5 Reasons to Share Uncover Mark
Meeting Jesus is life-changing, and there's no better way to get to know Him than exploring the evidence to see for yourself who Jesus is. This year, we're inviting you to pray for your friends, to give them a copy of Uncover Mark, and to explore Jesus as you read it together.
Feeling hesitant? Here's five reasons to be confident in sharing Jesus through Mark's Gospel.
1. Mark’s Gospel is good news
‘The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet….'
Mark’s opening line sets high expectations for the story he’s about to tell.
He wants his readers to understand that this story is important, and the news it brings is overwhelmingly good.
‘Good news’ is how Jesus describes the coming Kingdom of God, time and time again.
When you set out to share Jesus, start by remembering – and rejoicing – in the goodness of the gospel. Why not read through Mark’s Gospel and look out for how he demonstrates that Jesus – through the things that He says, does and promises – is good news.
2. God speaks through His Word
In Mark’s Gospel, as in other parts of the Bible, God’s Word is described like a seed that is sown, and goes on to bud, flourish and produce fruit.
As we engage with God’s Word we meet God. He speaks to us – and that experience has an impact!
So pray, confidently, that God will meet you and your friends by His Spirit as you come to His Word.
3. It’s a good story!
Think of the novels and movies that have really affected you. How did they impact you and why?
Jesus uses stories that engage the people he’s speaking to. Check out Mark 12 to see how Jesus uses a story to really hit home.
People have so many preconceptions about Christianity. But at its heart, the gospel is a compelling story that anyone can engage with – whether you’ve been a Christian for years or are exploring Jesus for the first time.
Use Uncover to engage with the story of Jesus, together with your friends. Come to it humbly, not as an expert, knowing that this story is for each of you, wherever you’re at.
4. It's all about friendship
Mark recounts an interaction between James, John and Jesus. They were among Jesus’ closest friends, and they ask Him for positions of honour and power. But Jesus tells them that they don’t know what they’re talking about!
Being friends with Jesus isn’t about earning points, or vying for the top spot. Jesus’ ministry is all about self-sacrifice. He’s given us everything, and we don’t have to compete for His attention.
The foundation for our friendship with Jesus is grace. And it’s big enough to share! Elsewhere, Jesus compares himself to a shepherd who would do anything to bring back a lost sheep.
How does knowing Jesus’ love ourselves change our attitude towards evangelism? How can we love our friends like Jesus does?
5. God uses ordinary people
One of the standout characters from Mark’s Gospel is Peter.
Throughout the Gospel, he doesn’t really get who Jesus is or the significance of what’s going on around him.
He’s the first one to pipe up to declare his love for Jesus – but he’s also the most fervent denier.
Would you trust someone this flaky with your message? He’s hardly a prime candidate for Uncover Mark poster boy.
But Jesus takes care to let Peter know that he matters. He specifically tells the women who meet Him at the tomb after His resurrection to ‘tell his disciples and Peter, “He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”’
Jesus’ promises hold true, regardless of how bad we are at trusting them. In fact, he especially wants those of us who feel like God could never use us to know that He promises to be with us, knowing and transforming our weaknesses.
Jesus used Peter to build His church. He can use you too.
