Oct 23, 2015 Words of Grace – Following Jesus
The Gospel of Mark in the New Testament transports us back to the beginning of the good news about Jesus and from Jesus. In these pages, we encounter Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We see him in action — healing, overcoming evil, and performing signs that verify his message. We hear his teaching and his call to individuals to follow him. We watch these people respond and become his followers. This short Gospel is packed with Jesus’ power, call, and response.
Reading Mark is the most personal and life altering thing we can do. When Jesus calls Simon, James, John, Levi, and the crowd of people around him to follow him, we hear Jesus calling us. The words of Jesus come off the page and become the voice that resonates in our ears and quickens our hearts. Jesus’ voice is alive and relevant. Jesus’ call changes everything.
I believe the greatest need for greater Nashville is to hear the call of Jesus to follow him. Mark says Jesus came into Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God. When we open Mark this Sunday, Jesus will come into our city, our church, and our minds proclaiming this good news. When we read what Jesus did and said in Galilee, it will become personal to us. We will hear Jesus calling us to follow him.
This weekend, take an hour and read through the Gospel of Mark. Read Mark prayerfully, personally, and responsively. Read it with others in mind, praying for them as well.