Faith in Jesus Makes Us Whole

N.T.#460 "Faith in Jesus Makes Us Whole"

Summary of Mark

 As we finish our study of one of the books in the Bible, I like to go back and review it. Even look at some verses which I highlighted. 

John Mark was actually his name. It was to his mother's home in Jerusalem where Peter went when he was released from prison. (Acts 12:12)  John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas and he accompanied Paul and his cousin on Paul's first missionary journey. However, he deserted the long the way in Perga and returned home. Paul refused to take John Mark on his second missionary journey. That friction resulted in Paul and Barnabas' separation. In time, Mark matured and he proved himself even to Paul. In Colossian, Paul was ready to welcome John Mark. In @ Timothy, Paul told Timothy to bring Mark, for he is useful to his ministry.

Peter seemed to have remained close to Mark. Mark was an interpreter of Peter's and wrote down accurately whatsoever he remembered. Some call the Gospel of Mark is the memoirs of Peter.

Mark and Luke were both companions of Paul; the early church met for a time in the home of Mark's mother. 

It is suggested that Mark wrote his Gospel while in Italy, particularly to the Roman Christians. He presents Jesus as the Servant of the Lord. Mark begins with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. He omits Jesus' ancestry and birth. 

The Gospel writers were inspired by God and wrote independently of one another, being led by the Holy Spirit. 

[Resource: the MacArthur Bible Commentary]

As a summary of the ministry of Christ Jesus, we read of His baptism and temptation; ministry in Galilee with the calling of His disciples and parables He taught; miracles Jesus did; His ministry beyond Galilee; His teachings beyond Jordan; the concluding ministry of Jesus; Christ's crucifixion and death, as well as the resurrection of Christ. [Liberty Bible Commentary]

What can be the summary of our life? Have we faithfully followed Jesus? 

Did you notice 19 times Mark uses the words straightway and immediately? They mean the same.

What are some teaching of Jesus that are significant to believers?

• The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath. Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. (Mark 2:27-28)
• And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.  ((3:25)
• For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is My brother, and My sister, and mother. ((3:35)
• For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.  (4:22)
• What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him? (4:41)
• Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. (5:34)

Has your faith made you whole, friend? the woman with the issue of blood for 12 years was sick and she believed Jesus could make her well. Jesus has power over the physical and spiritual. Have yiu trusted Jesus as your Savior and been made whole by faith in Him? Just ask Him today, if not. Rejoice if your have already.