The Heart of a Servant
“What It Means to Follow the Master” Mark 1:12-20
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mk. 10:45
I. A Confrontation with EVIL (Mk. 1:12-13)
It was “immediately” following Jesus’ baptism (vv. 9-11) that the Spirit led Him into the wilderness to be __________ for 40 days. cf. Mt. 4:1-11; Lk. 4:1-13 Mark’s account of the temptation is very _________! The word “impelled” is a very forceful word used of __________ out demons. (v. 12)
The fact that Jesus was “with the wild beasts” simply refers to isolation, ______________ & danger! Though Mark’s account is brief, he foreshadows that Jesus has come to confront _______ & gain victory!!cf. Heb. 2:18; 4:14-16; Js. 1:13-14; 1 Cor. 10:13
“For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe, his craft & power are great, & armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.” Martin Luther
II. A Commission to FOLLOW (Mk. 1:14-20)
In vv. 14-15, we are told that Jesus came into Galilee “preaching the __________ of God.” i.e. Good News Jesus’ message, like John the Baptist’s, was a message to “ __________ & believe” because the Kingdom was near. Notice that Simon & Andrew & James & John were all ________________ by trade. i.e. courage, stamina The words “Follow Me” were a sharp, military ________ that demanded radical obedience! (v. 17)
“This was not their initial call to faith & salvation; it was an initial call to discipleship.” Warren Wiersbe
FYI – Jesus promised that He would “________ them become fishers of men” if only they would follow Him!
Practical Application:
- Wilderness – Mk. 1:12-13; Lk. 4:13
- Kingdom – Mk. 1:15; Lk. 17:20-21
- Fishers of Men – Mk. 1:17; Mt. 4:19; Lk. 5:10
Appointments with God
The HEART of a SERVANT Mark 1:12-20
Monday, February 27th
Meditate upon the Power we need to Face Temptation:
- Matthew 4:1-11
What does this passage say about how we can gain victory over temptation? Pray for God’s Spirit to remind you of Truth to confront evil today.
Tuesday, February 28th
Meditate upon the Power we need to Face Temptation:
- Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:15-16
What do these passages say about how we can gain victory over temptation? Spend extra time today in prayer for God’s mercy in temptation!
Wednesday, February 29th
Meditate upon the Power we need to Face Temptation:
- 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
What does this passage say about how we can gain victory over temptation? Pray for God to give you a humble heart as you face temptation!
Thursday, March 1st
Meditate upon the Radical Obedience of the Disciples:
- Mark 1:16-20
What does this passage say about the Priorities of Following Jesus Christ? What is holding you back from completely following Christ? Confess this to God today!
Friday, March 2nd
Meditate upon the Radical Obedience to Follow Jesus:
- Luke 9:57-62
What does this passage say about the Priorities of Following Jesus Christ? Which person can you most relate to? Confess this to God today!
Saturday/Sunday, March 3-4
Meditate upon what it means to be Fishers of Men:
- Mark 1:17; Mt. 4:19; Lk. 5:10-11
What does this passage say about the Priorities of Following Jesus Christ? What is involved in “fishing for men?” Are you doing this? Pray for courage & boldness to “fish” for men!
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