Come Follow Me (Mark 1:14-20)

Introduction: Mark placed the beginning of Jesus ministry after John was imprisonment and his death. John could say i just a forerunner for the coming of Jesus Christ. All this is in the plan of God. Mark says the major portion of Jesus ministry was in Galilee, this is in the northern part of Palestine, where there were a large number of Gentiles than in Judea.

After John was “taken into custody” Jesus came to Galilee.

ILLUSTRATION OF NEED FOR REPENTANCE - Those of us who grew up in the fifties are quite familiar with the name Mickey Cohen because he was the most flamboyant criminal of the day. Perhaps some have even heard of Cohen's becoming a "Christian." The story goes like this: At the height of his career, Cohen was persuaded to attend an evangelistic service at which he showed a surprising interest in Christianity. Hearing of this, and realizing what a great influence a converted Mickey Cohen could have for the Lord, some prominent Christian leaders began visiting him in an effort to convince him to accept Christ. Late one night, after repeatedly being encouraged to open the door of his life on the basis of Revelation 3:20+ ("I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in and eat with him, and he with me"), Cohen prayed. Hopes ran high among his believing acquaintances. But with the passing of time no one could detect any change in Cohen's life. Finally they confronted him with the reality that being a Christian meant he would have to give up his friends and his profession. Cohen demurred. His logic? There are "Christian football players, Christian cowboys, Christian politicians; why not a Christian gangster?"

Note: With the King now on the scene the day has arrived. MacArthur comments "In essence Jesus was saying, “Because I am the King, wherever I am My kingdom is present.”

The command "About Face" is describes the act of pivoting 180 degrees, especially in a military formation (see diagram above). Another English definition says it is "a reversal of direction, of attitude, behavior, or point of view."

Repentance is to leave, The sins we loved before, And show that we in earnest grieve, By doing so no more.