Joshua 3 - Israel Crosses the Jordan River

Joshua 3

And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan (v.17)

Message: Israel Crosses the Jordan River

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: 

Ch. 1 - Moses has died and now his assistant Joshua has been called by the Lord to lead the nation of Israel across the Jordan and into Canaan. The Lord calls Joshua to be strong and courageous and confirms He will be with him. He is to be careful to do according to the Law. Joshua passed on this promise to the people of Israel and they respond that they will obey Joshua as they know the Lord God is with him. 

Ch. 2 - Joshua sends out two spies to Jericho and Rahab, the harlot, provides them shelter and hides them from the authorities of Jericho. There is fear from the Canaanites of the Israelites. Rahab knows the Lord has given Israel the land of Canaan. She hides the spies and a promise is given to her that she and her family will be protected by tying a cord of scarlet thread in the window. 

Ch. 3 - Joshua and sons of Israel went to the Jordan to lodge there for 3 days before crossing – upon seeing the Ark of the covenant carried by the Levitical priests then they shall follow it, keeping a distance of 2,000 cubits. The Lord promises to exalt Joshua and promises to still the waters of the Jordan as the ark goes across it. Take 12 men, each from a tribe of Israel, stand in the waters of the Jordan and it will be stilled. And all the nation crossed the Jordan, again on dry ground. 

Additional thoughts - The ark of the covenant normally was carried by non-priestly Levites (sons of Kohath). The ark was the presence of God as it says in Exodus 25:22, it is there that God will meet with his people. Thus, God would be going before them, leading them as they crossed the Jordan and came into the land of Canaan, the land that was indeed promised by God for them. And God would also show his power to the people, similar to when they crossed the Red Sea. Once the priests carrying the ark stood in the water, the water stopped and the people crossed over on dry land. Also, 2,000 cubits is about 3,000 feet or 0.57 of a mile and is also the distance that Jews are allowed to travel on Sabbath days. It is also the distance from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem. 

What I learn and apply - God communicates truths through Joshua about what He will do but then He also shows us through examples in our lives that He has power and He is in control. He demonstrates His power to us. H reminds us He is present. He achieved something here that only he could have done, but he took them through an obstacle in life. Surely they would know the power of God to rescue them in the future. 

Summary: The Lord sends the ark of the covenant (His presence) ahead of Israel in crossing the Jordan to Canaan and stills the water of the Jordan to show them His power now and in the future. 

Promise: God begins and ends our salvation - parting the red sea, but then also stilling the water of the Jordan to take us to our promised land. He is faithful.

Prayer: Lord, you are faithful. You give me promises and You come through. I can trust in You that You will do what You say. You led Israel through the Jordan into the land you had promised to them. And you will lead me through the storms and trials of life that are present and you will bring me home to heaven. Thank You for the peace that is only found in You. Help me to be one that helps others see the peace of You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 11:36-44 - Lazarus Resurrected

John 11:36-44 

36 So the Jews were saying, “See how He loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have kept this man also from dying?” 

38 So Jesus, again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 Jesus said, “Remove the stone.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” 41 So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” 44 The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

Message: Lazarus Resurrected

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: My journey continues through this passage of scripture about Jesus encountering Lazarus. He had left Jerusalem, but then based upon a request from his friends - Mary and Martha - returned to Bethany near Jerusalem despite the disciples not thinking this was the best move for Jesus. And yet Jesus knows his purpose in raising Lazarus and doing what he was going to do. He has a confidence in what He will do. And He has a mission in confirming the disciples faith. He seems to know that they need what He will be doing. And yet He isn't really revealing what He will do. Mary and Martha wished he was there sooner, prior to Lazarus dying to heal Lazarus and yet Jesus seems a little bothered that they would think there was a limit to how he can help. 

Jesus shows emotion and now here in verse 36 the Jews who are on hand make a remark. Lazarus, we have already identified, is an important person, and Mary and Martha are even people of distinction. "See how He loved him!" was the comment by the Jews. And they make a remark about how Jesus should be able to do something as remarkable as healing a blind man he didn't even know. It seems the Jews understand something here about Jesus. That He is a great healer. 

Jesus comes to the tomb and tells them to move the stone. Martha remarks that it will smell. Perhaps the stone was in place to keep the smell in the tomb. Either way, Martha doesn't understand yet what Jesus will do. He remarks that Martha will see the glory of God. 

And then Jesus speaks to the Father. He has mentioned his relationship to the Father prior but here he actually speaks to the Father - thanking that the Father hears Him. And He is making this remark for the benefit of the people standing around Him - "so that they may believe that You sent Me."

Then Jesus calls Him back from the dead. And tells them to unbind him and let him go. 

Summary: Jesus calls Lazarus to life from the grave as Martha and other Jews are watching. 

Promise: Jesus has authority over life and death. 

Prayer: Lord, you are Holy and True and your ways are always right. You are indeed sent from God and through You we believe. help those in unbelief to know You and become more serious about their love for You and their life living for You. I pray for the man Travis I saw yesterday and that He would get involved in church and get closer in His life with You. Make yourself real to Him. Help my son oldest son Tyson to do his job well and be consistent in making it to work on time. Help these people. Be glorified. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 11:11-16 - The Purpose of Lazarus' Death

John 11:11-16

11 This He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, so that I may awaken him out of sleep.” 12 The disciples then said to Him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking of literal sleep. 14 So Jesus then said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him.” 16 Therefore Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, so that we may die with Him.”

Message: The Purpose of Lazarus' Death

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: Last lesson began this story of Lazarus and Jesus heading back to the Jerusalem area, at Bethany to visit Lazarus, but he has not left yet. The disciples are with him and Jesus is now explaining to them his soon departure and they first misunderstand that he has died thinking he has just literally fallen asleep. But Jesus clarifies he is dead. Jesus wants the disciples to go with him so that they will witness him bringing Lazarus back from the dead. He wants His disciples to see this and in response believe. This is the purpose of Lazarus rising again - that people will see the work of God and believe. 

Part of the confusion by the disciples is that Jesus use a metaphor for sleep that was common in the Old Testament. 

I Kings 2:10 - Then David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David.

2 Kings 8:24 - So Joram slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David; and Ahaziah his son became king in his place.

2 Chronicles 9:31 - And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David; and his son Rehoboam reigned in his place.

Today we often use the term, "Pass away" as a more kinder declaration than died. But this idea of going to sleep can also be fitting for the body itself goes to sleep. Though many believe the Spirit goes to heaven and then at the second coming of Jesus, the body will be united with the Spirit. 

However, for this lesson Jesus again has a goal of confirming the disciples faith. 

Verse 16 states that Thomas will be going along and speaks to the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him." It is not clearly apparent what Jesus meant by this statement. We know Thomas wanted proof of Jesus, seeing his nail scarred hand (John 20:25). Up to this point, Jesus had spoken of his death coming and perhaps the disciples were bewildered by this and with the knowledge that the Jews in Jerusalem were seeking to seize him (John 10:39) perhaps he thought Jesus was walking into a trap and yet Thomas wanted to go with Jesus. But even in Jesus stating that he will go to Lazarus, maybe the disciples do not understand yet what Jesus will be doing with Lazarus. Jesus does speak in a little bit of mystery and the disciples are still trying to figure out what Jesus is saying. 

Jesus is going to resurrect Lazarus, given the disciples a sign that will confirm their faith and sustain them in grace. In a way, Jesus will provide the disciples a sort of proof to them of who He is and why He has come - to change lives. 

Summary: Before proceeding to Bethany Jesus tries to explain to the disciples his reason for going. The disciples will go along with Jesus and their belief will be the goal of this visit. 

Promise: Jesus is going to resurrect Lazarus, given the disciples a sign that will confirm their faith and sustain them in grace. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the great one who has come to change our lives. As I was speaking to a young man recently, Izzy, offering words to him, I pray that he will come to know you personally and that his faith will hold up in all of life's circumstances and he will see that he has been changed. Lord, your gospel shows us that we have needs - that we need you to save us and make us whole. That left to our own devices we will not yield a life glorifying You but rather glorifying self. Lord, you recognize what the disciples needed here and they needed more support for their faith and by raising Lazarus they can see more that you are here to change lives. Lord, strengthen me in your service and strengthen all us Christians to serve you always. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 11:1-10 - News about Lazarus

John 11:1-10

1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” 4 But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was. 7 Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone You, and are You going there again?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”

Message: News about Lazarus

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: Chapter 10 is a discussion Jesus gives that He is the good shepherd. And He lays down His life for sheep. And Jesus does this, laying down His life, on the authority of the Father. Jesus recognizes here that some are not His sheep and will not hear His voice. As Jesus speaks further He proclaims that He and the Father are of the same essence, are One, and in response to this the Jews pick up stones to stone Him. Jesus continues to defend that the Father is in Him and He is in the Father. Chapter 10 ends with Jesus leaving Jerusalem, going beyond the Jordan and as He did many believed in Him there. 

Now in Chapter 11 Jesus finds out from Mary and Martha that Lazarus is sick. And He will go back to the area that He came from, Bethany which is only 2 miles from Jerusalem. The disciples are concerned for his safety. But Jesus responds with words about hours in the day to basically say, that He is here now on this earth and He wants to be doing His best for people now. 

This is an interesting passage and maybe I don't see a whole lot of application here, but still I learn about Jesus and His mission and what He values in this world, reminding me of what I need to value in this world - people and being committed to them. 

Also in verse 4 I see a common theme of a miracle that Jesus will do in raising Lazarus and while Lazarus will eventually die again (I would think) the intent of this miracle is "for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it." Obviously, people get helped with miracles but the end result of this is that these acts will glorify God. 

Also, Jesus mentions 12 hours in a day, as in 12 hours to do walking, 12 hours to do work. In the USA we have instead shifted to an 8 hour work day, but it reminds me possibly that my days need to be about work and doing work and not simply waiting and relaxing. There is time for this and God provides team each day for this, but I also need to be about work and doing my best with the time He has given me. 

Summary: Jesus leaves Jerusalem, but will return to nearby Bethany after hearing that Lazarus is sick. 

Promise: God’s timing is not our timing, and His timing is always perfect.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the messages that I continue to study and read about in this Gospel of John. Thank you for giving John these words to say, that I might hear them, learn more about You and How you work and then how I am to conduct myself in these days. You are to be always glorified God. I think you for the many miracles you have done in my life - simply providing me great parents, a wonderful wife, great children, a great place to work and live and joy for each day. It all is under the umbrella of grace and provides fulfillment I don't deserve. But I thank you for being so gracious to me and pray that You would help me be a better ambassador for you in this new year. Give me opportunities to speak to more people. Help me to be faithful in this way. Bring all the glory to You God. Watch over my children - train them in You. Save my father. Rescue him. Help me to accept always what You provide. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 6:1-14 - Multiplying Loaves and Fishes

John 6:1-14

1 After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberius). 2 And a great multitude was following Him, because they were seeing the signs which He was performing on those who were sick; 3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Jesus therefore lifting up His eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to Him, said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?" 6 And this He was saying to test him; for He Himself knew what He was intending to do. 7 Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii (one day's wage) worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little." 8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, 9 "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?" 10 Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 Jesus therefore took the loaves; and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. 12 And when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost." 13 And so they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 When therefore the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, "This is of a truth the Prophet who is to come into the world." 

Message: Multiplying Loaves and Fishes

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: To review Chapter 5, a lame man is healed, but Jesus makes sure to speak to the man about his need to address his sin. The Jews accuse Jesus of being equal with God and Jesus gives witness that the Father gave Him life and every work He does is from the Father and yet He is equal with the Father and has always existed. We have been given eternal life resulting in deeds of righteousness. One day all of our deeds will be judged resulting in eternal life and judgment. John testified of Jesus, and Jesus and His miracles also testify of Him as well as the words of Moses and Scripture. Jesus is from the Father, doing the deeds of the Father and eternal life is only found in Him. If you reject the Son, then you reject the Father. 

And now in Chapter 6, Jesus goes to the other side of Galilee. In verse 2, John describes the fact that people are following Jesus in great numbers. Why? Because of the signs that He is performing. These works are part of His mission (5:36) and they testify of who Jesus is, and yet Jesus knows that a healing or sign alone does not save a person and people must believe in Him, placing their complete faith in Him, in order to have eternal life. 

The people following Him are great in number (verse 5). Matthew lets us know the number to be 5,000 men and yet there are women and children also, so the number is greater than 5,000. Jesus upon seeing this remarks that the people need to eat. Jesus asks Philip and Philip responds that 200 days' wages would not meet the need (verse 7). Andrew also mentions there is a little food but what are people going to do with that small amount (verse 8 and 9). Jesus provides the food, multiplying the loaves of bread and fish into not only enough for the people but leftovers as well. 

Jesus provides, not only for His disciples but beyond this. I don't think we can necessarily think that every person following Him was his true follower and yet Jesus still provides. He provides to people beyond those who are His followers. Jesus healed the man at the pool of Bethsaida in chapter 5 and yet we have no real assurance of this man's salvation. Jesus will work in our world today as well, healing people as well, even those that are not His true followers. We would hope that people would come to an understanding of Him through those miracles. 

In verse 14 is a proclamation, "This is of a truth the Prophet who is to come into the world." This is the appointed Messiah. This could be the outcome of the statement from Deuteronomy 18:18, "I will raise up for them a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them everything that I command him." A text and promise that had come over 600 years prior. And yet this is a text that many Muslims also claim to be Mohammed and LDS believe also point to Joseph Smith. In John 1:21 Jesus does not say he is Elijah or a Prophet, and yet the people still blur this idea of the two, as is mentioned here. 

Summary: Jesus feeds the multitudes following Him multiplying 5 loaves and 2 fish to provide for more than enough and the people testify that He is the prophet prophesied. 

Promise: The Lord meets all of our needs, now and forever. 

Prayer: Thank you for this passage O Lord and the great reminder that you are our provider. And you heal people and provide for them, all people, your followers and beyond. You are good, all good and that good transcends beyond just your chosen people. You impact many more. And hopefully people through that process come to know You as Savior and Lord. You are to be praised. Bring clarity and understanding to people. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 5:30-36 - Testifying to Jesus

John 5:30-36

30 I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 31 If I alone bear witness of Myself, My testimony is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the testimony which He bears of Me is true. 33 You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 But the witness which I receive is not from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. 35 He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 36 But the witness which I have is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish, the very works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. 

Message: Testifying to Jesus

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus continues to speak, answering (v. 19) the Jews (v. 18) and how they were seeing Him do things on the sabbath day that they felt He should not do, but also was God His own Father (v. 17), making Himself equal with God. 

And Jesus testifies that He does what He sees the Father doing. The Father begot the Son, yes. And yet the two have always existed. In believing in Jesus we have eternal life (v. 24) and Jesus has the same authority as the Father (v. 27). 

Jesus mentions (recorded in v. 30) that He works not on His own, but on the initiative of the Father. His judgment is just, because He does it by the will of Him (Father God) who sent Him. 

He makes it plain that He cannot bear witness of alone Himself (v. 31). An interesting note because of how many other religions get started because of one person's testimony or belief or even thought of God's appearance on their life. And then afterwards seek out others to bear witness, but the witness of Jesus is first from John. His witness precedes His testimony to people. Again, I think of two notable individuals in history that started religions - Mohammed and Joseph Smith. Would not their arrival been true if their was someone that preceded their arrival? And yet, neither had such a person. And there are many more like this in which someone self-proclaims themselves. 

And then He shows that His true calling and true witness is greater than John, but of the Father (v. 36). He is sent by the Father. The witness of Jesus is not merely from a man though this is of great impact to many hearers. But Jesus is clear that his chief witness is that He is from God (v. 34). 

As I look further at verse 35 in which Jesus refers to John as the lamp, I also remember John 1:8 in which John states, "He was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light." And yet I am not sure of its similarity to this text as Jesus speaks of John being the lamp and people rejoiced in his light. 

But not only John and not only the Father, Jesus remarks that His works, the miracle He performs are a testimony of His teaching. It is not only others that have come, but His work itself testifies of the greatness of who He is. Again, he is set apart from others by what He has done. Sometimes I have not held highly the works of Jesus because Jesus I think often thought that people just came to Him to see the outcome or benefit from the outcome of His healings, but I need to also remember that it His healings and miracles that also speak and testify that He is sent by God. 

Summary: John testified of Jesus prior to His coming and Jesus is sent by the Father and in the miracles He performed this also testified of Him. 

Promise: We have much to proclaim to us of the validity of Jesus - His own teaching, the witness of John the Baptist, the witness of the Father, and the witness of our Lord's miracles. 

Prayer: Lord, You are good. Your ways are true. They are right and Lord, your ways are great because of who came before You and who sent You and then Your works also testify of who you are. You are not simply one that came with words, but others prepared your way and Your words testify of You. Help me to remember this and remember this - to help to testify of You continually. You are to be praised and glorified. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 3:1-2 - Nicodemus Comes to Jesus

John 3:1-2

1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; 2 this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

Message: Nicodemus Comes to Jesus

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: Chapter 2 was a fairly short chapter of 25 verses; Chapter 1 had 51 verses. Chapter 2 had 2 main divisions - The Wedding at Cana and Jesus Cleansing the Temple at Passover. At the end of Chapter 2 is the understanding that many were coming to hear and believe in Jesus, but Jesus was not entrusting Himself to them, meaning He was not giving Himself to them or they did not have real faith. 

But here in John 3 is the record of "Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews." He mentions the signs that Jesus had been doing (2:23 "many....observing His signs which He was doing") and Nicodemus believes that no one can do these signs unless one is from God. 

Pharisees would be the primary basis for Rabbinic Judaism following the destruction of the temple in AD 70. They were a strict Jewish sect that believed that God created the world, chose Israel as His people, and rewarded and punished them according to the law or their observance of the Law. And the Pharisees were opponents of Jesus or known to be the one's often questioning Him. 

The passage states that "this man came to Jesus by night." It could be that since Jesus was an opponent that he wanted to come to Jesus under the cover of darkness, not to be seen. Or it could simply be that he came to Jesus after the day's activities. 

Nicodemus also approaches him with a safe word for him - "Rabbi, Teacher." But even in this pronouncement is an acknowledgement that Jesus must be from God. And again, the reason - he saw miracles he had been doing. In this book, I have only seen a miracle of turning water into wine, but it must be that there were other miracles that John did not speak of directly. 

Summary: Nicodemus, observing the signs Jesus was doing, comes to Jesus to remark him as a Rabbi and that He must be sent from God. 

Promise: Anyone can come to Jesus. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the message of Your word today and the privilege to continue to hear your Words spoken and taught. Holy Spirit, continue to speak and to remind us to be your faithful witnesses as we walk in this world, helping me grab hold of opportunities to share the truth of Your gospel to others. 

John 2:6-12 - The First of Jesus' Signs

John 2:6-12

6 Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it to him. 9 When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom, 10 and said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. 12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother and His brothers and His disciples; and they stayed there a few days.

Message: The First of Jesus' Signs

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

 

What the Lord is Saying: This is a rather interesting miracle that begins Jesus' ministry. In the books of Mark and Luke, the first miracle that is mentioned is bringing the unclean spirit or demon out of a man (Mark 1:25; Luke 4:35), and in Matthew, it was healing a leper (Matthew 8:3). But here in John, the first miracle is Jesus turning water into wine. In this situation, John provides many details about the event. In the previous lesson I saw that his mother Mary was present, as well as his disciples with him at the time (probably 4-5 of them), water pots nearby for purification purposes.  

I think it is normal for us in reading these words from Jesus and scripture to glean from them multiple observations. The written word is no accident and so even in writing these words, it seems that perhaps there was more of a meaning here than meets the eye. 

For instance, verse 6 mentions that the water pots are those used for the Jewish custom of purification. This could have something to do with wedding guests purifying or washing their hands or it may have something to do with ceremonial practice of cleaning mentioned like in Exodus 30:17-21 the priests followed prior to entering the tabernacle or temple. And so in a way Jesus uses these to show something "new" that he is doing. The practice of going to the temple will no longer be needed upon his sacrifice on the cross for our sins, becoming a permanent substitute for us. 

The other thing that stands out to me is in verse 10 when the headwaiter states, “Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Again, this seems another way of expressing that in Jesus we have someone new and in Jesus we have the best that came last. It is said that others will serve good first and then poorer next but in this situation the best comes at the end. 

We also understand that what was former was good, but now this wine is the good wine which means the former wine can now be called the poorer wine. So once people experience Jesus and what He offers, everything in the past pales in comparison. 

Finally, John ends this by saying that in this sign it is not the last time, but there will be more signs and this is a form of people manifesting His glory. As it states in Hebrews 1:3, "And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." That glory is speaking of God's glory. Earlier John had mentioned the Word becoming flesh and the glory is the glory of the Son -- John 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

Glory is an interesting word. Possible meanings:

• good opinion concerning one
• splendor, brightness
• magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace
• majesty
• a most glorious condition, most exalted state

This glory is distinct and different from anything else. And it seems that it is a word to describe the recognition of one, stating that this one has all excellence and exaltation. I think of the statement, "Give God the Glory" to me it means give God all that is due him, all the praise and excellence and great opinion that He is the one who did it, whatever that is. So to manifest His glory is to equal that glory that only God has because only God created and birthed and is in charge of all that we see. So I'm trying to figure out a little whether the glories are different - God's glory and Jesus's glory or is the glory that is talked about all for God? 

Summary: Jesus does a miracle, turning water into wine, and shows that He is better than the past; new is better than old. 

Promise: Jesus fulfills the old covenant revelation, bringing something new. The moral law continues, but the outward administration of the covenant has changed.

Prayer: Father God, you are holy and good and true. And thank you for helping me understand this message today and understand the Glory of God, though I am still figuring it out. Thank you for this message about You Jesus and coming to us and ushering in something new that is better than the past. The past paved the way, but you have sealed it and continue to give me understanding. 

2 Kings 6:1-7 - Providential Working through Miracles

2 Kings 6:1-7
1 Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Behold now, the place before you where we are living is too limited for us. 2 Please let us go to the Jordan and each of us take from there a beam, and let us make a place there for ourselves where we may live.” So he said, “Go.” 3 Then one said, “Please be willing to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I shall go.” 4 So he went with them; and when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, my master! For it was borrowed.” 6 Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And when he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron float. 7 He said, “Take it up for yourself.” So he put out his hand and took it.

Message: Providential Working through Miracles

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. The time ranges from 853 BC to 586 BC. World affairs is the subject in light of Israel and Judah. None of Israel kings did right in God's eyes. Several of Judah's kings were righteous.

What the Lord is Saying:

This study I have been doing of God's sovereignty has focused on the idea that God is active. He is present in this life and working all the time. He is not simply in and out of our lives, but is active in everything. It is a good reminder to realize that He is there and He is not silent. We continue to live and breath on this earth because of Him. He sustains life. He is over all. His grace is common to all mankind, whether they acknowledge Him or not. He governs the big things, like the dynasties of nations and empires, but then is also in the small things. Nothing occurs by chance or whim. Flips of a coin and casting lots both have purposes. He works through people's lives. People are who they are and are trained often the way they are for a bigger purpose. He works through their skills, talents, personalities to govern all activity.

But God also has suspended certain natural laws in order to carry out a miracle. I was speaking to someone recently, an atheist, and he said he was fine with everything Jesus did, but not the miracle part. He wasn't willing to accept all of Jesus and rejected anything he felt was outlandish. God used miracles to grant special revelation of Himself to people; he worked through prophets and Apostles in carrying out miracles, but since those types of individuals are not present today - it is believed that miracles of that sort do not occur today.

2 Kings 6:1-7 records the miracle of the floating iron ax-head. It is an interesting miracle for it recovers an object simply that appeared to have been lost after cutting down a tree.

Most of the other miracles in the Bible have a very specific purpose and reveal much about our God and Lord and his providence toward people.

Promise: God can direct His creation to do whatever He desires. He can heal the sick, change hearts, and do other things that we pray for. We can be confident in His ability to do things extra-ordinary.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for showing all mankind that you do things in an amazing way. Lord, I pray that people would trust You and realize that You can do more than we comprehend. Keep us focused on You and trusting in You to impact lives.


Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines with March being about the sovereign providence of God and looking at how the Bible reveals His control over all things.

Mark 13:21-23 - False Signs and Wonders

Mark 13:21-23
21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ’; or, ‘Behold, He is there’; do not believe him; 22 for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance.

Message: False Signs and Wonders

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is giving now what mean have called the Olivet Discourse. He is on the Mount of Olives and pronouncing a prophecy centrally about the destruction of the temple, something that occurs in AD 70. He is preparing the disciples for events that will occur and their faith should not bend, they can continue to trust God for the outcomes. But, Jesus is being specific - false teachers will be present, religious leaders will also persecute believers, but we are to continue proclaiming the name of Jesus, and finally the believers will need to flee the city of Jerusalem for their lives to be spared.

In verses 5 and 6 Jesus mentions See to it that no one misleads you. Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and will mislead many, giving a warning about false Messiahs. This is a warning even in our own day. At several times in scripture we are warned of these false teachers:

• 2 Timothy 4:3-4 - For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
• Acts 20:28-30 - Be on guard for yourselves...I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
• 2 Peter 3:17 - You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness
• I John 4:1-3 - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.

False teachers will always be present in our age. These are teachers inside our own churches and outside. I think God has given people a desire for spiritual things, but salvation is also a personal thing and Jesus is clear we are not only born physically, but we also must be born of the Spirit by the Spirit of God (John 3). That birth is personal and requires personal evaluation, but we are also relational people and we tend to often run with what others are doing rather than evaluating ourselves. Thus, we listen to quickly often to others who many times have selfish reasons for their positions. Jesus has been calling attention to people's motives recently and how we must be careful. 

No one is exempt from this, as Jesus mentions in verse 22 - in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect. Even the elect will try to be led astray. Jesus talks also about signs and wonders, something that Moses echoed in Deuteronomy 13:1-5. People will be drawn away by miraculous looking events - for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders. I believe this is becoming more and more difficult. One we have the enemy drawing people away by preaching that he is king of this world and we are focusing more on entertainment, safety, comfort, a life free of diseases, and ease. Then we also have the danger of those selling truth and in spiritual ways leading people away. It take great effort to not just acquiesce into the many forces swirling around us, but to remain firm in our faith. 

Summary - This passage is primarily to the Jewish Christians at this time for after the Romans invaded the city, false teacher would implore them not to flee, but to stay. Many were following Jesus because of His signs and wonders and these events would be duplicated, but Jesus had a more significant message of love, forgiveness, faith in God, repentance, person contrition and obedience that they couldn't miss. And we need this truth today as well. 

Promise: The truth of a teacher's words is determined not by the feats he can perform but by the orthodoxy of what he teaches (Tabletalk, October 10, 2016)

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the truth that You reveal to me and giving me a discerning heart. Thank you for the many wonderful teachers you have given us from previous generations, that have given true meaning to the scriptures. Help me to stay careful of who I listen to and direct me to those that are upholding truth correctly. I pray that everyone will have this same quest. Remove the deception from my family and friends. Train us in Your Word. Keep me on the alert. 

Mark 8:1-10 - Feeding Four Thousand

Mark 8:1-10
1 In those days, when there was again a large crowd and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples and *said to them, 2 “I feel compassion for the people because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way; and some of them have come from a great distance.” 4 And His disciples answered Him, “Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this desolate place to satisfy these people?” 5 And He was asking them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven.” 6 And He *directed the people to sit down on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve to them, and they served them to the people. 7 They also had a few small fish; and after He had blessed them, He ordered these to be served as well. 8 And they ate and were satisfied; and they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces. 9 About four thousand were there; and He sent them away. 10 And immediately He entered the boat with His disciples and came to the district of Dalmanutha.

Message: Feeding Four Thousand

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Preface: Jesus, after spending time in Tyre and Sidon and Decapolis area, it seems, trying to get away for a bit, also spent time healing a demon possessed daughter and a blind man. Prior to this Jesus was emphasizing to his disciples and even the scribes the focus on the heart of man, as the Pharisees continued to emphasize the outward works. Jesus is really concerned about the heart.

Yet, people still have needs. This story of the feeding of four thousand reads easy. It is a simple story of people in need and Jesus meeting that need. Like the previous story of the feeding of 5,000, the people impacted are a large group of Gentiles, on the road for days, only to see Jesus. Chances are, though it is not recorded in scripture, Jesus spent time with these travelers, speaking to them, perhaps even healing people in various ways. In essence this was a retreat for many, to go see Jesus and see who this man is and what he is about. Rather than sending them away hungry, he takes what food he has and provides it to them.

They ate and were satisfied - thus, they received what they needed to now make their journey home. And they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces. People were famished and yet there was still food left over. Another interesting note is that  four thousand were there. Previously, when Jesus fed five thousand, those 5,000 mentioned were men, which meant there were probably closer to 15,000 or more with families. Yet, here 4,000 are mentioned. The other sad part of this story is how slowly the disciples are learning about Jesus and what he can do. His disciples answered Him, “Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this desolate place to satisfy these people?” Jesus has already fed and done so many other things for the disciples to see the power that he has and yet they still don't see it.

I think it is interesting here that Jesus doesn't seem make something happen out of thin air, but he uses commodities already present, but multiplies their use. In a similar way, Jesus uses us, his followers and works through us in an amazing way.

Summary: Jesus, after spending time with many people, who have come from far away to see Him, takes care of their need to eat, using what has been provided, multiplying it for what everyone needs. He then leaves, with the disciples on a boat to the district of Dalmanutha.

Promise: From Tabletalk - Sometimes we find ourselves doubting the Lord’s concern for us and His ability to meet our needs. If we were to remember what He has done for us, particularly in rescuing us from sin when we were hopelessly lost, we would find ourselves more apt to trust that He will provide. Think on what the Lord has done for you, and trust that He will come through again because He loves you.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this message that reminds me that you work through what has been provided, but in a mightier way that it appears. You God are there for us and provide us what we need at all times. You take care of us. I thank You and Praise your name. Help us to get out of the way and let you work.

Mark 6:47-52 - Jesus Walks on Water

Mark 6:47-52
47 When it was evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone on the land. 48 Seeing them straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, at about the fourth watch of the night He *came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them. 49 But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; 50 for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and *said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.” 51 Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, 52 for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened.

Message: Jesus Walks on Water

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus comes to Nazareth and continues to teach but also experiences a little opposition from his friends and family. He sends out his disciples to teach and heal, as necessary. The message is becoming more well known. Herod Antipas, one of 4 rulers of Rome, wonders if Jesus is a resurrected John (John has previously been killed by him and that story is recounted I think partly to show us that the message of the gospel is sometimes not well received). The disciples return and report on what they have done and taught. Jesus sends them away for rest, but the people are there waiting for them, in the 1000s. Jesus teaches the people. The disciples then send them away for food, but Jesus shows the disciples how they can be fed. Jesus then puts the disciples on a boat, sends the people away, and goes to the mountain to pray.

When it was evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone on the land. This is no accident. Jesus is once again going to teach the disciples something. Most recently, Jesus has commissioned his disciples to be witnesses and do the work of restoring lives, physically and spiritually. Yet, the disciples still have lessons to learn. In the feeding of the 5,000 to me the lesson to the disciples was "you can do it. you have my power. let me show you what that means." And now as he prepares to walk on the water, he is giving them another message.

Seeing them straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, at about the fourth watch of the night He *came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them. The disciples were in a boat, working together, trying simply to stay in their boat and go forth as the wind is against them. It is not a calm sea and suddenly Jesus, on the water, approaches them. Their world is swirling and he is walking. They are fighting against the elements of nature and he is walking. They are in the middle of hostility and he is walking.

But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were terrified. As they saw him, they thought they were seeing a ghost. Though he has done amazing things to this point, any time he does something new they are amazed and startled and don't immediately think that it is real.

But immediately He spoke with them and *said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid. It is simple. I have not changed. Though the world and nature is crazy about and a mystery and an unknown, I have not changed. Do not be afraid.

Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped. The wind was in motion to challenge them. He was once again teaching them by putting them in this boat. He was showing them a lesson.

And they were utterly astonished, for they had not gained any insight from the loaves, but their heart was hardened. See, did they learn anything from the loaves? No. Currently, though Jesus has commissioned them and wants them to share the message he has of repentance and believe, they still do not comprehend it all. They are still unsure of many things, including Jesus and his power. Yet, Jesus still wants to use them and believes they can be effective. Jesus knows that they can be used.

Summary - Jesus continues to teach the disciples, showing them that he is in control of all and wherever they go they can trust him. No matter what the experience presents itself to them, he can still be trusted. He will literally and figuratively calm whatever comes into their lives.

Promise: Just being with Jesus is not enough to create faith in our hearts. The only hope is for God to take out our hearts of stone that refuse to believe and to give us hearts of flesh that beat with faith in Christ (Ez 36:26).

Prayer: Lord, give people what they need most: new hearts. I talk to many people and they all need new hearts. Thank you for the movie I saw this weekend - I Can Only Imagine - and how Bart witnessed what you and only you could do in the life of a person. It was an amazing thing to see him experience You and have his eyes opened. Thank you for the beautiful story that I just wanted to see again and again. Keep changing hearts. Keep changing me. Give me patience and sensitivity to those that are not there - like the two Derek's in my life. Bring them to you. I wait with expectation and hope, trusting in You.

Mark 6:35-44 - Five Thousand Men Fed

Mark 6:35-44
³⁵ When it was already quite late, His disciples came to Him and said, “This place is desolate and it is already quite late; ³⁶ send them away so that they may go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” ³⁷ But He answered them, “You give them something to eat!” And they *said to Him, “Shall we go and spend two hundred denarii on bread and give them something to eat?” ³⁸ And He *said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go look!” And when they found out, they *said, “Five, and two fish.” ³⁹ And He commanded them all to sit down by groups on the green grass. ⁴⁰ They sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. ⁴¹ And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves and He kept giving them to the disciples to set before them; and He divided up the two fish among them all. ⁴² They all ate and were satisfied, ⁴³ and they picked up twelve full baskets of the broken pieces, and also of the fish. ⁴⁴ There were five thousand men who ate the loaves.

Message: Five Thousand Men Fed

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is in Nazareth, his hometown, but he doesn't get the reception that we would think. Instead of welcoming him, people question him. But he continues with his message of repent and believe. Jesus is becoming more and more well known and his message is reaching further and further. With that sometimes comes misunderstanding. Herod Antipas, one of 4 rulers of Rome now, wonders if Jesus is a resurrected John. John is killed mainly because Herodias was confronted with her sin and was upset at John. Now, the apostles arrive back after Jesus had sent them out. Jesus has them go off to a secluded place to get rest, but mobs of people swarm them and Jesus realizes these people need to be taught, so he does that, teaches them.

Now, I come upon the feeding of 5,000 - the one miracle that is recorded in all 4 gospels. This is an interesting miracle. While many were affected, the disciples were also very affected. As a reminder, the apostles have returned from ministering and speak of what they have done first, then what they taught. As the people come to them, Jesus sees they are without a shepherd still. What is it they are really following? Jesus sees the need to teach them. Then the disciples mention turning people away now because it is time to eat. But, Jesus reminds them that he can do everything and can provide food for a few people.

Mark's words seem to really focus more on the disciples rather than the 5,000. Upon the disciples mentioning that the people need to go back to the city and countryside in order to be fed, Jesus responds to them with these words: “You give them something to eat!” Jesus has already equipped his disciples and given them the idea that there needs would be taken care of, to the point that went he sent them they did not have to be concerned about taking food, clothing, or anything. Perhaps, the disciples really didn't comprehend yet the extent of what Jesus meant by this. his authority, but perhaps they didn't have a full understand of what they could do. Perhaps I am the same way. Perhaps my faith is also weak. Maybe when God tells me to do something, I first want to figure out all the details, get all the training, do all my homework, getting comfortable and prepared and then I go. It is hard to know. But, clearly the disciples looked at their situation and didn't first think that this could be a spiritual solution, a God-sized solution. Instead, they stared at their surroundings. 

So, I'm not saying that every situation in life can simply be addressed by faith without asking any questions. But, do I approach situations with a confidence in the Savior? Or am I too quick to stare at limitations and current situations and assume that I then have all the understanding. 

In Judaism, this prayer is common -- Praise to you, O Lord our God, king of the world, who makes bread to come forth from the earth, and who provides for all that you have created. 

This prayer now takes on a meaning from this miracle. God did indeed make bread come forth from the earth. It says that There were five thousand men who ate the loaves. Chances are then that many more than 5,000 were fed if only the men were counted. The majority of commentaries have the population of Nazareth at this time to be 1500 but some say smaller, while others larger. The fact that so many people had come to this area, following Jesus and his disciples therefore is significant and also speaks to the time frame. I read the Bible thinking it is daily accounts, but it is more possible that the time between Jesus asking his disciples to go to a secluded place and the feeding of the 5,000 was weeks, in order to support the coming of all of these people as it does say in verse 33 - The people saw them going, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them.

Summary - The disciples are told by Jesus to feed these people that have come to them to listen to Jesus' teaching. The disciples see that the only solution is to send them away and let them fend for themselves, but Jesus tells the disciples to feed them. They don't understand how, so Jesus shows them his hand of providence. Jesus takes care of the situation. 

Promise: Jesus meets our needs, all of them. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this reminder that you are our provider and you take care of our needs, my needs. When you call us, you promise to provide for us as well. We are people too often of little faith. Thank you for this reminder that you do provide. I want to trust you always. Help my faith to increase.  

Mark 6:30-34 - Sheep Without A Shepherd

Mark 6:30-34
³⁰ The apostles *gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. ³¹ And He *said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) ³² They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves.
³³ The people saw them going, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them. ³⁴ When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.

Message: Sheep Without A Shepherd

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is now in Nazareth, his hometown, but he doesn't get the reception that we would think. Instead of welcoming him, people question him. But he continues with his message of repent and believe. Jesus is becoming more and more well known and his message is reaching further and further. With that sometimes comes misunderstanding. Herod Antipas, one of 4 rulers of Rome now, wonders if Jesus is a resurrected John. At this, Mark diverts a little to tell us about John and his relationship with Herod and then his untimely death at the hands of Herod because his new wife Herodias felt shame over John's words about her marrying Herod and leaving her 1st husband in order to move up the social ladder.

Jesus has previously sent out his apostles. Multiplying the gospel message is key and Jesus commissions these men to do the work of the gospel, giving them the authority as well to heal people and exercise demons. The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. The apostles were returning to Jesus to tell him all that they had done and taught. Notice, done precedes taught as if, even with the apostles, there was something more electrifying about the miracles that had been performed than the message that had gone out. 

Jesus' response to the apostles is Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while. Jesus knows that they are probably exhausted from their work, perhaps even defaulting to healing people rather than focusing more squarely on the message. They have a need to retreat and rest. We all have this need. I have this need as I am taking 2 days off from work right now in order to take a rest before my new boss starts on Monday. I need a break as well. Jesus, upon creation, gave us a Sabbath day to rest. 

But, this doesn't mean the people will let people rest: They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves. The people saw them going, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them. It is not clear what the people's motivation was at this time. Was it the radical message or was it the miracles? I'm noticed thus far that Mark is not yet communicating in much detail the message of what Jesus is bringing but he is honed in more on the responses of people. In some ways there is a somewhat hidden message of belief and repentance that is going on in these passages. 

• Jesus performs miracles mostly related to healing and casting out of demons 1:21-2:12
• Controversy is seen in Jesus' friendship with sinners, over Sabbath-work, over Sabbath-healing, Opposition by his Friends 2:13-3:35
• Jesus provides parables that speak to the mission of his disciples but also the various responses that can be anticipated 4:1-34
• Jesus performs miracles more focused on his dominion over the sea, death and dying 4:35-5:43
• Even as the message goes out, there is sometimes misunderstanding of who Jesus is and what he is doing 5:44-6:34

And this is where today's passage brings us. We are witnessing Jesus' power in these passages, his power over lives and people and nature, but that doesn't necessarily mean the message is being received. It is hard to tell. He remarks that they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. As enamored as people were, they were still needing to be taught. 

Perhaps this is what Mark is trying to convey - there is importance in Jesus teaching as he is showing that Jesus keeps coming back to the message. Yet, why is he being so descriptive about the miracles as this is leading up now to the feeding of 5,000 and Jesus walking on the Water. Is this an attempt to build a crowd first and then provide them the message? Is this often what our churches are doing today? Are they providing something fun to bring people into the church? Often, I see this. Whether it is a carnival instead of Halloween or an event at a park, there are these opportunities to bring people in the door. However, the message of the Gospel, of sin, of repentance and believing must be central. We don't do all of those things to then give them a self-help seminar. 

Summary - The apostles have arrived, back from there journey of teaching and doing. Jesus sees that they need a rest, but the masses are still running after them. Jesus remarks that these people are still wondering like sheep without a shepherd. He responds then by teaching them. What they need is to learn and be taught. 

Promise: We need to sit under the solid teaching of God's word. The message is what changes lives, permanently. People will be enamored and flock to Him because of miracles, but the crux is the gospel to believe and surrender, turn from our sin and go continually toward God. 

Prayer: Thank you for Mark Lord and the message that I read from him. At times, I am not sure what I am to learn. I want to know you, through Mark's lens which I know mostly comes from Peter, but I want to know you as these men did in the time you walked the earth. Help me to rediscover you and know you in the way you wanted to be known. Help me to understand your message. Thank you for Godly men and women you have commissioned throughout the ages to teach us. Thank you for equipping and inspiring many. I pray that I too can rest when I need to. Thank you for being my Shepherd and showing me the way.