Sabbath Afternoon - July 6, 2024

Scripture Reading for the Week:
Mark 1:16-45; John 1:29-45; Mark 5:41; Luke 6:12; Leviticus 13:1-59. 


Thought for Meditation:
 During His ministry, Jesus had kept constantly before the disciples the fact that they were to be one with Him in His work for the recovery of the world from the slavery of sin. When He sent forth the Twelve and afterward the Seventy, to proclaim the kingdom of God, He was teaching them their duty to impart to others what He had made known to them. In all His work He was training them for individual labor, to be extended as their numbers increased, and eventually to reach to the uttermost parts of the earth. The last lesson He gave His followers was that they held in trust for the world the glad tidings of salvation.  {AA 32.1}   The Acts of the Apostles, 1911


Memory Text:

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men’ ” (Mark 1:17). 


This week's SS Lesson will describe how the Book of Mark make sense the calling of the four disciples and the church activities done in Capernaum. This includes the emphasis on the health ministry of Jesus Christ.


Study Outline:
Special Activities

Sunday - July 7, 2024

The Calling of the Disciples (Follow Me) Mark 1:16-20

Mark 1:1-45; Luke 5:1-11;  John 1:29-42.  


Activities on Sabbath

Monday - July 8, 2024

Preaching in the Church (An Unforgettable Worship Service) Mark 1:21-28

Mark 1:21-28.


Tuesday - July 9, 2024

Healing Ministry (More Sabbath Ministry) Mark 1:29-34

Mark 1:41; Mark 5:41;  Mark 2:1-12; Mark 3:1-6; Mark 5:7-13. 


Daily Activities

Wednesday - July 10, 2024

Praying and Preaching (The Secret of Jesus' Ministry) Mark 1:35-39)

Mark 1:35-39;  Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:46; John 17:1-26; Luke 6:12.    


Thursday - July 11, 2024

Heal and Respect the Law (Can You Keep a Secret?) Mark 1:40-45

Mark 1:40-45; Leviticus 13:1-59; Leviticus 14:1-57; Mark 7:10; Mark 10:3-4; Mark 12:26; Mark 12:29-31;  Mark 7:1-37; Mark 10:1-52, 


Friday - July 12. 2024

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration

Points to Ponder Upon

Special Activities

Sunday - July 7, 2024

The Calling of the Disciples (Follow Me) Mark 1:16-20

Mark 1:1-45; Luke 5:1-11;  John 1:29-42.  

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”      (Mark 1:17)


A Call Applies to Believers in Every Ages

The lesson applies to believers in every age. "By their fruits ye shall know them." Matthew 7:20. The inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit is priceless. In the life of the true Christian the outward adorning is always in harmony with the inward peace and holiness. "If any man will come after Me," Christ said, "let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Matthew 16:24. Self-denial and sacrifice will mark the Christian's life. Evidence that the taste is converted will be seen in the dress of all who walk in the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord.  {AA 523.2} The Acts of the Apostles, 1911


A Call Demands Complete Submission

Christ looked into the face of the young man, as if reading his life and searching his character. He loved him, and He hungered to give him that peace and grace and joy which would materially change his character. “One thing thou lackest,” He said; “go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” {CSA 14.6} 

Jesus saw in this ruler just the help He needed if the young man would become a colaborer with Him in the work of salvation. If he would place himself under Christ’s guidance, he would be a power for good. In a marked degree the ruler could have represented Christ; for he possessed qualifications, which, if he were united with the Saviour, would enable him to become a divine force among men. Christ, seeing into his character, loved him. Love for Christ was awakening in the ruler’s heart; for love begets love. Jesus longed to see him a co-worker with Him. He longed to make him like Himself, a mirror in which the likeness of God would be reflected. {CSA 14.7} A Call to Stand Apart, 2002

Please visit the link below for further study of the 11the Hour Call

Meat In Due Season - 1. The Eleventh-Hour Call (google.com) 

Meat In Due Season - 1.1 The Eleventh-Hour Call (google.com) 


Signal of Successor of Elijah - Leave All

When Elijah saw Elisha in the field with the servants, plowing with his twelve yoke of oxen, he went to the field of labor, and while passing by he unfastened his mantle and threw it upon the shoulders of Elisha. During the three and a half years of barrenness and famine, the family of Shaphat became familiar with the work and mission of Elijah the prophet. The Spirit of God impressed the heart of Elisha in regard to the meaning of this action. This was his signal that God had called him to be the successor of Elijah. It was similar to the commission of Christ to the young ruler to leave all—houses, lands, friends, riches, comforts, and ease, “and come and follow me.” {CTr 167.2} 

Elijah passed on as if that were the end of the matter. But he knew that Elisha had understood the significance of the action, and he left him, without speaking a word, to decide whether he would accept the call or reject it. Elisha hastened after the prophet and, overtaking him, asked permission to take leave of his parents, and bid farewell to his family. {CTr 167.3} Christ Triumphant, 1999


Consider the Following

Mark is characterized by his brevity. If we did not consult the other gospels, we might reach erroneous conclusions about this calling.

This was not the first time these men had encountered Jesus. As followers of John the Baptist, they had heard his words about Jesus, and they had followed him. The first to do so were Andrew and John, followed by their respective brothers (John 1:35-42).

Jesus preaches from Peter's boat, and then a miraculous catch takes place. The four brothers' nets almost broke because of the number of fish (Lk. 5:1-7). While James and John mend the nets, Peter falls at Jesus' feet (Lk. 5:8-11).

Jacob and Juan left their father in charge of the family business, and Peter and Andrew left their livelihood to be soul winners. By obeying the call of Jesus, they changed their lives, and the lives of the entire world.

Activities on Sabbath

Monday - July 8, 2024

Preaching in the Church (An Unforgettable Worship Service) Mark 1:21-28

Mark 1:21-28.

“They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach” (Mark 1:21).


Advancement to a Higher, and Holier Standard

I have felt anguish of soul as I have thus seen the true state of things. There are dishonest men in our churches, there are licentious men. There is declension in the place of constant advancement to a higher, holier standard. And there is little proper labor done by the ministers in the churches because many do not carry the burden of the souls for whom they labor. The truth has not sanctified their own hearts. O, there is need of most earnest, devoted, self-sacrificing labor,-- the preaching of the truth, preaching Christ, and living Christ. O that all our workers would be laborers together with God, not trifling with time, not trifling with sacred responsibilities, but representing Christ in all things, watching for souls as they that must give an account; day by day, hour by hour, living in the channel of light: in the churches, and among the people, in cities and villages, diffusing the light received from the Sun of Righteousness. In order to do this, they must devote much time to prayer. Brethren, be instant in prayer. When in society, when compelled to be among the frivolous, the careless and inconsiderate, dart up your petitions to heaven, that the God of all grace may keep your souls in the love of Christ. When the workers are thus connected with God, there will be continual growth in every church.  {SpTA01b 25.2} An Appeal to Our Ministers and Conference Committees, 1892 


Organized Believers into the Path of Right

From country to country and from city to city Paul went, preaching of Christ, and establishing churches. Wherever he could find a hearing, he labored to counterwork error, and to turn the feet of men and women into the path of right. Those who by his labors in any place were led to accept Christ, he organized into a church. No matter how few in number they might be, this was done. And Paul did not forget the churches thus established. However small a church might be, it was the object of his care and interest.  {ST, July 20, 1904 par. 5} The Signs of the Times 


The Course of Providence, the Prosperity Experienced, and Fear of God 

In the days of the apostles, men went everywhere preaching the word. New churches were raised up. Their love and zeal for Christ led them to acts of great denial and sacrifice. Many of these Gentile churches were very poor; yet the apostle declares that their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality. Their gifts were extended beyond their power. Men periled their lives and suffered the loss of all things for the truth's sake.  {RH, January 1, 1875 par. 14}  

The apostle suggests the first day of the week as a proper time to review the course of Providence and the prosperity experienced, and in the fear of God, with true gratitude of heart for the blessings he has bestowed, decide how much, according to his own devised plan, shall be rendered back to him.  {RH, January 1, 1875 par. 15} The Review and Herald


Consider the Following

The gospels make it clear that going to the synagogue on Sabbath was a custom of Jesus, not an isolated event (Lk. 4:16).

How did people react to Jesus' preaching? (Mark 1:22).

But not everyone was happy. The enemy decided to interrupt the service, hoping to nullify Jesus' influence (Mark 1:23-26). A quick intervention caused the people to be even more influenced by Him (Mark 1:27-28).

Three facts stand out from this story:

(1) There was a demon in the church. There are “tares” in the church, and we cannot distinguish them (Mt. 13:24-30).

(2) The demon knew who Jesus was, and looked for a way to neutralize His influence.

(3) Jesus ordered him to be silent. It was not the time to openly declare himself as the Messiah.

Tuesday - July 9, 2024

Healing Ministry (More Sabbath Ministry) Mark 1:29-34

Mark 1:41; Mark 5:41;  Mark 2:1-12; Mark 3:1-6; Mark 5:7-13. 

“That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed” (Mark 1:32)


Jesus' Ministry of Healing - Precious Revealing of His Presence

"Happy is the man whom God correcteth. . . . He maketh sore, and bindeth up; He woundeth, and His hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in six troubles; yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee." To every stricken one, Jesus comes with the ministry of healing. The life of bereavement, pain, and suffering may be brightened by precious revealings of His presence.  {ST, February 5, 1902 par. 8}  

Each fiery trial is God's agent for our refining. Each is fitting us for our work as co-laborers with Him. "Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." Mrs. E. G. White.  {ST, February 5, 1902 par. 9} The Signs of the Times


Deliverance From Sin and Healing Disease Linked

In the ministry of healing, the physician is to be a co-worker with Christ. The Saviour ministered to both the soul and the body. The gospel which He taught was a message of spiritual life and of physical restoration. Deliverance from sin and the healing of disease were linked together. The same ministry is committed to the Christian physician. He is to unite with Christ in relieving both the physical and spiritual needs of his fellowmen. He is to be to the sick a messenger of mercy, bringing to them a remedy for the diseased body and for the sin-sick soul.--MH 111 (1905).  {2MCP 683.4}  


God's Restoration of the Sick to Complete Optimum Health

God is just as willing to restore the sick to health now as when the Holy Spirit spoke these words through the psalmist. And Christ is the same compassionate physician now that He was during His earthly ministry. In Him there is healing balm for every disease, restoring power for every infirmity. His disciples in this time are to pray for the sick as verily as the disciples of old prayed. And recoveries will follow; for “the prayer of faith shall save the sick.” We have the Holy Spirit’s power, the calm assurance of faith, that can claim God’s promises. The Lord’s promise, “They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:18), is just as trustworthy now as in the days of the apostles. It presents the privilege of God’s children, and our faith should lay hold of all that it embraces. Christ’s servants are the channel of His working, and through them He desires to exercise His healing power. It is our work to present the sick and suffering to God in the arms of our faith. We should teach them to believe in the Great Healer.—(Ministry of Healing, 226.) {Pr 231.4} 


 A Work of First Importance - Medical Missionary Work

During His ministry, Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching.--The Ministry of Healing, p. 19.  {ChS 132.1}  

Before the true reformer, the medical missionary work will open many doors.--Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 62.  {ChS 132.2}  

Genuine medical missionary work is the gospel practiced. --Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 168.  {ChS 132.3}  

Medical missionary work is the pioneer work of the gospel. In the ministry of the word and in the medical missionary work the gospel is to be preached and practiced. --The Ministry of Healing, p. 144.  {ChS 132.4}  

The Saviour of the world devoted more time and labor to healing the afflicted of their maladies than to preaching. His last injunction to His apostles, His representatives upon the earth, was to lay hands on the sick that they might recover. When the Master shall come, He will commend those who have visited the sick and relieved the necessities of the afflicted.--Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 225.  {ChS 132.5}  

He designs that the medical missionary work shall prepare the way for the presentation of the saving truth for this time,--the proclamation of the third angel's message. If this design is met, the message will not be eclipsed nor its progress hindered.--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 293.  {ChS 132.6}  


Consider the Following

While they were preparing the table, they told Jesus about Peter's mother-in-law, attacked by fever (Mark 1:30). Once healed, this woman dedicated herself to serving the guests (Mark 1:31). The benefits that Jesus imparts to us provoke in us the desire to share them with others.

The miracle of the demon possessed was the topic of conversation in many homes in Capernaum. So, at the end of the sacred hours of the Sabbath, when the sun had set, they brought many sick people to Jesus to be healed (Mark 1:32-34).

What a joy! What cries of praise resounded in Simon's house! And not only did the healed praise, Jesus himself rejoiced in bringing them healing.

Daily Activities

Wednesday - July 10, 2024

Praying and Preaching (The Secret of Jesus' Ministry) Mark 1:35-39)

Mark 1:35-39;  Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:46; John 17:1-26; Luke 6:12.    

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35)


The Power of God Against the Darkness, and Deception of the Devil

I saw that Satan was working through agents in a number of ways. He was at work through ministers who have rejected the truth, and are given over to strong delusions to believe a lie that they might be damned. While they were preaching or praying some would fall prostrate and helpless; not by the power of the Holy Ghost, but by the power of Satan breathed upon these agents, and through them to the people. Some professed Adventists who had rejected the present truth, while preaching, praying or in conversation used mesmerism to gain adherents, and the people would rejoice in this influence, for they thought it was the Holy Ghost. And even some that used it were so far in the darkness and deception of the Devil, that they thought it was the power of God, given them to exercise. They had made God altogether such an one as themselves, and had valued his power as a thing of naught.  {ExV 26.1} A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of EGW, 1851


Sleeping Ministers Preaching to a Sleeping People

Ministers should become Bible students. Are the truths which they handle mighty? Then they should seek to handle them skillfully. Their ideas should be clear and strong, and their spirits fervent, or they will weaken the force of the truth which they handle. By tamely presenting the truth, merely repeating the theory without being stirred by it themselves, they can never convert men. If they should live as long as did Noah, their efforts would be without effect. Their love for souls must be intense, and their zeal fervent. A listless, unfeeling manner of presenting the truth will never arouse men and women from their deathlike slumber. They must show by their manners, by their acts and words, and by their preaching and praying, that they believe that Christ is at the door. Men and women are in the last hours of probation, and yet are careless and stupid, and preachers have no power to arouse them; they are asleep themselves. Sleeping ministers preaching to a sleeping people!  {GW92 121.2} Gospel Workers, 1892


Consider the Following

Jesus did not act on his own initiative. As usual, he had gone first to talk to his Father so that he could tell him what he had to do that day (Mk. 1:35; Jn. 8:28).

Every day Jesus used to seek God in prayer, and invites us to imitate him (Mark 6:46; Luke 3:21; 5:16; 9:18; 11:1; 18:1). In special situations, he even dedicated entire nights to prayer (Lk. 6:12-13; Mt. 14:21-23).

Should we not, like Jesus, seek God every day in prayer to know his will? In special situations, won't we seek Him especially in prayer?

Thursday - July 11, 2024

Heal and Respect the Law (Can You Keep a Secret?) Mark 1:40-45

Mark 1:40-45; Leviticus 13:1-59; Leviticus 14:1-57; Mark 7:10; Mark 10:3-4; Mark 12:26; Mark 12:29-31;  Mark 7:1-37; Mark 10:1-52, 

“See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” (Mark 1:44)


Do Not Take Away the Erring's Self-respect, but Bind up and Heal

We are to learn a lesson from the goodness and mercy and self-sacrificing life of the Father. We are to study how to give our sympathy and love to others. As we have received this priceless gift, so we are to impart it. We are to learn how to rule by love and kindness, rather than by severity and censure. When an erring person becomes conscious of his wrong, do not deal with him in a manner that will take away all his self-respect. Do not seek to tear to pieces, but to bind up and heal. You may see the errors of a brother. Yet he may not be able to discern his wrong; and it may be difficult to know how to act. But never pursue a course that will give him the impression that you regard yourself as his superior. You may think that your feelings, your pursuits, your organization, are superior to his, but do not seek to make this apparent; for such a course is altogether out of harmony with true refinement, true nobility of character. We are not to bruise the souls of the erring, but to go to them armed with humility and prayer. When the gospel minister, with his heart subdued by the love and grace of Christ, comes in touch with human minds, he can reveal his superior qualifications, not by destroying hope and courage, but by inspiring faith in the faithless, by lifting up the hands that hang down, and confirming the feeble knees.--RH Nov. 21, 1899. {PaM 212.3} 


Consider the Following

The leper, isolated from all human contact due to his illness, knelt before Jesus begging for healing (Lev. 13:45; Mark 1:40).

Jesus touches the leper and therefore he becomes unclean. But, instead of receiving the leper's uncleanness, the leper received Jesus' healing.

As we come to Jesus with our sins and filth, He will not depart from us. He will give us forgiveness and healing, making us clean like Him.

After healing him, he gave two orders with a dual purpose (Mark 1:44):

(1) Showing himself to the priests: He demonstrated his respect for the law; and gave the priests the opportunity to accept him as the Messiah

(2) Keep silent: It prevented the priests from being predisposed against the leper; and avoided awakening  messiasnic expectation in the crowds

Friday - July 12. 2024

Insights and Further Study

A good shepherd approaches lost sheep, not with a harsh voice, but in soothing, winning tones.--The shepherd's life is one full of peril. If he is a trustworthy shepherd, he will not be careless and study his own ease, but he will search for the straying sheep amid storm and tempest. Perhaps he will find the lost sheep slipped into some crevice of the rock, where he cannot find his way out. He is beset with fears on every hand. The good shepherd does not come with a harsh voice, scolding the poor frightened sheep, but he speaks in pitiful, soothing, winning tones, so that when the sheep hears his voice, he will follow, unless he is imprisoned in the rocks or tangled in the brambles. Then the only means by which the shepherd can find the sheep is by following up the bleat of distress that the wanderer sends in answer to his call. And when the good shepherd finds the lost one, he puts the weary wanderer upon his shoulder, and brings him back to the fold, rejoicing at every step.--YI Apr. 28, 1886. {PaM 213.1} 


From the Pen of Inspiration

“The Saviour’s life on earth was not an easy one. But He never grew tired of working to save lost people. He lived an unselfish life from His birth until His death. He did not try to be free from hard work and tiring journeys. He said that the Son of man “did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life to redeem many people.” Matthew 20:28. This was the one great aim of His life. Everything else was less important. To do God’s will and to finish His work was like food and drink to Him. There was no thought of self in His work." EGW (Steps to Christ, pg. 77)

Points to Ponder Upon