Mark 4:10-12 - The Purpose of Parables

Mark 4:10-12
10 As soon as He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve, began asking Him about the parables. 11 And He was saying to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables, 12 so that while seeing, they may see and not perceive, and while hearing, they may hear and not understand, otherwise they might return and be forgiven.”

Message: The Purpose of Parables

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:

I loved that first message in Mark 4:1-9 and maybe its true that the Gospel of John doesn't have many teachings, but rather presents Jesus in all his wanderings and dealings with people, but I love texts about teaching and uncovering truths.

Here now, Jesus has just taught a large crowd, going out on a boat, possibly to project his voice better, possibly also because of the size of the crowd. He shared the parable of the sower and now He will speak of the purpose of the parable and take time to explain it.

Verse 10 begins - As soon as he was alone - as if, once again, after speaking to a large group, Jesus desires to be alone -- to take a moment and pray possibly, to rest, to go to the Father. This seems consistent, like in 1:35 it speaks of him going to a lonely place in the dark. Many are around Jesus but he also needs time to be alone or just be with his disciples. 

His followers, along with the twelve, began asking Him about the parables. This is interesting as we know there were 12 disciples/apostles called by Jesus and following him, but here there are also followers mentioned that seems different from the very great multitude mentioned in verse 1 that Jesus is speaking to. Again, he is speaking of being alone so alone meant followers as well as His apostles.  Thus, there is some sort of an inner circle that isn't just made up of the 12, but also includes others. While there is an inner group, there are others that simply keep following Jesus around. It is to these individuals that Jesus is speaking directly to and that are asking him about the parables.

And He was saying to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables, so that while seeing, they may see and not perceive, and while hearing, they may hear and not understand, otherwise they might return and be forgiven.”

First of all, to his followers and twelve, he says - to you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God. In other words, you have been given the unveiling of the gospel of truth and you have been called. Jesus is distinguishing 2 groups of people -- the group that heard the parables was the 'great multitude', but this is different from his 'followers and disciples.' I think he is explaining that those who seek after Him, who are not just there to listen and perhaps only seek a healing touch, to that group - his followers - they have been given access unto the mystery of the kingdom of God. The text says that the mystery has been given. Mystery seems also to be a way of saying the gospel or salvation or saving knowledge has been given. To have this knowledge of God and who He is obviously requires a passing down, a grafting in, of this knowledge by God to man. 

But those who are outside get everything in parables. The KJV says but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables. Are the parables there to prick the ears of the crowd? Each set grouping -- the multitude and the followers -- receive the same message, but to the followers it is given, and to the multitude it is done or presented. I think this is a distinction. They obviously have a familiar reading to them, a story, and yet they also have a deeper meaning. As this one says, we need to seed on good soil. That has multiple applications to it, but for the followers of Christ, it has a more specific meaning.

Second, Jesus further clarifies the meaning of the parables. After speaking the parable to everyone and  perhaps more chiefly the great multitude that have come to Jesus for many different reasons - some true, some not -- Jesus now quotes from Isaiah, which is the most quoted book in the New Testament. The context of the quote is the calling of Isaiah and his commission. Here is the full text of Isaiah 6:8-10:

Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” And He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not understand; Keep on looking, but do not comprehend.’ “Make the heart of this people insensitive,
Their ears dull, And their eyes dim, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts, And return and be healed.”

This is a rather interesting passage that I heard preached last Sunday in service. The Lord calls Isaiah and Isaiah responds. And then the message that the Lord gives Isaiah to preach is perhaps a little shocking because the Lord lets Isaiah know that his ministry will not be met with a lot of positive response. At first it sounds sarcastic: the people will listen, but not understand. Their ears will be dull from your preaching and their eyes dim. Otherwise they might see and hear and understand and be healed. I like Matthew Henry's comments on this passage:

God sends Isaiah to foretell the ruin of his people. Many hear the sound of God's word, but do not feel the power of it. God sometimes, in righteous judgment, gives men up to blindness of mind, because they will not receive the truth in the love of it. But no humble inquirer after Christ, need to fear this awful doom, which is a spiritual judgment on those who will still hold fast their sins. Let every one pray for the enlightening of the Holy Spirit, that he may perceive how precious are the Divine mercies, by which alone we are secured against this dreadful danger. Yet the Lord would preserve a remnant, like the tenth, holy to him. And blessed be God, he still preserves his church; however professors or visible churches may be lopped off as unfruitful, the holy seed will shoot forth, from whom all the numerous branches of righteousness shall arise.

So bringing it back to this text, Jesus seems to acknowledge that many will be around him. They may see, but not perceive. They may hear, but not understand.

There is a sober reality that the preaching of the Word does not always merit converts. Man is born a natural man, with a sin nature and bent towards things not of God. Throughout life, the ruler of this world puts forth his message of tolerance, conformity, indoctrination, selfishness, always questioning the events of life, dissatisfied, that life is about complete freedom from trouble, danger, risk and each persons path is to live long with little trials, and that we each create our own destiny. These messages are everywhere in our world and they really contradict the message of God. Some will be given the mystery, but many will just hear messages.

Promise: God calls people to himself. Man is called to preach the gospel. Some will listen and receive. Some will just listen.

Prayer: Lord, how can it be that you have saved me. How can it be. Keep me humble and gentle toward others. Help me to have sympathy. Thank you for the wonderful treat it is to be able to experience the fullness of joy from reading your word and hearing you speak to me throughout my life. Life is full of meaning because you are in me, speaking, directing. Forgive me for ignoring you all too often. Forgive me for too often committing adultery and not choosing my marriage with You, but rather being a friend to the world. Lord, I am a sinner. There is no changing that here on earth. I have a sin nature. And I am a filthy rag. But, you are holy and you have chosen to live inside of me and take up residence and breath holiness in me. Lord, if I had it my way, all would know you. But, I am not here God to ask you 'why' as the clay does not ask the potter 'why have you made me this way.' But rather I am here to trust you and believe that your authority over me is right and true. To have the peace that I have is a wonderful thing. Once again, keep me humble. I thank you and praise you God.

Jesus Calling: January 22

STRIVE TO TRUST ME in more and more areas of your life. Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity. Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them, eager to gain all the blessings I have hidden in the difficulties. If you believe that I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, it is possible to trust Me in all situations. Don't waste energy regretting the way things are or thinking about what might have been. Start at the present moment--accepting things exactly as they are--and search for My way in the midst of those circumstances.
     Trust is like a staff you can lean on, as you journey uphill with Me. If you are trusting in Me consistently, the staff will bear as much of your weight as needed. Lean on, trust, and be confident in Me with all your heart and mind. 

Psalm 52:8
English Standard Version

But I am like a green olive tree
    in the house of God.
I trust in the steadfast love of God
    forever and ever.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Amplified Version
5 
Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
6 
In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,
And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

My Prayer
Lord, so many times in my life you are there, simply saying "I got this." In turn, all that I need to do is trust You. You remind me to not worry, but instead pray about everything and you are teaching me that when I pray it is turning the control over to you. Why is it that prayer is too often the last thing I do when faced with a difficult situation? It's like I try to solve the problem my way and then when I can't, I say, "Well, I guess God is going to have to care of this." Lord, forgive me for putting you second or third or even last. I want to put you first, instead.

When I pray it is often simply asking to remove something in my life making me anxious, and yet you remind me that these are the instances when I often grow the most and even experience great blessings. My problem Lord, I admit, is that I don't trust you in every aspect of my life; too often, it is me that is saying "I got this." But, yes, it is possible to trust You in all situations.

Yet Lord, as Daniel Amos sang, don't let me take another trip down memory lane. Instead, I can start afresh and anew each day. I can pray, "Thank you for a new day." I can begin again. I can start at the present moment.

I really do want to trust in You Lord with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding. In all my ways I want to acknowledge You for the promise is real that you will remove obstacles in my life as I do and keep me on a straight path.


Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Mark 4:1-9 - The Parable of the Sower

Mark 4:1-9
1 He began to teach again by the sea. And such a very large crowd gathered to Him that He got into a boat in the sea and sat down; and the whole crowd was by the sea on the land. 2 And He was teaching them many things in parables, and was saying to them in His teaching,3 “Listen to this! Behold, the sower went out to sow; 4 as he was sowing, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil. 6 And after the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. 7 Other seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. 8 Other seeds fell into the good soil, and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” 9 And He was saying, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Message: The Parable of the Sower; Why we should not ask "Why"

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:

As we begin chapter 4, Mark remarks that He began to teach again - this is the ministry focus that I think Mark wants to communicate to us: Jesus came to teach us. After getting baptized, teaching was the first thing that Mark mentioned as Jesus went into the synagogue. We have seen Jesus be radical and controversial to the teachers or Jewish scribes at the synagogues, and to many people following Him, some of who just want to be healed, but Jesus really wants people to take hold of the message he has. And yet, through the first 3 chapters not so much has been really said, other than repent and believe. Forgiveness of sins, His authority over everything, and His mission have been shared, but perhaps now here is a message, through a parable, to convey to a very large crowd gathered to Him. 

I wonder if Mark is wanting us to hear the messages of Jesus, but also let us see how Jesus relates to people. While his mission of teaching repentance and believing is His mission, we walk with Jesus through those messages, between them, and get to see Him relating as well to people as they come along.

This parable seems rather easy in its prose. Here is a sower who seeks growth from seed. The sower is dropping seed and it ends up in 4 places: (1) Beside the road, (2) on rocky ground, (3) among thorns, and (4) into the good soil.

(1) as it fell beside the road, it simply became bird seed and that's it, nothing else is said about that.
(2) as it fell on rocky ground, we see that, almost like a weed, it sprang up; so it looked good from the ground up, but when the sun came out it got scorched because it had no root.
(3) as it fell among thorns, it did grow, but the thorns kept it from producing fruit (e.g. - unequally yoked from 2 Cor 6:14).
(4) as it fell into the good soil, it grew, it increased and it yielded not just fruit, but an abundance, multiplying. 

Today, I will simply provide a basic commentary on this because Jesus is going to explain this parable more fully later in the chapter.

It's interesting that Jesus uses the parable to show us the danger or the result of different ways seed is dropped, perhaps different audiences to whom he is speaking. He doesn't simply give us the optimal place to drop seed -- the good soil -- but takes the time to explain the other surfaces it gets dropped. It happens. As the seed goes forth, it hits different surfaces. And we have seen this so far. He has been teaching, but the scribes and Pharisees receive it one way, followers desiring to be healed receive it another way, disciples one way, and then others who are there to listen to the message. But the point is the seed is received in different ways. And the ground will determine its growth. The seed is a nutrient, but what is key, is the ground. Has the ground been prepared? I Corinthians 3:6 - I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.

Thus, his conclusion to the parable is apt - He who has ears to hear, let him hear. We have all been given ears, but those ears have different meanings to different people. Some peoples ears are there to respond, to defend, to correct, but here Jesus says specifically some ears are there to hear.

There is truth in this message and in some ways, this truth is unsettling. There is a principle I've noticed in my life about people and how they often respond to life's events. It is generally with this question - "Why?" For me, it speaks to the first sin of the Bible. After God told Adam and Eve they could eat from any tree in the garden except for one, the serpent comes on the scene and I believe says to Eve, "Why?" God has given Adam and Eve an abundance, and yet the serpent expresses to Eve, but "Why not that tree?" What was God's purpose? For Adam and Eve to trust him. He wanted them to trust him, so that they could see they have everything they need.

This question has invaded our lives. Often the question is "Why do bad things happen to good people?" "Why did that person die?" "Why did so and so suffer?" "Why did I get sick?" "Why did I get paralyzed?" -- unfortunately the "why" question is everywhere in our society today and it is being asked to a greater degree, to the point that people are now abandoning God because they can't get an answer. My thinking is there is no answer needed because I don't need to ask the question. I could. I could say "Why do my kids not live in big mansions already?" "Why did my youngest child pick up smoking weed at the age 14 and now over 2 years later still have the habit?" "Why did my only daughter already get married and leave home?" "Why did I get that kidney stone last night?" "Why did my mom get lung cancer when she never smoked?" -- the Why question could be asked in my life in many ways and at many times, but I actually believe it is a question that should not be asked. It's not a God question. It's a serpent or Satan question. Accept the parable and realize the key is that there is good soil. So, put forth seed, sow, and let God take care of the outcome.

There is another idea in this passage and that is the surfaces that the seed falls on. I think those surfaces represent people in our lives. Not everyone who hears the gospel will respond to it in an affirmative way, but only when it lands on the good soil. Something we need to remember. Our job is to sow and God is to reap. Let us hear this and remember that He is always the one in charge. 

Promise: God gives hearts to believe. There is good soil, yet often there is more soil out there that is not good. But, it does not matter, speak and let him take care of the outcome.

Prayer: Thank You God for this message, that is simple in its delivery and application, but I admit, hard at times for me to accept because of all of the numerous voices in the world. Just as in the parable, the side of the road, rocky road, and thorns are more than the good soil. So, the voices of the world are great. But, keep me centered on you and trusting in you and believing in you. Your way is not simply the best way, but rather it is the only way. You are the Way, the Truth, the Life. That's it. Lord, I need more faith each day to trust you. Thank you for giving me life. I don't deserve it and never let me see myself as greater than anyone else. The one who is greater is You. So keep me praising You all my days. This is my desire.

Do you ever find yourself asking that question in life-- "Why?" Do you see how it is not a question of trusting God? 

Mark 3:31-35 - The True Family of Jesus

Mark 3:31-35
31 Then His mother and His brothers arrived, and standing outside they sent word to Him and called Him. 32 A crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for You.” 33 Answering them, He said, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” 34 Looking about at those who were sitting around Him, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.”

Message: The True Family of Jesus

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:

As I conclude Chapter 3, this chapter has taken me a little longer. I've had some days off and haven't swept through it concurrently like I did chapter 1 and 2.

vs. 1-6 - The Pharisees' Hardness of Heart - Jesus healed on the Sabbath; despite the evidence some will not believe and are firm in their perspectives and traditions.
vs. 7-10 - Tares among the Wheat - Jesus was popular because of his healings, but he seemed to also have a greater purpose and expected followers to more about ministry than simply being healed.
vs. 11-12 - Superior not Equal - Jesus is the Son of God and we need to fear Satan.
vs. 13-15 - Twelve Apostles - Jesus appointed 12 with his same authority
vs. 16-19 - Who were the Twelve? - Diverse men, but united
vs. 20-21 - Jesus and His Family - Even his family was not clear on his mission, but had personal motives of wanting to protect him. Still we are to love them.
vs. 22-26 - A House Divided - The Scribes accuse Jesus of being of Satan, but Satan cannot cast out Satan; Jesus and his authority is needed; we need something different to intervene.
vs. 27 - Binding the Strong Man - Jesus frees people from the grasp of Satan when he saves them; only Jesus saves and only Jesus can save and change hearts.
vs. 28-30 - Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit - This is not one sin, but many sins over a period of time. If you are concerned about committing the sin, you are probably not in danger.

Thus, this chapter has been focused on remembering that Jesus has a mission to preach the gospel of faith and repentance. Jesus is the Son of God and Savior and he is the one that changes hearts. Some will misunderstand Him, even those that are closest to Him, by blood relation. But, he has a mission that must be fulfilled and there is a time for fulfillment. He calls people of all backgrounds to follow Him. Sins will be forgiven, but not the consistent sin of unbelief. Jesus and his authority over all is needed in this life.

Now I look at vs. 31-35 and the True Family of Jesus. As I have learned previously in this chapter, sometimes his family misunderstands his mission. Jesus was a great family man and there is a way a family relates to one another that is unique and this is mentioned in verse 20-21 for his family did love him and want to protect him, but Jesus here is clear, that Jesus has a closeness to His followers that can be as close as He is to His family.

What is the key? Following him and doing the will of God. He affords people the same community of closeness when they do the will of God. And he is called the Son of God. It seems reasonable that Jesus mentions this because of his closeness to God as God.

Promise: If we live like he lives then he sees us as His, as having the same blood relation to Him as anyone else in his family.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me with a supernatural love. I pray that I can be a follower of You all the days of my life and seek to do your will. Thank you for grafting me into your family and seeing me as a member of the family of God.

Mark 3:28-30 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

Mark 3:28-30
28 “Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—30 because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”


Message: Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

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:

Verses 28 and 29 of this passage are words from Jesus. So far, one of the central messages that Mark is putting forth about Jesus is he has come with an authority of speech different from anyone else. In chapter 1:21, Jesus goes to the synagogue and the scribes immediately notice this. In verse 27 it states, What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him. And this authority from Jesus continues as he preaches and teaches repentance and believing in the gospel, and has the authority to cast out demons from people's lives and heal them.

Jesus has most recently spoken to the scribes after they accused him of being of the devil and he quickly dispels this and shows that Satan cannot and will not cast out Satan. Satan must be bound first. An outside source is needed to deliver people from the power of Satan and Jesus is the one with that authority.

In these verses today, Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit for the first time in the book of Mark. Thus, the Holy Spirit is real and present. Mark did mention the Holy Spirit at Jesus' baptism as they Spirit descended upon him (1:10). But here Jesus speaks directly of a sin against the Holy Spirit and it being the sin that is not pardoned or forgiven. Jesus is in the sin forgiveness business. I have already seen this in chapter 2 when he speaks to the paralytic brought by friends in stating to him My son, your sins are forgiven. Now here he presents a contrast of sons of men who sin and even blaspheme, but the blaspheme of the Holy Spirit is a greater, unforgivable sin.

First of all, what I see is this is the context of the scribes coming to Jesus stating that He is possessed by Beelzebul (3:22) and Jesus clearly refuting this. But he does this in an explanation using parables, but now also mentions the Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the scribes are sinning with their words toward Jesus so uttering blasphemy against the Holy Spirit also appears to be words toward Jesus. And yet in verse 28 the sin of blasphemy is mentioned as a sin that is forgiven. Thus, blasphemy, which is speaking about God or his acts in a profane way (unfortunately a very common occurrence in today's world). Thus, how is this blasphemy against the Holy Spirit different? How is profaning the name against the Holy Spirit different from profaning the name of God?

Jesus is speaking directly to the scribes and their condemnation of Jesus is beginning to be repetitive. The Holy Spirit, also sent by God, like Jesus, is to believers and reveals God. So, this blasphemy isn't very clear.

The common explanation I have seen is that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is not a one-time sin, but a recurring sin of willfully disregarding the work of God in people's lives, thus the belief that God does not work in people's lives and therefore is not real. I John 5:16 speaks of a sin that leads to death and the sin appears to be the complete disregard of the power of God in people's lives.

I have a friend who is a Christian and I believe he spent so much of his life using God's name as a curse word that when it comes out of his mouth, he doesn't even notice it. Yes, it is sin, but I still believe is a saved man. Whereas, the blasphemy of the Spirit is stating that God does not work in people's lives, thus separate from profaning the name of God.

Purpose: RC Sproul - Worrying about [whether one has committed the unforgivable sin] is one of the clearest evidences that [the troubled person has] not committed this sin, for those who commit it are so hardened in their hearts that they do not care that they commit it.

Prayer: Lord, I am ashamed at the times in my life that I have blasphemed your name and I thank you for forgiving that sin as well as all of my sins. Lord, I hate to hear your name blasphemed and disregarded in our world today. I look forward to the day when both this blasphemy and the total disregard of the work of You in people's lives will be seen and heard no more.

Mark 3:27 - Binding the Strong Man

Mark 3:27
But no one can enter the strong man’s house and plunder his property unless he first binds the strong man, and then he will plunder his house.

Message: Binding the Strong Man

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:

Previously, yesterday, in looking at the preface to this verse, I saw that the scribes are saying that Jesus is possessed, demon-possessed. They mention an illogical argument, namely that Jesus as a demon is casting out a demon. But he clarifies the argument that a demon can't cast out a demon, but instead something different from a demon, namely Jesus, comes to the rescue. Thus, we need mediators in our lives. We need different perspectives. We need someone to come in and save the day.

But also, here, Jesus is needed to restore people to the Father. Jesus has authority over demons and so he can cast them out.

Jesus said earlier in verse 23 that he would speak in parables and he continues that here in verse 27. Jesus further enforces his point here in verse 27. But no one can enter the strong man’s house -- or Satan's house -- and plunder his property unless he first binds the strong man, and then he will plunder his house. Jesus is the one who liberates people from their sin. He is the Messiah and he has come to save us from our sins, from ourselves and release us.

Every person, without Christ, has a demon possession of sorts, a natural and sinful possession, a will contrary to the Spirit of God. Jesus is the one that comes to overthrow that will. He comes to save. Jesus frees people from the grasp of Satan every time a person is saved.

Promise: No matter how much evidence we are given for the work of God and the identity of Christ, we will not believe unless we are granted new hearts to submit to the Lord's revelation.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for saving me a sinner from the grasp of Satan and being a life long slave to sin. You are the Savior of the world. You are the only one that can save mankind and I pray that you would draw people to yourself and overthrow sin in people's lives. Thank you for the work that only you can do and for the authority only You have.

Mark 3:22-26 - A House Divided

Mark 3:22-26
22 The scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons.” 23 And He called them to Himself and began speaking to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but he is finished!

Message: A House Divided

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:

Summary
As I continue to walk through the Gospel of Mark, I continue to see the different themes being presented. John came on the scene, preaching and baptized with water. Jesus then comes and is baptized, is tempted, and proclaims his message: Repent and Believe in the Gospel. He calls the first 4 disciples. Jesus goes to the synagogue and casts out demons while he speaks a new teaching with an authority very different. He heals Peter's mother-in-law and then he heals others, but Jesus retreats to a time of seeking the Lord and sees that he must go to other places to continue to preach the Gospel, that being his mission. He heals a leper but tells him to tell no one, though he does.

Because of the faith of friends, Jesus first forgives the sins of a paralytic, then heals him, perplexing the scribes. He calls the tax collector Matthew. Jesus said he came to call sinners, not the righteous. He offers a parable about the new work and message he has to bring. He clarifies that he has authority over everything, including traditions of the past regarding Sabbath work. He heals on the Sabbath.

The Pharisees and Herodians begin to come against him. He goes to the sea, to leave that area. He continues to tell people to not make him known. He selects all 12 disciples. His family and/or friends misunderstand him, are concerned about him and mention he is beside himself.

A House Divided
The scribes now, also, mention that Jesus is possessed by Satan for he casts out demons. He is confronted as doing this by the power of Satan. Jesus very clearly is speaking a message that is different. He is claiming in various ways -- in the synagogue, regarding the Sabbath, working on the Sabbath -- that he has an authority, different from what they have known previously. He heals people, casts out demons, and many are following him, some just to have him heal, but he has a message to preach and teach to people. And so, they come to him, concerned about what he is saying.

I could see how they could think that he is of the devil. In verse 21, it says that even his families and friends were confused by him. Jesus had clearly a radical message and many people didn't know how to deal with it all, digest it all, take it all in. Any time there is something different from what we are accustomed to, we tend to think that it may not have right sources or holy sources. The scribes then conclude he is of the devil.

But Jesus responds, first with words also speaking in parables:

"How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but he is finished!

Jesus confronts the scribes theology or method of argument. The scribes are claiming that Satan is casting out Satan and Jesus responds with, "How can that be?" In essence, he says, if something is divided, how can it be that the source of the division will also remove the division? If someone is demon-possessed, how can a demon then remove the demon? Thus, He is saying that an outside source is needed to remove the possession or division.

This actually reminds me of a problem that is occurring right now in our family, with our youngest son, and the division that has resulted between him and us. It is causing us to not stand and often, we try to solve this division on our own. We think its all about finding the right mix of answers, but this morning, as I woke up, I realized that instead we need to go to God. God needs to be the one that decides what we are to do. We need outside help and we need to consult God first. Whether we are talking about a kingdom, a house, or Satan - division requires something outside of itself to be removed. Jesus can't be from Satan because Satan can't work against itself.

Promise: When Jesus deals with Satan, it is no temporary victory but permanent conquest. The Devil cannot retake the ground Jesus recovers.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for speaking clearly. Thank you for speaking to the root of the problem and showing me that division, of any kind, needs your help. Thank you Holy Spirit for being active and here.