Mark 1:14-15 “Repentance and Faith”

Suggested Praise Songs:

• “My Lord, My God” by Yeram Worship (Korean Praise Song with English Subtitle)
• “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe
• “More Like Jesus” by Passion
• “Kingdom” by Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• “Praise Ye The Lord Hallelujah” by Hi Heaven – Song for Kids
• “He’s Got the Whole Word in His Hands” by Lifetree Kids – Song for Kids
• “God’s Story: Kingdom” Lesson for Kids (from Crossroads Kid’s Club)
• Question for Children – What is the Kingdom of God?
  • The Kingdom of God was the main theme of Jesus Christ’s teaching and preaching.
  • Jesus taught the Kingdom God was already here (in our hearts and among us), but it was also coming in the future (when Jesus returns).
  • For example: Think of planting a garden. When you plant seeds, you don’t see the whole garden immediately. It takes time to grow. God’s kingdom is like that. Jesus planted the seeds, and we are helping them grow by repenting, believing, and sharing. One day, the garden will be fully grown when Jesus returns, and everything will be made new and beautiful!

Explanation:

After John the Baptist was arrested, Jesus knew it was his time to begin the ministry. The phrase “after John was handed over” (verse 14) hints at God’s sovereign plan. While the authorities arrested John, the bigger picture was that God allowed it as part of God’s plan. John had ministered in the wilderness of Judea, but Jesus began his mission in Galilee.

Mark describes Jesus’ message as the “gospel of God” (verse 14), which centers on the good news that God sent His Son to be the Christ, the Savior. Jesus is the gospel because the “time” has come, and “the kingdom of God has come near” (verse 15). The “time” refers to a pivotal moment (kairos in Greek), not just a point on the clock (chronos). This is the moment the prophets foretold—the time when God would begin the work of salvation. For those who trust in God’s promises, the news that the time has arrived is truly good news.

The “kingdom of God” does not refer to a physical place but to God’s reign wherever His will is done. When Jesus says the kingdom “has come near,” he declares that God’s reign has begun through Him. The time of waiting is over; God’s plan is unfolding.

Since a new era has begun, Jesus calls for a change in response: repent and believe in the gospel (verse 15). To repent means to turn away from a life that opposes God and to turn back to Him. The Hebrew word for repentance, shuv, literally means to turn around and go in the opposite direction. Jesus invites people to trust in the good news that God’s reign has begun. Both repentance and faith are ongoing attitudes, not one-time events.

Meditation:

Some people criticize verse 15 by asking, “If the kingdom of God was near 2,000 years ago, why hasn’t it arrived yet? Did Jesus make a mistake?” This question misunderstands Jesus’ words. He didn’t mean that everything would be immediately completed. Instead, he proclaimed that God’s saving work had begun through him.

To believe in the gospel means to trust that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior. It means recognizing that God’s plan of salvation is at work through him. When we understand this, true repentance naturally follows. When we see God is at work through Jesus, we see our own sin clearly. True repentance results from understanding our sin and realizing that we cannot return to God unless we turn away from sin. Facing God without dealing with our sin leads to eternal separation from Him. But when we fully grasp this truth, we cannot help but surrender and repent.

Repentance is a change of direction—stopping in our tracks and turning toward God. Once we turn to God, we must continue walking in that new direction. That’s what it means to have faith. Faith isn’t just learning and accepting religious ideas; it’s living a life of trust in a personal relationship with God. To say, “I believe in Jesus” means, “I rely on Jesus every day.” This is the natural next step after true repentance.

There can be no true faith without repentance. And repentance is meaningless if it doesn’t lead to a life of faith. Repentance and faith go hand in hand—they are inseparable.

Prayer: Lord, help us understand the gospel deeply so that true repentance can take root in our hearts. We want to turn fully to You and walk faithfully in Your ways. May we fully experience the grace of salvation You have given us through Jesus Christ. Strengthen us, guide us, and hold us close. Amen.