We spent an entire series (6 weeks!) in the first chapter of Mark. Yes, you read me right. 6 weeks in Mark 1. The big idea was to read the chapter to see the King and His followers.
Here's a summary of what we've covered:
Mark's prologue for disciples (Mark 1:1-8): Mark, channeling the apostle Peter, readies disciples/followers to hear the "good news of Jesus". By referring us to the Old Testament, he prepares us to follow Him.
The Kingdom of God (Mark 1:9-15): Jesus appears as the King of a kingdom, by which enter through repentance and faith. We are followers of the King.
Following Jesus (Mark 1:21-28): Following Jesus entails the one practical step of leaving things behind and making Him our goal - the embodiment of repentance and faith.
Jesus With Authority (Mark 1:29-39): Jesus has authority over the supernatural and natural -- following Him means acknowledging and responding to His authority.
The Compassion of Christ (Mark 1:40-45): How does our King relate to His followers? With compassion. His kingdom is one of compassion.
These have been hard-hitting messages about following Jesus, and should cause us to ask whether we: are prepared to follow; have repented and trusted in Him; have left things behind to follow Him; have responded to His authority; embody His kingdom of compassion? What kind of disciple are you?
In Exodus, we see a similar pattern -- the people of Israel "follow" their God in pillar and cloud, through His representative, Moses. Through Egypt, through the Red Sea, He leads, they follow.
What will God their King do for them? How will He act for them? What does God do in and through His followers? What does His rescue look like? How do we read Exodus as followers of Jesus? Come join us in our next series, where we will spend time studying Exo 7-15.