Mark 10:19-22
19 You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” 21 Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.
Message: Overestimating Obedience
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 has been teaching us many lessons. The lessons have not simply
been me-focused, but also focused on others. And he is speaking in ways
that are contrary to the culture - being dependent on Him and being
sensitive to people and understanding to the lesser ones. As Jesus is setting out on a journey, a man runs up to him and begins
to question him on how he can inherit eternal life, first calling him Good and as Jesus will do, he wonders if this man really understands what he is asking.
Yesterday, in the passage, this man (a rich young ruler) asked Jesus a question, but maybe didn't realize who he was asking. And though he wanted to know something - what shall I do to inherit eternal life?, he perhaps didn't know who he was asking this question. He called Jesus a Good Teacher, but only God is good so perhaps the man didn't realize that he wasn't simply a rabbi as rabbi's are often called Good Teacher.
And now in this passage the man makes a statement again, but does not really understand what he is saying. Jesus in verse 19 is still responding to the man's question and he says to him - You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother. It almost sounds like Jesus was going to say something different eventually. This rich young ruler, was he a religious man already? Jesus mentions the commandments and he acknowledges that he knows them, and has kept them -
Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up. Jesus clearly though knows what he is asking and has a plan. He knows this man, better than he knows himself. He is giving him the benefit of the doubt. By him answering that he has kept these commandments, though it is probably unlikely he has kept them perfectly, yet Jesus is fine with his answer that he has.
Yet, like before in calling Jesus a Good Teacher, thinking Jesus was a rabbi possibly and not the Son of God. The man seems to possess an element of pride. He obviously thinks he has done what is necessary to inherit eternal life. He feels good about his chances. And then Jesus pierces him.
One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. As if it was just one thing. But, in a way it is, for there is something in his life that he clearly loves more than anything. This is what Jesus confronts him with.
I don't think Jesus really expected him to sell as he possessed, but he did want to show him that despite keeping the commandments he still had something that he valued more than God. In other words, keeping the commandments was something he was willing to do, but his real love, money and possessions was something he was not willing to give up. Jesus remarked that following this, he could and come, follow Me. In other words, to inherit eternal life involved coming and following Jesus.
But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property. This actually seems like an odd response, but I suppose an honest one for the man. The fact that he would respond having said he kept all of the commandments, but then was unwilling to part with his possessions in order to get eternal life seems odd to me. So basically he preferred his possessions to rewards in heaven.
I get concerned about this sort of believing that appears to be a problem with many. Have some religions or faiths set up structures of rule keeping and people feel like if they keep the rules then they are safe and yet, when Jesus exposes the heart in this man, his heart is actually far from God and his ways. He doesn't have genuine faith.
It is also interesting the commandments that Jesus gives this man - they are all outward commandments or how we treat other people. He did not give him any commandments related to how we view God. But, perhaps Jesus wanted the man to see the contrast, to expose the fact that he thinks he is keeping the commandments and yet his heart is far from God because he is not willing to give away all that he has.
Summary - A man has come to Jesus asking what he can do to inherit eternal life. He calls Jesus Good and Jesus attempts to correct him so the next he calls him simply Teacher. This man knows that he has kept the laws, the 10 commandments and yet he still asks the question of eternal life. Jesus states he must show it is more than rule-keeping, but a matter of the heart. The man walks away because his heart is wealth and he won't give up his wealth for something in the future.
Promise:
The crux of what Jesus called this man to do was, come, follow Me. All my time and days should be about following Him. Not simply checking boxes that I am good enough.
Prayer: Lord,
I thank you for the real faith that you have given me, for the instruction of your Holy Spirit in my life. Lord, equip me as your follower to help others see that You are the only true God. Forgive me for making the things of my life more important than You. I pray that You would meet people where they are at and draw them to yourself. Give me the courage to do this, even in my own family. I pray for my son Derek that you would make him supple and he would be willing to see beyond his addictions. Re-train me God. Center me on You.
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Mark 10:17-18 - The Goodness of God
Mark 10:17-18
17 As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.
Message: The Goodness of God
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 has been teaching us many lessons. The lessons have not simply been me-focused, but also focused on others. And he is speaking in ways that are contrary to the culture - being dependent on Him and being sensitive to people and understanding to the lesser ones. Here he remarks that to enter the kingdom of God we must be like a child - innocent, dependent, in need of someone greater than us.
This can be a puzzling passage, at first glance. It is the story of the rich young ruler. This man comes to Jesus and asks probably the most profound question anyone can ask of Jesus in all the world -
Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus' first response to this question is not what one would immediately suspect though. Jesus hones in on the phrase Good Teacher and replies to the man - Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.
This is a passage that I think can be picked a part by many skeptics as to why Jesus seemingly refutes the man's claim that Jesus is good. But, as is the custom in reading the Bible I think I need to look at the language that is using and make sure that the words and usage of words in those times is the same today. Definitions come about not by a dictionary, but by the common meaning of words in society at the time. This phrase "Good teacher" is an interesting one.
"Good Teacher" was a name that rabbis in those times refuted when someone would call them a good teacher. The thought was that goodness was only associated with God and so calling a man good was sort of blasphemous. Jesus concurs this idea in his response by saying "No one is good except God alone."
The discourse that Jesus will have with this man is a little different. The man will make assertions and Jesus will continually question those assertions. His response in a moment will be that he has kept all of the commandments and Jesus will show him how this isn't true.
The thought here is that this man wasn't running to Jesus with the view that he was God, but rather that he was simply a rabbi. Jesus' response therefore is similar to a response given by a rabbi, explaining that only God is good. Jesus' doesn't say "I am not God" or that by calling me good I am not good, but rather he is asking the man to defend his words to Jesus. Why is that you call me good? Do you understand who you are calling good or do you think I am simply a rabbi?
Therefore, the rich young ruler is someone that is approaching Jesus but does not really know yet who Jesus is. He does not have faith in him. He does not understand his Godhead. He knows he is someone, but what he has heard so far is probably all word of mouth. And the point of this passage is simple: only God is good. Jesus was acknowledging and agreeing with the words that had been spoken and defended by rabbi's throughout the ages: only God is good.
Summary - As Jesus is setting out on a journey, a man runs up to him and begins to question him on how he can inherit eternal life. He doesn't know. He offers the question, but he also doesn't even know who he is asking for he calls Jesus a good Teacher and Jesus wonders if he knows he is talking to when only God is good. Does this man realize he is talking to God and not a mere rabbi?
Promise: As we hear others who are not believers refer to Jesus as a good teacher, let us encourage them to consider why they see him as good-because He is actually God himself.
Prayer: Lord, I want to help others understand who You are, who You truly are. There are many I come in contact with each day. I want them all to see You as You really are, but in doing this walls need to be torn down and misconceptions often times need to be assaulted. Help me with this. You are God and I want people to see you as that.
17 As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.
Message: The Goodness of God
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 has been teaching us many lessons. The lessons have not simply been me-focused, but also focused on others. And he is speaking in ways that are contrary to the culture - being dependent on Him and being sensitive to people and understanding to the lesser ones. Here he remarks that to enter the kingdom of God we must be like a child - innocent, dependent, in need of someone greater than us.
This can be a puzzling passage, at first glance. It is the story of the rich young ruler. This man comes to Jesus and asks probably the most profound question anyone can ask of Jesus in all the world -
Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus' first response to this question is not what one would immediately suspect though. Jesus hones in on the phrase Good Teacher and replies to the man - Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.
This is a passage that I think can be picked a part by many skeptics as to why Jesus seemingly refutes the man's claim that Jesus is good. But, as is the custom in reading the Bible I think I need to look at the language that is using and make sure that the words and usage of words in those times is the same today. Definitions come about not by a dictionary, but by the common meaning of words in society at the time. This phrase "Good teacher" is an interesting one.
"Good Teacher" was a name that rabbis in those times refuted when someone would call them a good teacher. The thought was that goodness was only associated with God and so calling a man good was sort of blasphemous. Jesus concurs this idea in his response by saying "No one is good except God alone."
The discourse that Jesus will have with this man is a little different. The man will make assertions and Jesus will continually question those assertions. His response in a moment will be that he has kept all of the commandments and Jesus will show him how this isn't true.
The thought here is that this man wasn't running to Jesus with the view that he was God, but rather that he was simply a rabbi. Jesus' response therefore is similar to a response given by a rabbi, explaining that only God is good. Jesus' doesn't say "I am not God" or that by calling me good I am not good, but rather he is asking the man to defend his words to Jesus. Why is that you call me good? Do you understand who you are calling good or do you think I am simply a rabbi?
Therefore, the rich young ruler is someone that is approaching Jesus but does not really know yet who Jesus is. He does not have faith in him. He does not understand his Godhead. He knows he is someone, but what he has heard so far is probably all word of mouth. And the point of this passage is simple: only God is good. Jesus was acknowledging and agreeing with the words that had been spoken and defended by rabbi's throughout the ages: only God is good.
Summary - As Jesus is setting out on a journey, a man runs up to him and begins to question him on how he can inherit eternal life. He doesn't know. He offers the question, but he also doesn't even know who he is asking for he calls Jesus a good Teacher and Jesus wonders if he knows he is talking to when only God is good. Does this man realize he is talking to God and not a mere rabbi?
Promise: As we hear others who are not believers refer to Jesus as a good teacher, let us encourage them to consider why they see him as good-because He is actually God himself.
Prayer: Lord, I want to help others understand who You are, who You truly are. There are many I come in contact with each day. I want them all to see You as You really are, but in doing this walls need to be torn down and misconceptions often times need to be assaulted. Help me with this. You are God and I want people to see you as that.
Monday, August 20, 2018
Mark 10:13-16 - Receiving the Kingdom Like a Child
Mark 10:13-16
13 And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” 16 And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.
Message: Receiving the Kingdom Like a Child
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 continues teaching and instructing the disciples and his followers as he goes through Galilee. We not only have a personal faith, but our faith also has an affect on how we treat others and encourage them to grow in Christ and therefore Jesus admonishes us to consider those around us and be sensitive to their needs. This also applies in our marriages. And here Jesus addresses children.
Since Jesus has returned from the mountain where he was transfigured before 3 disciples with Moses and Elijah he has been teaching many different significant things. He is preparing people for his departure from earth, teaching them much.
Like women, children did not hold a strong position in the community. In this lesson Jesus talks about the goal to receive the kingdom of God, not acquiring it, achieving it, making it happen on earth, or exercising a strenuous effort to get it, but receiving it. The situation that brought this upon Jesus was that they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them. Obviously, children were coming to Jesus for favor or help or healing, but the disciples, taking on the position perhaps that children should be dismissed rebuked them. The children were innocent and had needs like everyone else.
Jesus responds and shows that they are no different from anyone else and even that they have a special position. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them." Permit them and do not hinder them. Children possess something that adults do not. They have an innocence and a dependence on others. Adults tend to think they are self-sufficient, with no needs and they have it all figured out. Even the disciples and followers of Jesus I think have this tendency. To realize that we have needs I think paints a picture that we are weak.
Yet, Jesus states something radical - the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Jesus gives this idea that the kingdom of God which is what people want belongs not to the self-sufficient, but instead to the children. It belongs to those that still act like a child in believing that they do not have it all figured out. Jesus spoke often of the kingdom of God and it is a central message of his as something that we are to be about. Many times he speaks of the goal for us to be children of God. It seems we are to be children of God in the kingdom of God where we are recognizing God as our king. If we want the kingdom of God we must be like a child.
Thus, Jesus emphasizes the significance of this with the words Truly I say to you. I think Jesus is saying something even more significant when he uses the words, "Truly." It is almost maybe a point of divinity like he has first hand knowledge of what he is saying.
Mark 3:28 - Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men.
Mark 8:12 - Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.
Mark 9:1 - Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.
Mark 9:41 - For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.
I think Truly is a strong word that Jesus uses to make a point of emphasis. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all. Again, the point here is 'we receive' the kingdom of God. For instance, it says in John 1:12 - But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. This is not about achieving or working towards, but receiving. This is open hands out and receiving.
And the manner in which receive is like a child. Thus, there is innocence in the way we receive it. There is the recognition that we are still in need. That we don't have it all figured out. That we are dependent on God. This is the type of person that receives the kingdom of God. And if it is not like a child then Jesus says the person will not enter it at all. That is really significant. If not like a child then not at all.
Mark concludes this lesson with Jesus And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them. This is the impact that Jesus has on the little children.
Summary - Jesus has been teaching us many lessons. The lessons have not simply been me-focused, but also focused on others. And he is speaking in ways that are contrary to the culture - being dependent on Him and being sensitive to people and understanding to the lesser ones. Here he remarks that to enter the kingdom of God we must be like a child - innocent, dependent, in need of someone greater than us.
Promise: We come into the kingdom only by admitting that we have nothing to give, that all we can do is rely on Christ for grace and forgiveness.
Prayer: Lord, I am thankful these messages and truths that we have recorded in the Bible about you. Thank you for leading me to this study so that I can better understand your message to me. Lord, I pray that you would give me that simple recognition always that I am ever dependent on you, that I come to you with nothing to give but am utterly dependent on You. Lord, help me to counsel others on these truths.
13 And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” 16 And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.
Message: Receiving the Kingdom Like a Child
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 continues teaching and instructing the disciples and his followers as he goes through Galilee. We not only have a personal faith, but our faith also has an affect on how we treat others and encourage them to grow in Christ and therefore Jesus admonishes us to consider those around us and be sensitive to their needs. This also applies in our marriages. And here Jesus addresses children.
Since Jesus has returned from the mountain where he was transfigured before 3 disciples with Moses and Elijah he has been teaching many different significant things. He is preparing people for his departure from earth, teaching them much.
- Mark 9:14-19 - Jesus Confronts a Faithless Generation - He remarks on the lack of faith among the disciples and followers because they can't deal with a boy who has been demon possessed.
- Mark 9:20-24 - Help for Unbelief - He gives confirmation that the calling card of the Christian in getting Jesus to act is belief.
- Mark 9:25-29 - Dependence on Christ - He reminds us that we must depend on Christ calling on Him through power for him to work.
- Mark 9:30-32 - Teaching in Galilee - Jesus continues teaching through Galilee, namely that he will be killed and then rise from the grave 3 days later.
- Mark 9:33-35 - Who is the Greatest? - We are reminded that greatness is found in being a servant, not necessarily being first.
- Mark 9:36-37 - Receiving a Child in Jesus' Name - We need to receive those that are lesser than us, children, or not the rich and popular, to have God in our lives.
- Mark 9:38-41 - On the Side of Jesus - The importance of living life and acting out things in the name of Jesus; being dependent on Him.
- Mark 9:42 - Causing Others to Sin - The follower of Jesus is not simply focused on personal growth, but wants to make sure nothing in his life is causing another person to sin.
- Mark 9:43-50 - The Unquenchable Fire of Hell - There is a seriousness of offending others and other causing others to sin or ourselves, and this consequence is hell.
- Mark 10:1-9 - The One Flesh Union - God joins a husband and wife together and we do not simply abandon it when it no longer feels right. It is necessary to keep working at it.
- Mark 10:10-12 - When God Allows Divorce - Adultery results when a man or woman marries another. Yet, immorality and an unbelieving spouse that leaves is warranted.
Like women, children did not hold a strong position in the community. In this lesson Jesus talks about the goal to receive the kingdom of God, not acquiring it, achieving it, making it happen on earth, or exercising a strenuous effort to get it, but receiving it. The situation that brought this upon Jesus was that they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them. Obviously, children were coming to Jesus for favor or help or healing, but the disciples, taking on the position perhaps that children should be dismissed rebuked them. The children were innocent and had needs like everyone else.
Jesus responds and shows that they are no different from anyone else and even that they have a special position. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them." Permit them and do not hinder them. Children possess something that adults do not. They have an innocence and a dependence on others. Adults tend to think they are self-sufficient, with no needs and they have it all figured out. Even the disciples and followers of Jesus I think have this tendency. To realize that we have needs I think paints a picture that we are weak.
Yet, Jesus states something radical - the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Jesus gives this idea that the kingdom of God which is what people want belongs not to the self-sufficient, but instead to the children. It belongs to those that still act like a child in believing that they do not have it all figured out. Jesus spoke often of the kingdom of God and it is a central message of his as something that we are to be about. Many times he speaks of the goal for us to be children of God. It seems we are to be children of God in the kingdom of God where we are recognizing God as our king. If we want the kingdom of God we must be like a child.
Thus, Jesus emphasizes the significance of this with the words Truly I say to you. I think Jesus is saying something even more significant when he uses the words, "Truly." It is almost maybe a point of divinity like he has first hand knowledge of what he is saying.
Mark 3:28 - Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men.
Mark 8:12 - Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.
Mark 9:1 - Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.
Mark 9:41 - For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.
I think Truly is a strong word that Jesus uses to make a point of emphasis. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all. Again, the point here is 'we receive' the kingdom of God. For instance, it says in John 1:12 - But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. This is not about achieving or working towards, but receiving. This is open hands out and receiving.
And the manner in which receive is like a child. Thus, there is innocence in the way we receive it. There is the recognition that we are still in need. That we don't have it all figured out. That we are dependent on God. This is the type of person that receives the kingdom of God. And if it is not like a child then Jesus says the person will not enter it at all. That is really significant. If not like a child then not at all.
Mark concludes this lesson with Jesus And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them. This is the impact that Jesus has on the little children.
Summary - Jesus has been teaching us many lessons. The lessons have not simply been me-focused, but also focused on others. And he is speaking in ways that are contrary to the culture - being dependent on Him and being sensitive to people and understanding to the lesser ones. Here he remarks that to enter the kingdom of God we must be like a child - innocent, dependent, in need of someone greater than us.
Promise: We come into the kingdom only by admitting that we have nothing to give, that all we can do is rely on Christ for grace and forgiveness.
Prayer: Lord, I am thankful these messages and truths that we have recorded in the Bible about you. Thank you for leading me to this study so that I can better understand your message to me. Lord, I pray that you would give me that simple recognition always that I am ever dependent on you, that I come to you with nothing to give but am utterly dependent on You. Lord, help me to counsel others on these truths.
Friday, August 10, 2018
Mark 10:10-12 - When God Allows Divorce
Mark 10:10-12
10 In the house the disciples began questioning Him about this again. 11 And He *said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her; 12 and if she herself divorces her husband and marries another man, she is committing adultery.”
Message: When God Allows Divorce
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 preaches to many and teaches, as is His custom. He answers the Pharisees question on divorce and reminds them that marriage is an institution God ordains and we don't abandon it just when our feelings don't align with it. For God has joined a husband and wife together.
This passage more specifically addresses divorce. As a reminder, Jesus has mentioned that man will often harden his heart toward the institution of marriage and declare it is not workable. In today's world, all that is necessary often is irreconcilable differences. Granted, it seems often that divorce is inevitable. For many years, I felt like divorce was always unacceptable, but as I listen to people at times and there efforts to work things out, I tend to think that divorce can be justified. People sometimes enter into the matrimony lightly. I also see that people enter into the relationship with different ideals - intimacy, companionship, kids; thus, right from the beginning they are abandoning God's laws for life.
Jesus is clear in these verses that adultery results when a wife or husband marries another and yet there are allowances for divorce:
Summary - Jesus continues teaching and instructing and reminds us that a marriage is between a man and a woman and when a husband or wife marries another it is adultery.
Promise: Jesus reminds us here to let him define our lives, and this includes marriage. We must always come back to the scripture, realizing that this is still hard, but we owe it to ourselves as his children and followers to continue to depend on Him for strength and surrender our lives to Him. In this instance, a marriage is between a husband and a wife. And adultery is the result of marrying another unless immorality or living with an unbelieving one has occurred. Obviously, irreconcilable differences remains common and so in those cases, we must remember that God still forgives sins.
Prayer: Lord, I am reminded here of the importance of defining life by your criteria, not man's. We must always look to you, but this seems to be harder and harder as we live our lives by what seems justifiable at any given moment. Lord, thank you for forgiving sin. Help us to stay focused on You no matter what, though. I pray that people would submit and surrender to You. Help me to be a light to many in this world.
10 In the house the disciples began questioning Him about this again. 11 And He *said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her; 12 and if she herself divorces her husband and marries another man, she is committing adultery.”
Message: When God Allows Divorce
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 preaches to many and teaches, as is His custom. He answers the Pharisees question on divorce and reminds them that marriage is an institution God ordains and we don't abandon it just when our feelings don't align with it. For God has joined a husband and wife together.
This passage more specifically addresses divorce. As a reminder, Jesus has mentioned that man will often harden his heart toward the institution of marriage and declare it is not workable. In today's world, all that is necessary often is irreconcilable differences. Granted, it seems often that divorce is inevitable. For many years, I felt like divorce was always unacceptable, but as I listen to people at times and there efforts to work things out, I tend to think that divorce can be justified. People sometimes enter into the matrimony lightly. I also see that people enter into the relationship with different ideals - intimacy, companionship, kids; thus, right from the beginning they are abandoning God's laws for life.
Jesus is clear in these verses that adultery results when a wife or husband marries another and yet there are allowances for divorce:
- Matthew 19:9 - And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
- I Corinthians 7:13-15 - And a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to live with her, she must not send her husband away. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy. 15 Yet if the unbelieving one leaves, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace.
Summary - Jesus continues teaching and instructing and reminds us that a marriage is between a man and a woman and when a husband or wife marries another it is adultery.
Promise: Jesus reminds us here to let him define our lives, and this includes marriage. We must always come back to the scripture, realizing that this is still hard, but we owe it to ourselves as his children and followers to continue to depend on Him for strength and surrender our lives to Him. In this instance, a marriage is between a husband and a wife. And adultery is the result of marrying another unless immorality or living with an unbelieving one has occurred. Obviously, irreconcilable differences remains common and so in those cases, we must remember that God still forgives sins.
Prayer: Lord, I am reminded here of the importance of defining life by your criteria, not man's. We must always look to you, but this seems to be harder and harder as we live our lives by what seems justifiable at any given moment. Lord, thank you for forgiving sin. Help us to stay focused on You no matter what, though. I pray that people would submit and surrender to You. Help me to be a light to many in this world.
Monday, August 6, 2018
Mark 10:1-9 - The One-Flesh Union
Mark 10:1-9
Getting up, He *went from there to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan; crowds *gathered around Him again, and, according to His custom, He once more began to teach them.
2 Some Pharisees came up to Jesus, testing Him, and began to question Him whether it was lawful for a man to divorce a wife. 3 And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.” 5 But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. 7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, 8 and the two shall become one flesh; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”
Message: The One-Flesh Union
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 continues to speak to his disciples about how they are to relate to others. After coming down from the mountain and being transfigured before Peter, James and John with Moses and Elijah Jesus delivers a demon-possessed man and speaks of his death and resurrection.He heads to Capernaum, on his way to Jerusalem.
Jesus continues to teach and crowds are gathering to hear. Preaching is Jesus' constant practice. according to His custom, He once more began to teach them. The Pharisees, as is often the case, come to him to question him, this time about whether it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife. Jesus, in answering, immediately appeals to Moses, the lawgiver, someone they had much reverence for:
What did Moses command you?
They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.” Deuteronomy 24:1 states, "When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out from his house."
But then Jesus does what Jesus often does, he explains the "why." Moses allowed this for a reason. Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. Moses did this because if he did not these Jewish men would have dealt very harshly with their wives, punishing them with words or even physical force. Jesus goes on to explain the creation story purpose of marriage, between a man and woman and and the two shall become one flesh. Marriage is an institution that God ordains and so we are to take it seriously. This means that even when we reach a state of it not feeling great or doesn't feel like something we want to continue, we press on, we continue. We keep trying harder.
I was speaking to someone yesterday that was brought up in the Catholic Church and she said that when a person got divorced they were ostracized from the church, made to feel like they couldn't enjoy the gifts, like communion because of getting a divorce. Yes, Jesus points out it is important, but that doesn't mean we levy consequences or takes things away from a person. If two parties cannot be reconciled then a divorce results.
Today, I see people not even getting married. Living together has become the norm. It was preached on the sitcoms in the 90s and now it is the lifestyle of people. Divorce is common over many different issues, some serious, some not so much. Jesus is reminding people of the importance of the Word of God. He is not nullifying the Law here, but instead upholding it and adding fuel to it.
Summary - Jesus preaches to many and teaches, as is His custom. He answers the Pharisees question on divorce and reminds them that marriage is an institution God ordains and we don't abandon it just when our feelings don't align with it. For God has joined a husband and wife together.
Promise: Divorce is not acceptable in trivial circumstances.
Prayer: Lord, your Words are true. They are right. They are written and commanded to me for my protection. I pray that myself, my family, the church, would not take relationships lightly. I pray that they would realize that what you have joined together is a serious matter and needs to be taken seriously. Help us all, even when things don't go the way we want them to, to stick it out, to work on differences. Lord, when mistakes have been made and people can't do this, help the church to not ostracize people for getting a divorce. Lord, you are the judge, not man. Help me and others to be supporting and loving towards people.
Getting up, He *went from there to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan; crowds *gathered around Him again, and, according to His custom, He once more began to teach them.
2 Some Pharisees came up to Jesus, testing Him, and began to question Him whether it was lawful for a man to divorce a wife. 3 And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.” 5 But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. 7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, 8 and the two shall become one flesh; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”
Message: The One-Flesh Union
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 continues to speak to his disciples about how they are to relate to others. After coming down from the mountain and being transfigured before Peter, James and John with Moses and Elijah Jesus delivers a demon-possessed man and speaks of his death and resurrection.He heads to Capernaum, on his way to Jerusalem.
Jesus continues to teach and crowds are gathering to hear. Preaching is Jesus' constant practice. according to His custom, He once more began to teach them. The Pharisees, as is often the case, come to him to question him, this time about whether it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife. Jesus, in answering, immediately appeals to Moses, the lawgiver, someone they had much reverence for:
What did Moses command you?
They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.” Deuteronomy 24:1 states, "When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out from his house."
But then Jesus does what Jesus often does, he explains the "why." Moses allowed this for a reason. Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. Moses did this because if he did not these Jewish men would have dealt very harshly with their wives, punishing them with words or even physical force. Jesus goes on to explain the creation story purpose of marriage, between a man and woman and and the two shall become one flesh. Marriage is an institution that God ordains and so we are to take it seriously. This means that even when we reach a state of it not feeling great or doesn't feel like something we want to continue, we press on, we continue. We keep trying harder.
I was speaking to someone yesterday that was brought up in the Catholic Church and she said that when a person got divorced they were ostracized from the church, made to feel like they couldn't enjoy the gifts, like communion because of getting a divorce. Yes, Jesus points out it is important, but that doesn't mean we levy consequences or takes things away from a person. If two parties cannot be reconciled then a divorce results.
Today, I see people not even getting married. Living together has become the norm. It was preached on the sitcoms in the 90s and now it is the lifestyle of people. Divorce is common over many different issues, some serious, some not so much. Jesus is reminding people of the importance of the Word of God. He is not nullifying the Law here, but instead upholding it and adding fuel to it.
Summary - Jesus preaches to many and teaches, as is His custom. He answers the Pharisees question on divorce and reminds them that marriage is an institution God ordains and we don't abandon it just when our feelings don't align with it. For God has joined a husband and wife together.
Promise: Divorce is not acceptable in trivial circumstances.
Prayer: Lord, your Words are true. They are right. They are written and commanded to me for my protection. I pray that myself, my family, the church, would not take relationships lightly. I pray that they would realize that what you have joined together is a serious matter and needs to be taken seriously. Help us all, even when things don't go the way we want them to, to stick it out, to work on differences. Lord, when mistakes have been made and people can't do this, help the church to not ostracize people for getting a divorce. Lord, you are the judge, not man. Help me and others to be supporting and loving towards people.
Mark 9:43-50 - The Unquenchable Fire of Hell
Mark 9:43-50
43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life crippled, than, having your two hands, to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire, 44 [where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.] 45 If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame, than, having your two feet, to be cast into hell, 46 [where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.] 47 If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be cast into hell, 48 where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.
49 “For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Message: The Unquenchable Fire of Hell
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 - As they continue in Capernaum, Jesus emphasizes to his disciples another key word about the importance of how we treat others - having already mentioned people's social status, looking at their fruit not their grouping, and the rewards that will come from this - and now he emphasizes that in no way are we to cause another person to stumble. For doing this would result in a horrific path of death.
Jesus here deals with the subject of hell. In recent years, this is a subject that seems to be spoken of less and less. Even in my church, though the gospel is mentioned, it is not mentioned in the way that it is a matter of conversion, but rather more of an acknowledgement that we have been saved by grace. Conversely, hell is not mentioned much at all. Universalism is the belief that everyone will go to heaven no matter what they believe. Annihilationism is the belief that unbelievers will cease to exist. The idea of suffering or being in a fiery pit is just not even talked about today.
Yet, here in this passage, Jesus clearly speaks of hell. He speaks in language that presents contrasts. Prior to this verse he offered the seriousness of leading a person astray or causing a person to sin. Here, he continues with striking language regarding hell, that it would be better to mutilate your body than to go to hell. This mentions the seriousness of sin. To Jewish listeners, bodily mutiliation in Judaism was strictly forbidden and it disqualified one from entering the worshiping congregation (Deuteronomy 14:1; 23:1).
About hell in verse 47, Tabletalk states:
Jesus here mentions the hand, foot, and eye. All 3 are very useful to man. And yet it would be better to part with one or all of these than to cause another person to stumble. The foot should restrain us from stepping or carrying us into the company of evil company, unlawful diversions, and forbidden pleasures. The hand and the eye are to be turned away from those alluring objects which raise in us lust and ambition.
And then Jesus speaks of hell as an unquenchable fire and gives a picture of them using a worm and fire. where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. "Bodies of men, interred in the earth, are eaten up of worms, which die when their food faileth; and those that are burned are consumed in fire, which extinguishes itself when there is no more fuel added to feed it. But it shall not be so with the wicked; their worm shall not die, and their fire is not quenched. These metaphors, therefore, as they are used by our Lord, and by the Prophet Isaiah, paint the eternal punishments of the damned in strong and lively colours.” — Macknight. It is a horrific picture that Jesus gives here to denote those that end up in hell for he mentions that some will go to the kingdom of God and some cast into hell. It is a gruesome picture that deserves our attention.
Summary - Jesus continues to speak to his disciples about how they are to relate to others and emphasizes the seriousness now of offending ourselves and causing ourselves to stumble. Here we need to be very careful. The consequence of stumbling here is ending up in hell, not the kingdom of God which is the contrast.
Promise: Hell, though painful to talk about, needs to be mentioned. It is a reality that Jesus speaks of. We preach the bad news so that people may know the good news.
Prayer: Lord, help me to remember the contrast of heaven and hell and to speak more of this reality to people's lives. In our inclusive and tolerant world, it simply is not a popular subject. We are falling victim to inclusive and tolerant language and services being more about self help and the Bible a book of moral guidance. Lord, I pray that your churches would be true to the entire message of the Bible and the gospel and would show clearly the complete change that must take place in people's lives.
43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life crippled, than, having your two hands, to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire, 44 [where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.] 45 If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame, than, having your two feet, to be cast into hell, 46 [where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.] 47 If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be cast into hell, 48 where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.
49 “For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Message: The Unquenchable Fire of Hell
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 - As they continue in Capernaum, Jesus emphasizes to his disciples another key word about the importance of how we treat others - having already mentioned people's social status, looking at their fruit not their grouping, and the rewards that will come from this - and now he emphasizes that in no way are we to cause another person to stumble. For doing this would result in a horrific path of death.
Jesus here deals with the subject of hell. In recent years, this is a subject that seems to be spoken of less and less. Even in my church, though the gospel is mentioned, it is not mentioned in the way that it is a matter of conversion, but rather more of an acknowledgement that we have been saved by grace. Conversely, hell is not mentioned much at all. Universalism is the belief that everyone will go to heaven no matter what they believe. Annihilationism is the belief that unbelievers will cease to exist. The idea of suffering or being in a fiery pit is just not even talked about today.
Yet, here in this passage, Jesus clearly speaks of hell. He speaks in language that presents contrasts. Prior to this verse he offered the seriousness of leading a person astray or causing a person to sin. Here, he continues with striking language regarding hell, that it would be better to mutilate your body than to go to hell. This mentions the seriousness of sin. To Jewish listeners, bodily mutiliation in Judaism was strictly forbidden and it disqualified one from entering the worshiping congregation (Deuteronomy 14:1; 23:1).
About hell in verse 47, Tabletalk states:
The word “hell” in verse 47 translates the term gehenna, which was another name for the “valley of the son of Hinnom,” the place near Jerusalem where many ancient Jews sacrificed children to the pagan god Molech (2 Kings 23:10). By the first century A.D., the place was seen as accursed because of that, and it was used as a figure for the eternal place of punishment after death, or hell. Jesus’ use of the unquenchable fire in reference to this place (v. 48) borrows from the fact that in his day, the physical gehenna was a garbage dump where garbage never stopped burning. Jesus uses the physical reality to point to something much worse—unending pain in the afterlife for those who go to hell.
Jesus here mentions the hand, foot, and eye. All 3 are very useful to man. And yet it would be better to part with one or all of these than to cause another person to stumble. The foot should restrain us from stepping or carrying us into the company of evil company, unlawful diversions, and forbidden pleasures. The hand and the eye are to be turned away from those alluring objects which raise in us lust and ambition.
And then Jesus speaks of hell as an unquenchable fire and gives a picture of them using a worm and fire. where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. "Bodies of men, interred in the earth, are eaten up of worms, which die when their food faileth; and those that are burned are consumed in fire, which extinguishes itself when there is no more fuel added to feed it. But it shall not be so with the wicked; their worm shall not die, and their fire is not quenched. These metaphors, therefore, as they are used by our Lord, and by the Prophet Isaiah, paint the eternal punishments of the damned in strong and lively colours.” — Macknight. It is a horrific picture that Jesus gives here to denote those that end up in hell for he mentions that some will go to the kingdom of God and some cast into hell. It is a gruesome picture that deserves our attention.
Summary - Jesus continues to speak to his disciples about how they are to relate to others and emphasizes the seriousness now of offending ourselves and causing ourselves to stumble. Here we need to be very careful. The consequence of stumbling here is ending up in hell, not the kingdom of God which is the contrast.
Promise: Hell, though painful to talk about, needs to be mentioned. It is a reality that Jesus speaks of. We preach the bad news so that people may know the good news.
Prayer: Lord, help me to remember the contrast of heaven and hell and to speak more of this reality to people's lives. In our inclusive and tolerant world, it simply is not a popular subject. We are falling victim to inclusive and tolerant language and services being more about self help and the Bible a book of moral guidance. Lord, I pray that your churches would be true to the entire message of the Bible and the gospel and would show clearly the complete change that must take place in people's lives.
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Mark 9:42 - Causing Others to Sin
Mark 9:42
Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.
Message: Causing Others to Sin
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 - As they continue in Capernaum, John the Apostle mentions to Jesus that someone is casting out a demon in Jesus' name and yet that person is not part of their group. Jesus calls out and says that being part of their group is not what sets people apart as followers of Him or being for him or not followers or not for Him - but instead the issue is are they doing things in Jesus' name. Are they acting in God's name? Thus, we need to look at the fruit, the people group they are in.
This verse continues to emphasize the way we relate to one another. I'm reminded of Jesus and the two commands he gave to us - Love God and Love One Another. Both of these are related on engaging on others, outside of ourselves. Previously, it has been stated by Jesus that we need to be considerate of those of a lower social class and not show favoritism just to the popular or the highly respected. And we also need to be focused not on which group a person is a part of, but instead how they follow Jesus. For Jesus will reward those that treat others well.
And now here are words more specifically about how we might lead others to sin. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea. Immediately, I'm reminded of these verses from Paul. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; (Philippians 2:3) and Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger (Ephesians 6:4). It amazes me how the words we see from Paul often are not anything different, but often just more clearly define the words from Jesus.
But, back to this verse from Mark. Jesus basically says that if we cause someone to stumble, then impending death would be a better outcome for us. These are strong words by Jesus. Am I encouraging growth in others or rather impeding their growth? Deception is a powerful force in our world today. People are being swayed away from real truth by elders and teachers that influence people in the wrong direction. That is a scary thing that is happening today.
Summary - As they continue in Capernaum, Jesus emphasizes to his disciples another key word about the importance of how we treat others - having already mentioned people's social status, looking at their fruit not their grouping, and the rewards that will come from this - and now he emphasizes that in no way are we to cause another person to stumble. For doing this would result in a horrific path of death.
Promise: From Tabletalk - The children of God are immeasurably loved by Him, and He will not take kindly to any who lead them astray or cause them to sin.
Prayer: Lord, help me to others be sensitive to others and never to take any one for granted.
Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.
Message: Causing Others to Sin
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 - As they continue in Capernaum, John the Apostle mentions to Jesus that someone is casting out a demon in Jesus' name and yet that person is not part of their group. Jesus calls out and says that being part of their group is not what sets people apart as followers of Him or being for him or not followers or not for Him - but instead the issue is are they doing things in Jesus' name. Are they acting in God's name? Thus, we need to look at the fruit, the people group they are in.
This verse continues to emphasize the way we relate to one another. I'm reminded of Jesus and the two commands he gave to us - Love God and Love One Another. Both of these are related on engaging on others, outside of ourselves. Previously, it has been stated by Jesus that we need to be considerate of those of a lower social class and not show favoritism just to the popular or the highly respected. And we also need to be focused not on which group a person is a part of, but instead how they follow Jesus. For Jesus will reward those that treat others well.
And now here are words more specifically about how we might lead others to sin. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea. Immediately, I'm reminded of these verses from Paul. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; (Philippians 2:3) and Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger (Ephesians 6:4). It amazes me how the words we see from Paul often are not anything different, but often just more clearly define the words from Jesus.
But, back to this verse from Mark. Jesus basically says that if we cause someone to stumble, then impending death would be a better outcome for us. These are strong words by Jesus. Am I encouraging growth in others or rather impeding their growth? Deception is a powerful force in our world today. People are being swayed away from real truth by elders and teachers that influence people in the wrong direction. That is a scary thing that is happening today.
Summary - As they continue in Capernaum, Jesus emphasizes to his disciples another key word about the importance of how we treat others - having already mentioned people's social status, looking at their fruit not their grouping, and the rewards that will come from this - and now he emphasizes that in no way are we to cause another person to stumble. For doing this would result in a horrific path of death.
Promise: From Tabletalk - The children of God are immeasurably loved by Him, and He will not take kindly to any who lead them astray or cause them to sin.
Prayer: Lord, help me to others be sensitive to others and never to take any one for granted.
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Mark 9:38-41 - On the Side of Jesus
Mark 9:38-41
38 John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is for us. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.
Message: On the Side 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:
Preface - Jesus continues in Capernaum and continues with the thought that as we desire to be great ourselves and also we desire to have God in our life, being there for others, serving others, and receiving little people as valued people, as no different from the powerful is what we must do.
It's interesting in this study of Mark, to see the disciples and what Mark is emphasizing repeatedly, the teaching from Jesus that is sort of the Opposite Way of how people see their lives. The disciples in their discourse thinking about who among them is the greatest means that they see themselves as a a separate or distinct group. They are unique. But, more than being unique, they think of themselves as special. And this special feeling makes them feel like they are on a higher plane than others. And the danger here now in John's words was that what Jesus is trying to teach his disciples, namely that they need to lean on God's power and trust God's power and live life in Jesus' name was reserved for the disciples. But it is not.
John said to Jesus, Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name. So the disciples saw that someone outside of their circle was attempting or trying to cast out demons in Your name. Obviously, someone had understand Jesus' teaching. In describing the scene John gets it right. What Jesus is saying to them over and over is to cast out demons and do things in His Name, in the name of Jesus. And here is someone that is doing that.
Yet, John has a problem with this person and thinks possibly that he isn't allowed to do this because
we tried to prevent him because he was not following us. Wow. This person shouldn't be doing this because he is not one of us. The complaint was not that he "was not following you, Jesus" but that he "was not following us." And yet he was following Jesus. But, the man was clearly bearing fruit, so this is how he should be evaluated.
Today, I think of an application in this message as to how we often will align ourselves with a denomination or type of church and then think that only those people in that church are following the Lord. And if a person is outside of that church, and therefore not part of our church, then they are not doing it correctly. But Jesus says to look at the fruit. Let the fruit of the person be the guide and not what group they are involved with.
Thus, Jesus says, "Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me." If a person does something in the name of Jesus then he will be incapable of speaking evil of Him. Again, Jesus says to focus on the fruit. Is the fruit correct? Is their motivation correct? I wonder at times if people that belong to different sects that we know on a whole to be wrong are still wrong. I know in my faith there is certain terminology that I expect to hear in people and when I don't hear those words I often don't think they are true followers or followers of Jesus at all. Yet, Jesus says words that are similar to the words of James in his book when he says that faith alone, without works is a dead faith (James 2:17). Our lives of faith will have works.
Jesus then speaks For he who is not against us is for us. Psalm 115:1 has these words that Chris Tomlin, the worship singer, crafted into a song: Not to us, O Lord, not to us, But to Your name give glory. There are two kinds of people, those who are for Jesus and those who are not. This really is one of those teachings from Jesus that I struggle with because he is focusing on works and he is saying that if people say they are for me, then they are, they are not against me. I struggle because of the divisions us in Christendom, specifically the conservative ones view those who are more experiential in their faith. I mean, Jesus here sort of points out a bottom line thought, and that is, "are people for me? Do they act in My name? If so, they are for me and we shouldn't be trying so hard to make them out to be people who are not following after him. I think it is okay to debate over their theology, but we should not be so quick to say they are not for Jesus.
Jesus says For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward. But are there boundaries on essential matters? Yes, and yet, I don't understand sometimes followers who seem to be truly following Jesus even if the leaders of the church or organization they are in are leading them on a different course. This can be a tough lesson.
Summary - As they continue in Capernaum, John the Apostle mentions to Jesus that someone is casting out a demon in Jesus' name and yet that person is not part of their group. Jesus calls out and says that being part of their group is not what sets people apart as followers of Him or being for him or not followers or not for Him - but instead the issue is are they doing things in Jesus' name. Are they acting in God's name? Thus, we need to look at the fruit, the people group they are in.
Promise: I learned these words from reading the book of Numbers - Be Careful. I need to not be so quick to judge others as being wrong, focus on their works and then talk to them about their faith. But, don't quickly turn them away because they belong to the wrong group.
Prayer: Lord, the message that you preach is a message that is an opposite way sort of message. It is different from the way I am often trained in the world and that world training includes how different religious sects train me. Lord, teach me the truth in this message. Teach me what it truly means and how I should view other people in my life. Lord, I want all people to know you and I stare often at their theology rather than their works. Help me to start with their works and then make a bridge to discuss theology. I think of the online ministry I am involved in and this is tough, because we only know from people what they share. Again, help me in what I think about others, to be true to You and Your Word.
38 John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is for us. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.
Message: On the Side 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:
Preface - Jesus continues in Capernaum and continues with the thought that as we desire to be great ourselves and also we desire to have God in our life, being there for others, serving others, and receiving little people as valued people, as no different from the powerful is what we must do.
It's interesting in this study of Mark, to see the disciples and what Mark is emphasizing repeatedly, the teaching from Jesus that is sort of the Opposite Way of how people see their lives. The disciples in their discourse thinking about who among them is the greatest means that they see themselves as a a separate or distinct group. They are unique. But, more than being unique, they think of themselves as special. And this special feeling makes them feel like they are on a higher plane than others. And the danger here now in John's words was that what Jesus is trying to teach his disciples, namely that they need to lean on God's power and trust God's power and live life in Jesus' name was reserved for the disciples. But it is not.
John said to Jesus, Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name. So the disciples saw that someone outside of their circle was attempting or trying to cast out demons in Your name. Obviously, someone had understand Jesus' teaching. In describing the scene John gets it right. What Jesus is saying to them over and over is to cast out demons and do things in His Name, in the name of Jesus. And here is someone that is doing that.
Yet, John has a problem with this person and thinks possibly that he isn't allowed to do this because
we tried to prevent him because he was not following us. Wow. This person shouldn't be doing this because he is not one of us. The complaint was not that he "was not following you, Jesus" but that he "was not following us." And yet he was following Jesus. But, the man was clearly bearing fruit, so this is how he should be evaluated.
Today, I think of an application in this message as to how we often will align ourselves with a denomination or type of church and then think that only those people in that church are following the Lord. And if a person is outside of that church, and therefore not part of our church, then they are not doing it correctly. But Jesus says to look at the fruit. Let the fruit of the person be the guide and not what group they are involved with.
Thus, Jesus says, "Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me." If a person does something in the name of Jesus then he will be incapable of speaking evil of Him. Again, Jesus says to focus on the fruit. Is the fruit correct? Is their motivation correct? I wonder at times if people that belong to different sects that we know on a whole to be wrong are still wrong. I know in my faith there is certain terminology that I expect to hear in people and when I don't hear those words I often don't think they are true followers or followers of Jesus at all. Yet, Jesus says words that are similar to the words of James in his book when he says that faith alone, without works is a dead faith (James 2:17). Our lives of faith will have works.
Jesus then speaks For he who is not against us is for us. Psalm 115:1 has these words that Chris Tomlin, the worship singer, crafted into a song: Not to us, O Lord, not to us, But to Your name give glory. There are two kinds of people, those who are for Jesus and those who are not. This really is one of those teachings from Jesus that I struggle with because he is focusing on works and he is saying that if people say they are for me, then they are, they are not against me. I struggle because of the divisions us in Christendom, specifically the conservative ones view those who are more experiential in their faith. I mean, Jesus here sort of points out a bottom line thought, and that is, "are people for me? Do they act in My name? If so, they are for me and we shouldn't be trying so hard to make them out to be people who are not following after him. I think it is okay to debate over their theology, but we should not be so quick to say they are not for Jesus.
Jesus says For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward. But are there boundaries on essential matters? Yes, and yet, I don't understand sometimes followers who seem to be truly following Jesus even if the leaders of the church or organization they are in are leading them on a different course. This can be a tough lesson.
Summary - As they continue in Capernaum, John the Apostle mentions to Jesus that someone is casting out a demon in Jesus' name and yet that person is not part of their group. Jesus calls out and says that being part of their group is not what sets people apart as followers of Him or being for him or not followers or not for Him - but instead the issue is are they doing things in Jesus' name. Are they acting in God's name? Thus, we need to look at the fruit, the people group they are in.
Promise: I learned these words from reading the book of Numbers - Be Careful. I need to not be so quick to judge others as being wrong, focus on their works and then talk to them about their faith. But, don't quickly turn them away because they belong to the wrong group.
Prayer: Lord, the message that you preach is a message that is an opposite way sort of message. It is different from the way I am often trained in the world and that world training includes how different religious sects train me. Lord, teach me the truth in this message. Teach me what it truly means and how I should view other people in my life. Lord, I want all people to know you and I stare often at their theology rather than their works. Help me to start with their works and then make a bridge to discuss theology. I think of the online ministry I am involved in and this is tough, because we only know from people what they share. Again, help me in what I think about others, to be true to You and Your Word.
Friday, August 3, 2018
Mark 9:36-37 - Receiving a Child in Jesus' Name
Mark 9:36-37
36 Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.”
Message: Receiving a Child in Jesus' Name
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 - As they arrive in Capernaum, the disciples have already been discussing about who would be the greatest and Jesus quickly steps in to tell them that the desire to be great is normal, but defining greatness is different with Jesus. It is about being a servant and thus being last or not first.
Jesus continues with this theme that service to people an giving yourself to the least is the path to greatness. It is sad for me to see that children and women in many parts of the world are not viewed as having much worth. It is not that we are to view ourselves with little worth, but we should not view ourselves more highly than we ought. Honor comes through service to others.
The thought here is that we naturally receive the powerful into our spaces, our circles, our churches, but Jesus wants to call to our attention that the lowly, the less powerful, the rejected - they all should be received in our surrounding in the same way.
I think Jesus is also showing over and over the significance of community in the life of a follower. We need each other. And we need to be there for one another as well. Independence and personal gain and personal achievement is often what is preached in our society, but being there for others is a key. This is hard. I notice this hard for me. I'm selfish. I want certain things and being there for others sometimes is hard. I was tired last night from work and turned away my son from speaking. My fatigue provided the response and now my person regrets it.
I hate that I live so often by my emotions.
Summary - Jesus continues in Capernaum and continues with the thought that as we desire to be great ourselves and also we desire to have God in our life, being there for others, serving others, and receiving little people as valued people, as no different from the powerful is what we must do.
Promise: From Tabletalk - Our churches must be places where society's castoffs and leaders alike are welcome.
Prayer: Lord, help me be that person that accepts others, that accepts the lowly. I overthink situations often to the point that I am turning people away. I hate that I am often controlled by my emotions. Even when I am tired or hungry, help me God, with your power to be there for others, to receive those around me. Help me to know how to do that, so that I am not enabling them but serving them.You God are Holy and I worship you.
36 Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.”
Message: Receiving a Child in Jesus' Name
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 - As they arrive in Capernaum, the disciples have already been discussing about who would be the greatest and Jesus quickly steps in to tell them that the desire to be great is normal, but defining greatness is different with Jesus. It is about being a servant and thus being last or not first.
Jesus continues with this theme that service to people an giving yourself to the least is the path to greatness. It is sad for me to see that children and women in many parts of the world are not viewed as having much worth. It is not that we are to view ourselves with little worth, but we should not view ourselves more highly than we ought. Honor comes through service to others.
The thought here is that we naturally receive the powerful into our spaces, our circles, our churches, but Jesus wants to call to our attention that the lowly, the less powerful, the rejected - they all should be received in our surrounding in the same way.
I think Jesus is also showing over and over the significance of community in the life of a follower. We need each other. And we need to be there for one another as well. Independence and personal gain and personal achievement is often what is preached in our society, but being there for others is a key. This is hard. I notice this hard for me. I'm selfish. I want certain things and being there for others sometimes is hard. I was tired last night from work and turned away my son from speaking. My fatigue provided the response and now my person regrets it.
I hate that I live so often by my emotions.
Summary - Jesus continues in Capernaum and continues with the thought that as we desire to be great ourselves and also we desire to have God in our life, being there for others, serving others, and receiving little people as valued people, as no different from the powerful is what we must do.
Promise: From Tabletalk - Our churches must be places where society's castoffs and leaders alike are welcome.
Prayer: Lord, help me be that person that accepts others, that accepts the lowly. I overthink situations often to the point that I am turning people away. I hate that I am often controlled by my emotions. Even when I am tired or hungry, help me God, with your power to be there for others, to receive those around me. Help me to know how to do that, so that I am not enabling them but serving them.You God are Holy and I worship you.
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Mark 9:33-35 - Who is the Greatest?
Mark 9:33-35
33 They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, He called the twelve and *said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”
33 They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, He called the twelve and *said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”
Message: Who is the Greatest
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 continues his time in Galilee but he now has a new destination as he continues the message of the Son of Man going to die and rise again.
As the disciples and Jesus continue on their journey, Mark records that Jesus continues to help the disciples better understand his message. Jesus uses every opportunity to teach them. At this point, it was men talking about who is the greatest among them. Jesus mentioned previously that he was going to die and rise again. And now in this discussion the disciples are talking about being great, and Jesus reminds them If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all. Thus, Jesus flies in the face of the words of the day that speak of being great based upon personal accomplishment, and remarks that greatness is found in being a servant. It is putting yourself out there without the need to be on top.
While this is a simple message it has far-reaching applications. In life we all have a goal to be first or to be closest to those in power. We desire to be identified with the best. Even in my work, there is something about being near the director, the mayor. There is this thought that if those individuals recognize you as someone important then others will see you as the same. People often in these positions put forth an agenda that it is never about them. And it is possible, but the way we view those people remains lofty.
So Jesus in his words reminds his disciples that in your desire to be first, you should really want the reverse. For where God is concerned, the desire to be a servant of all is key. Even in the 2 greatest commandments - love God and love one another - the focus on self is not the priority. Instead there is a focus on God and others. Yet, even as Jesus makes this distinction he acknowledges that people do desire to be great when he says If anyone wants to be first, The issue is what we define as being first.
Spurgeon remarked that, "In Christ's kingdom, the way to go up is to go down. Sink self and you shall surely rise.
Summary - As they arrive in Capernaum, the disciples have already been discussing about who would be the greatest and Jesus quickly steps in to tell them that the desire to be great is normal, but defining greatness is different with Jesus. It is about being a servant and thus being last or not first.
Promise: Greatness if found in thinking of others before ourselves. It is to not think we are every above any task that might seem to be trivial or lowly. It is achieved through humility, through thinking of others first and ourselves last.
Prayer: Lord, you are holy. You are great. Thank you for showing me that greatness is not part of what I can achieve on my own, but it is being there for the little person and helping those in need. I pray that this would be what I want each day. I pray that I wouldn't mind getting myself dirty but would be willing to do whatever. Just help me to understand this because often I end up doing things rather than asking others to do them. I think I'm being a servant when I'm actually not training others. There is a difference. Help me to see it each day. Thank you for your example of service though.
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 continues his time in Galilee but he now has a new destination as he continues the message of the Son of Man going to die and rise again.
As the disciples and Jesus continue on their journey, Mark records that Jesus continues to help the disciples better understand his message. Jesus uses every opportunity to teach them. At this point, it was men talking about who is the greatest among them. Jesus mentioned previously that he was going to die and rise again. And now in this discussion the disciples are talking about being great, and Jesus reminds them If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all. Thus, Jesus flies in the face of the words of the day that speak of being great based upon personal accomplishment, and remarks that greatness is found in being a servant. It is putting yourself out there without the need to be on top.
While this is a simple message it has far-reaching applications. In life we all have a goal to be first or to be closest to those in power. We desire to be identified with the best. Even in my work, there is something about being near the director, the mayor. There is this thought that if those individuals recognize you as someone important then others will see you as the same. People often in these positions put forth an agenda that it is never about them. And it is possible, but the way we view those people remains lofty.
So Jesus in his words reminds his disciples that in your desire to be first, you should really want the reverse. For where God is concerned, the desire to be a servant of all is key. Even in the 2 greatest commandments - love God and love one another - the focus on self is not the priority. Instead there is a focus on God and others. Yet, even as Jesus makes this distinction he acknowledges that people do desire to be great when he says If anyone wants to be first, The issue is what we define as being first.
Spurgeon remarked that, "In Christ's kingdom, the way to go up is to go down. Sink self and you shall surely rise.
Summary - As they arrive in Capernaum, the disciples have already been discussing about who would be the greatest and Jesus quickly steps in to tell them that the desire to be great is normal, but defining greatness is different with Jesus. It is about being a servant and thus being last or not first.
Promise: Greatness if found in thinking of others before ourselves. It is to not think we are every above any task that might seem to be trivial or lowly. It is achieved through humility, through thinking of others first and ourselves last.
Prayer: Lord, you are holy. You are great. Thank you for showing me that greatness is not part of what I can achieve on my own, but it is being there for the little person and helping those in need. I pray that this would be what I want each day. I pray that I wouldn't mind getting myself dirty but would be willing to do whatever. Just help me to understand this because often I end up doing things rather than asking others to do them. I think I'm being a servant when I'm actually not training others. There is a difference. Help me to see it each day. Thank you for your example of service though.
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Mark 9:30-32 - Teaching in Galilee
Mark 9:30-32
30 From there they went out and began to go through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know about it. 31 For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later.” 32 But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him.
Message: Teaching in Galilee
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 - After coming down the mountain, from the transfiguration, Jesus encounters his other disciples with scribes. A man with his son who is possessed with a spirit his entire life that makes him mute is here. No one can do anything for this man and Jesus remarks that he (still) has before him an unbelieving generation, for their is no sign that any healing of this boy has occurred. The man then wonders if Jesus can heal his son. Jesus speaks plainly that it isn't a question of can he do it, but will the man believe that he can do it. All things are possible to him who believes. After Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit, the spirit cries out and throws him into convulsions and then comes out of the boy. Jesus remarked that this kind cannot come out but by prayer.
Jesus is beginning to reveal to the disciples his eventual mission and that is to die and rise again. Mark records in Mark 8:31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. This was after Peter had proclaimed him as the Christ. Then in Chapter 9, verse 12 Jesus remarks after the transfiguration the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt. And now in verse 31 it is remarked that Jesus is teaching His disciples The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later.
Despite these words being spoken of now several times, the disciples did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him. It is like they didn't want to believe that this was actually going to happen.
While most of Jesus' ministry has been in Galilee, Mark records that Jesus is to go through Galilee as he ends up in Jerusalem by chapter 11. His last days are on the horizon.
Summary - Jesus continues his time in Galilee but he now has a new destination as he continues the message of the Son of Man going to die and rise again.
Promise: Jesus' words sound strange to us at times, but His revelation is our standard. Our standard is not the opinions of what He must be like.
Prayer: Lord, you are holy. Your teachings are true. Too often I am controlled by my emotions, my thoughts, Lately this has been a big problem for me. As I interact with my wife, I have had a hardened way about me. I am struggling to make sense of it all. Help me Lord to be more inclusive. Thank you for the teaching of Your word. Help me to stand on facts rather than feelings.
30 From there they went out and began to go through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know about it. 31 For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later.” 32 But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him.
Message: Teaching in Galilee
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 - After coming down the mountain, from the transfiguration, Jesus encounters his other disciples with scribes. A man with his son who is possessed with a spirit his entire life that makes him mute is here. No one can do anything for this man and Jesus remarks that he (still) has before him an unbelieving generation, for their is no sign that any healing of this boy has occurred. The man then wonders if Jesus can heal his son. Jesus speaks plainly that it isn't a question of can he do it, but will the man believe that he can do it. All things are possible to him who believes. After Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit, the spirit cries out and throws him into convulsions and then comes out of the boy. Jesus remarked that this kind cannot come out but by prayer.
Jesus is beginning to reveal to the disciples his eventual mission and that is to die and rise again. Mark records in Mark 8:31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. This was after Peter had proclaimed him as the Christ. Then in Chapter 9, verse 12 Jesus remarks after the transfiguration the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt. And now in verse 31 it is remarked that Jesus is teaching His disciples The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later.
Despite these words being spoken of now several times, the disciples did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him. It is like they didn't want to believe that this was actually going to happen.
While most of Jesus' ministry has been in Galilee, Mark records that Jesus is to go through Galilee as he ends up in Jerusalem by chapter 11. His last days are on the horizon.
Summary - Jesus continues his time in Galilee but he now has a new destination as he continues the message of the Son of Man going to die and rise again.
Promise: Jesus' words sound strange to us at times, but His revelation is our standard. Our standard is not the opinions of what He must be like.
Prayer: Lord, you are holy. Your teachings are true. Too often I am controlled by my emotions, my thoughts, Lately this has been a big problem for me. As I interact with my wife, I have had a hardened way about me. I am struggling to make sense of it all. Help me Lord to be more inclusive. Thank you for the teaching of Your word. Help me to stand on facts rather than feelings.
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