John Mark – Restoration, from failure to faith.   

I.  His Background.

  A.  His family.

    1.  He was a cousin (nephew) of Barnabas 

Colossians 4:10  Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

    2.  He was the son of Mary. 

Acts 12:12  And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

      a.  Home in Jerusalem

      b.  Home of wealth.  House large enough to accommodate the

           church.

  B.  His Familiarity with the disciples.  He probably was led to the

        Lord by Peter. 

    1.  Peter was a friend of the family.   

Acts 12:12-17  And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

    2.  Peter was his mentor in the gospel.

1 Peter 5:13  The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

  C.  His Failure.

    1.  He followed the disciples.

Mark 14:51-52  And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

    2.  He failed the missionaries. 

Acts 13:5  And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

Acts 13:13  Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

Why?  Jealousy for Barnabas; Fear of affliction; Homesickness?

  D.  His restoration.   (Revival)   

Acts 15:37-41  And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Colossians 4:10-11  Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

2 Timothy 4:11  Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

Philemon 23-24  There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

Our response should be in accordance with the instruction given by Paul to forgive others –

Colossians 3:12-15  Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Paul had forgiven and been forgiven by Mark as we have noted above, but Paul and Barnabas had been restored to good fellowship –

1 Corinthians 9:6  Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

The fact that the Corinthians would be familiar with Barnabas and Paul’s likeminded service unto the Lord reveals to us that the missionaries had forgiven one another for the problem in Antioch.

The Lord has offered restoration to all who will confess and turn to Him.

His offer to His nation –

2 Chronicles 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

and His offer to His saints –

1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The danger would involve disqualification for service, but never loss of salvation.