Why is Jesus Worth Following? Mark 1:1-15 First in a series in Mark’s Gospel –who Jesus is and why does it make sense to follow him? Focus will be internalising God’s word, by memorising stories. Each week, try to memorise the story so you could tell it to someone else. Why? Because if we know the Gospel story, we can share it with others. Learn techniques to memorise. As you concentrate on the text, and remember how one bit follows on from another, you will get it into your head, AND deepen your understanding of it: “why does that bit come next?” “what is this teaching today?” Three layers to understanding the text: Head –what is it saying? Heart –why does it say this? Hands –what does it mean for me today?

Why is Jesus worth following? It is very risky to follow someone. How do you know they are worth following? Are they leading you to disaster? Or do they have a sinister purpose? Important questions for us everyday –we follow people on twitter, we go along with politicians, we follow others’ opinions. With religion, it’s even more important -even more important than life and death. If you were asked three reasons why Jesus is worth following, what would you say? What does this story in Mark’s Gospel say about why he is worth following? Why did Mark start his Gospel with this content? What is God telling us? What insights did you get from memorising the passage?

The Four Major Scenes The Past –eternity & the prophets The Messenger –John and his message Jesus’ credentials as a man Jesus’ ministry & his message When starting memorising, helpful to observe the major scenes, and noting the big landmarks. In each of the scenes we can look at who is there and what are they doing (White Board): The Past: Who is there: God, Jesus (son of God), Prophets (Isaiah) What are they doing: Jesus is at “the Beginning”; Isaiah is predicting Jesus and John his messenger; God is preparing people for Jesus The Messenger: Who is there: John, people from Judea & Jerusalem What are they doing? John is fulfilling Isaiah (in the wilderness); Preparing the way by baptism of repentance; proclaiming Jesus and his power. People are repenting –confessing sins & being baptised. Jesus’ credentials as a man (baptism & wilderness): Who is there: John, Jesus, Spirit, God; then Jesus, Satan, Animals & Angels What are they doing? Jesus is baptised –revealed as sinless (“well pleased”), affirmed as God’s Son, anointed by God’s Spirit; Jesus is tempted (without sin) for 40 days –still sinless (animals –Eden restored), the messiah (angels –Psalm 91:11). Victory over sin Jesus’ ministry and his message: Who is there: Jesus in Galilee, God (giving a message) What is he doing? Preaching the Good News of God; The time has come; God’s Kingdom is near; Repent and Believe the Good News.

Why these scenes? What Preparations did God make for his Kingdom to Come near (list from start) –God and Jesus were in relationship “in the beginning”; Prophets predicted a messenger; the messenger came as predicted; people became conscious of their sin and need for a saviour; Jesus came; Jesus was sinless all his life; Jesus resisted the devil and remained sinless; Jesus preached the Good News of the Kingdom. How did God acknowledge Jesus by his Prophets, Spirit and Word? –Isaiah (and the others); John proclaimed Jesus; Spirit descended on Jesus; God stated Jesus is his Son; God stated he was well pleased with Jesus (thus sinless). How did Jesus fulfil God’s plans? –Incarnation, perfect life, tested (& overcame), proclaimed the Kingdom Why did Jesus need to be sinless to do this? –ultimately to make the sacrifice for sin needed What do you think is the Good News of God? You can repent and be forgiven –sin is not the end The Kingdom of God is near –God is not distant, but has acted to save You can Repent and Believe –it is possible to change allegiance and be at peace with God

What does this mean for me? What does Jesus actually call people to do (to follow and obey him) in this passage? –Repent and Believe the Good News (about him) Is Jesus worth following and obeying, according to this passage? Why is he trustworthy to believe in? Why is it important that he is sinless? Could you resist the devil for 40 days? Why is it good news that Jesus has resisted the devil for 40 days? Why is this good news that we can tell people today? In your own words, how would you describe Jesus from this passage to someone who is interested? [have a go telling the person next to you]

So why is Jesus worth following? He is the culmination of God’s plans He is completely sinless He enables us to enter God’s Kingdom when we Repent and Believe Could you use the start of Mark to explain to someone why you follow Jesus? Can you remember it? Have a go at telling the story of Mark 1:1-15 to your neighbour