Leadership through Discipleship #15

Mark, The Power of Restoration

The Gospel of Mark is given a prominent place in the New Testament canon, second only to Matthew in the four gospels. Here, there is little indication of any weakness of character or faith in this early follower of Christ. But it was not always so.

John Mark was apparently raised in a wealthy Jewish Christian home. While we know nothing of his father, his mother, named Mary, was host to the apostles and believers in Jerusalem. It was to their home, “where many were gathered together praying,” that Peter came when he was miraculously released from prison by an angel (Acts 12:12). Rhoda, the servant-girl of the home, was shocked with disbelief when she saw Peter standing at the gate.

There is at least a suggestion that John Mark’s father was absent in that Barnabas, his cousin, mentored him and asked him to accompany Paul on his first missionary journey. Whether John Mark was homesick or unaccustomed to hard work or for some other unknown reason, he left for home early in the trip. Paul was disappointed in his early departure and later determined that John Mark would not accompany them on another missionary journey. So great was the contention between Barnabas, who felt he should be given another chance, and Paul that they changed their travel plans. John Mark traveled with Barnabas while Paul took Silas as his companion. (See Acts 15:35-40.)

There is no information in Scripture about the reconciliation between John Mark and the Apostle Paul. However, at some point John Mark was given another chance by the apostle and apparently was accepted by him and allowed to travel with him again. He was commended to the church in Colosse by letter, “with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him)” (Colossians 4:10). He was specifically asked for in Paul’s letter to Timothy, “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11). He was also mentioned in the letter to Philemon.

Past failure need not be the end of an effort to become a disciple. While faults may be remembered for a long time, our failures are not final. God forgives and is willing to restore. His disciples are commanded to do the same. It may take others a lot longer to forgive and they may never forget, but restoration is possible and a second chance at discipleship is available. Paul demonstrated Christ’s compassion in eventually allowing Mark to be useful to him in ministry. Mark made the commitment and lived to prove you can overcome past mistakes and be accepted again in the ministry.

Peter developed a close relationship with John Mark as evidenced in his epistle, “She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son” (1 Peter 5:13). He spoke of John Mark as a son and welcomed his company in traveling to Rome where he would suffer martyrdom. According to early church tradition, John Mark wrote his gospel through the first-hand account of the apostle Peter. If John Mark had given up after his first failed effort at leadership we would not have the Gospel of Mark today. Thankfully, he was restored to discipleship and accepted in leadership. A leader learned to try again!