Following Jesus in the Gospel of MarkSample

THE BIG IDEA

Look Closely: In Mark 1:15, Jesus packs a lot into one sentence! Look at His words in a few different translations:

“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (NIV)

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (ESV)

“The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” (NLT)

“The time is fulfilled! God’s kingdom is arriving! Turn back, and believe the good news!” (N.T. Wright translation)

Four key phrases appear: time, kingdom, repent, gospel. Let’s look closely at that first word: time. In Greek, there are two words for time: chronos and Kairos. We get the word “chronological” from chronos. That word is used to describe the passing of time, as on a clock or by the hours of the day. Mark records Jesus using the word Kairos. The time has come- not the predicted hour, but the right time, the opportune moment.

Look at the other New Testament passages that use the word Kairos and/or talk about the coming of God’s Kingdom in Jesus. What does it mean that Jesus came at the right time? Why is it important that the Kingdom has come?

Challenge: What is God saying to me? What am I going to do about it?