Since September 2020 we have been walking through the gospel of Mark as our sermon series. It seems like a slow journey as we are only in chapter six of a sixteen chapter book. As we journey the pace may seem slow, still it is a pace that is worth taking as we walk with Mark and his gospel.

The primary theme of the gospel is told to us in Mark 1:1 “Beginning of the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” What is this good news and who is this Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

Our first hints to answer the questions come from John the Baptizer who proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins coupled with “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit,” (Mark 1:7-8). John’s proclamation is fully realized in Mark 1:14-15 with Jesus “… proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’”

The following narrative in the gospel of Mark provides evidence of John’s identification of Jesus Christ and the good news that is Jesus Christ. Our journey in Mark is a journey in opening our hearts, souls, and minds to the good news.

In Mark 6:30-44 we observe the good news in the feeding of the 5,000. In your reading and listening to one of the most familiar miracle stories in the gospels, remember this is the only miracle story that is in all four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). I ask you to reflect upon why this story is so important?

I invite you to Read Mark 6:30-44 then read the entire gospel of Mark.

Now using paragraph three of this pastoral update or note as a lens with your reading and/or listening to Mark 6:30-44 coupled with the entire gospel of Mark answer the following:

Is God relevant today?

God bless.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Tim