What time is it?! Game Time!
Jesus’ close apprentices followed their Rabbi/Coach, day in and day out, for almost two years. Training. They showed up for practice every day… watching, listening, and being with their coach. Now, as they begin their third tour of Galilee, they will graduate to doing. It’s Game Time!
In this first half of Mark 6, we see Modeling, Mission, and Martyrdom
Jesus Models the Mission Mark 6: 1-6
Jesus was a man on mission; nothing was done haphazardly. He comes back to his hometown, Nazareth. Why here and why now? What does this account reveal about Jesus’ mission? How did the rejection of his hometown affect Jesus?
Persistence: Luke 4:16, 28-30
Strategy: Mark 1:21, 3:1
Trusting The Father: Mark 4:26-29
Where have I become so familiar with the Bible’s message that I’ve become inoculated to it? Where do I fear rejection as I align myself with His mission? Who is God asking me to persist with, leaving the results to Him?
Jesus Sends On Mission Mark 6: 7-12
3 elements of an apprentice: To be with your rabbi…to become like your rabbi… to do as your rabbi did.
(Matt. 10; Mk. 3:14-15; 2 Cor. 5:20)
Persistence: ??
Strategy: (Mt. 10:5-7, Mk. 6:10-11)
Trusting the Father: (Mt. 10:16-20, 26-33; Jn. 15:18-19)
Am I in the game? If not, what is keeping me from being in the game? As an ambassador, what message am I delivering to the people that God has sent me to? What is God asking me to set aside in order to become more responsive to His commands and commission?
The Cost of the Mission Mark 6:14-29
Mark includes the story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom emphasizing the serious cost of being on mission with Jesus. (Mt. 10:38-39; Mk. 8:34; 2 Tim. 3:12)
Persistence: (Mt. 11:1-11, Mt.14:4; Mk. 6:18)
Strategy: (Mt. 3:3-12; Jn. 1:29-34)
Trusting the Father:
John the Baptist surrendered his right to a self-directed, comfortable life. What rights am I holding on to that get in the way of my full response to following Jesus? What has living on mission with Jesus cost me?