The life of John Mark, the author of the second of our Gospels, provides a number of incidents that illustrate important biblical principles. In particular, his interaction with the Apostle Paul highlights what steps must be taken in order to re-earn the respect of someone whose respect we have lost through sin or weakness. How can we reestablish our credit after losing it? Scripture tells us the way not to do it and the way to do it. We don’t do it through crocodile tears (like Esau) nor through playing the victim (like Saul) but through forthright confession of our guilt (like David) and steady faithfulness like John Mark.