Key Scriptures: Mark 1:1-5, Mark 1:17, Mark 1:27-28

What is something you miss about meeting together?

What are your symptoms?

Background of the book of Mark

Written by John Mark

Fast-paced, hard-hitting

Probably first Gospel written

Written at the end of a 450 year period of silence in the

Jesus is introduced

Mark 1:1-5

Mark opens his story of Jesus with a message of hope

This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began just as the prophet Isaiah had written:

“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,

and he will prepare your way.

He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming!

Clear the road for him!’”

This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.

Jesus begins his ministry

Calls Simon (Peter), Andrew, James and John

Mark 1: 17

Jesus called out to them, “Come Follow me and, and I will show you how to fish for people!”

With this phrase, Jesus began to change the way that we relate to God

Jesus made it about a relationship

Jesus begins to show his authority

Cast out evil spirits, healed many people

Jesus gains popularity (goes viral)

In the matter of just a couple of days…

Mark 1:16-20 – Jesus calls first 4 disciples

Mark 1:22 – The people were amazed at his teaching on the Sabbath

Mark 1:27-28

Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!” The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee

Mark 1:37 – Everyone is looking for you

Side bar: Jesus was alone praying

Mark 1:45 – Crowds so large he couldn’t enter a town publicly anymore

Chapter 2 – House so full they lowered man down, eating dinner with a large group of “scum”

The message of Jesus was contagious

Peace, hope, love, healing

Change your normal

What if instead of waiting for normal church, we accept the new normal of being the Church

What are your symptoms

Are you an asymptomatic Christian?