John Mark - One Who Turned Back

When someone tells you they’ll do something and then backs out it can be aggravating, especially if it was something important. Today we’re looking at a disciple who did that to Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey.

Acts 13:13 NIV84

From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.

Acts 15:37–38 NIV84

Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.

John Mark

Son of Mary – church in Jerusalem met in her home

Probably on the younger side

Lived in Jerusalem

Cousin of Barnabas

Goes with Barnabas to Antioch

Accompanies Barnabas and Paul on first missionary journey

Leaves part way through

Homesick

Journey too dangerous or difficult

Unhappy with Paul taking the lead

Uncomfortable with the Gentiles

Second chances

Paul seems to put the needs of the mission first

Barnabas puts the need of the person first and takes John Mark again

We saw earlier that Barnabas was known as the son of encouragement. He was very good at reaching out and helping others. Of course, with John Mark being his cousin he had even more reason to give him another chance.

He must have seen potential in John Mark.

Reconciliation

10 years later he is in Rome reconciled to Paul. With Paul in Rome while Paul under house arrest. May also have been a messenger for Paul

Colossians 4:10 NIV84

My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)

During Paul’s second imprisonment in Rome Paul wanted Mark with him, says he is helpful.

2 Timothy 4:11 NIV84

Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.

Result

A very ancient tradition asserts that Mark was Peter’s “interpreter” (perhaps secretary or assistant instructor) and that he wrote down the apostle’s reminiscences of Christ.

Author of the Gospel of Mark

Importance of forgiveness and reconciliation

We may feel that we have let God down, perhaps even deserted Him, but there is always forgiveness when we turn back to God. One of the most freeing blessings is that He gives second chances, and third, and fourth, …

There are countless examples – David, Peter,

God sees potential in us that we don not see in ourselves. Too often we focus on the negatives or failures whereas God looks forward to what we can become under His direction,

In turn, we are to be forgiving toward others. Throughout the New Testament we see that disciples are called to forgive others as Jesus forgave us.

Ephesians 4:32 NIV84

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Mark 11:25 NIV84

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”