Hello and 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 doing 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 gives us a beautiful description of who Jesus is. This book unveils the Lord Jesus as a servant of God, holy and yet merciful. He is portrayed as a man on a mission of love and power to change the world. We sense an urgency within Him as He works towards completing His task of granting salvation and power to all who believe in Him. At every turn, you will see that Jesus is inviting you to follow Him. This is the heart of his mission — Which is to extend this invitation to everyone.
This invitation involves 3 things; 1) Submitting to His leadership within a relationship built on faith, 2) Total commitment to His way of living, 3) Living out your life with Jesus as your example.
Did you notice? The book of Mark starts, ”The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God*” And goes onto say “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him*”. Basically we need to prepare and clear a path in our hearts for Jesus. This pathway is called repentance. (*Scripture quoted from NIV)
Repentance
In simple terms 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, in order 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) in order 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.
In reading the rest of the chapter, you can see that Jesus came with a message about God’s Kingdom, this is the place where Jesus rules as our King. The key in 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).
Reflection
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 describe 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 need to 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 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.