Hear and Do God's Word

Luke 8:19-21   
19 Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd. 20 And it was told Him by some, who said, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.” 21 But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”

If we are about our Father's business, following Jesus Christ and serving others with the words and deeds of the gospel, the we know what being His sons and daughters really means.  We hear and do our best to do what He told us.  Our natural families are important, yet being part of God's family endures past the grave.  We must desire to see Him more than they desire to see us in the final analysis as Jesus showed us here with His own family.

Lift Your Light High

Luke 8:16-18   
16 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. 18 Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.”

We are given the light to expose and replace darkness, but this cannot be done while covered.  What we have heard inside our souls by God's revealing, this must be shone forth to let the world see what is truth in Christ alone.  God gives the gifts and ability to do these things - unless we cover or dim it. 

Seed is Word of God

Luke 8:11-15   
11 “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. 14 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15 But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.

God's word either grows fruitfully to a changed life, or is pushed out by self seeking, or only sounds good and is quickly forgotten, or never is even considered due to hard hearts led elsewhere to begin with.  But when we heed this seed honestly and with good desire, then it grows to salvation and peace with God.  Our ears must be open and hearts receptive and obedient. 

Purpose of Parables

Luke 8:9-10 
9 Then His disciples asked Him, saying, “What does this parable mean?” 10 And He said, “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that ‘Seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’

God shows us what the Bible means; without Him opening our eyes with faith to perceive what is hidden in plain view there, we remain blind.  Likewise, we cannot hear Him call us unless He gives understanding to what He is telling us.  We remain deaf and blind unless He calls us and enables us - yet when He does, we must take heed and understand His good news in our free forgiveness and offer of reconciliation in Jesus Christ which we cannot earn or even find by ourselves.

Hear the Sower Parable

Luke 8:5-8   
5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. 8 But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

Jesus told stories that echoed truth, but required a mind and heart tuned spiritually to hear the real story.  Here He talks of seed falling and being taken away, seed on rocky ground not taking hold, plants choked out by thorns, and some on good ground growing and producing different amounts of harvest.  If you hear, what does this say to you?

Glad Tidings of the Kingdom

Luke 8:1-3   
1 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.

The love of God moved His followers to show love back, thankful for what they were delivered from and the kingdom within and to come.  So they responded in loving giving to meet Jesus and the disciples' needs such as food.  They gave freely as they had been freely given.  So ought we to love God and His people. 

Awareness of Forgiveness

Luke 7:41-43, 47-50   
41 “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.”   47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Those aware of their sin and how short they fall from God's righteousness are ever more thankful forth the forgiveness in Christ.  It is not necessarily that they were worse persons, but that they felt their need and debt to God more - so when the debt is paid in full, so the heart by faith is given more.  Jesus forgives to the uttermost, and by faith in Him alone (not our efforts) we have peace with Him.  And so we love much and follow with this ever in mind...

Wisdom Not Justified by Expectations

Luke 7:32-35   
32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying:  ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we mourned to you, and you did not weep.’ 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is justified by all her children.”

How often we want Jesus to do what we expect, and some even go further to reject and attack those speaking truth and doing as God says instead of what others expect or demand.  But wisdom comes from those who follow God and not men (unless they are following and giving the right example).  So when we follow the principles and examples in Scripture by the sound understanding of all of it in context and uncolored by personal or popular interpretation, we follow as children ought.

John Prepared the Way

Luke 7:26-28   
26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ 28 For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

Prophets reached their pinnacle in John the Baptist, for he cleared a path of repentance for Jesus' coming ministry.  Yet we of His kingdom are said to be ''greater'."  We have God's reconciliation and redemption fully in Christ's death and resurrection, God himself living in us to reveal His word in a way which only prophets could previously.  In that sense we know the greatness of our position and have insight into the things of this kingdom more.

The Coming One

Luke 7:18-23 
18 Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. 19 And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” 22 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Jesus did all those things God told beforehand would be done by His Messiah, the Christ.  So when John's followers asked Jesus if He was that one, Jesus demonstrated proof by miraculous actions spelled out from Isaiah 29 and 35.  He made the blind see beyond what was in front of them and opened ears to hear what He had to say so they heard the good news and saw who Jesus was.  So we need not be offended, but rejoice in knowing Him.

Do Not Weep for the Dead

Luke 7:13-16 
13 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. 16 Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.”

People spread the miraculous news when Jesus raised a widow's son from death to life, but did they speak of the miracle alone, or also the compassion Jesus showed and felt for her?  So the witnesses were awestruck and some knew God had come to them as the only giver of life to the dead. So He calls us to new life within as well, having Himself died for us and who raised Himself from death to life as a forerunner for us.  God among us offers life with Himself.

Grace as Faith's Object

Luke 7:7-10   
7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” 10 And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.

Faith sees the owner as undeserving (grace) and yet knows God can do anything if He only says a word to make it so, just as when He created the universe.  The military discipline of the Roman here was based on training and fear to give an order and know it would happen; with God we do not ask from fear of punishment, but awe and trust in One who never fails.  So Jesus calls this absolute trust 'great faith.'  We must so trust and serve Him in reliance.

Solid Foundation

Luke 6:46-49   
46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? 47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.”

Only the foundation of Jesus Christ can hold up what we build on Him.  Of course, wood and hay will burn and precious metals will remain, but we are forever His when He is what we build on, whatever we build with.  So we do not say empty words of 'Lord,' but have Him so in our hearts because we are saved by grace and faith on Christ alone, our foundation and cornerstone!  So we weather the storm of judgment for eternity.  Repent, believe, and follow- this is building on rock.

Fruit Speaks From the Heart

Luke 6:43-45   
43 “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Fruit comes from the heart, even when we trip and fall - if Jesus lives in us, if God's Spirit is allowed to control as we yield, then we bear more fruit.  Most, not all, of what we say reveals what lies within.  It is too easy to judge based on failure when the majority of the life practices what is good to God (not what pleases self imposed rules).  If anyone continually practices sin (the bad tree), he is not His as 1 John tells us.  But 1 Corinthians 3 tells us we suffer loss but are saved, bringing in the good with us.

Specks and Planks

Luke 6:41-42   
41 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.

A tree bearing good fruit is never reaches perfection, but aims at it as the goal.  So judging others harshly when we have the bigger logjam in our own vision gets in the way.  Jesus told us to first cut down the forest of our own looming faults before helping others to dust off their small problems to clear their sight. 

Trained to be Like Christ

Luke 6:39-40 
39 And He spoke a parable to them: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.

We should not listen to teachers who do not see what God has said as recorded in His word. If we do not use this word as the gauge of vision, we are following one who cannot show us anything they cannot see themselves.  So many are led to hurt or ruin. We need instead to become more like Jesus from those who themselves are looking to His truth to see the way to walk on the level and narrow road.

Measured Judgment

Luke 6:37-38   
37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

How and what we give to others is how we receive it back, whether directly from God or through others.  So when people judge or condemn us, we should examine ourselves to see if we are passing sentence or mercy on others.  When we are not reconciled with those who hold unforgiving grudges, do we look to see if we have not forgiven someone?  God saved us by grace, forgiving and releasing us from eternal judgment; how can we not do likewise?

Love Your Enemies in Mercy

Luke 6:35-36   
35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

Instead of looking for a return on love, good deeds, and lending (which all are self seeking when done just to get something out of it), we are told to selflessly love, to do good for the other's sake, and to give to meet needs, not as investments with profit.  This is the mercy God shows us in Christ, not giving us what we deserve as sinners, and showing grace of giving gifts freely and not what we owe.

Pray for the Spiteful

Luke 6:27-31 
27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

Loving our enemies really means that we treat and respond to them as we want our enemies to do with us.  So we are to bless, do good, and pray for them as they offend or steal from us.  We are not to hold back from meeting their needs nor retaliate for the evil they do to us.  This is a difficult thing, but if we begin by putting ourselves in their place and pray as we do right and even bless them, God is honored.

Seek Lasting Rewards

Luke 6:24-26   
24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

When we seek only what we can get for ourselves and not for God or our brother, we have nothing more after death nor for eternity.  When we hunger and mourn and are slandered for doing good, the world is angry we do not do the same things they do or seek what they seek.  If others always speak well of us, it may be we are not faithful and true to live and speak as Jesus would in our place...

Rejoice When Hated for Christ

Luke 6:22-23   
22 Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

When we identify with Christ in living and telling (bearing witness to) the gospel, we cannot and should not expect everyone to love what we say and who we are ambassadors for.  For the world denies and fights against accountability to God and refuses reconciliation through Jesus - for then they must admit they all fall short and are unable to earn His favor and heaven with Him.  So men have fought God from Eden to now.  Only humility to admit sin and turning from it to Him will stop the hate, exclusion, and attacks on His people...and Him in them.

Blessed are Poor, Hungry, and Sad

Luke 6:20-21 
20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled.  Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

What did Jesus start teaching?  He spoke of the poor and hungry and sad finding true riches and satisfaction and joy.  All these are found seeking God, aiming at Him with all the heart.  He spoke of God's kingdom within us, not forced by external keeping of rules, but with a changed heart and His presence within us to motivate and enable us to follow Him.  This is grace. 

Prayerful Choosing

Luke 6:12-13, 17   
12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.  13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles:
17 And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases,

Jesus gave a pattern for choosing leaders in His church, beginning with much prayer before choosing and calling them to the work.  Then He brought them to the work to be there for the ministry of word and work.  Though the twelve were unique in history, God always teaches us by examples to lead our steps.

Choose to Do Good or Evil?

Luke 6:7-11 
7 So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him. 8 But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, “Arise and stand here.” And he arose and stood. 9 Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?” 11 But they were filled with rage, and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.

When religious rule following is made into a witch hunt, devoid of mercy and love, it is actually an accusation against the judges, not the violator.  Jesus did good when man's rules said good was evil; those living with rules alone were driven by rage and vengeful murder, not love as the two greatest commandments that overrule all others say... We must live by grace, guided by His word.

Lord of the Sabbath

Luke 6:2-5 
2 And some of the Pharisees said to them, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” 3 But Jesus answering them said, “Have you not even read this, what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he went into the house of God, took and ate the showbread, and also gave some to those with him, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat?” 5 And He said to them, “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”

God created a day of rest to remind us of His rest after creating the universe and us, as well as to train is to rest ourselves.  Even Hebrews reminds us in chapter 4'that the rest we must enter into is Christ's work in place of ours to earn salvation and to walk with Him afterwards.  So when we "break" the Sabbath by our work, is it ritual of legalistic necessity or rest in Christ we follow?

New Understanding for New Covenant

Luke 5:36-39   
36 Then He spoke a parable to them: “No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one; otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was taken out of the new does not match the old. 37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. 39 And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.’ ”

The religious leaders wanted the status quo way of doing things; Jesus told them it was to be beyond rituals and to be matters of the heart that pleased God.  So here He showed how old worn out patches of rote religious rituals cannot contain the real heart of God's intent in our serving and living for Him and others.  But many are stuck on the old, believing it better, and so miss what the gospel of the New Covenant brings...

Sinners are Called to Repent

Luke 5:32 
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

This sums up the need for the Gospel; we are all sinners, coming short of God's righteousness by our lack of complete perfection to His (nor our) standards.  The good news is that Jesus came for we who all all spiritually sick and desperately in need of healing by the heavenly Doctor. This is why Jesus came to save, to deliver, to reconcile us with God by taking our illness of soul and its punishment on Himself and paying the price of death to give life in the treatment.

Sick Need the Physician

Luke 5:29-31   
29 Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them. 30 And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

Jesus calls us to follow, no matter where we come from - despised or loved, rich or poor, mighty or powerless.  He does not wait for us to be sinless before saving us from His judgment, but died for us while we are deep in it.  He associates with is to make us well in our souls with the healing balm of reconciling grace and mercy through His suffering, death, and resurrection.  The great soul Physician truly is the only way, the only truth, and only life eternal...

Power to Forgive Sin

Luke 5:22-26   
22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”   26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today!”

Unexpected paradoxical (strange) things were seen when God received the glory for how He not only healed a paralyzed man, but actually forgave hi sins before God!  They began to see that it was God among them, His finger reaching down as a man to them as Jesus knew what they thought and acted as only the Divine can.  They felt the fear, the awe of God.

God Alone Forgives Sin

Luke 5:19-21   
19 And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. 20 When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Jesus answers faith with mercy and grace. He forgives sins as only God has the authority to do, and here proved it further by also healing a paralyzed man.  He gave the man the ability to walk so he could follow Jesus in both body and spirit.  Our faith given by God responds with action to Christ and results in grace and mercy. 

Pray Alone with God

Luke 5:16 
So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.

Jesus gave us this example to follow - when serving others, we need to take time alone with our Father in long times of listening and talking with Him.  Alone.  By doing so, we can be more attentive to His guidance, understanding of His word and will, and draw closer to knowing and worshipping in love, humility, and willing obedience.  If Jesus did this in the middle of ministering to so many, how can we neglect doing this for even one? 

Healing as a Testimony

Luke 5:13-16   
13 Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And He charged him to tell no one, “But go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as a testimony to them, just as Moses commanded.” 15 However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. 16 So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.

Many came for Jesus' miracles to heal their sick bodies, but they also came to hear Him speak of the kingdom of God.  The healing of their souls was a more powerful draw to eternity than the immediate needs, yet in this present time some still seek the immediate gratification of physical over spiritual.  The physical is a testimony to Him, but that of the soul is the deeper and lasting need for us all.

Knowing Sin Seeing Grace

Luke 5:8-11   
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

In our efforts we are like Peter, James, and John; they fished by their wisdom and came up empty handed, but when following Jesus' direction, caught more than ever. Their boat then began to sink under His provision.  So we must not only forsake all to follow, but also forsake our ability in fishing for men. God gives the increase under His mighty hand, whereas our efforts apart from Him are fruitless. 

Quiet Time to Hear Word of God

Luke 5:1-3 
1 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.

As Jesus went and made disciples, He taught them from wherever they were as they came to Him.  Here they had a need to urgently come near Him to hear, and so Jesus got into a boat there so as to be better heard by the crowd.  Sitting.  He made sure they could hear, and made them at ease by sitting.  Do we follow His example, plainly take advantage of circumstances to clearly speak and teach those wanting to hear God's word? 

Son of God Sent to Preach

Luke 4:41-43   
41 And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ. 42 Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; 43 but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”

Jesus set many free who were possessed and healed some of conditions or diseases, but He often had to go to a quiet place away from the masses seeking healing.  This He did to pray, and He plainly said His overriding purpose was to tell the good news of deliverance from sin's due penalty, freeing souls for eternity (not just bodies).  So we now must focus on salvation, deliverance from judgement, not just being physically well or in comfort. That is eternal.

Word with Authority and Power

Luke 4:31-37   
31 Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. 32 And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority. ... 36 Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” 37 And the report about Him went out into every place in the surrounding region.

Jesus taught with absolute and divine authority.  Even the demons had to listen and vacate those they possessed - when the Holy One, the Son of God, spoke they had no choice but to obey.  So the witnesses to these things told it everywhere, and so we read about it now in wonder and awe in the fear of God.   He has the power over death and life with His word as well, assuring that He can raise us up in new life.  Nothing is too difficult for Him. 

Grace Filled Words of Christ

Luke 4:22-24   
22 So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph's son?” 23 He said to them, “You will surely say this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.’ ”24 Then He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country.

Not only did the religious want to throw Jesus off a cliff for claiming He was God's answer, the Messiah, but also because He knew and told them they did not believe.  Yet He told them in the past others not of God heard and were made well.  These here now we're angry to hear the truth of those not "worthy" were those God hears and heals.  Pride, self importance, and denial keep many from Him today as well.

Gospel's Liberty to Captives of Sin

Luke 4:18-21 
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives. And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”   20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

After Jesus was tempted by the devil in every way, he began to teach in the synagogues where those who knew the Scriptures were.  So He began with Isaiah speaking of Himself - salvation for us in a time acceptable to God in His timing (2 Cor. 6:2).  He told them plainly this prophecy had come to pass, hinting at Himself being the Messiah, the Christ.  Instead of joy, they angrily tried to throw Jesus off a cliff.  Even now men will hear this good news and get angry as they throw Him out of their sight...but some have ears to hear.

Tempted Without Sin

Luke 4:13-15   
13 Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. 14 Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. 15 And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

Jesus was tempted and stood to God's words till Satan left "until an opportune time."  The attacks came at the cross, but until then God's Son moved by God's Spirit taught and offered the good news of repentance and faith leading to grace and forgiveness in mercy.  So Jesus was glorified and the hope proven when risen from the grave.  Even now Satan tempts us, attacking at opportune times as a roaring lion on the prowl - but He in us is greater.

Written Not to Tempt God

Luke 4:9-12 
9 Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you,’ 11 and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ” 12 And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ”

Blindly trusting God by purposefully doing dangerous things is really just tempting Him.  Even though God promises to protect us, it is by His will and not ours, so we do not create circumstances and expect Him to intervene.  This is what Satan tried to lure Jesus into doing.  So he lures us with such devices as well if we do not know and understand His word.

Worship and Serve God Alone

Luke 4:5-8 
5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7 Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” 8 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”

Power over all countries from the beginning till the end of time cannot compare to God's kingdom with His very presence!  The temptation to rule over others was countered by Jesus in His word and example to be a servant of all.  Worship is for God alone, not any power or the ones who offer it.  Do we then run after gain at His expense, or after Him?

Live by Every Word of God

Luke 4:1-4. 
1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry. 3 And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4 But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ ”

Before Jesus began His work, He was led through an empty, isolated wilderness without food for over a month.  Then the devil tried to tempt Him as he does us - but Jesus never wavered, even when starving after all the time.  He answered the temptation to prove Himself by pointing out we live by God's word, not our desires first of all. 

Well Pleasing Begotten Son

Luke 3:21-22 
21 When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. 22 And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”
Psalms 2:7-12 
7 “I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.  12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Jesus was told by the Father that He is His Son so that all could hear and think back to Psalm 2, where the Son is to be trusted (faith in Him) and held to to escape God's wrath.  So Jesus as the Son of God and man paved the way for our repentance and salvation - God as Spirit both identified Jesus as the Son and enabled Him as a man.

Threshing Floor

Luke 3:16-17 
16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.”

We are immersed or baptized in God as Spirit when delivered and reborn in Him, escaping the just punishment of final judgment with fire.  Those not heeding and believing who Jesus is and what He did in our place to reconcile us to the Father will be as the leftover shells of wheat that have no life and are burned up at harvest time.  This is why Jesus and John told us to repent (turn from sin to Him) and trust fully in His work, not ours to be saved from our sentence. 

Fruits of Repentance

Luke 3:10-14 
10 So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” 11 He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” 12 Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.” 14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.”

Fruits worthy of repentance - some marked changes - include giving to others in need, be fair in business dealings, and be content with all you have. By starting here, we then are ready for  the realization that we ultimately fail in our own effort and need to be changed by God to be able and willing to keep on choosing well and bearing fruit for the rest of our lives.  The good news talks of repentance and faith; the repentance is turning to do good for God, and faith is the trust in Jesus Christ's work in our place to make right where our own efforts always fall short. 

Make His Way Straight!

Luke 3:3-4, 8   
3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.  8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.

John prepared the way for Jesus by calling for people to turn away from sin and toward Him.  But he also warned that it must be real - fear of God's due justice enacted, not just to check a box of a religious rule.  God 's people are from God's work, not our birthright, position, wealth, or any work we can drum up.  So now all must be by Christ alone through faith alone.

Jesus Wisdom, Growth, and Favor

Luke 2:51-52 
51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Again Jesus grew as a man, giving us an example to follow - to add to our wisdom as we learn from God by His word, and to show that in a life changing to be honoring to all.  This is as part of His body, the unseen universal church, whose head is Christ (not any man or organization in place of Christ).

About My Father's Business

Luke 2:48-50 
48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” 49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

Jesus had a unique position as God's Son, doing what we could not as mere men - but He also gave us examples to follow in His steps.  Here we can study to know the Bible to be approved workers of the Gospel, as well as to be about our Father's business as we follow in trusting obedience.  let this year and every one be in this race - anytime, anywhere, any cost, bar nothing...

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.