The following write-ups are “homework” from a new Timothy Group which began in early December 2016. The format/structure of these write-ups here is an online version of what other members of the group are doing in hard-copy format, using four columns spread over two A4 sheets of paper. Each column corresponds to a different purpose:
- Rewrite the passage, word for word. In my case, I am typing up the entire passage from scratch.
- Paraphrase or re-tell the passage in your own words
- “I Will” / application / What is God showing me?
- Special / specific question assigned for each week
The bible passage for this week is Mark 16:15-18, which continues to explore the Great Commission and Jesus’ strategy for restoring the Kingdom of God. Throughout this series I will be using the New Living Translation version of the bible.
Passage
He said to them, ” Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands in the sick, and they will be healed.”
Paraphrase
Jesus instructed his disciples to travel and explore the world around them, bringing the Gospel, that the Kingdom of God is here, and sharing that news with all who would listen. For people who chose to follow and believe this truth, they would receive salvation and be free. However, for the people who resist and refuse to believe, they would ultimately be judged. To assist the disciples in demonstrating that the Kingdom of God is here, miracles would be shown. Those miracles could take the form of success in spiritual warfare, and also speaking in tongues, or the native languages of their audience. Snakes will be easily defeated and immunity from poisons would also show God at work. Finally, the miraculous healing of sick people would help to show the world that the Kingdom of God is here.
What is God Showing Me?
God reminds me that while he equips us and supports us in the Great Commission, to bear witness to the wold, and utilize his power in performing miracles to those who doubt, there will always be others who choose not to believe. This reminds me of His grand design where, making us in His image, we have the freedom of our will to choose.
Who is the audience and what is the impact on the community?
In a similar way to the previous passage, the audience was the original 11 disciples; the first individuals that knew Jesus directly and personally in a physical form. By virtue of the nature of the Great Commission commandment, where the original disciples were to go forth and make more disciples, the audience is thus expanded to the growing body of believers who are baptised in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The audience is therefore to all of us believers today who profess Jesus as the Messiah; the Good News and hope of the world. The audience is also to future believers who are yet to become disciples.
The impact and implication for society and our community is clear – we must be obedient to Christ and His explicit, simple command. We can go with confidence knowing that God is with us, for us, and equips us with His power to show the world ultimately that He has come to save us from a life of condemnation and death. The choice in following Jesus and receiving the Good News has never been clearer / black and white. There is no grey area, or in between. Jesus’ teaching ultimately will divide society and the world into believers who receive eternal life with Him, and those who will not. As believers, we are tasked with continuing His work in making disciples and growing the Kingdom of God.
