Preaching the Kingdom with Power

What you see throughout the gospel of Mark is this emphasis on preaching the gospel of the kingdom with power.

Notice that when Jesus speaks, his disciples obey. When Jesus calls them to leave their nets, immediately they follow. When Jesus calls them to leave their father, they follow.

Jesus says to the fishermen, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

There is nothing in the Old Testament that would have created any expectation that fishermen would have any special place in the coming of the kingdom.

But God uses the foolish and lowly things of this world to shame the proud and wise. And Jesus calls these humble fishermen to “follow me.”

The first thing you need to see is the power of the voice of Jesus. When Jesus calls, his disciples follow.

Jesus calls you. You are focused on your career. You are preoccupied with your family. And Jesus comes to you and says, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

What does this mean? What do you do?

In that place, deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus!

Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me. How are you failing to deny yourself? Where are you being selfish? In what part of your life are you saying, “This belongs to me!”