Title: “Christmas Thoughts From Mark”
Series: “Christmas in the Four Gospels”

Background on Gospel Writers:

Matthew: Tax-collector, one of the 12 close disciples

Mark: A disciple of Peter, not one of the 12 close disciples, became an evangelist, his mom (Mary’s) home is where the last supper took place

Luke: A disciple of Paul, not one of the 12 close disciples, was a doctor by trade

John: Known as the “beloved”, one of the 12 close disciples

The beginning of the gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.” The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’” John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” John Baptizes Jesus. It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” —Mark 1:1-11 (NKJV)

Mark’s Gospel is not focused on the

, but on the

Reveal Answer

cross

.

It’s what happens between the

and the

Reveal Answer

cross

that matters.

3 Thoughts on Christmas from Mark…

1) Don’t let Christmas become a

from your

Reveal Answer

dedication

to Jesus.

Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions… —Prov 4:25 (MSG)

2) Discipleship & leadership development are two gifts year-round:

with Christ leads to

Reveal Answer

influence

with others.

As He (Jesus) walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. —Mark 1:16-18

3) It’s not how you

(the cradle), it’s how you

Reveal Answer

finish

(the cross).

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof… —Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NIV)