Behind the Scenes

This four-week series explores the lives of a few unlikely people whom God used to do amazing things. Through the stories of David, Rahab, John Mark, and Gideon, we will see that God uses the small, the outsider, those behind the scenes, and the timid to do amazing things in the world

Last week we look at an Outsider by the name of Rahab and how she help the Israelite before the battle of Jericho. You see Rahab was a prostitute. She was the last person the men of Israel would have wanted be be around. We can learn some thing and we did learn last week. We would look at Rahab and say she not worth must no one can use her. Have you ever felt like that? We would think that this is the last person God would use. God had a different plan. God use this woman to help save the spy. She put her faith in to the really God. By her faith he a a ripple effect across the bible. She became one of two women that are induled in the Genealogy of Jesus. This go to tell you that God and use Outsider to do great works. Even if you think you cant do it.

This week we will be talk about a guy named John Mark. How is John Mark way are we talking about him. What part does he play.

If you have your bible go head and turn to Acts 12:12-15 to start off. If you do not have your bible you can follow along on the screen in few moments.

Before we start talking about how John Mark was and why he was important. I have a question for you. So think for a moment.

Can you name a famous quarterback?

Brees, Joe Montana, Brett Favre, and Tom Brady. Do you know this name that are said. Most of us can name a last a couple of this even if you are not a big football fan.

Can you name anyone on the offensive line that snapped the ball or the ones that protected the QB.

The offensive line in front of the quarterback is crucial to the team’s success. You could have the greatest quarterback in the world, and if the offensive line is off or cannot protect him, he won’t be making any memorable plays. So the next time you watch a football game, remember that those huge guys on the line make the plays that ultimately make championships possible.

Are you a person who serves in the background?

Maybe you serve the leaders in your life in administrative ways. We might think of these roles as the least glamorous, but they are no less important. These individuals coordinate, take notes, keep track of, and facilitate all the various projects in an organization. A figure in the early church who was a servant to the apostles Peter, Paul, and Barnabas was Mark, also called John Mark.

Lets read a little about John Mark.

We first meet Mark mentioned by name at the beginning of the book of Acts, right after Peter escapes from prison with the help of an angel.

Acts 12:12 CSB

12 As soon as he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was called Mark, where many had assembled and were praying.

Who is John Mark?

Why would Peter go to this his mother house right after he got of prison. I wouldnt have gone there I would have got has far away as possible.

You see John Mark was not just a ordinary person He was a close acquaintance, and probably the scribe, of Peter. The Gospel of Mark appears to be Peter’s account of Jesus that Mark wrote down.

John Mark he did not only help Peter he also help Barnabas and Saul or Paul.

Acts 12:25 CSB

25 After they had completed their relief mission, Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, taking along John who was called Mark.

John Mark help many in the early church

it must have been amazing to set under the some like Paul and Peter. This guys were the building blocks of the early church. Peter walked with Jesus and had a first hand account. Paul meet Jesus along the road in a bright light. Both of this men were after God and walking with Jesus.

But something went wrong for Mark.

Acts 15:37–38 CSB

37 Barnabas wanted to take along John who was called Mark. 38 But Paul insisted that they should not take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work.

Mark deserted his mentors

We do not know why Mark deserted Paul and Barnabas but he did. I would think that he got overwhelmed by all that was happening around him. Some time later Barnabas wanted to give Mark another shot but Paul couldn’t let it go. SO they split.

We can all do dump things when we are young

or be immature. But they can also mature from their early stumblings and try to prove to others that they are no longer that young, clueless version of themselves. They’ve grown up!

In Mark, we can see a young man who made mistakes but who later matured and was used by God.

Mark grew in maturity and favor with the apostles.

Colossians 4:10 CSB

10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),

Mark is with Paul

Later on He is back to being about of what Paul was doing. He even went to prison with Paul.

2 Timothy 4:11 CSB

11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.

Paul wanted Mark to come

You see Mark had become a big part in the early church. He wasn’t the man speaker. He wasn’t the guy in front doing all the talking. He was in the back writing thing down. He had help nterpreter Peter and wrote one of the Gospels. Even though he never meet or followed Jesus.

Joh Mark was used by God

Even with his youthful mistakes, John Mark was used by God to write a Gospel.

He served other leaders and eventually grew to lead the early church

God can use you too

if you let him. Its ok to be the behind the Scenes person. With out you things could not run smothly. Earlier I ask about the lineman in football. This guy protect the QB so he can make the great play. The behind the Scenes person help to make God plans come together.