Go Into all the World

The Gospel of Mark

The Gospel of Mark, generally held to be the first gospel recorded, and is the shortest Gospel in our bible.

John Mark, the writer of the gospel and cousin to Barnabas and missionary companion to Paul.

The Gospel of Mark was likely written to persuade Gentile readers in Rome that Jesus’ death on the cross did not invalidate his claims to messiahship or his proclamation of the kingdom of God, but rather that his resurrection, miracles, and prediction of his death justified his claims.

“Go Into All The World”

Announcements

Intro: last 2 sermons in the gospel of Mark

A few weeks ago I asked all of you 2 questions and you wrote your responses down on cards and gave them to me.

Question 1: What do you want out of this youth program?

Question 2: What can we do to share the gospel?

These last 2 lessons will focus on why we share the gospel and how we share the gospel.

Sermon

Mark 16:9–20 ESV

9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. 12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. 14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” 19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

What will we do for money?

mix together a concoction of disgusting ingredients into a cup.

Ask, who would eat this for free?

Ask, who would eat this for $1

Ask, who would eat this for $20

Ask, who would eat this for $100

It is incredible how we become willing to do all sorts of things when money is in the picture.

We throw caution to the wind, we get crazy courage, and we make big mistakes when money is involved.

Question: Why are we so quick and willing to do something for money, but not willing to share with someone the truth of the gospel?

I believe this is because of 3 distinct reasons.

Reason 1

We do not believe.

Mark 16:9–11 ESV

9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

Not one disciple that knew and followed Jesus believed what Mary was saying.

Maybe because she was a women?

Maybe you don’t believe because you heard it from a woman? or because it’s just not the right time in your life for you to believe in Jesus.

Mark 16:12–13 ESV

12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

After the disciples didn’t believe Mary, Jesus appeared in another form to two other disciples.

They still didn’t believe.

Maybe you don’t believe because you just haven’t heard the right sermon illustration.

Maybe you just haven’t felt that feeling.

Mark 16:14 ESV

14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.

Finally Jesus appeared to them Himself.

They were reclining at a table, not sharing the gospel, not sharing Jesus has rose from the dead.

Jesus rebuked their unbelief!

Reason 2

We Have Hardened Our Hearts

Mark 16:14 ESV

14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.

Jesus rebuked their hardness of heart.

They were sad, disappointed, even angry.

The Jesus they had left everything to follow was gone, left them.

And because of these feelings they had hardened their hearts

Maybe you are angry at God, maybe you are sad or disappointed in a situation in your life and you have hardened your heart towards God.

Reason 3

The third reason I believe we hesitate and are unwilling to share our faith is … Fear!

The disciples had just witnessed one of the most brutal crucifixions of all time.

If it were me I would be afraid too!

Mark 16:17–18 ESV

17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Jesus says if you believe in me and speak my name you can cast out demons, speak in new tongues, not be struck by serpents, not die from poison, and you will be able to heal the sick.

Jesus is basically saying, In me there is nothing to fear!

Closing

Which of these 3 reasons are you allowing to hold you back from sharing the gospel?

If you do not believe

What are you waiting for? You have heard the truth and Jesus wants you to respond.

If you have hardened your heart

Why are you going to let your feelings or circumstances dictate your life? When true hope and freedom can only be found in Jesus.

If you are scared

Being scared is real, but Jesus has given you the tools to overcome any fear that you will face.

You know the truth and Jesus wants you to step out in faith.

If the Lord has spoken to you tonight in anyway I ask that you will get on your knees before Him!