Mark Chapter 1:14-15 What Does Jesus Preach First?

Mark 1:14-15

In this section of Mark chapter 1 we find out that the great John the Baptist was arrested, which we learn in Matthew 14:3-4 was essentially due to his beliefs in right from wrong. Immediately after we learn of John's arrest we read Mark's first report of Jesus's preaching.

We are told that Jesus came preaching from what is now our Old Testament portion of the Bible, and explaining that its prophecies were coming true (through Him). He didn’t stop there though. He continued to preach a need for repentance and the belief in the Scriptures - our Old Testament.

Even though just 2 verses - this section is incredibly important for those who desire to follow Jesus. This section shows us:

Don't Give Up Hope

I can only imagine how so many felt when John the Baptist was arrested. Many must have felt completely defeated - wondering what they should do without their leader? However, who does God send His people next? Jesus! The one who would heal the sick, raise the dead, demonstrate the purest form of love, and offer the whole world a simple and clear way to be saved from all of their wrong doings and pain. In other words, don’t be discouraged by the changing times, but live in hope and faith that God is in control and has a plan (Isaiah 41:10)!

The Old Testament Matters

Jesus was our perfect example that we are called to follow (1 Peter 2:21-25). He not only taught from the Old Testament but also proclaimed we need to “believe” in it! So let’s not avoid that portion of the Bible, but read it with belief and excitement as we get to better understand our God and His relationship to His followers before us.

The Old Testament Pointed To Jesus 

Throughout the entire Old Testament we read prophecies that perfectly align with Jesus's life and ministry. We read of one who is coming that will offer an eternal/everlasting kingdom, be a blessing to the nations, will heal the sick, and offer salvation from sins - only to be rejected by the world He came to save. The Old Testament doesn’t stop at general references of what Jesus would eventually do, but lists specific locations, timelines, and events that would take place throughout His life.

We Need To Repent From Our Sins

There are no "ifs," "ands," or "buts" about it. We have to not only ask God to forgive us for our wrong doings, but we need run from our old sinful ways if we are to truly follow Jesus. Jesus explains that no one can serve two masters, and if we love Him we will keep His commandments, which includes His call for us to be “perfect." How can we be anything close to perfect if we continue in our sinful lifestyle? We can’t (Matthew 6:24, John 14:15, Matthew 5:48)!

How can anyone live perfectly though?

What it comes down to is that when we are in a relationship with Jesus we are essentially pursuing perfection - we practice Jesus’s teachings and get better at them day by day with help from the Holy Spirit. As we do stumble, or even fall, we can come to God seeking forgiveness for our sins and we are not only forgiven but also made perfectly clean once again - thanks to Jesus sacrificing Himself for us (1 John 1:5-9).

So, unless you are living a life that is in repentance of your past mistakes, and pursuing to be more like the flawless Jesus - you have to ask yourself, "who is my master?"

Mark 1:14-15 Wrap Up

So, what did we learn from these verses?

• We need to trust in God's provision and keep from being discouraged - God will provide a way!

• The Old Testament not only matters, but Jesus proclaimed we need to believe in its words - let's learn the Old Testament.

• The Old Testament not only points to Jesus but it validates that He was the one sent by God to save us from our sins, so we could have everlasting life!

• We can't live in sin, but need to remove it from our lives and ask God to forgive us so we can be made pure once again. We need to pursue perfection by pursuing a life like Jesus's through keeping His commands and teachings. This is how we love Jesus and claim our God. Accept His wonderful path of forgiveness and everlasting life!

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