Man, He is the Perfect Mediator 
ie.  understands man's weakness!,  needs,
as well as God's demands

Therefore, can represent God TO us perfectly
and, can represent US to GOD perfectly
Heb. 4:14-16, 1 Tim. 2:5

He's the perfect Lord, Master of your life!!

Closing scripture:  John 20:24-29

John the Baptist

Mark 1:1-8

Mark opens Not with Jesus, but with John the Baptist!!  All 4 gospels record John's ministry -  therefore, is significant)

Biography of John the Baptist:  

(1)  his birth - miraculous - Luke 1:5-17
Note:  "Zacharia's Song"  (after his birth) - Luke 1:76-77

(2)  his formative years - Luke 1:80  - John's childhood - all that is recorded

(3)  his sudden appearance!! - Mark " "And so John came ....." -
great parallel between John and Elijah - 1 Kings. 17:1
This breaks 400 years of prophetic silence!!

(4)  his outward appearance - "camel's hair, leather belt - again, compare to Elijah

(5)  his ministry = predicted/prophecy -Isa. 40:3-5  The synoptic gospels all use this test - refers to John
note also:  Mal. 3:1, 4:5-6 - Jesus anticipated Elijah would come before the appearing of the Lord

(6)  his message
A)  Repent and Be Baptized - Mark 1:4 - baptism of repentance, not baptism to be saved
AND
B0  Produce Fruit - Matt. 3:709 - fruit in conjunction with repentance

(7)  his ministry = prepare people for Messiah - Luke 1:17

(8)  Jesus assessment of John - Matt. 11:10-11

I)  John = extraordinary man!!! -  ".... no name greater than John....."
BUT ... totally human!!!  Matt. 11:2-3  (had doubts!)
So..... what made him extra-ordinary..???

#1.  John was CHOSEN for a particular task!! 
ie:  selected, called ... to BE Jesus' (Messiah)  forerunner

#2.  John was gifted (equipped) for that task!! 
spiritual gifts, personal traits and temperament  (he fit the calling)

#3.  John was faithful to that task!  

So.... question:  what makes John so different than me or you?
         answer:  Only the time, place, gifts, calling.....

1 Cor. 12:4-12 - God gifts according to the calling, task

11 Cor. 12:7-9 - true only of Paul?  Apostles?

Again.... what made John extra-ordinary = (1) his calling  (2)  his gifts  AND (3)  his FAITHFULNESS (to use these gifts)

Example:  Parable of the Talents - Matt. 25:14-15, 19-28
Point:  the man with 2 talents was not expected to gain 10 talents or 5 talents.  (his calling, his giftedness not the same!)
BUT... the same FAITHFULNESS is expected!!!

NOTE:  John did NO miracles!!! - John 10:40-42

II.  John knew who he was  (and who he was NOT!!)
John 1:19-23 - on one hand "not the Christ"
                        however,  "His herald!"

Compare you and me: 
On one hand, just a poor sinner
However, a sinner called, selected, cleansed, redeemed, reconciled, child of God, heir to the Kingdom, joint heir with Christ!!!! - I'm just a child, but I'm HIS child!!

1 Cor. 1:2, 6:9-11
2 points:  (1)  know who you are
              (2)  Act like who you are - a child of God, brought into the family of God.
On one hand, may be unprofitable servant
  However, are His servant

 III.  John's ministry centered on Christ (NOT on himself!)  John 1:35-37 - gospel wasn't about John
John was a very important person ... but ministry is not about YOU!!