John Mark surfaces in the beginning of the early church. The first time we meet him, he is introduced as the son of Mary at whose home in Jerusalem a prayer meeting for the release of Peter occurred. This made John Mark a front-row witness to Peter’s miraculous escape. (See Who is Knocking at the Door) Talk about a faith-building moment! Was that when God began to work in John Mark’s heart?
He was a two-name young man: John Mark. This was not a first and middle name practice. John was his Jewish name, his family name. Mark was his Roman name to make it easier to do business among the Romans.
Fast forward to Acts where the Christian missionary initiative began. John Mark is part of that story, too. Paul and Barnabas recruited him to join their first missionary journey. They must have recognized leadership traits and a heart for the message of Jesus. However, after a short time, John Mark wanted to return home. It is useless to speculate on why because there are no clear answers. We know it caused a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas when Barnabas wanted to give John Mark a second chance and Paul did not. The disagreement divided their missionary venture. It doubled the work of spreading the Gospel.
Because of what was written in early church histories and passed down verbally, most scholars believe that John Mark is the author of the Gospel of Mark, the first Gospel circulated. Many authorities believe that John Mark was the Mark named as the first missionary to Africa who established the first Christian church in Egypt and became Bishop in Alexandria. If true, he is referred to as Mark, The Evangelist.
Even if only a portion of the above is true, here are some lessons we learn from John Mark.
Firsthand experience shapes you.
But you have to show up where God is working! John Mark was present when the prayer warriors gathered. He didn’t just hear about Peter’s release. He was there to see it for himself.
Sometimes best plans aren’t the best.
The conflict that split the missionary initiative of Paul and Barnabas enlarged the scope of the work. God knows how to make better plans from our “best” plans!
Everybody needs a second chance.
We can’t fault Paul for his single-focused passion. Perhaps he wanted John Mark to be mature beyond his years. Or maybe Paul was so focused that he didn’t have time to put up with John Mark’s youth. But Barnabas did. Barnabas gave John Mark a second chance. Don’t give up on young people still maturing in their Christian identity.
Who we become depends on who we follow.
Most believe that John Mark gathered details about Jesus from Peter. Think about that! If you don’t have firsthand experience, go to someone who does. Loud-mouthed, impulsive, Spirit-shaped Peter became John Mark’s mentor in those discussions. Did John Mark see the results of Jesus’s call on Peter’s life? Did it awaken something in him? It shows up in the Gospel of Mark. Read it again through John Mark’s eyes.
Who is your John Mark? An over-eager optimist wanting to change the world? Someone who bites off more than they can handle and gives up quickly at least the first time.
How could you affirm them? What drive do you see that you could nurture? Or maybe you're reeling from best plans turned to ashes. Or do you need a second chance? God loves John Marks He can shape. When you know God gives second chances, you can be God's partner in giving them to others.
We need a slew of John Marks today. How does God want to use you to shape them?
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