Second Chances and Redemption - A Reflection on John Mark

For the last few days I have been thinking about a young man mentioned in the Book of Acts.  His name is John Mark and while we don't know much about him, he has a significant impact in the ministry of Paul and Barnabas.  We first hear of him the night Peter is miraculously freed from prison.

Acts 12:11-12 NIV:
[11] "Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.”

[12] "When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying."

From this short verse and inclusion by Luke of his name, we can see he was likely a young man, and was raised in a family of faith. Luke was writing this not as  a first person account, and that he knew John Mark personally, likely lead to his inclusion here.  In fact it might have been a bit of John Mark's remembrance that was included by Luke here.

We next see John Mark accompanying Paul and Silas as they return form Jerusalem back to Antioch. Acts 12:25 NIV:  "When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark."

I can just imagine the excitement of John Mark, setting out with Paul and Barnabas, heading back to Antioch with them.  They had not started any of their missionary adventures yet, but they were elders in the Antioch church, and God was moving powerfully there.   What a great honor it must have been to serve these two leaders!  Additionally, John Mark was essentially the second representative from Jerusalem to visit the growing church in Antioch.  It doesn't say anything about this, but I would imagine he was considered one of the young leaders, possibly being raised up for significant ministry.

Shortly after their arrival Paul and Barnabas are called out by the Holy Spirit, to be sent on the first of their missions (See Acts 13:1-3).  They were prayed over and sent out and John Mark once again accompanied them.  Acts 13:4-5 NIV:  "The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. [5] When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper."

This Mission to Cyprus is really the first missionary trip of the church, and John Mark had the opportunity to go along with Paul and Barnabas!  Talk about being on the cutting edge, seeing God move in powerful ways, as He confirmed their words with Miracles and signs, what an exciting time it must have been for John Mark!

It seems that they are not too far into their mission when we hear of John Mark once again, really just a  quick side-note.   Acts 13:13 NIV:  "From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem."

That is all that is recorded about John Mark's ministry with Paul and Barnabas, so the question is why is he significant?  The answer to that is found in the following passages from Acts 15:36-41 NIV:

[36] "Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” [37] Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, [38] but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. [39] They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, [40] but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. [41] He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches."

I can't even fathom the impact of this disagreement on John Mark.  There was clearly more to the story then what was previously recorded by Luke, but we don't have any details.  Whatever the source of the disagreement, we can tell that Paul had a very strong opinion that John Mark couldn't be trusted.

As I was reflecting on on this, I was reminded of times in my life where certain ministers or ministries had expressed concerns about myself, effectively labeling me as only good for certain things.  I remember the zeal I had for serving the Lord, and I remember the impact their negative words had on me, sometimes causing me to even doubt my calling, or my choice to follow the Lord.  I am sure that John Mark was impacted deeply by Paul's words.

My reflection continued, for it is clear that Barnabas provided an opportunity for redemption and restoration to John Mark!  Even though I know almost nothing of him, I am moved in my heart to compassion for him.  That John Mark wanted a second chance is clear, for this wasn't some conscripted service.  I am sure He asked to join them again, and was hoping for a second chance to return to the Lord's service in this way. 

What struck me about this is how merciful the Holy Spirit is toward John Mark.  Make no mistake, the decisions to go back to the missions field was not just an idea of Paul or Barnabas, but rather divinely inspired.  They were once again being encouraged forward by the Holy Spirit.  The key point here is that John Mark's inclusion was also part of the plan of the Lord.  While John Mark was effectively serving as a helper to Paul and Barnabas, he was serving the Lord primarily!

Often we can lose sight of that fact, that we are all servants of the Lord, first and foremost, especially when personalities get involved.  Even the most anointed ministers are not the Lord, and sometimes can let personal offense or their perspective get in the way.  We are all individually called and chosen by the Lord, and He is one to whom we are called!  Who knows why John Mark left, but maybe it was in obedience to the Lord?  I have had times, in the past, where what the Lord was calling me to do was in conflict with the plans of someone I was serving under.  When I brought it to the Lord, He made it very clear.  He said, "You can either be loyal to them, or obedient to me!"  At that point the answer was easy.

I believe that Barnabas came to a very similar point in this situation, He could either be loyal to Paul or obedient to what He felt was right in the Lord to do, to bring John Mark along, and give him a second chance!   I am grateful for this example of obedience in the face of personal conflict, not as an example of conflict, but rather as an example of redemption and restoration!  I believe this demonstrates clearly the Lord's heart for John Mark, and really for very believer!  None of us is less than any other in the eyes of the Lord!  From a purely human perspective, I would rank Paul as being more important, but in the Lord's eyes, John Mark was, and is, just as significant!

So today, my encouragement is to look to the Lord for my sense of significance, period!  I have served in many ways, and under many ministries, but my primary allegiance is always to the Lord!  He is the only one who  truly knows my heart, and His calling in my life!  I certainly don't always get it right, but I must always look to the Lord, not at anyone else, or at their opinions or decisions concerning me.  The Lord has a plan of me, and as long as I am looking to Him and trying my best to follow Him, I will be successful, regardless of what others think!

Thank You Lord, for calling me and loving me, and for being my Lord!  Help me to walk in freedom, not allowing other people's opinions of me to limit my service to You!

Amen!