At Cross Point Church, we’re moving deeper into our year-long journey through the Gospel of Mark. In our second sub-series, “Power & Presence,” we studied Mark 1:16–2:17, focusing on the authority of Jesus, how His power appears in our ordinary lives and His presence transforms every aspect of us.
Whether you’re reading along in real time or just joining us, this stretch of Mark explores questions many of us wrestle with every day:
- What does it mean to truly follow Jesus?
- How does Jesus’ authority show up in my daily life?
- Why do solitude and silence matter for spiritual growth?
- What if Jesus doesn’t meet my expectations?
- How can I know I really belong?
Below is a summary of each week’s message, including key Scriptures and practical takeaways to guide your personal discipleship.
Week One – “The Call to Follow Jesus”
Scripture: Mark 1:16–20
Speaker: Kevin Queen
Pain Point Answered: What does it really mean to follow Jesus?
In this powerful opening to “Power & Presence,” Pastor Kevin challenged us to reimagine what flourishing looks like. Using a framework of high authority and high vulnerability, he showed how Jesus modeled a life of both and invites us to do the same. We’re not just called to believe in Jesus, but to follow Him, which often means dropping what’s familiar and stepping into something uncertain (but better).
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus’ call is not just inspirational – it’s transformational.
- Flourishing comes when we walk in both authority and vulnerability.
- Following Jesus means releasing what’s in our hands to step into His purpose.
Week Two – “Jesus’ Authority”
Scripture: Mark 1:20–34
Speaker: Kevin Queen
Pain Point Answered: What do I do with my pain, and does Jesus have the power to heal it?
Jesus’ authority isn’t just about miracles; it’s personal. Pastor Kevin taught us how Jesus showed up in homes, healed sickness, and cast out spiritual oppression. In Capernaum, He didn’t just display power; He showed deep compassion. This week was a reminder that no struggle is too ordinary or too spiritual for Jesus to heal.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus’ authority brings healing to both physical and spiritual pain.
- His power is most evident when invited into our everyday lives.
- Our testimonies matter—healed people share hope with others.
Week Three – “Power Through Presence”
Scripture: Mark 1:35–45
Speaker: Kevin Queen
Pain Point Answered: How do I find clarity and strength in a noisy, distracted world?
Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray, and so should we. This week, we examined how solitude and silence aren’t just good ideas; they’re spiritual necessities. Pastor Kevin reminded us that knowing our “why” and being rooted in God’s love requires intentional time in His presence.
Key Takeaways:
- Solitude is where purpose and power meet.
- Distraction is often the greatest enemy to spiritual clarity.
- Flourishing requires regular time in God’s Word and prayer.
Week Four – “Healing at the Heart Level”
Scripture: Mark 2:1–11
Speaker: James Savage
Pain Point Answered: What if Jesus doesn’t fix the thing I’m asking Him to fix?
In this message, Pastor James explored the story of the paralyzed man whose friends tore open a roof to bring him to Jesus, only to be met with a surprising response. Before healing his body, Jesus forgave his sins. This week reminded us that Jesus always goes deeper than we expect. He doesn’t just address symptoms – He heals the source.
Key Takeaways:
- Sometimes, Jesus doesn’t fix what we expect – He fixes what we need.
- Our unmet expectations can become encounters with deeper grace.
- Bring your whole self, brokenness included, to Jesus.
Week Five – “A Seat at the Table”
Scripture: Mark 2:13–17
Speaker: Campus Pastors
Pain Point Answered: How do I know I belong, and that I’m welcome?
On Father’s Day, each campus heard a live message exploring Jesus’ radical invitation to Levi, the tax collector. Each of the campus pastors reminded us that Jesus doesn’t choose the qualified – He qualifies the chosen. No one is too far gone for His grace. In a world that measures worth by performance, Jesus welcomes us based on love.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus sees our hearts, not our past.
- Everyone, no matter their story, is invited to the table.
- We are called to extend the same grace to others that Jesus gives to us.
What’s Next?
In just five weeks, we’ve seen that Jesus doesn’t only bring power, He brings presence. He meets us where we are, but He never leaves us there. As we continue through the Gospel of Mark, we’ll keep learning how the Kingdom of God turns everything upside down, in the best possible way.
Ready to get the most out of the Gospel of Mark?
Start (or catch up) today:
- Read Mark 1:16–2:17
- Watch or rewatch the sermons at crosspoint.tv/mark
Download the Gospel of Mark resource guide for reading plans, podcast recommendations and tools for deeper study