Welcome to Day One

Read Mark 1

Have you just begun to get to know who Jesus is or maybe you are curious about who He is? You are in the right place.

Our plan is simple. Jesus’ first words to his disciples were “Follow me…” and that is where we will start … By learning what it means to follow Jesus.

Better together

As with any journey, it is so much better to do it with someone. Invite a friend to join you, as you get to know Jesus while getting to know each other a little more.

Let’s jump in…

The book of Mark portrays Jesus as God's servant who is holy and kind. He is shown as a man dedicated to changing the world through love and strength. His desire to offer salvation and support to believers is clear. Throughout, Jesus invites everyone to follow Him, which is central to His mission.

This invitation involves 3 things;

  • Submitting to His leadership within a relationship built on faith

  • Total commitment to His way of living,

  • Living out your life with Jesus as your example.

Repentance

Did you notice? The book of Mark starts, ”The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God*” And goes on to say “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him*”. We need to prepare and clear a path in our hearts for Jesus. This pathway is called repentance.

To repent means to change your mind and direction. To recognise that you are on the wrong path and that you need to turn away from this wrong path and together with Jesus discover a new pathway that He has for you. This is key for your new life in Jesus. 

Following Jesus means to turn to Him in response to His call. Your starting point needs to be an understanding that you have been going the wrong way and need to change your direction. This requires the practical action of turning away from evil and turning towards Jesus.

Recognise your need to leave something behind (past regret over sin) to follow Jesus. It is a choice to submit to God’s truth. The disciples at the time didn’t fully understand how much their world would change but they still chose to trust in Jesus as they took their first step.

Jesus isn’t inviting you to believe a set of facts or join an institution, He is inviting you on a relational journey with him and asks you to start trusting Him.

Read the rest of the chapter, you may notice that Jesus came with a message about God’s Kingdom, this is the place where Jesus rules as our King. The key to reaching God’s Kingdom is in your choosing to follow Jesus (vs 18). This kingdom is within your reach and you are invited to turn from your sin because you believe in His good news (gospel).

Reflections

Reflect on the following questions below.

  • What do you think Jesus meant when He said “Follow me”? How is it different from saying “listen to me” or “believe me”?

  • Which one of the following words best describes what it means to be a Christian: Religion, philosophy, rules, journey, relationship? Why?

  • How did you come to hear about Jesus? Share your story with someone.

  • What do you repent from?

    • Firstly, there is a general repentance, because in a sense, pretty much everything on earth has been influenced by sin and evil. Every single one of us has inherited beliefs and not all of those beliefs line up with God’s truth. Many of your views of God, each other and even yourself may be warped and will need to be renewed by God’s truth.

    • Secondly, you may have a specific sin which you will need to deal with. It is important to remember that repentance is an ongoing lifestyle. Don’t be surprised that along the way of your journey unresolved sin may ‘pop up’. This is because Jesus wants to bring healing to that part of your heart.

    Please keep in mind that repentance is a life-giving process and is not a punishment.