The Most Important Thing I’ve Learned by Preaching Through Mark
It has been quite an odyssey, and Central has been great to be along for the ride.
At the beginning of 2023 (notice…not 2024), it was announced that Noah Davis and I would be preaching through the Gospel according to Mark. We made it clear that it would not be every Sunday morning, but that we were going to take two years to go through that book.
Now, as November 2024 approaches, we are about to land the plane. Lord willing, the four Sunday mornings of November will be spent bringing this study to a close with sermons on (1) the second part of the crucifixion, (2) the burial, (3) the resurrection, and (4) after the resurrection.
In the hundreds–or, probably more accurately, thousands–of hours I’ve spent preparing these sermons, I’ve really enjoyed Mark’s account. In all honesty, we chose it because it was the shortest of the four and we knew Central had never done a series of this length before. In total, when we finish, about 65 sermons (roughly two out of three Sundays for 23 months) will have been devoted to walking through this wonderful book.
Of course, I’ve learned a great deal. Through word studies, comparisons with the other Gospel accounts, and thoughts from commentators, my knowledge of certain things within Mark has grown tremendously. I pray that at least some of that knowledge has helped members at Central feel more informed about the book, too.
But that’s not the most important thing I’ve learned by going this slowly and deliberately through Mark. And it is not the most important thing–I hope–that has come across in preaching the sermons. If all I’ve done is given a few more “trivia night” answers or a little more head knowledge, then I’ve failed.
Because the absolute number one thing I’ve learned by going through Mark? I love Jesus more.
Honestly, as sermons about the crucifixion drew closer, I began almost to dread preaching them because I would get emotional just preparing them. When you walk with Jesus through His teachings and miracles and interactions, you almost can’t stand to think about Golgotha (or the trials beforehand, where I did cry while preaching). You love Jesus so much that you hate to see what He faces in those final hours.
And you are reminded that it’s because of your sin.
He loves you–He loves me–that much. That’s my number one lesson.
Thank you, Jesus.
AUTHOR: Adam Faughn