Study Guide: The Kingdom at Hand (Mark 1:14–20)
Five-Day Study Guide: “The Kingdom at Hand”
Mark 1:14–20
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” — Mark 1:15 (ESV)
Overview
When John the Baptist is arrested, Jesus steps forward to announce that God’s appointed time has arrived. From Nazareth’s rejection to Capernaum’s awakening, the Messiah begins His ministry, declaring that the Kingdom of God is near and calling disciples to follow Him. This passage marks the transition from promise to fulfillment, from preparation to participation — and from observation to obedience.
Day 1 – The End of One Ministry, the Beginning of Another
Read: Mark 1:14; Matthew 14:3–12; Luke 3:19–20
Key Idea:
When John’s voice was silenced, God’s Word took flesh and began to speak. John’s imprisonment signals that one era of preparation has ended, and the Messiah’s redemptive work is beginning.
Reflection:
Why do you think Jesus waited until John’s arrest to begin His ministry?
What does this teach you about God’s timing and transitions in your own life?
Have you experienced a “turning point” when God closed one door so another could open?
Life Application:
Trust that every divine delay carries divine purpose. God’s timing is never accidental — it’s appointed.
Day 2 – Light in Galilee
Read: Mark 1:14–15; Matthew 4:13–16; Isaiah 9:1–2
Key Idea:
Jesus leaves Nazareth after rejection and settles in Capernaum, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that light would dawn in “Galilee of the Gentiles.” The gospel first shines in unexpected places — among the overlooked and humble.
Reflection:
What does it reveal about Jesus’ heart that He moved toward the marginalized rather than the powerful?
Where is God calling you to shine light in “Galilee” places — spaces others might overlook?
How does the fulfillment of prophecy strengthen your faith that God is always working His plan?
Life Application:
Faithfulness often begins in hidden or humble places. Don’t despise small beginnings — light shines brightest in darkness.
Day 3 – The Time is Fulfilled
Read: Mark 1:15; Galatians 4:4–5; Ephesians 1:7–10
Key Idea:
Jesus’ first message declares, “The time is fulfilled.” In Greek, kairos means a decisive, divinely appointed moment. God’s redemptive clock had struck “now.” The Kingdom was breaking into human history through Jesus.
Reflection:
What does it mean that “God’s time” is both fulfilled and continuing?
How can you live with a greater awareness that the Kingdom is already near?
What might God be asking you to “fulfill” in obedience today?
Life Application:
Each day is a kairos moment — an invitation to join God’s ongoing work in the world.
Day 4 – Repent and Believe
Read: Mark 1:15; Luke 19:9–10; John 8:10–11
Key Idea:
Jesus’ first public call was not to perform miracles or memorize Scripture, but to repent and believe. Repentance is not shame; it’s realignment. Belief is not mere agreement; it’s allegiance to the King.
Reflection:
What does repentance look like beyond confession?
Why do you think Jesus paired repentance with belief?
What are you believing about God today that needs to move from head knowledge to heart conviction?
Life Application:
Practice daily repentance: turn from self-rule toward Christ’s rule. Let faith reshape how you think, speak, and love.
Day 5 – Follow Me
Read: Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:1–11; Jeremiah 16:14–16
Key Idea:
Jesus calls fishermen — common men — and redefines their purpose: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Their obedience marks the birth of the Church’s mission — the greater exodus from sin into the Kingdom.
Reflection:
What does Jesus’ call to “Follow Me” look like in your context today?
What might God be asking you to leave behind (nets, security, comfort) to follow Him more fully?
How is Jesus still making you into a “fisher of men”?
Life Application:
Discipleship isn’t about perfection — it’s about pursuit. The call of Jesus is still active: Follow Me.
