Chinese Grace Bible Church4 February 2007

Mark 1:35-45

The Life of Jesus: Knowing the Heart of the Father as Our Basis for

Service

Context• What do we know of this passage? Who

was it written to? – Audience: hellenistic Jews living throughout

the Greek world that may not know the Jewish customs of the time

– What do we make of Mark putting this passage at the beginning of his gospel?

• Chapters 1-9 start His Galilean ministry to including the surrounding regions of Phoenicia, Decapolis, and Caesarea Philippi

• What is Mark be saying about the importance of relationship as a springboard for our ministry?

A Desire to Get Away

• A break from the busyness

• v. 37—“Everyone is looking for You”

• Jesus’ response• Mary and Martha

A Call To Something Different

• A Bigger Purpose (verse 38)

• Knowing our call and who we are.

• Ministry With Confidence– Verse 39

Christ Preaching (c. 1652, Rembrandt van Rijn)

A Call To Something Different

• Ministry With Confidence

– Ministry– Darline and Huy

Meng in Cambodia

Christ Preaching (c. 1652, Rembrandt van Rijn)

A Response of Assistance

• Jesus was prepared and ready to minister (verse 40)

• Motivation for service was love (verse 41)

• John 3:16• 2 Cor 5:14• I Cor 13

• Love requires sacrifice• For Jesus, it required

ignoring the false calls

Life of Christ, (1915, Hurlbut)

A Response of Assistance

• Tina and Mtisiyileni in Malawi

• The essence of the Church

– “The Church is a hospital, and army, and a celebration.” John Wimber

Conclusion• Our need for

– A robust relationship with God for our own transformation

• “Prayer does not change God, but changes him who prays.” Soren Kierkegaard

– A robust relationship with God for an intimate friendship with Him

• “For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.” Teresa of Avila

– A robust relationship with God for the transformation of others

• Jesus’ healing of the leper• Lloyd Evans in Seattle

The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things. John 14:26

Contact Information:David Costillodcostillo@wr.org714-210-3665

Conclusion