Heaven is Here - Part 2 [Notes]

You are invited to Heaven is Here, a four-week series that helps focus our hearts and minds on Jesus this Christmas season. Together we will look at His birth and life through the unique lens of each of the four Gospels and discover that Jesus is the King, Servant, Savior, and Light of the World. 

Takeaway: Jesus is the Servant of the world

Heaven is Here
11/30 Matthew – King 
12/7 Mark – Servant 
12/14 Luke – Savior 
12/21+24 John – Light  

For even the Son of Man (referring to Himself) did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
– Mark 10:45 (CSB)

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
– Mark 1:1 (CSB)

Matthew 1:1 (CSB)
An account of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:

Mark 1:1 (CSB)
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

“The title ‘Son of God’ points to Jesus’ unique relationship to God. He is a Man (Jesus) and God’s ‘Special Agent’ (Messiah) but He is also fully divine. As the Son, He depends on and obeys God the Father.”
– Dr. John Grassmick, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight! John came baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “One who is more powerful than I am is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.”
– Mark 1:1–11 (CSB)

And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.”
– Mark 1:11 (CSB)

 “Why does the Gospel of Mark begin with the story of John the Baptist and not mention the story of Jesus' birth? Important Roman officials of this day were always preceded by an announcer or herald. When the herald arrived in town, the people knew that someone of prominence would soon arrive. Because Mark's audience was primarily Roman Christians, he began his book with John the Baptist, whose mission was to announce the coming of Jesus, the most important person who ever lived. Roman Christians would have been less interested in Jesus' birth than in this messenger who had prepared the way.”
– Life Application Study Bible

Ministry in Galilee (Mark 1:14–15)

• After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

The First Disciples (Mark 1:16–20)

• As He passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

Driving Out An Unclean Spirit (Mark 1:21–28)

• Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out, “What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit threw him into convulsions, shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him. 

Healings At Capernaum (Mark 1:29–34)

• When evening came, after the sun had set, they brought to Him all those who were sick and demon-possessed. The whole town was assembled at the door, and He healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. And He would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew Him.

Preaching In Galilee (Mark 1:35–38)

• Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place; and there He was praying. Simon and his companions searched for Him, and when they found Him they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” And He said to them, “Let’s go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach there too. This is why I have come.”

A Man Cleansed (Mark 1:39–45)

• He went into all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. Then a man with leprosy came to Him and, on his knees, begged Him, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched him. “I am willing,” He told him. “Be made clean.” Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

• “The Ministry of Jesus as Servant. The Son of Man chose to be a servant. Mark highlights two aspects of Jesus’s ministry of service.
• First, he portrays Him as a teacher-preacher … It is clear from what Mark says that Jesus is the proclaimer - He has come to teach what people need to know about God.
•  Second, Jesus is depicted as a worker of miracles with power over disease and demons. He is filled with compassion when He sees the suffering of those around Him.”

– Dr. Walter Elwell and Dr. Robert Yarbrough, Encountering the New Testament

Jesus called them over and said to them, 'You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.'
– Mark 10:42–45 (CSB)

As they were eating, He took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.”
– Mark 14:22 (CSB)

Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.
– Mark 14:23–24 (CSB)

1. Have you ever worked as a waiter, waitress, or in another service role? What did you learn about serving others in that context, and how might that apply to how we serve in God’s Kingdom?
2. Reflecting on Mark 1, which act of service by Jesus stands out to you the most, and why? What do you think it would have been like to be served by Jesus face-to-face? Being taught, healed, or fed personally by Jesus.
3. What is the difference between worldly greatness and Kingdom greatness, according to Mark 10:42–45? How does Jesus redefine what it means to be “great”? Who is someone in your life who exemplifies Kingdom greatness as a servant and why?
4. Why is Jesus’ death on the cross described as the ultimate act of service? How does this shape the way we think about serving others sacrificially?
5. What is one practical step you can take this week to put others first and reflect the servant heart of Jesus in your daily life?

Heaven is Here // O Come All Ye Faithful // Trust in God // How Great Thou Art

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