Strong, Wise, with Grace

Luke 2:40, 46-47 
40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

Jesus the man grew as we do.  As the Son of God, however, He showed God's goodness and wisdom as no mere boy ever could.  At twelve Jesus reasoned with learned professors and asked them pointed questions out of His infinite wisdom and knowledge.  No wonder all listening to Him were astonished - what man could know such depth and breadth unless He was God Himself...

Pray Without Ceasing

Luke 2:37-38   
37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

When one follows God as if He is all there is worth living for, then you are like this widow who spent every waking moment praying and seeking to please Him.  You also would let your thankfulness overflow into telling all around you where their redemption from sin, death, and hell comes from - the one who delivers, Jesus ("salvation/deliverance is from the Lord").  Let us never depart from Him who lives in these bodies, these temples where He now lives, but live for Him night and day. 

Heart Thoughts Revealed

Luke 2:30-35 
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation 31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32 a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” 33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Simeon waited a lifetime to see Jesus, the one to save us as a light to the world and to show God deserves all honor and worship and praise.  The thoughts and motives of the inner man are revealed by His word and work among us; how can we wait any longer when the word is in our mouths and hands before us, no longer hidden?  He also said this good news would divide families by those opposed to and for it.  This is what we bear news of, this certain hope.

Shepherds See Jesus

Luke 2:15-18 
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

When Jesus was born, the shepherds outside the town ran to see what God told He was doing. They then went and told many others what they had seen and how God told them by he angels.  Do we feel that same awe in seeing Jesus revealed to us, and the salvation and new life that followed seeing and knowing Him?  This extends beyond Christmas to every day after as well.

Light in the Darkness

Luke 1:74-79   
74 To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. 76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; 79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

John prepared the way for God's chosen one that we might be set free from sin and its taskmaster death.  He pointed to deliverance, salvation, by taking away our sin in God's great yet tender mercy as He came to visit us in the flesh.  He pointed us to God's light and life in Jesus Christ, bringing peace with God through Him.  This great gracious gift is remembered at Christmas, but lives on until His return - and into forever.

Truth for Mercy and Strength

Luke 1:50-53 
50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.

God shows infinite mercy in Jesus Christ to us.  He has all power, wisdom, and mercy - He puts the proud down who imagine they can do anything without Him or in their own imagined power and wisdom.  He rules absolutely, yet shows unmerited mercy and goodness to we who deserve only what sin brings in rebellion to Him.  He satiates our hunger and gives good gifts forever to those who love, fear, and follow Him with absolute trust in His work through His Son for us.

Holy One Born of the Spirit

Luke 1:31-37 
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.  37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Jesus (God is salvation) was conceived by God in a woman to be also a man - without touching her.  This is God's way of becoming like us to suffer in our place and die for our sins.  There was no other way to keep His justice and our punishment but by taking that sentence of death on Himself.  He reigns as Lord over all people and lands, ruling forever, and reminds us in so doing that absolutely nothing is impossible for Him.  This is why we celebrate Christmas - God's gracious gift of deliverance from our death sentence and gift of forever with Him, reconciled in Jesus Christ, God in our midst.

Don't Doubt God!

Luke 1:18-20 
18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

John's father did not believe the heavenly messenger in front of him, doubting God's word and work, and so had his ability to talk taken away until he saw John with his eyes.  God's work is absolutely done in His time, not ours, and we only need to take Him at His word as a little child with absolute trust (belief, faith).

Call to Repent

Luke 1:13-17 
13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

Before Jesus was born, John the Baptist was given life; not the son of God, but filled with God's Spirit to make hearts ready for Jesus when He came. He would call all to turn (repent) to God, to give love from fathers to their children, and from disobedience (sin) to wisdom of God's justice lived out.  John prepared the way to repent and believe in Jesus Christ, God-in-our-midst...

Luke's Eyewitness Account

Luke 1:1-4 
1 Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

This is one reason that Mark spoke of the Lord's work being confirmed in the apostles, so that their confirming testimony validated the words and witness they gave to us.  So Luke wrote what Jesus said and did as a credible and chosen eyewitness.  We do well to heed God's words to us through these who penned the New Testament.  Then we can be certain what we are taught matches what God says.

Preached Everywhere

Mark 16:19-20   
19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

When Jesus left for heaven after coming back from death and instructing His followers further, He told them as apostles they would be able to do some of the same miraculous things to prove, to confirm that they were with him and spoke on His authority. It was not about the signs, but who these pointed to.  As we see in Acts, without these proofs the gospel would be uncertain and he epistles written not accepted by these men.  So Jesus was seen in them and the prophetic word more certain by His word has come to us now.
(2 Peter 1:19) And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

Saved or Condemned?

Mark 16:14-16   
14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

When someone sees Jesus, do we believe?  The disciples thought it too fantastic that Jesus could be alive when they saw Him die - yet others saw and told them they did.  So by trust and acceptance of Jesus Christ the good news we speak of on Christmas comes into life.  Not believing actively by receiving keeps us condemned already in our sin, but taking Him and His witnesses at His word is deliverance by forgiveness and reconciling forgiveness from the cross and resurrection of God's Son for us...

Hear and Testify

Mark 16:12-13   
12 After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. 13 And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either.

What form in outward appearance Jesus took after coming alive from death is not clear, but two people walking along talked to Him for a while before realizing who Jesus was.  When they told others, they did not believe someone could die and live again (though they saw Lazarus come back to life).  Elsewhere we see Jesus telling these how all the Old Testament pointed to all this and Him.  Do we then fully trust Him to give us life after death, having done it Himself first? 

Tell that He is Risen!

Mark 16:6-11   
6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.” ... 10 She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

Peter who doubted was brought up separately by name to tell that Jesus was risen from death to life.  He had denied the Lord, but loved Him much as well, so was personally to be reassured.  Jesus was coming to meet them!  But they did not believe the news in their grief and loss.  Not yet.  Not until they saw Him with their own eyes.  Ah, but we now see Him with eyes of trust in His word - with eyes of faith as God opens them to be able to see.

Sealed in the Tomb

Mark 15:46 - 16:1   
46 Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. 47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observed where He was laid. 1 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.

When Jesus died on the cross, He was loved enough to be finely prepared for burial in honor.  The women who had followed Him made note of where the grave was so they could come back to further honor with spices to anoint the Anointed One even after death - such was their love for the one who taught, healed, loved, and walked among them.  Do we give all to anoint Him in willing love and honor?

Asked for Jesus' Body

Mark 15:43-45   
43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. 45 So when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.

It was a great risk with such a high position to lose all by identifying with Christ by asking for His body to bury.  Yet the honor was greater for Joseph than possible backlash.  Also Pilate was amazed that the Son of God would already be dead; he probably thought Jesus would hang there forever.  But Jesus died and came back from death to make honoring Him possible and infinitely worthwhile. 

Women Disciples

Mark 15:40-41   
40 There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome, 41 who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.

We often think of the twelve men who followed Jesus, His disciples and apostles, but here is a reminder that many women also were His followers.  They not only ministered to Jesus, they were His disciples also. The same is true today - this is a reminder that we are all one in Christ. 

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

The Son Forsaken for Us

Mark 15:34-39   
34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” ... 38 Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”

God forsook us, judged and condemned by our disobedient sin, but then was forsaken for us Himself as the Son of God and Man.  The veil in the temple separating God's presence from man was then torn down, allowing us access directly to God through Him.  Do we then in awe see Him and confess who He is and what He has done? 

The Crucified Reviled

Mark 15:29-32   
29 And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him.

While the people mocked Jesus and taunted Him, nailing false accusations and stabbing with insults and disbelief, He allowed the nails to keep Him on the cross to finish the work.  He chose to die in our place as a living sacrifice, willingly taking our sin's sentence as a completely innocent man.  He would not descend from the cross as asked, but arose from death later so we can believe. And have hope forever.

The ones most in need of saving are us - we all fall short of God's glory, condemned sinners in desperate need of Jesus as Savior.  None other.  No other way to reconciliation with God our only Father.  That should be our prime goal, to point all to Him before they die and face eternity in torment.  Grace and mercy need to be our 'save the planet' mantra.

United and Divided

Mark 15:24-25   
24 And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take. 25 Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him.

These were united in crucifying the Lord of glory, and divided His earthly possessions instead of partaking of the heavenly.  The ones tasked with executing Jesus sat around gambling with the situation, trying to see what they could take from Jesus' possessions.  Then they nailed Him to a cross to watch a slow and painful death sentence passed.  One lesson here is not to profit by Jesus in gaining for ourselves, not killing Him in our religious quest for personal gain - instead seeking to be nailed to the cross ourselves each day in self denial as we live for His praise, honor, and glory.  Why gamble with so great a gift? 

Mocking Worship

Mark 15:17-20   
17 And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, 18 and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. 20 And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.

Even the Romans mocked Jesus as King, dressing Him up as royalty and then abusing Him with the symbols of authority.  When they were done, they just calmly took off the things and led Jesus off to the slaughter as a man.  But as God and man, Jesus willingly went to sacrifice Himself - even for these mockers...and us.

Crucify the Innocent Lord

Mark 15:10-14   
10 For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them. 12 Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” 13 So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!” 14 Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!”

The religious leaders were jealous of Jesus, for He took away their importance as the Messiah, the Christ anointed by God.  Their system gave them comfort and undue respect and privilege which they would kill to keep.  And so they stirred people up to do just that - offering up the Savior to the death penalty and allowing a murderer to go free to protect themselves.  "What evil has He done?" None. He died for ours.

Opened Not His Mouth

Mark 15:3-5   
3 And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. 4 Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, “Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!” 5 But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled.

Jesus fulfilled prophesy to not open His mouth to His accusers, but He also gave us an example of how to respond to accusers and harassment - not in arguing back, but standing firm in the truth. There are times to make a good defense of the gospel, just as there are times to not defend ourselves.  In gentleness we must respond, speaking truth in love, defending the faith and not our own behavior, honor, or glory.

Identify with Christ

Mark 14:67-72   
67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with Jesus of Nazareth.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are saying.” And he went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed.  71 Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this Man of whom you speak!” 72 A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept.

Do we ever pretend not to know Jesus, not to acknowledge Him when confronted or hearing of Him among those set against Him or in a dangerous situation?  Peter did, and wept bitterly when he realized it.  But God is forgiving and restores us when we turn back to Him.  We DO know Him, and so count it as a good thing when we suffer because we are associated with Him. 

Who is Deserving of Death?

Mark 14:55-64   
55 Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. ... 61 But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? 64 You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?” And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death.

Jesus was blameless, perfect in every way as only God is; so they were unable to find legal evidence to convict Him to death.  They knew He was divine, but denied it - so they used religious means to convict Him with a death penalty.  The irony is that they (and all others, including us) were the guilty ones deserving death for sin against God.  So Jesus accepted the penalty for us all.  And died.  But He rose again...

Know Our Nakedness

Mark 14:51-52   
51 Now a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of him, 52 and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.

This passage could be about Mark or another with a fine linen cloth or robe come to see Jesus, but whoever it was ran away when confronted as the disciples did when Jesus was arrested.  It makes me consider how we have nothing without Him as well.  Our riches and white clothing are in Christ as Revelation says below...

Revelation 3:17-18 17 Because you say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

Are You Still Sleeping?

Mark 14:41-42, 49-50   
41 Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand." 49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then they all forsook Him and fled.

Jesus, completely righteous, was given over into the hands of sinners - betrayed.  But He only allowed that to occur on His timetable, not allowing it until it was the time God already said it would be.  Because He is completely sovereign over everyone and even history from the beginning of time to its end, it was so.  Do we then deny Him and run, or do we stand secure as ambassadors of certainty? 

As Weak, We Watch and Pray

Mark 14:37-40   
37 Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. 40 And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him.

Do we know what to answer our Lord when we fall asleep at the spiritual wheel of life?  When we should be in prayer or other work of His, but somehow seem to have a difficult time keeping the eyes of our souls awake to the needs or when we are distracted or consumed with less important things which we should be trusting for as the lilies of the field?  What do we answer - is it repentance and obedience, or 'reasons'?

Not What I Will

Mark 14:34-36 
34 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” 35 He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36 And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”

When we face a trial or decision based on God's word and will for our lives, we pray.  As we pray, we must follow Jesus' example here to make the focus on what our Father has for us, not what is comfortable, convenient, or that we think should be right.  Knowing all is in His sovereign hands, we ask for His will in place of our beliefs and desires.  We follow.  That is what disciples do.

Scattered and Tested

Mark 14:27 
27 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’
Zech. 13:9 I will bring the one-third through the fire, Will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, “This is My people’; and each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’ ”

Jesus told the disciples they would stumble because of knowing Him and run away, quoting from Zechariah.  But Zechariah went further to also say the ones coming back to the Lord would be His people, knowing and acknowledging He is God.  So we who are His stumble, yet are called out and confess He is our God in knowing our standing.

Consuming Christ to Remember

Mark 14:22-25   
22 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 23 Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And He said to them, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. 25 Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

The last supper Jesus had with His followers was the Passover meal as meant to be, focused on Christ in partaking of Him.  This was for a new covenant from God to man to remember Him and our union with Him until the new kingdom at the world's beginning to come at the end of what we now know.  We will be with Him forever then, but look forward in remembering what will be now in this celebration.  Then we will drink together of Him!

Vessel of Destruction

Mark 14:21 
The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had never been born.”

Judas is known for betraying Jesus for a handful of silver, and it was told ahead of time by God that it would happen.  It really would have been better if he never was born, but the same can be said of any who deny the gospel and turn their back on Jesus Christ.  For being so born to die and suffer forever is the price of rejection; so we must use every opportunity to bear witness to who Jesus is and what He has done.  Who knows what new birth will make the old of value?

Follow the Man

Mark 14:13-16 
13 And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him. 14 Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?” ’ 15 Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us.” 16 So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover.

This is faith - trusting by doing what Jesus says to do.  God prepares the way for us to walk in, no matter how we plan our steps.  When we keep in step with Him, then we find it "just as He had said to us." God's work and way done in faith will always find His supply to meet the need and glorify Him.  We must be led by His Spirit and follow in absolute trust to see this pleasing grace unfold before us. 

Memorial Honor

Mark 14:8-11   
8 She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. 9 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”  10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him.

Contrast again the woman who gave so much to honor her Lord for His burial against the one who betrayed Him for money and waited for the chance to hand Jesus over for death and burial to be rid of Him.  The heart set on God honors Him and finds great reward, but those set against Him face the judgment they already earned.  What price is our eternal soul worth?  What can we seek to gain now that we can spend beyond the grave?  What we do with Jesus here has eternal consequences.

Anointed with Oil

Mark 14:1-3 
1 After two days it was the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take Him by trickery and put Him to death. 2 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar of the people.” 3 And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head.

Those whose religion was challenged by God proving Himself with unmistakable signs and wonders did not want their system or their motives challenged, so they looked for ways to entrap and accuse Jesus Christ.  They wanted Him dead, the murder of which the commandment they claimed to follow prohibited.  Contrast  this with the woman who gave such a valuable gift to honor Him.  God seeks our sincere hearts bowed before Him.  The price He paid of His life for ours overwhelms our cheap efforts and makes us debtors to grace and mercy.

Watch! Be Ready!

Mark 13:31-37   
31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 32 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is... 35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”

What Jesus told us is what will happen, for He is God as well as man.  So we need to be ready when He comes back - we cannot know when that is, so eternal vigilance must direct us to trust His words and rest in Jesus' finished work on the cross as we live for Him and are about His work of the gospel.  Will we have perishable hay or lasting precious jewels to offer from our lives when we meet?

His Words Will Not Pass Away

Mark 13:28-31   
28 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors! 30 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

As Jesus told of the end to come before the new beginning of His kingdom, He likened it to signs of a tree with leaves that told of spring turning to summer.  This was an analogy to the pressing times of tribulation showing the season of the coming judgment and gathering of the called out ones.  Though the generation to see tribulation was the Jews at the Roman destruction of Jerusalem, in context it is also for the end of this world's generation when He comes back.  Just as in the Prophets, so here there is the immediate and future meaning to consider.

Gathering the Elect

Mark 13:24-27   
24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; 25 the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.

No matter how much tribulation we will endure before Christ returns, no matter how horrifying it will be to see the sun go dim and the stars fall, no matter how the heavens are shaken - we have been given a kingdom that cannot be shaken.  He will gather His called out ones, the church, as judgment comes and redemptive freedom forever in His presence is seen at last.  We yearn for that day, yet sorrow for those who will not be gathered in the Son...

False Second Comings

Mark 13:19-23   
19 For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. 20 And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days. 21 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. 22 For false Christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.

There was the destruction of Jerusalem and scattering with suffering of God's people long ago, but the suffering to come near the end will be intensified until judgment with Christ's return.  We who are called out will also suffer, but God will shorten the time of our suffering to bear it.  We must hold to Him as events turn against us, trusting not in false hopes but he living God to come.  He warned us enough in advance that we can hold fast to Christ in us, the hope of glory, with calm trust and assurance.  He has overcome the world and is in absolute control forever. 

Betrayed and Hated: Endure!

Mark 13:12-13   
12 Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Following Christ not only brings tribulation and suffering from the world, but can also come from family.  Jesus told us the kingdom of God in His name would be like a sword dividing family members, and we see this already in Muslim and Hindu cultures where harassment and death are doled out when family members become Christians.  We endure for the one who suffered and died for us on the cross, for He rose from death as we shall with Him also.  This is our certain hope.

Words Given as Defense

Mark 13:9-11   
9 “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. 11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.

As Christ's return waits for His time, we are to be filled with the gospel in following Jesus.  This will mean more and more persecution for His name and message, but we are still to speak truth in love.  He will give us words to say as needed; our part is complete availability and willingness to follow and be ready to give the reason of this hope in us.  "The Great Commission is a purpose big enough to capture your entire life." - Leroy Eims

Deceit and Sorrows Beginning

Mark 13:5-8   
5 And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 6 For many will come in My name, saying, “I am He,’ and will deceive many. 7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.

So many claim to be the savior of the world, whether small cult leaders or so called prophets of God.  But Jesus is the only way, truth, and life.  He does not deceive or lead down paths of false hope; He alone is God and His Word, and He alone paid the price for us to reconcile us to God.  No mere man can do these things, and no other is based on what God has said from the beginning.  As times get worse, only He can be counted on for peace in our souls now and into forever. 

When Will These Things Be?

Mark 13:1-4 
1 Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!” 2 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”  3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?”

The buildings and works of man all have this in common: they will either fall down with age motor be torn down by others.  We wonder at when the heavens will fall with the mountains at the end of this age, how and when - but God has this firmly in hand and reveals it by telling it will be so.  We must follow and not lead Him. 

Give All We Have

Mark 12:41-44. 
41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

If we have much, we give much - at least the amount seems like a large sum... But if we give all we have, then our heart is in it beyond mere obligation.  This woman gave a small sum, yet it was everything she had.  Do we give our all to the Lord and the Gospel to make disciples and please our Savior who bought us at such a high price? 

Beware the Pride of Life

Mark 12:38-40   
38 Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, 39 the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 40 who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”

When we as Christians begin to put on airs of self importance, we miss the attitude of Paul who admitted he was the chief of sinners and could do nothing except for Christ in him by grace and enabling power.  Those who expect respect with demands and retaliate against those who disagree need this humility - so we must not only watch for errant leaders and teachers, but seek humility in ourselves under His mighty hand to be lifted up in His due time for eternity.

Son of David, or Lord?

Mark 12:35-37   
35 Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? 36 For David himself said by the Holy Spirit: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’ 37 Therefore David himself calls Him “Lord’; how is He then his Son?” And the common people heard Him gladly.

Jesus is Lord of all men, even the great ones chosen by Him like King David.  So the common man heard Jesus say this, bringing down the pretentious and proud of their positions in life.  We are servants, not rulers over men's souls in Christ.  The lowly in heart are so in deed, while those worshipping themselves do not truly rule; only Christ does.

Wise Answer: Love God and Man

Mark 12:32-34   
32 So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33 And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” But after that no one dared question Him.

Really understanding God's heart means we draw nearer the kingdom with all our heart for what is on His. We love Him completely, "all in," and others just a little less than that.  This is the sacrifice of praise and service that is wisdom and life.  What else will it be like in God's presence forever with our brothers and sisters in Christ?  We must begin here, for the kingdom of God is within us...

Greatest Commandments

Mark 12:29-31   
29 Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Leviticus 19:18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

What does it mean to love our neighbor as we love ourself?  We understand but struggle in loving God with all we have, but do we see how the second command is also vital to pleasing Him?   In Leviticus we see love for others means forgiveness and grace in place of getting back or harboring bad feelings for others.  Grace and mercy bring peace with God and man.  He is the Lord.

God of Living, Not the Dead

Mark 12:24-27   
24 Jesus answered and said to them, “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God? 25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 26 But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him, saying, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’ ? 27 He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.”

We may say that we will join our loved ones in heaven, but Scripture reminds us that they not only must be His, but that we also will not be as man and wife there; like angels, we will live forever with no need to procreate, and God Himself will be our spouse - we are the bride of Christ.  We will rise again, live forever with Him, and the eternity we share with each other will be filled with joy together in His presence.

Taxes and Tribute

Mark 12:14-17. 
14 When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.” 16 So they brought it. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar's.” 17 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they marveled at Him.

Though we may complain about taxes, the money minted which we pay with actually belongs to the country we live in.  Beyond that there is the more important issue of emphasizing what we give of our lives and attention to serving God and trusting Him for our daily sustenance.  What is God's - us and all we have - must be given to Him.  He will take care of the rest. 

The Chief Cornerstone

Mark 12:7-11   
7 But those vinedressers said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 So they took him and killed him and cast him out of the vineyard. 9 “Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vinedressers, and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not even read this Scripture: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? ”

The example here seems to be that we cannot allow our religion to keep us from (or even reject) God's work in His Son for the sake of gain.  Jesus Christ is the cornerstone on which God builds His temple, and we are the stones that build and rely on Him as both foundation and key.  This is the Lord's marvelous doing.  We are His workmanship.  So we must continually look to Him in the word for all we do - this is great gain for eternity. 

Fear of Men or God?

Mark 11:29-33. 
29 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: 30 The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.” 31 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32 But if we say, “From men’ ”—they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed. 33 So they answered and said to Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

When we worry more about what others think about us than openly speaking about God and who Christ is to us, we also cower in fear of men rather than God.  Jesus was God among us, doing what man could not, and even then the fear of religious acceptance led to denial.  His authority is absolute and divine, and so we can only testify openly to that good news. 

Forgive, Then Pray

Mark 11:25-26. 
25 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

We should by faith expect prayer to be answered as it aligns with God's will, but if we are not also striving to be right with others, we should stop and get that right. We are not forgiven if we do not forgive, and that should motivate us to be right with man to be right with God when we pray.  This also means when others have something against us and we need their forgiveness, as we are told in other verses. 

Trust in God and His Will

Mark 11:22-24   
22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Trust in God alone will provide us with what to ask for from Him, for then it will be as He wills and not just what we want.  This is the faith that can move mountains.  The things of God's will in Christ can and must unwaveringly be asked for with expectation of answer - but we must never ask amiss for ourselves and our own pleasure or will. 

House Dedicated to Worship

Mark 11:15-18. 
15 So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 16 And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. 17 Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” 18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching.

God is to be worshipped and no other - and that worship should not be substituted with business.  Jesus made it clear that the worship was to be a place for all to come and pray, to seek and worship God. This teaching even today causes anger and astonishment when our favorite activities in church clash with God's holiness and purpose for us as His church.  But we need only fear Him if we do not listen.

Unfruitful Fig Tree Withered

Mark 11:12-14. 
12 Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. 13 And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard it.

Later they walked by this tree and found it withered and still without fruit, dried up even to the roots.  Jesus talked of faith in God for prayer to be answered by this tree example, but I wonder if it had more to do with unfruitfulness and the consequences.   Food for thought.

Hosanna and Save us, Lord!

Mark 11:9-10 
9 Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ 10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David That comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

Ps.118:25-26 
25 Save now, I pray, O Lord;  O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity.  26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!  We have blessed you from the house of the Lord.

"Save us, Lord" is what the people cried to Jesus, save to the Highest.  It was more than one coming in God's name;'this was God come in person bringing blessings by His imminent sacrifice of death.  This cry for forgiveness of sin and reconciling with our Maker echoes down from the fall in Eden until now, and on until He makes all things new.  This is the good news we bear witness to.

Let Me See by Faith

Mark 10:49-52. 
49 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” 50 And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. 51 So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.

We cry out to Jesus, but wait for Him to call us to Himself - this should make us exceedingly glad.  Even now, do we cast everything aside at His voice and come to Him?  When He makes us well and tells us to go our way, is it also as here where our way is His way as we follow wherever He goes?  By faith we hearken His call, and by faith we must follow His narrow way. 

Servant Position and Greatness

Mark 10:40-45. 
40 to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.” ...42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

God prepares us for Himself, whether election to adoption or our roles and positions here and in eternity.  God must be glorified as He is sovereign Lord and King.  So also the author of our salvation sees greatness as our serving Him in serving others, not seeking to be in charge or gain recognition.  He served us as an example for us to imitate as we follow.  A disciple, a follower of Christ, walks with Him so. 

End and Beginning: On the Third Day

Mark 10:32-34   
32 Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him: 33 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; 34 and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”

Astounded and reverently in awe.  After all Jesus did before His followers, they began to feel the presence of God among them.  Then Jesus told what the divine plan had coming - He would be betrayed, beaten, killed, and rise again to life.  After they witnessed supernatural strength and wisdom, they would see Him seemingly overcome and destroyed; but they did not grasp the hope and power of life from death yet.  This is why the resurrection of the Son of God and Man is key, as well as he hope of our own resurrection. 

What Do We Hold?

Mark 10:29-31   
29 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Do we leave our heart's hold on everything we own?  Whether we give all away or simply stop pursuing material or even relational things, it is not what we have that is the issue, but what consumes our affections and loyalty - God must be the focus, the beginning and end of us and all we live for.  Do we then live for the gospel and His glory, for others to know Him and make Him known? 

Possible Only With God

Mark 10:24-27   
24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?” 27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

The love of money (or anything that consumes you) keeps people from following Christ into God's presence.  Trust must be in Christ alone, God's focus for our trust, our faith, or we will not be able to turn from those things to God (repentance) nor be delivered from other consequences of the evil in our hearts.  This would seem to be an impossible task to not grasp what we think we desperately need, but nothing is too difficult for God.  All is possible in Him.

Repentance: Turn From and Toward

Mark 10:17-22   
17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ” 21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Part of deliverance from sin is letting loose of all else to hold to Jesus Christ, God before us.  Doing things (outward good deeds of religious motives) is only a beginning; the heart must be handed over in faith along with all the affections.  If possessions mean more than following Christ to please God, we remain poor.

Trust as a Child

Mark 10:13-15   
13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

If we are to come to Jesus as little children, simply taking God at His word for all Jesus did for us up to and beyond the cross, receiving the grace of the kingdom offered freely to drink of, then we enter by faith in what God alone could do to reconcile us to Himself.  This is indeed good news! 

God Joined Together

Mark 10:6-9   
6 But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

People hardened their hearts to one another, so the law allowed for divorce; however, God intended from the beginning that two become as one flesh for life.  So in the heavenlies we are one forever with God in Christ, never to be parted - the shadow of marriage here falls short of its intent to mirror God's union with His Bride unfortunately. 

Accustomed to Teach

Mark 10:1   
1 Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again.

When Jesus had an opportunity, people wanting to hear or be made well, He taught them.  It was His normal way of serving them - by teaching.  Do we use our calling and gifts to teach others, either formally or one on one?  The commission we are given is to make disciples everywhere by baptizing and teaching all areas of the scriptures, knowing He is with us always in this mission. 

Seasoned Living Sacrifice

Mark 9:49-50   
49 “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

The salt of Christ in us as we conform to His image makes us living sacrifices, denying our self serving lives for God glorifying ones.  So we can have peace with God and others as we seek not our own, but Him and others as the greatest two commands tell us.  The salt of sanctification seasons us for service as we die daily and live forever. 

Millstone, Maimed, and Maggots

Mark 9:42-44   
42 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched—44 where ‘Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’

By loving others and not causing them to sin or to keep them from the Lord, we will escape punishment that never ends, instead forever in the new heavens and earth in His presence.  Though we look on those who suffer for sin, we do not rejoice, but sorrow. 

Followers on Our Side

Mark 9:38-41   
38 Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.

If someone is following Christ truly, they do not have to be following you also; we each live and die to Him.  When others do not speak evil of Christ and walk in another church, meeting needs of people as His children, we must rejoice and encourage our brothers and sisters as they run the race to that goal in eternity.  It is not about miracles, but about true faith acting in obedience out of love. 

Servants First

Mark 9:35-37   
35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 36 Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”

Humility and glorifying God while serving others' needs before our own - these things make a servant seeking Him and others to be first and not self.  Likewise, we are told to accept those who receive the gospel in Jesus; we are to see them as His children and love and serve them as He does to us as well as them.  In following and loving God we must love and serve, something we need constant reminder of.

The Predestined Time

Mark 9:30-32   
30 Then they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know it. 31 For He taught His disciples and said to them, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.” 32 But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him.

Jesus knew if He made His whereabouts known as the rulers began openly to try to kill Him, that the time was not right.  So He quietly went toward that inevitable death - in His time.  He had to do as He said from centuries before; as God, He was the word given of how and when to die for us.  His sovereign plan included both death and resurrection, but the disciples could not grasp it, and were too afraid to ask because they must have feared the answer...

Help My Unbelief!

Mark 9:22-24   
22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

Jesus' compassion extends into our faith; we must trust His divine ability and expect what He alone can do when it His will to do so.  Belief, faith, is hearing God can and wills to move, and so telling Him and then waiting for the time and way He will do what He said. We too often must cry out for help to believe when the task seems put of possibility for us.  God is always greater.  Trust His ways, not ours. 

Jesus in the Conversation

Mark 9:14-16   
14 And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. 15 Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. 16 And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?”

We can get into hard discussions with those who do not agree with what the Bible says, but it goes nowhere until Jesus is brought into the conversation.  He brings the amazement and attracts people as He draws them to Himself through us.  We must have Him in us and in our reasonings to reach the hearts and souls of men.  God wants hearts as well as minds. 

Resurrection Prophetically Hidden

Mark 9:10-13 
10 So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant. 11 And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 12 Then He answered and told them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.”

The disciples did not understand 'rising from the dead' because people do not die for 3 days and live again.  They also did not grasp or want to hear that Jesus would suffer much and hated by others as He spoke truth, confronted others with repentance, and eventually die horribly and painfully.  They could not see He did it for them.  And for us.  The Scriptures told of these things, but it was hidden and not believed.  Now we can believe, and trust God that all promised is in Christ alone.  That good news comes from God showing it to us, our agreement to the truth, His enlightenment, and our acceptance. 

Glimpse into Future Glory

Mark 9:1-2, 9   
1 And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.” 2 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. ... 9 Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Jesus let His followers know they would see what He would do on the cross and from out of the grave.  He then showed them a glimpse of the glory of God as He shown in front of them.  And then they were told to keep what they saw to themselves until He was alive again after dying.  That is the power of God's kingdom - to have God Himself with the power of life and death offer life from death to us all, proving it in front of our eyes that He can and will for us.

True Gain is Not Ashamed

Mark 8:35-38   
35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

By putting our death to self daily on the cross of Christ, following Him in place of our own goals and purpose, so we find life in Jesus the Christ.  What is worth more than our lives found in Him?  So we must never be ashamed of being nailed to our death with Him, for our life in Him and His word we live by should never make us stand down nor fear what man can do - the only shame is found when we step down from the cross and live for ourselves...

God's Plan Includes Suffering

Mark 8:31-33   
31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33 But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Jesus was telling His followers plainly that He must be killed to rise again, but Satan kept fighting to stop the inevitable by moving Peter to deny God's work, no matter his personal loss of his Master.  The things of God outweigh the desires of man - whether comfort, friendship, acceptance, or any other good (but self satisfying above God's glory) thing.  His ways and thought are not ours, and by faith we must accept and wait as we patiently seek the reason while it is out of reach. 

Who Do You Say I Am?

Mark 8:27-29   
27 Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?” 28 So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”  Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.”

Many have varying ideas and opinions of who Jesus is, but the only true answer is that He is the Christ, the Messiah, the anointed and chosen one of God to deliver us from His wrath on our justly due punishment by our sin.  Sin is rebellion against God and all He says is good and right in our thoughts, desires and actions - our hearts and deeds.  Only the anointed, the one who is God and man, could pay the penalty for us because He is pure as God and tempted as a man like us.  This is the gospel, the good news, that Jesus is the Christ!

Do You See and Hear?

Mark 8:18-21   
18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?”  They said to Him, “Twelve.” 20 “Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?”  And they said, “Seven.” 21 So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?”

God shows us His working, whether by miracles to his followers when walking among them, or now in His control of circumstances and leadings for His glory's outcome.   We should understand that it is not so much the number of baskets, but His care, provision, and goodness to us by means only He can provide that matters.  How can we not understand if we are His with he Spirit of the living God now living in us (which these disciples did not yet have)? 

Leaven that Hardens Hearts

Mark 8:15-17 
15 Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have no bread.” 17 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened?

Jesus fed thousands from little and had enough left over for each disciple; yet these miraculous acts were lost along with teaching to avoid small things corrupting greatly as yeast does in dough.  Spiritually, they were dull in senses until His Spirit gave understanding.  So it is with us - apart from His life quickening in us, we have unreceptive eyes and ears of our hearts. 

Seeking Signs as Proof

Mark 8:11-12   
11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. 12 But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.”

Some argue with Christians and the Bible they stand on because they demand proof - but then refuse to even consider the truth when they hear it.  With hard hearts of disbelief and closed eyes and ears they make Jesus sigh deeply as well, and are given no sign to entertain but the same truth as proof.  Unless He draws them, they cannot believe, and their disbelief keeps them from hearing and turning from sin to Him for mercy and grace. 

His Supply is More Than Enough

Mark 8:4-8 
4 Then His disciples answered Him, “How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?” 5 He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven.” 6 So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and they set them before the multitude. 7 They also had a few small fish; and having blessed them, He said to set them also before them. 8 So they ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets of leftover fragments.

Jesus fed 4,000 people with 7 loaves of bread, yet had leftovers enough to fill 7 large hamper sized baskets.  Only God Himself can create something out of nothing, for that many would have eaten more than 7 loaves and some fish, let alone have leftovers.   He meets needs out of infinite compassion and is able to do the unexplainable.   God among us, Emmanuel, proved this in many ways, even taking the dust we are made of to heal the blind, making new sight.  We see this when He makes us new.

Deaf Hear and Mute Speak!

Mark 7:35-37 
35 Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly. 36 Then He commanded them that they should tell no one; but the more He commanded them, the more widely they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”

When Jesus touches a man, though God Himself tells him to say nothing to anyone, the joy of knowing the One who changed your life cannot but be widely proclaimed.  Jesus not only made sick and possessed well, He changes us on the inside to overflow with thanksgiving and joy in the freedom we have gained in Christ.  We are ourselves astonished, and so tell others of being made well inside and out. 

Crumbs of Faith

Mark 7:27-29   
27 But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs.” 28 And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children's crumbs.” 29 Then He said to her, “For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter.”

Though we non-Jews were not God's chosen nation, yet Jesus recognizes our faith as seen in this Greek woman.  Ultimately God had already promised Abram to be the father of many nations, bringing us all by the faith of him into the fold of His people.  So the crumbs we eat of salvation to be made well in our reconciliation with God in Christ are freely given and humbly desired and accepted as we are grafted into God's people.  Such depth of the wisdom and work through the grace of the cross from death to life! 

What Comes Out is from the Heart

Mark 7:13-23
13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” 18 So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, 19 because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?” 20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

When we put tradition over God's words to us we will inevitably allow our fallen, fleshly thoughts and motives drive us in sin.  This is due to the pride in our supposed knowledge of good and evil apart from His guidelines on what evil and good are - the original mistake of sin.  We are made unclean by our hearts and what results out of our words that disobey God as a result of our foolish pride.  We need clean hearts, not washing the outside appearance only. 

Lip Service Religion

Mark 7:3-8 
3 For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders. ... 6 He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 7 And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.”

Religion demands mandatory activities as sacred in place of God's commands.  These traditions become problems with God when they override His words to us by making personal choices into judgements on others who do not do the same as the creators of the mere traditions.  We would be wise to examine what others do which we insist God demands and angers or irritates us when they do not do those things - if God did not command it, it is not demanded.  Speak truth in love above all. 

Personal Encounter

Mark 6:54-56 
54 And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, 55 ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was. 56 Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well.

People immediately knew who Jesus was when He got off the boat.  They did not have to stop and think or ask each other who it was; they knew even before He made any of them well.  Was it just because they were waiting for the healer and so told each other what He looked like, or did they see the love of God poured out in Christ in their midst?   Seeing and touching Him, believing and receiving the Son of God, makes us well for eternity. 

Walking on Water: Don't Be Afraid

Mark 6:48-52 
48 Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. 49 And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; 50 for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 51 Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. 52 For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.

Jesus fed 5,000 people with a handful of food, an impossible act for man, then comes walking on the sea and got in the boat.  The wind stopped.  This was also impossible for a man to do, yet the hardness of the followers did not allow them to see God in their midst, Emmanuel.  To be greatly amazed beyond measure is understandable, but we need to trust God's work even when it is beyond us.  This is faith looking to God in Christ alone. 

Sheep Without a Shepherd

Mark 6:33-36 
33 But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. 34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. 35 When the day was now far spent, His disciples came to Him and said, “This is a deserted place, and already the hour is late. 36 Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves bread; for they have nothing to eat.”

People ran after Jesus to be taught and fed.  He showed compassion for both - He taught them of the kingdom of God (by faith and repentance with self control as Paul told a king in Acts) and fed them out of a seemingly insignificant amount of food.  Jesus gave them more substantial manna, meeting their needs just enough to satisfy.  So He does for us, and so we also hunger for more, trusting His supply.

Come Aside and Rest a While

Mark 6:30-32   
30 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.

When we serve God and teach others we must be joyful and satisfied in the work, but there is a need to also find rest and take time with Him alone as well.  They were so busy hat they did not even eat!  Jesus taught His followers this crucial principle of time to rest here as they went with Him after being sent out, carrying nothing but good news.  So we must be about our Father's business, but take time alone with Him each day as well. 

Who is Jesus Christ?

Mark 6:14-16 
14 Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, “John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “It is Elijah.”  And others said, “It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.” 16 But when Herod heard, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!”

Who is Jesus Christ?  He was well known when walking this earth, and is still talked about by many; but who do you say that He is?  Is He just a prophet or someone else?  Consider that He is who He said - God among us, the very word of creation at the beginning of time who has become a man to suffer in our place, take God's wrath on our sin as a forever sacrifice, and rise from death to give us life who trust His word that He did all these things?   Who Jesus is is the crux of eternity for us all. 

Preach Repentance to Forgiveness

Mark 6:10-12   
10 Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. 11 And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!”  12 So they went out and preached that people should repent.

When Jesus sent the disciples out to tell the good news, He told them to trust by not taking anything with them.  God would supply their needs by those they spoke to along the way.  But if they did not listen, they were to testify against their refusal to hear and turn from sin and towards God.  The hearings were only to prove they spoke for Jesus, and to echo the spiritual healing they still needed.  Most importantly, repentance to forgiveness is the gospel's foundation. 

Eyes Must Be Opened

Mark 6:3-6   
3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. 4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.

The wisdom and great works Jesus had done were beyond comprehension to those He grew up with.  They could not see the divine, only the man, and stumbled at who the Messiah is.  So their lack of faith (active anti-faith) kept them from accepting the healing of both body and soul.  Even today people refuse to believe and trust God among us.  But the ones whose eyes are opened by that light to see and ears opened to hear find the God they seek has been right in front of them all along. 

Resurrection Ridiculed

Mark 5:38-42   
38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. 39 When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.” 40 And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. 41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.

Jesus proved here and with Lazarus that He had power to give life to the dead.  How much more then is He able to give us life unending in His very presence forever?  God alone who created us by His living Word can but speak life into us, from Adam to you and I.  When He calls us to rise in the end for final judgment, will you know with certainty that you will have unending life with Him? 

Faith Makes Us Well

Mark 5:25-34   
25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”  29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. ... 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

When all our efforts leave us wanting, we can turn to the God-man Jesus Christ in trust with belief in action.  He is merciful and forgiving, and desires our souls to be well.  Though He does not physically heal everyone, all who touch Him are made well in spirit forever.  Anything more is a gift.  Let us seek peace with God in Christ to be completely well in our reconciliation with the Father. 

Made Well to Tell

Mark 5:18-20 
18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. 19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” 20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

When Jesus makes a man well, whether or not physically (spiritually in the heart is paramount), that man is compelled to follow Him wherever He goes.  But this also means that the man must tell all what Jesus has done for and in him - then all will marvel at the changes inside and out.  Jesus transforms lives, making us new, so we must tell of that work of grace in us as we follow our Master's footsteps. 

Peace, Be Still!

Mark 4:35-41 
38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

When crossing to the other side, the storm made these believe they were perishing - much like us dying in sin when we cross over in death.  But the hope we have in Christ lets us see how He rules the stormy winds and waves of life, death, and judgment.  The universe was made by Him as God's very word that spoke it into existence, so why fear if we are in His hands that formed us and all around? 

Parable Comparisons of Eternal Things

Mark 4:33-34   
33 And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. 34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.

Jesus compared spiritual things with known physical examples to give the opportunity to understand God's ways, yet even His close followers needed these pointed out and made clear.  When people are confronted with these truths they need His help.  We do not as fallen men think as God does - even the Jews in the Old Testament heard the truth unveiled and disobeyed.  So Jesus gave the chance to think and wrestle to grasp what God has been saying all along.  Thus the parables.  And so His Spirit to give understanding...

A Seemingly Insignificant Seed

Mark 4:30-32 
30 Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; 32 but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.”

God's kingdom starts with a seed, small and seemingly insignificant.  But in time it becomes as a tree, branching out and providing home and shelter to live and grow in.  This is true in both individuals and in Christ's work in the universal church.  In each of us when we are reborn we grow over time in sanctification, becoming more like Jesus, and so His kingdom grows within us.  In the larger group of all new creation we see His kingdom grow into eternity as more find their home in Him.  So is he refuge with shade for the heat of the day until He returns.

Implanted Word Grows in the Heart

Mark 4:26-29   
26 And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27 and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. 28 For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. 29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

God's kingdom grows in the heart of man by His word which is sown.  Those who hear and heed take root and grow, one step at a time until mature.  The harvest takes these of the kingdom to Himself - it is God's kingdom - but those not taking root or as unfruitful weeds are burned.  This parable shows us the word of the gospel must change a man if he is to be gathered to God in the end, and that growing to maturity takes time. 

Listening to Hear

Mark 4:23-25   
23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. 25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

Not only do we need to be willing to hear and led by God, we must pay attention to how we listen - is it to put into practice as we take it to heart?  Do we generously give back to Him and to others to the best of the ability given to us?  If so, more will be entrusted to serve even more; but if we hold back and do not put our heart into how we hear and respond, then we can lose what little we have.

All Hidden will be Revealed

Mark 4:21-23   
21 Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? 22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Jesus Christ is the light for all, and such He has entrusted to mere mortals to shine out to others; if we who have this treasure in clay vessels are afraid or uncertain what we hold on to, how can we hold it out to those in darkness?  In the end, all will know the truth, so why not let them know before it cannot make a difference forever?  This truth we must acknowledge and take heed to. 

Sower Sows the Word

Mark 4:14-20   
14 The sower sows the word. 15 And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. 16 These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble. 18 Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, 19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”

God's word is like the rain from heaven that causes growth as Isaiah wrote, but it must take root first.  The enemy waits to dissuade us from listening and taking to heart the gospel that is God's very word to us for a future and hope.  We hear atheists scoff and others say there is some other way, and we close our ears.  Others hear the word of God, yet don't really take it to heart, having only gotten excited about a new thing they heard.  When they are pressed or circumstances make it difficult to believe, some just fall right away and say they "tried" Jesus.  When life's pursuits of wealth or position mean more than eternity, some forget what God says and live for themselves.  Ah, but the few who hear, accept, take to heart, and obey the word they heard are free and in hope bring pleasure to their maker and Lord.  Their new life has meaning and purpose for all time, no matter the circumstance or what they want out of life. 

Outside Parables, Inside Understanding

Mark 4:1-2, 11-12   
1 And again He began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude was gathered to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea; and the whole multitude was on the land facing the sea. 2 Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching: ... 11 And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, 12 so that ‘Seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand; lest they should turn, and their sins be forgiven them.’ ”

Jesus purposefully spoke in veiled stories so that only those He drew to Himself and who then sought the meaning of what He said with the desire to take to heart and do those things - that they would understand.  But the ones religiously righteous apart from God were blind and deaf to the truth plainly taught in this way.  If people hear and look to see Christ and Him alone as the way to God, then they will turn from sin and find forgiveness.  This "narrow minded" truth is what give sight and sound to His words - and life forever with Him.

Adopted to Believe

Mark 3:32-35   
32 And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers [and Your sisters] are outside seeking You.” 33 But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?” 34 And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”

We who are adopted by God our Father through His Son Jesus Christ are brothers and sisters of Him.  We are now of God's family and seek Him as we do His will - that is, we believe the testimony of forgiveness and grace in Christ and follow in obedience out of love because of that.  We do not do this to gain His favor, but in thankful response out of love. 

John 6:29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

Unforgivable Sin: Spirit is Unclean

Mark 3:28-30   
28 “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; 29 but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”— 30 because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

The never ending guilt of those continually calling God's work to be of satan (evil by God's hand) cannot and will not be forgiven.  It is a willingness to malign God's character and work to keep people from Him; the current atheists hurl such accusations against God as they deny and slander one they claim they do not believe exists (so why blaspheme one they say is not there?).  But God's Spirit is holy, not evil, and all His works are good. It is our acknowledgement of that holiness that matters. 

House Divided Cannot Stand

Mark 3:22-27 
22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebub,” and, “By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons.” 23 So He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end. 27 No one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.

Jesus did miraculous things, including commanding demons to leave people; when accused of doing this for or as the devil, He made it clear that He came to throw satan out by God's power.  He even used simple reasoning to show it would be stupid for satan to attack himself.  So Jesus came, conquered in all authority, and reigns forever secure as Lord of all.