The Alter Life of Jesus Part 1 | inverse lesson 8| 2nd Quarter

The Alter Life of Jesus Part 1 | Week 08

Week’s Passage: Mark 1

InTro
Up late or Up Early?

In college, the writer eagerly anticipated the intramural basketball season and practiced with a friend, Dee, at 5:00 a.m. daily. Initially disciplined, they eventually succumbed to hitting the snooze button, abandoning their routine and their goal of improving. The story underscores the benefits of rising early, better focus, planning, exercise, and solitude and notes Jesus as an example of an early riser who prioritized time with God. The week’s focus is on learning from Jesus’s practice of rising early.

inGest
A Ministry Life

Mark 1 provides a compelling portrait of Jesus through four key truths:

1. Jesus as the Messiah: John the Baptist fulfilled prophecy by preparing the way for Jesus, whose messiahship was affirmed at His baptism by the descent of the Holy Spirit and God’s declaration.
2. Jesus’ Power Over Evil: He triumphed over Satan’s temptations, healed the sick, and cast out demons, showcasing authority over sin and human suffering.
3. Jesus’ Ministry: He preached the gospel, called disciples to join His mission, and taught with unmatched authority, emphasizing collaboration in proclaiming God’s kingdom.
4. Jesus’ Source of Strength: Despite His demanding ministry, Jesus prioritized early morning prayer, seeking communion with God for spiritual strength and guidance.

This chapter captures Jesus’ identity, mission, and reliance on God as the foundation of His ministry.

InTerpret
A Great While Before Day

Jesus rose early in the morning to pray, recognizing that His earthly mission required constant communion with the Father for strength and guidance. In Mark 1:35, He sought solitude to connect with God, even breaking cultural norms by leaving Simon Peter’s house before dawn. When the disciples found Him and informed Him of the awaiting crowd, Jesus revealed His divine direction: to move on and preach in other towns.

This decision underscores the significance of surrendering daily plans to God. God’s will

inVite
In the School of Christ

Jesus’ life teaches us to live with purpose by prioritizing time with God. As followers of Christ, we are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, requiring full surrender to God. Life’s challenges, career, family, and major decisions demand guidance, making early prayer essential. Rising early to seek God reflects trust, surrender, and a desire for His guidance. Ellen White encourages daily consecration, surrendering plans to God each morning, allowing Him to shape our lives after Christ’s example. Why not begin tomorrow by meeting God early?

inSight
Too Busy for God?

Ellen White emphasizes the importance of prayer and communion with God, warning against the danger of relying solely on human effort and activity in spiritual work. She highlights Jesus’ example, noting that despite His busy and demanding life, He consistently sought time for prayer, often withdrawing to solitary places for communion with the Father. This practice was essential for finding strength, guidance, and comfort amid His struggles and responsibilities. The lesson is clear: true effectiveness in serving God comes through prayer, dependence on Him, and a balance between active service and spiritual renewal.

InQuire

1. What pressures did Jesus face that would have made it easy for Him to neglect unrushed prayer time?
2. What opportunities did Jesus sacrifice to protect quiet time with His Father?
3. In what areas of your life do you currently need God’s help and direction?
4. How do you choose the right course of action when two positive choices lie before you?
5. What obstacles might you have to overcome to rise early to meet with God?