2_25_2024 - Mark 1:35-38 - "Kingdom Minded”

(Opening Prayer)

(Sermon Introduction)

Today we continue the gospel of Mark. We are planning to spend almost 2 years in the gospel of Mark. We are going to have mini-series to help break up our time in Mark and help us focus on the journey on both a macro and micro level. We want to understand what it truly means to “Build the Kingdom One Disciple at a Time.”

Today we begin our “Follow” series in the gospel of Mark.

(The Gospel of Mark Context)

Matthew, Mark, and Luke, make up what is referred to as the Synoptic Gospels.

The word Synoptic means “together they see.”

The Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are referred to in this manner because of their likeness, and similar content.

They record many of the same teachings, stories, and accounts from different perspectives.

Some have said that because of this these writings are unreliable.

Quite the opposite is true.

A difference of perspective is not a negative but rather a positive.

If each gospel recorded everything the exact same way we would question its accuracy and integrity in the same way that an investigator would question stories that record verbatim what happened at a crime scene.

The gospel of John is not considered a Synoptic Gospel primarily because it was written years later and recorded things that the other writers did not include.

The gospel of Mark is understood to have been written between 54-60 A. D. prior to the writing of Matthew, Luke, and John.

Scholars believe that Matthew and Luke used Mark as a guide as they wrote their gospels.

This is called the Priority of Mark.

The gospel of Mark was written by John Mark who was not one of the twelve disciples of Jesus.

However, it is believed that the Apostle Peter is the source for the material for the gospel of Mark as Peter discipled John Mark.

(Sermon Title)

Today we have entitled the sermon “Kingdom-Minded.”

We are in Mark 1:35-39.

Mark 1:35–39 (NLT)

35 Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.

36 Later Simon and the others went out to find him.

37 When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

38 But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.”

39 So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.

(Synoptic Perspective)

Luke’s account of Jesus being sought after is the only other gospel to record this story directly after the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law and the people of Capernaum the night before.

We are told that the next day Jesus went to an “isolated place to pray” (Mk. 1:35).

Luke 4:42–43 (NLT)

42 Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them.

43 But he replied, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.”

1. Kingdom Minded Followers Seek First the Kingdom

Mark 1:35 (NLT)

35 Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.

Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Matthew 6:33 (CSB)

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

2. Kingdom Minded Followers Are Gospel-Focused

Mark 1:38 (NLT)

38 But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.”

Luke 4:43 (NLT)

43 But he replied, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.”

3. Kingdom Minded Followers Look for Opportunities

Mark 1:39 (NLT)

39 So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.

Luke 4:43 (NLT)

43 But he replied, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.”

(Magdala Context with Pictures)

I remember my first trip to Israel in 2019.

I was reading through the Gospel of Mark at the time and came to today’s passage the first morning that I awoke in Galilee.

When I had read that Jesus “traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues” (Mk. 1:39), I had a moment!

What was on our itinerary? The towns and villages around Galilee.

When I realized that I was going to see the synagogues that Mark 1:39 speaks about I was undone!

Jesus did not leave Capernaum to go preach the gospel because he longed to stand in that synagogue but because He knew who He would meet along the way!

I believe that Jesus had people on His mind and heart when He considered the mission of the Kingdom that was set before Him.

Of course it is true that He had the glory of God on His mind but isn’t it to the glory of God that the Gospel is preached to each person?

I believe the old chorus had it right when it said, “I know You had me on Your mind when You climbed up on that hill. For You saw me with eternal eyes, while I was yet in sin. Redeemer Savior Friend.”

There is a well-known person Jesus would eventually meet that would be changed because of their encounter with Him.

Her name is Mary Magdalene.

Mark 16:9 and Luke 8:1-2 both tell us that Jesus delivered her from 7 demons.

She is mentioned 12 times in the gospels.

She is the first preacher of the good news that Jesus was resurrected.

Jesus changed her life!

(Response)

(Invite Altar Team)

(Connection Card)

(Sermon Recap)

“Kingdom Minded”

1.Kingdom Minded Followers Seek First the Kingdom

2. Kingdom Minded Followers Are Gospel-Focused

3. Kingdom Minded Followers Look for Opportunities

(Closing Challenge)

If you want to know more about repentance, water baptism, or the baptism in the Holy Spirit, please connect with us.

(“Redeemer Savior Friend” Song Response)

(Closing Blessing)

Numbers 6:24–26 (ESV)

24 The Lord bless you and keep you.

25 The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.

26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.