BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

Mark has some good news to share. Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, has come. The Greek word euangelion means “good news” and most often refers to the announcement of a new king. Jesus is that new King, heralding a new and good kingdom. The gospel stories of his life and ministry support that claim.

Evil spirits, corruption of disease, harm, and sin—none of this belongs in his Kingdom. We see story after story about Jesus casting out demons, healing the sick, and forgiving sin. Jesus is like a warrior king destroying enemies to create a peaceful kingdom. However, he fights against the darkness that harms people, not against the people themselves.

Jesus recruits fishermen and day laborers for his team. Rather than equipping them with swords, he teaches them to love, heal, and make peace.

When Jesus sees Simon and Andrew fishing, he invites them to follow him as students, and he will make them into fishers of people. In the ancient world, the sea—wild, untamable, powerful enough to overpower even the strongest person—was a symbol of chaos and darkness. Here, Jesus asks Simon and Andrew to rescue men and women drowning in the waters of sin. Remember, they are not using fishing poles with attractive baits to lure people in. They cast out nets to bring in whoever comes their way.

Watch the video to see how this good news of the Kingdom unfolds in the Gospel of Mark, as Jesus confronts darkness, disease, and death and invites humanity to follow him.

Reflection Questions

• Notice the mentions of Jesus’ authority. Who and what does Jesus have authority over? What does that say about Jesus?
• Jesus says that the Sabbath is made for humankind, not humankind for the Sabbath. What does this tell us about patterns of work and rest? What does this tell us about the kind of life God invites his people to live?