“He Is Helpful to Me”

EVEN as a young man, it seems that John Mark showed courage. Jesus Christ had just been arrested, bound, and led away by an armed mob. The apostles had all fled. Yet, the Bible describes “a certain young man” who was brave enough to follow Jesus. He was noticed, and the mob tried to seize him. All they managed to hold on to, though, was his linen garment. He “got away naked,” lightly clothed. The book of Mark is the only Gospel that records this incident, so it is widely assumed that the unnamed young man was, in fact, Mark himself.

Mark lived in Jerusalem, possibly with his mother, who seems to have been well-off materially. After Jesus’ death, the congregation met in her home. It was there that the apostle Peter came late one night after an angel released him from prison. No doubt Mark met and knew a number of Jesus’ apostles and disciples. From them, he would have learned a lot about courage.

About 46 C.E., Mark’s cousin Barnabas came to Jerusalem with the apostle Paul, and they took an interest in the young man. He accompanied them as they returned to Antioch. About a year later, Paul and Barnabas invited John Mark to join them on a missionary tour! He courageously agreed to go “as an attendant,” or humble assistant, to those dynamic missionaries.

Travel in those days was challenging and hazardous. Paul later wrote that his many journeys involved “dangers from rivers, . . . dangers from robbers, . . . dangers in the city, . . . dangers in the wilderness, . . . dangers at sea.” (2 Cor. 11:26) Mark, as the attendant for two men who were highly regarded in the congregation, had to be ready to do whatever they asked. Did the job become overwhelming? The Bible does not say. But it does reveal that Mark left Paul and Barnabas when they reached Pamphylia, and he returned to his home in Jerusalem. His departure likely disappointed both men​—but especially Paul.

After their long journey, Paul and Barnabas began planning a second one. Barnabas wanted to give Mark another chance by bringing him along. Paul was set against the idea. Perhaps he felt that Mark was unreliable. Paul and Barnabas strongly disagreed, and there was “a sharp burst of anger” between them. Barnabas then took Mark with him to Cyprus, where they continued their preaching work. Paul found another partner and went on his journey.

That must have been hard for Mark. He had disappointed Paul, whom he respected greatly, and he had caused two close friends to part ways. Did Mark sink into bitterness, resentment, or disappointment? Not in the least!

Mark kept doing his best to help his fellow Christians. In about 60-61 C.E., Paul was under house arrest in Rome. He wrote a letter in which he mentions Mark, who was with him. Paul called him “a source of great comfort.” Then sometime between 62 and 64 C.E., we find Mark again​—this time mentioned in a letter by the apostle Peter. It seems that Mark had traveled all the way to distant Babylon to be with the aging apostle. Peter referred to Mark as “my son.” What a comfort Mark must have been to Peter! That apostle surely told Mark many things about his years with Jesus Christ. When Mark wrote his inspired Gospel account, likely in Rome, he included details that seem to reflect Peter’s firsthand knowledge.

The apostle Paul made the final mention of Mark in the inspired Scriptures. Once more in prison, Paul wrote to Timothy, urging him to visit and to bring Mark along. Why? Paul said: “He is helpful to me in the ministry.” No doubt both men were eager to come to Paul and bring some comfort to that dear man in his final days. Because Mark had the courage to persevere despite disappointments, he remained helpful to his brothers and beloved by Jehovah God.

Read the Bible account:

• Mark 14:50-52

• Acts 13:2-5, 13; 15:36-40

• Colossians 4:10, 11

• 2 Timothy 4:11

• 1 Peter 5:13

For discussion:

In what ways did Mark show courage?

Dig Deeper

1. 1. What suggests that Mark came from a wealthy family? (w10 3/15 6 ¶6–7 ¶1)

   Your answer

2. 2. What may have been Mark’s role as “an attendant” to Barnabas and Paul? (Acts 13:5; w10 3/15 7 ¶5)

   Your answer

3. 3. How much did Mark travel? (w10 3/15 8 ¶6-8) A

   Your answer

   

4. 4. Give an example of how Mark’s Gospel may reflect Peter’s firsthand account of events. (w08 2/1 26 ¶1)

   Your answer

Reflect on the Lessons

• Mark is never described as an apostle or a prophet. However, he humbly served others. How can we serve others today?

  Your answer

• Mark lost his privilege of serving with Paul for a time, yet Mark remained faithful. What lesson might we learn from him if we lose a privilege of service? B

  Your answer

  

• In what ways might you imitate the courage of Mark in your life?

  Your answer

Meditate on the Bigger Picture

• What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

  Your answer

• How does the account tie in with Jehovah’s purposes?

  Your answer

• Why are you thankful that Mark was chosen to rule with Christ in heaven?

  Your answer

Learn More

What makes Mark’s Gospel unique?

Introduction to Mark (3:18)

Use the example of Mark to teach your children the benefits of perseverance.

“Mark Did Not Give Up” (w08 2/1 24-26)