Just “MARK”…

I have been intrigued with the life and message of the Biblical character John Mark ever since I taught a lesson about him to the Singles group in our church back in 2006.  As I mentioned in yesterday’s post (“Marked” for Success – 6/12/13), his story is one of failure, forgiveness and restoration.  But as I continued to study this man, I also began to see another lesson of his life that is important for us to consider.

He is first introduced to us in the book of Acts as John Mark the son of Mary who was an influential member of the early church.  (Acts 12:12)  As time goes on though, we do not hear any more about John (his Jewish name) or even of the combination of his Jewish and Gentile surname name – John Mark.  As he grew and focused in on his ministry calling he was known only as Mark.

The noted British preacher and expositor Alexander MacLaren (1826-1910) stated in his work entitled “Expositions of Holy Scripture” that “that change of appellation coincides with the fact that so many of the allusions that we have of him represent him as sending messages of Christian greeting across the sea to his Gentile brethren.”  It also goes along with the fact that the Gospel of Mark was clearly written to the Gentile Christians and, as many believe, to the Roman believers in particular.

It would seem that Mark was so in love with Christ and to those to whom he ministered to that he was willing to “rise above the limitations of his interests, his sympathy, and his efforts, and the more surely will he let himself out, as far as he can, in affection towards and toils for all men.” (MacLaren)  In other words, Mark was willing to lay aside the connection to his background and the things of life that he was used to, that he knew would separate him from the individuals he was called to minister to, in order to go by the name that would more likely bind him to them.

I have probably mentioned this before, but I have repeatedly heard it said that the area of the country that I live in is a very hard and difficult location to minister the Gospel in.  But I would stand to disagree, especially after having learned this lesson from Mark.  Many of the churches in this area (including some of the one’s that I have been a part of) have come in with a great message and have expected the population to come flocking in to hear it.  And I think that this is where the problem has come.  Instead of going to them and seeing what is important to them, to find out their particular needs, their understanding and their ways of life and to accept them for who they are as well as being accepted by them – we have tended to keep the “John” part of our name and thereby created a chasm between them and us!

When Jesus came to minister to us on this earth, he left behind His Godly nature and took on the nature of man in order to best minister to us.  That is one reason the Jewish leaders disliked Him so much.  He was not afraid to eat and drink and walk shoulder to shoulder with the common man in the cities and towns he went through.  Hummm… just like Mark!  Then when they had the acceptance and attention of those in need, they had an open door to minister the Gospel to the people of the town.  Ya know… I think there might be something in their actions for us to follow…  What do you think?  Have a great day!  Stay in tune to His Word, and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”