So, I don’t suppose it will surprise anyone to learn that I don’t always follow directions. Actually, when I hear the way you’re “supposed to do it,” my natural reaction is to do it another way. I’d like to report that this has served me well in my life, leading me to be independent, and a bit rebellious. But the reality is it has probably hindered me in the long run, much more than helping me. Afterall, God grants us wisdom through His people and that shouldn’t be easily ignored!
In terms of directions I should be more faithful in following… Preachers are told to state early on what their main theme is, repeat it consistently through the sermon, and be sure to hammer the main theme again at the end of your sermon. Sometimes I just can’t help approaching the sermon a different way, even though the best Preacher of all has used this model. Of course, I refer to Jesus Himself.
He began His ministry with a main theme. He spoke of that main theme over and over again. He ended His earthly ministry repeating that theme and charged His followers to carry that theme forward. With all that emphasis, you’d think we would readily know, understand, and embrace that theme. But, I fear we do not. So… what is this main theme Jesus spent so much time talking about?
- “Jesus came proclaiming the Gospel: ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand!’”
- “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…”
- “May your Kingdom come on earth as in heaven…”
- “Seek first the Kingdom…”
- “Unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
- “He presented Himself to the apostles, speaking about the Kingdom of God.”
- “The kingdom of this world has become the Kingdom of our Lord!”
The Kingdom of God is the central message of Jesus’ Gospel presentation, defining His entire earthly ministry, and having crucial importance for us today. His ministry, His life, death, and resurrection was about the Kingdom, and we today are members, citizens of that Kingdom!
In worship this week, we begin a new series looking at the Kingdom of God, and especially, our role as citizens of Heaven. Join us!
In preparation for worship, read Mark 1:14-15.
- Verse 14 begins with “after John was arrested.” Why do you think Mark notes the arrest of John? Assume it was not simply to date Jesus’ ministry, but for some other reason.
- How is verse 15 related to verse 14? What does the Gospel of God have to do with Jesus’ pronouncement in verse 15?
- What “time” is fulfilled (verse 15)? What timing might Jesus be speaking of?
- In verse 15, Jesus says four different things—time fulfilled, Kingdom at hand, repent, and believe. How are all four connected?
- Read the preceding verses, 1-13. How do they shed insight and light into the way Mark introduces the ministry of Jesus here?
By Henry Knapp