Develop to Deploy

John Mark, the man God used to write the Gospel of Mark, would have once been voted “least likely to author a book of the Bible.” Early in his ministry, he was better known for retreat than resolve. Acts 13 tells us that in the middle of a missionary journey with Paul and Barnabas, “John left them and returned to Jerusalem” (Acts 13:13). In plain terms—Mark bailed.

Paul didn’t take it well. Later, when Barnabas suggested giving Mark another shot, Paul “adamantly refused to bring along someone he viewed as a deserter” (Acts 15:38). The disagreement became so sharp that Paul and Barnabas split ways—Paul taking Silas, Barnabas taking Mark.

But God was at work in the middle of the mess.

“For those in Christ, failure is never final.”

Through the steadfast encouragement of Barnabas, Mark got the one thing every fallen disciple needs—someone who refuses to believe God is done with them. Barnabas saw in Mark what God intended to make him, not just what he had been. Over time, Mark’s life was rewritten by grace. The deserter became a disciple-maker. By the end of Paul’s life, the same man who once refused to work with Mark could write, “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11).

The story of Mark is proof that “God doesn’t discard deserters—He restores them.” His mercies really are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22–23). That doesn’t mean sin or failure is inconsequential. It doesn’t mean no one can ever be disqualified. But restoration doesn’t erase the past—yet in repentance, God can write a new chapter.

Maybe you’ve been in Mark’s sandals—starting strong, then falling flat. Maybe you’ve coasted where you should have committed, or turned back when you should have pressed forward. The enemy will tell you you’re done. The Gospel tells you that in Christ, your story isn’t over.

The Gospel of Mark itself stands as evidence. God took a young man marked by failure and used him to pen the most urgent, straightforward account of the Good News the world has ever known.

So hear this: The same God who restored Mark is still restoring weary, wounded, and wandering disciples today. And when He does, your life becomes a living proclamation of His redeeming grace.

What the full sermon, Beginnings, from our new series in the Gospel of Mark here at BLDG 28 Church.