OUR QUESTION
- How do I become a disciple?
- What do I do next?
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
MARK 1:1
BEGINNING: Mark’s Gospel gives us a template for discipleship by showing how Jesus began his public life.
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ ” John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. …
MARK 1:2-8
PREPARATION: God has been laying the groundwork before you ever knew him.
- How are you being prepared?
- How are you preparing?
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
MARK 1:9-11
BAPTISM: Baptism is a beginning step, an initiation into the family of God.
- Are you ready to begin?
- What are you waiting on?
The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.
MARK 1:12-13
CONFLICT: The Spirit of God will lead us into and through the conflict with sin and temptation.
- Have you invited God to dwell in your life?
- Have you begun to battle your inner demons?
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
MARK 1:14-16
SERVICE: When our faith has taken root, we take our turn in service.
- How are you serving God?
- How are you serving God’s people?
Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
MARK 1:16-18
MENTORSHIP: A mature disciple mentors other disciples.
- Who are you mentoring?
- What are you passing on?