Mark 1:35-39

Theme: Personal desires or Spiritual needs

Intro: After the baptism and temptation of Jesus His ministry began. He immediately began healing the afflicted, curing the sick and casting out demons. This developed an immense following, everyone wanted in on the action. Everyone had a problem to bring to Jesus. If today is any example of people in that age and day most folks had more than one issue to bring Him.

Jesus was very quickly becoming famous and popular for healing, casting out demons and curing disease. While visiting Simon’s mother-in-law Jesus healed her of a fever, as this news spread the entire city of Capernaum people gathered at her door. Jesus spent the remaining evening healing, curing and casting out demons.

For our sermon today I want us to look at what Jesus experienced and how it applies to our life today.

I. The Prayer of Jesus V. 35

A. To seek the Fathers direction

1. Spiritual renewal

2. Daily guidance

B. Privately

1. Solitary time

(a) Everyone needs a practical time to be alone with God.

2. Solitary place

(b) Some things are meant to be one-on-one with God.

II. The Pursuit of Jesus Vv. 36-37

A. The disciples followed Jesus. (Explain what following means)

1. They knew where He was.

2. They knew what He was doing.

3. They knew why He was doing it.

B. The crowd was seeking Jesus. (Explain what seeking means)

1. They know about Jesus.

2. They seek personal gain.

3. They realize a choice.

(a) Follow Jesus (salvation)

(b) Reject Jesus

III. The Preaching of Jesus Vv. 38-39

A. The message continues. (Followers of Jesus carry the gospel)

1. In Acts 1:8 we are told to: carry it to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost.

2. In Matt. 28:19-20 we are told: To teach all nations.

B. The message is personal

1. Jesus said “that I may preach”. (Before we can preach it we must possess it).

2. It should be desired not just required. We should want to share the gospel, not just feel obligated to share it.

Conc.: We should realize that there is more to Jesus than just the physical needs He can meet. He is God manifested in the flesh that died for our sins on the cross and rose from the dead physically to ascend into heaven where it sits at the Fathers right hand making intercession for His children. Jesus is not a Jeannie in a bottle who grants our wishes and expectations. He is the only means of reconciliation between a sin separated person and a Holy and righteous God. Heaven is home for those born again will spend eternity with God; Salvation is our reconciliation with God through a relationship with His son Jesus Christ. Are you a follower of Jesus or are you a seeker of Jesus. If you’re a seeker I ask you today to ask Jesus into your heart, to forgive your sins and to save your soul. If you’re a follower I ask how your prayer life and your witness are are you where He needs you to be.