In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.
After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.
The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.
Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.
Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers and Simon, the Zealot.
Next, through Nathaniel, Jesus called Judas Iscariot who became the twelfth apostle.
“19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. And they went into a house.” (Mark 3:19)
At the time he became a follower of the Christ, Judas was 30 years old, unmarried and he was seeking work in the fishing industry at Tarichea, located at the lower end of the Sea of Galilee.
When he drifted away from his father’s businesses and became a disciple of John The Baptist, Judas’ parents disowned him. Eventually, Judas became a follower and apostle of the Messiah whom he served as treasurer, a position which suited Judas very well until he surrendered to temptation and betrayed Jesus.
Even though he was the one who gave up Christ to the Jews, then the Roman guards who captured Him, Judas’ treasury role among the twelve greatly contributed to the advancement of the gospel.
How perfect it is the way God used an imperfect man’s sin as one of the countless dots that, when connected, make up a remarkable depiction of the nature of Christianity that was displayed on the cross, which is love.
Judas’ betrayal was a necessary step toward the fulfillment of scripture, which led to the Savior of man dying on the cross so all those who believe can be saved from the wages of sin. As their sins are washed away by the blood of the Lamb, the One who rose on the third day to rule over Heaven and earth, those who place their trust in the Lord will inherit their place in Heaven where all rejoice for the glory of God almighty. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
