John Mark Second Chances

It took Thomas Edison more than 10,000 unsuccessful attempts to produce the electric light bulb. America’s greatest inventor certainly was not shy about taking second chances.

During the Apostle Paul’s first missionary journey, there was a young man traveling with him who also ended up needing a second chance. John Mark was a relative of Barnabas, Paul’s fellow evangelist, and assisted the two apostles on the trip.

While not much is known of him, there is a high probability that John Mark came to the faith due to the efforts of the apostle Peter (1 Peter 5:13). What is known is that he was an early Christian convert and that he witnessed—if not under the guidance of Peter, certainly through Paul and Barnabas—the mighty power of God.

In the first leg of the mission alone, when on the island of Cyprus, he was privy to a resounding victory of the gospel over the snares of deceit and devilry. But after this, John Mark somehow got cold feet. Scripture records that, having successfully voyaged to the southern coast of Asia Minor, he then deserted Paul and Barnabas and sailed back home to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13).

While we are not told the reason, we are told of the damage this did to John Mark’s reputation. During preparations for a second missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas argued heatedly over his usefulness (15:37, 38). While Barnabas desired to give him a second chance, Paul vehemently disagreed. John Mark was a vacillating coward, one who had run for the comforts of home over the privilege of laboring in God’s vineyard. But in the end, John Mark did get another opportunity, sailing with Barnabas back to Cyprus (v. 39).

This time, despite the dangers and hardships that surely assailed him, John Mark recommitted his life to God. Aided by the patient guidance of Barnabas, he began what would eventually be the life of a faithful missionary. Several years later, in Paul’s own epistles, we find that John Mark is now favored by the Apostle to the Gentiles (Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 24). Ultimately, sparse though his own name may be in the pages of history, he gave us a timeless gift—Peter’s account of the life of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark.

Reflect: Jesus Christ gave us the gift of eternal life. Do you need a second chance? God is ready and willing to use you if you are willing to be used by Him.

Key Bible Texts

It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. (Lamentations 3:22 KJV)