Encountering Jesus



Bible Reading - Mark 1:1-20

Remember the last time you waited eagerly for something to happen? Perhaps it’s the release of the latest cell phone, or your favourite pop star’s concert, or the birth of your first child.

At the beginning of the gospel of Mark, people were buzzing with excitement too. Jesus Christ, the Saviour foretold by ancient prophets, was finally coming! His arrival would change history for ever because He was not just a man but the beloved Son of God (v10-11).

Pause and chew on this amazing truth – God, the supreme and limitless Creator of heaven and earth, took on the finite flesh of a man. Jesus slept, ate, breathed, moved and hurt like you and me. This transformation is as drastic as a man shrinking to look and live like an ant. Jesus was 100% man, but He is 100% God as well. His ministry (what we do for God out of our faith in Him) was unique, powerful and mind-blowing.

People prepared for an encounter with the Saviour by turning away from their sins (thoughts, words and actions that fail to meet God’s perfect standards) and living a new life in Jesus (v5).

Everywhere Jesus went, He drew people to Him. At Jesus’ call, Simon, Andrew, James and John immediately dropped everything they were doing in order to follow Him (v14-20). There must be something wonderfully special about Jesus that made them abandon all that they had to pursue Jesus. Their lives would never be the same again.

You may have already invited Jesus into your life and are wondering what is ahead. You may have many questions and doubts. That’s okay! We’re all on the journey of knowing Jesus more.

Life with Jesus is fulfilling, with plenty of unexpected discoveries. You can look forward to encounters with Jesus that will stun you, shake you and shape you to become more like Him. Jesus calls us to let go of our old mindsets, habits and values in order to model our new lives after Him.

Are you ready to know this Jesus more? Are there concerns or fears that are holding you back? Pray to God about them. Share your thoughts with your church family who will support you in your walk with Jesus. Pray that God may show you how wonderful Jesus is as you read the Gospel of Mark.

As you spend time on the couch with God, take a moment to pray and reflect on what you've read.


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