into the text MARK 1

Posted by occwebsite
07th Jan 2022

Here are some ways into the text for Sunday, 9 January 2022

TEXT

We are in Mark 1 this week. We will not be looking at the whole chapter, but focusing on

  • vs 1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,
  • vs 14-15 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

SONG

Listen to Malcolm Guite and Steve Bell’s Epiphany on the Jordan.

VIDEO

Galadriel, the elf-queen asks Frodo: Will you look into the mirror?

Frodo: What will I see?

Galadriel: Even the wisest cannot tell. For the mirror shows many things.
(She begins to pour the water into the silver basin)
Galadriel: Things that were, things that are and some things… (empties the ewer) that have not yet come to pass.

We know what has been and what is.
But, we only see through the eyes of hope what will be, and there is much uncertainty in that vision.

WORSHIP

As you watch and listen and sing this song, what does it mean to seek God’s kingdom right where you are?

In whatever sphere of society you’re in, God can work through you to bring his kingdom there – as in heaven.

Praying that God’s kingdom would come is a big prayer. But it’s grounded in earthly reality – praying for an earthly difference in the places, institutions, and people we engage with week by week. It’s a macro prayer with micro implications. A general prayer that comes true in specific places.

  • Where might your ‘here’ be?
    It will often be your ‘frontlines’ – the places you spend time regularly with those who don’t yet know Jesus.
  • If you were to look at those places through God’s eyes, where might you see the needs?
    We might see a greater need for justice – for God’s truth to break in. For healing, or right relationships. Or for grace and love to be demonstrated.