Tag: ministry

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Luke: Dedication to Theophilus

Today we begin to read through Luke’s gospel account of the life of Jesus. Here’s an overview of where we will venture over the next several weeks:

  1. The Preface (1:1–4)
  2. The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus (1:5–2:52)
  3. The Preparation of Jesus for His Public Ministry (3:1–4:13)
  4. His Ministry in Galilee (4:14–9:9)
  5. His Withdrawal to Regions around Galilee (9:10–50)
  6. His Ministry in Judea (9:51–13:21)
  7. His Ministry in and around Perea (13:22–19:27)
  8. His Last Days: Sacrifice and Triumph (19:28–24:53)

As usual, I’m in no hurry and always appreciate your thoughts as I ponder each paragraph (section) at a time. Obviously, some of those above will take time to consider. That’s the joy of walking through the Bible!

The NIVAC notes that this is the longest gospel account in terms of verses, plus this surprising trivia fact:

Luke as an author is the largest contributor to the New Testament with a total of 2,157 verses (Luke + Acts). Paul has a total of 2,032 verses.NIV Application Commentary, Introduction to Luke

All that to say, don’t be in a hurry to get through Luke! This is gonna take some time and we get to hear from an author who was very intentional about his thoughts.

Pull up a chair, grab some coffee, and let’s get started.

Read: Luke 1:1-4

Between Luke and Paul, we are truly blessed that these two invested their time in writing down their God-inspired words for their followers, words we are able to consider in our daily walk.

Luke begins by telling us that like others who have reported on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophesies through the life of Jesus Christ, he will consider all the facts and provide a detailed perspective on these significant events. Everything will be considered, but as we know, not everything will be written.

With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Luke 1:3-4

Careful Investigation

No doubt other writings were circulating when Luke worked on his volume (between the 60s and 80s A.D.). Given the careful attention to oral histories, the eyewitnesses that were still around provide him with a wealth of information. Cities still existed and the destruction of the temple (~70 A.D.) was still current news. Luke has much to consider as he begins.

Theophilus

Some speculate that Theophilus was a Gentile that was first converted to Judaism, then Christianity. From this view, he’s an outsider trying to fit in; one who wants to understand how all this works. I love this perspective as it gives us a framework to work within as we seek to spread the gospel to others in our contemporary context. We need to learn not to speak in churchese, like secret buzz words, etc. We need to be able to talk to the Theophilus’ of today. Luke honors Theophilus by given him the title, “most excellent.” I wonder how much better our conversations might go if we greeted other Christ followers as most excellent. Something to consider!

Certainty of the Things You’ve Been Taught

This is all about the call to make disciples who will make disciples. This is why we need to take time to write things down. We don’t need to publish a book or post blogs everyday, but it is important to pause and write your thoughts down. This is an important way to work out your faith and confirm what you’ve been taught. We are not blindly following the blind. As we invest time to journal (or blog), we get better at making disciples! Our primary mission in life is to go into the world and make disciples. We need to keep this in mind at all times, our motto, our mission, our purpose.

Consider this thought: If the only thing I was good at was making disciples, what more could I possibly want? If I couldn’t write code or play guitar, if I couldn’t create videos or write music, but I could make disciples, how would my life look when it is done and I come face-to-face with Jesus? I think He would be pleased.

That’s not a ticket to disregard our gifts! We must not act like fools. We know the Spirit has given us gifts for the building up of the church, the body of Christ. All I’m suggesting is that this all fits under the umbrella of discipleship. Use your gifts, you must. Make disciples, it’s a command.

I’m so excited to learn from Luke! Lord, help us to read and understand what we need to learn from Your word and how to go and make disciples.

Love God. Love Others. Love Yourself.

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Mark: Resurrection — He Has Risen!

Read: Mark 16:1-8

In this remarkable conclusion to John Mark’s gospel, we read about the impossible, improbable, incomprehensible resurrection of Jesus! He has risen!

Once again, the women take the initiative to do that which was uncomfortable at the very least:

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Mark 16:1

  • Mary Magdalene served alongside Jesus for most of His ministry. Luke records that she was relieved of seven demons (see Luke 8:1-3) during Jesus’ travels throughout Galilee and subsequently joined those following Him.
  • The second Mary is the mother of James. At first I thought this was an indirect way of referring to Mary, the mother of Jesus, but reviewing the other gospel accounts and several commentaries corrected my mistake.
  • Salome, the mother of the Zebedee sons James and John, also appears on the scene.

The concept of resurrection was not only a foreign to everyone, it was certainly not expected after watching the brutal torture and death of their beloved friend–even though Jesus told them over and over again!

John Mark’s passion week began with the woman who anointed Jesus with an extravagant perfume and ends with women appearing at the tomb to show their love and respect for this incredible man. Can we love without restraint or concern about reputation? These women were concerned with rolling the stone away, not about anyone’s opinion of their actions. They were focused on details of how to go about honoring Jesus. What an exceptional example for us to consider!

From some of my earliest memories of choir and Easter, I remember how we sang and read with great excitement these verses (and/or corresponding verses from the other gospel accounts):

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” Mark 16:6-7

He is not here…just like He said. Isn’t it interesting how they were told to tell “his disciples and Peter”? Perhaps Peter is individually named here because he is deeply depressed by his actions, denials, and complete failure (in his mind). I would certainly feel the pain as the memory of my actions would certainly weigh me down. Peter denied Jesus then watched his friend, mentor, the one he declared as the Messiah, die on a cross along with criminals. Yes, tell His disciples and Peter to meet in Galilee. The story is not finished!

Final statement from John Mark:

Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. Mark 16:8

I would certainly be afraid! Imagine the crazy thoughts going through your mind as you approached a grave that has apparently been robbed. After all the drama of a mock trial and ultimate execution, “afraid” would be an understatement at best.

Matthew reports they ran to tell the disciples (Matthew 28:8-10), Luke and John add their perspectives: (see Luke 24:9-10 and John 20:1-2[/bible]). All indications are they might have said nothing to those they passed, but they most definitely told the disciples (and Peter)!

The official end of the Gospel of Mark is really just the beginning of the story. I can’t wait to get to Acts, but we will make our way through Luke and John on the way through the rest of the New Testament. Who knows, perhaps we’ll finish by this Summer! I’m in no hurry. I hope you enjoy the adventure as much as I get from taking this in one bite at a time.

Read: Mark 16:9-20

Ah, the verses that were not included in the original Greek…to read or not to read…hmmmm.

From the NIV Study Bible:

Serious doubt exists as to whether these verses belong to the Gospel of Mark. They are absent from important early manuscripts and display certain peculiarities of vocabulary, style and theological content that are unlike the rest of Mark. His Gospel probably ended at 16:8, or its original ending has been lost.NIV Study Bible

In essence, this section seems to incorporate John’s account of the resurrection (see John 20:1-23). It certainly doesn’t contradict  other writings, but the language is much different than the rest of Mark. For what it’s worth, I would simply refer to Matthew, Luke, and John for additional details. Your opinion is always welcome!

 

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Mark: Crucifixion, Death, and Burial of Jesus

Read: Mark 15:21-47

As a rule, I don’t get real excited about New Year’s celebrations, but I am hopeful that 2018 will be a year of change, redirection, refocus, and rebuilding for the ministry that Jesus has in mind for me. That’s probably not very unique, but in the last 4 or 5 years, significant changes have happened in my life as children become adults and the umbilical cord attached to the Air Force is detached.

If I were really paying attention, this post should have been the last post of 2017, the rather factual report of the crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus. The first post of the new year should have been on the resurrection, the distinction between Christianity and every other religion in the world. Forgive me for not planning well.

In the last several posts, I’ve honed in on shorter passages than today’s reading. As I read through the chapter, it seems to me that John Mark wanted to provide information about these events in a brief, somewhat journalistic style. There is very little interaction in the passage–just key facts. The way I read this is simply to cover the story and move on.

  1. Yes, Jesus was crucified as a human, along with others, according to the horrible Roman authority’s system of punishment.
  2. Yes, Jesus, the man, died. His physical body quit functioning. Mine would have died at the scourging, but His body, because of His human strength, continued through to Golgotha where others watched, sneered, judged, and witnessed the cruel death.
  3. Yes, Jesus’ body was buried by a friend in a place that was known about at that time, especially by Mary and Mary.

I’ll take a quick look at these three yeses today.

Crucifixion

Not much detail here, just some details. At Hope Fellowship, we recall the Stations of the Cross during Easter (the featured image is #3). One of the images is based on this scripture:

A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. Mark 15:21

Imagine making your pilgrimage to Jerusalem during the Passover celebration, then being tasked to carry the cross for someone’s crucifixion. What a dreadful way to remember Passover! Perhaps Simon is named here as the father of Rufus mentioned in Romans 16:13.

The mocked and taunted Jesus as He hung there and died under the torture designed to create as much human pain as possible before death. A sign for those opposed to the Roman rule.

Death

For six hours, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., Jesus labored to stay alive as He hung there on the cross.

And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). Mark 15:34

There are many schools of thought on this particular passage, as is typically the case for the theologically elite. I believe that Jesus, the human, felt incredible physical pain as well as the huge burden that was placed on Him. For those who knew the psalms, He points us to Psalm 22 as He begins to cite the incredible words from David that ends with this promise:

They will proclaim his righteousness,
declaring to a people yet unborn:
He has done it!
Psalm 22:31

Burial

In the end, the body gives up and must be tended to. Joseph of Arimathea steps in to boldly claim the body, wrap it in linen, and place it in the tomb hewn from rock and covered by stone.

Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Mark 15:43

Mary and Mary were watching the whole time, keeping track of events, no doubt mourning deeply.

This is a sad sequence of events, a somber reminder of the extent to which our Savior would go for our benefit. Not the greatest way to start the new year, or perhaps the best way to start:

remember the cross
remember the pain
don’t forget the shame,
the insults, the blame;
words hurled toward the man.

remember the cross
as you consider
your debt is not so great,
your pain not too severe,
the cost for you and me
is really no loss.

remember the cross
this year
as we strive to change,
as we hope to empower
the least,
the lost,
the lonely;
those who know and
those who are blinded
to the reality of spiritual darkness.

remember the cross.

May God richly bless 2018 for you and yours. I can honestly, deeply say this to the few of you that actually read this blog: I love you. I hope the best for you in this and every year. May God pour out His favor on you and your family. May you go and make disciples and do what Jesus would have you do each day.

Go in peace and grace.

You are His son, His daughter, His.

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Mark: Gethsemane

Read: Mark 14:32-42

It’s almost Christmas and here I am writing about the trials and tribulations surrounding Jesus’ last days walking around in skin. Sure, I know how the story ends, goodness, but it’s still a challenge thinking about the disciples and those that surely knew Jesus of Nazareth well. At this point in His earthly ministry, literally hundreds of people knew Jesus and I’m confident that many knew Him well — even if they didn’t quite get what He was up to.

Supper is over. The traitor departed the group, though John Mark chooses to let that detail slip for now. Jesus takes His disciples to His favorite place to pray. He’s not in the temple courts, that alone should have garnered some attention. No, His prayer spot is a garden in Gethsemane.

Let your mind imagine the scene. Just earlier in the day, Jesus dispatched a few to make arrangements for the Passover meal, exclusively for Jesus + 12. At the meal, He announces someone will betray Him, that Peter would deny Him three times, and that His body and blood are to be remembered from now on when they eat and drink. This is one heck of a day.

Now they’re in the garden and Jesus invites the inner circle, including the one who will deny Him, to keep watch, because He is troubled.

“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” Mark 14:34

If Jesus is overwhelmed with sorrow, how did they feel? This is the Messiah. Peter made the proclamation and the others agreed. How is it the Messiah could ever be overwhelmed with sorrow? Something is not right with this scene.

Jesus demonstrates obedience:

Yet not what I will, but what you will. Mark 14:36

Ultimately, we all come to the fork in the road where we are allowed to decide: my will or the Father’s. For our benefit, Jesus comes to this place where He is presented with an eternal decision, one that has the weight of the world in the balance. His humanity in check, He chooses to take the hardest of routes, the darkest of paths, the one with the most pain and suffering.

What is your choice today? What is mine? Hard or easy? Challenging or routine? I know it’s not really that simple. There are many factors that weigh in on the decisions, but here’s the thought: with eternity in mind, choose wisely. In the end, we win, so choose wisely. When all is said and done, Jesus returns and claims those who were faithful. My prayer is that we lean on the Father’s will and as a result, we invite many, many others to join in communion with Jesus.

Sigh.

The long day is heavy upon these mere mortals. From the high of anticipation for the Passover meal to the low of considering who would be the traitor and the confusion of the new communion. They can’t stay awake all night. It’s just too much.

Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” Mark 14:41-42

 

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Mark: The Passover with the Disciples

Read: Mark 14:12-21

One of the scenes portrayed frequently: Jesus and His disciples in the upper room to celebrate the Passover. This time, it’s quite different: the bread and wine were used to represent His body and blood. Our familiar “Lord’s Supper” begins not by eating the Seder meal, a tradition created after the time of Jesus (see *Note below), but by completely changing the Passover meal.

We’ll cover the Lord’s Supper tomorrow. For now, let’s look at the preparations and the way Jesus, once again, changes the events of the evening.

Jesus has been telling His disciples all along that this week would come. I’m sure they didn’t think He meant “this” week, only 3 years into His earthly ministry, yet here we are. This is the week.

We begin by finding the place to meet:

So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” Mark 14:13-15

Did Jesus make arrangements separately without telling His disciples? Or was He foretelling the future to set the events in motion? We could get easily get caught in the cycle of trying to interpret the scene, rather than just allowing John Mark to tell us his view of the preamble to the new celebration.

By this time, I’m confident, the disciples were well known; Jesus, the Teacher, was well known and I’m sure He was welcomed as a celebrity in many circles. Check me on this, but I have no doubt there were many Jesus-fans at that time.

The disciples found the man and the room and began making preparations for the Passover–not knowing how Jesus was about to transform the meal, unaware of these troubling remarks:

When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.” Mark 14:17-18

Full stop. Up to this point, the even was probably filled with joy, after all, this was the celebration of the Passover, a fantastic time to remember the miraculous deliverance from the Egyptians. Out of nowhere, Jesus is now talking about betrayal. Worse than that, it’s one of the Twelve.

Sadness replaced joy. Each one examined himself and asked Jesus, “Surely you don’t mean me?” Dear Lord, not me?

Jesus doesn’t answer them directly. Instead, each one is left to stew in introspective reflection. They won’t have to wait too long to find out, but these moments must have felt like hours.

As I type this post, we’re a week away from Christmas. Another year of great anticipation for the one holiday we all agree upon as The holiday. For the disciples, Passover is their Christmas celebration. Each year, this feast is remembered as they mark another time of faithfulness, perhaps looking back over the previous months and wondering how well they did in keeping God’s commandments. To stretch this thought: whether they’ve been naughty or nice!

It’s been a pretty good year for the disciples, incredible events, miracles, healing, feeding, on and on. Why would Jesus put such a damper on the festive atmosphere? They simply had no idea of what was about to happen.

As for the one who would betray Jesus:

The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Mark 14:21

The great good news is that Jesus completed His mission. We don’t have to walk around with a guilty t-shirt. In fact, we get to walk around with a forgiven sign.

Lord, as we enter the week before celebrating your birth, help us to remember all the details, the tragedy, the missteps, the troubles, but mostly, helps us to think about the celebration, the victory, the good news for all mankind.

 

*Jesus Didn’t Eat a Seder Meal

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Mark: Judas to Betray Jesus

Read: Mark 14:10-11

The emotional scene of the preceding verses leaves us with a sense of wonder about this woman who anointed Jesus and His proclamation that she is the one we will remember wherever the gospel is preached. Though unnamed, she symbolizes what it means to honor the Savior.

John Mark is careful to point out that not all see it that way. This reminds me of The Chronicles of Narnia where C.S. Lewis so eloquently writes:

At the name of Aslan each one of the children felt something jump in its inside. Edmund felt a sensation of mysterious horror. Peter felt suddenly brave and adventurous. Susan felt as if some delicious smell or some delightful strain of music had just floated by her. And Lucy got the feeling you have when you wake up in the morning and realize that it is the beginning of the holidays or the beginning of summer. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Chapter 7

It seems the men in the room experienced a similar range of emotional responses when the perfume filled the room. Judas’ reaction was particularly horrible:

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Mark 14:10-11

Then.

Up to that point, Judas has been taking notes, handling the treasury, paying bills, etc. Then this woman walks in and, in his mind, wastes perfume. Judas’s perspective on Jesus’s reaction was obviously one of contempt. Enough. Time to set the record straight.

Has Judas been secretly listening to the Pharisees? Perhaps one or two got to him early, planted seeds of doubt, watered them by pointing out how Jesus wasn’t following their traditions that were steeped in Mosaic law. Something added up to Judas to the point that this episode was the event that finally won him over.

They were delighted.

Yes, Judas, well done, you finally see the light. Just in time for the latest Star Wars saga to appear. One of the trusted few, he had complete access to Jesus.

Why Judas? Why not a spy, someone in the crowd, a person that came out of nowhere. I think it was Judas to make a point for us to consider–any of us can become a Judas. Maybe not in such a huge way that would change the course of human history, but in subtle ways that shift our focus off of Jesus, our ministry, our calling. Not so bold as to sell out completely, but perhaps just slip enough that we make someone else fall.

I’m grateful it was Judas, in a warped sort of way.
It lets me know it could be me on any given day.
I’ve walked with Jesus more years than I can say.
At times I wonder if Judas is in me, even in a small way.

This is the gift: the nagging thought that I could betray,
that helps me guard my heart to watch the words I say.

Lord keep us safe, so
when we are tempted,
no matter how sweet the sound,
we would remember Judas
and instead in You be found.

Love God. Love others. Love yourself.

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Mark: Jesus Clears the Temple Courts

Read: Mark 11:15-19

Yesterday we read the bookends to this story as a way of understanding their meaning. Today we’ll look at Jesus direct actions in the temple courts and try to process the entire scene, so many details in just a few verses!

Prior to this chapter, we’ve read several times where Jesus performs a miracle then tells the recipient not to tell anyone about what happened, keep it secret. Of course that’s all but impossible, but the words are offered to minimize the possibility of a circus-act-style ministry. Jesus wants nothing to do with people coming to see a magic trick!

Here we see this all change. Jesus rides into Jerusalem, then walks into the temple courts to take direct action — no more hiding, the time has come.

Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. Mark 11:15-16

Why did the guards, either temple or Roman, not stop Jesus?

Seriously, this is a time and age where brutality reigns, where Roman guards could have been called in to forcibly (to say the least) remove Jesus and his band of followers, but no words to that affect are offered. No one fights back. The scene makes me think of catching a child red-handed, absolutely nothing can be said in defense. The people scatter, back away as Jesus “teaches” them lessons from the prophets of old, stories they remember all too well, even if they are ignoring them.

Why not stop Him? Fear. This is the man who has healed many, walked on water, fed thousands. He is one to be respected and feared. Listen to what He has to say.

The disciples have an advantage here because they just saw Jesus curse the fig tree, the precursor for announcing His Divine judgment on the temple. This place was set aside to be The place of worship, but is now nothing more than a self-righteous money making machine to feed the religious right.

Modern houses of worship beware. This might have happened 2,000 years ago, but we would do well to look introspectively at the systems we’ve created, whether we admit it or not!

Quote from Isaiah 56:6-7: My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.

All are welcome to God’s place of worship. Anyone who wants to commune with the Creator is welcome. Isaiah’s discourse boldly claims that even the eunuchs and the foreigners will be blessed for honoring The Lord:

to them I will give within my temple and its walls
a memorial and a name
better than sons and daughters
Isaiah 56:5

Yes, I believe the people took a few steps back to listen to Jesus, the prophet, as He referred back to words they simply could not refute.

Quote from Jeremiah 7:11: Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you?

These powerful words come from a powerful lament over Jerusalem that reveals false religion as worthless to the Lord. I encourage you to read Jeremiah 7:1-15 to see if we, the most educated and wealthy society of Christians, share some of the guilt.

For a fresh perspective, I found the NIV Application Commentary provided some great insight throughout this reading. In particular:

The reference to the “den of robbers” has nothing to do with the trade in the temple. Instead, it denounces the false security that the sacrificial cult breeds. In other words, the robbers are not swindlers but bandits, and they do not do their robbing in their den. The den is the place where robbers retreat after having committed their crimes. It is their hideout, a place of security and refuge.*

The temple courts have become a safe place for those stealing from widows, the fatherless, the least of society. Here they can fake their desire to serve the Lord while reaping a profit. Yesterday, I read this article in Christianity Today (October 2017) that might speak to this a bit.

Chief Priests and Teachers of the Law — Mad Enough to Kill

Though the teachers of the law and chief priests have no words to offer as a rebuttal, their secret desires are soon to be revealed. We’ll read more about their specific reaction to Jesus’s prophesy that the temple will be destroyed in the coming chapters as part of their accusations against Him, and even at the foot of the cross. John Mark once again makes note of their desire to have Jesus killed. Plans in the minds of men who are afraid to speak out publicly.

Jesus Leaves With His Disciples

The entire episode ends quite unsatisfactorily.

When evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city. Mark 11:19

What? They just left? My guess is Jesus stood and taught many lessons that day, not just actions. He cleared the courts temporarily — both buyers and sellers — and spoke to those who remained. There were, in my view, many who came to the temple with good intentions, hearts set on serving God the way they’ve been taught.

This is why I’m a strong advocate for churches. My desire is to help them to get better, to realign themselves to Jesus’s mission and vision and turn from practices we read about in these few verses.

Many fill our churches each Sunday with hearts intent on praise. They’re doing what they’ve been told to do and will continue to follow the lead of those who teach. That’s why Paul reminds us that those who teach will be held to a higher standard. The sheep obey the shepherd.

Jesus will return to the temple court again, unafraid, undeterred by threats. The effective local church is God’s plan for reaching the lost. I pray we learn from these words today, that we seriously look at what we do as the church and respond as Jesus would. Perhaps we need to flip our own tables!

 

*Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland , David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 35593-35595). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Mark: Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight

Read: Mark 10:46-52

Today we’ll read the familiar story of another bold person that is miraculously healed by Jesus. This is the last healing recorded by John Mark as he is about to shift gears and focus on the final days of Jesus’s earthly ministry.

Passover is coming–the HUGE festival that attracts thousands of faithful followers as they make their pilgrimage to Jerusalem to honor God. It’s hard for me to appreciate what’s happening in the scene because I haven’t walked this particular route. From what I understand, the Jews would avoid Samaria as they made their way to Jerusalem. This meant they would pass through Jericho on this common route to make their way up to the great city.

It’s literally an uphill road from Jericho to Jerusalem. This means the people will have to slow down a bit as they make their journey. If you’re a street vendor, this is prime opportunity to take advantage of the crowds of people walking slowly along. If you’re a beggar, it’s a bonanza you don’t want to miss!

For Bartimaeus, this is his chance to get ahead and collect more money for the coming months of darkness that surround him.

With those thoughts in mind, let’s look at the story John Mark chose to share with us just before Jesus enters Jerusalem.

To begin with, John Mark provides the man’s name. He’s not just the blind or lame man or even a rich man who is previously unnamed–this man has a name: Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”). He’s not a nobody. There’s a certain level of dignity gained by calling someone by name. At The LOT Project, the friends who enter are given a simple name tag and we are encouraged to talk with them, calling them by name. It matters. You’re not just a nameless person, you’ve been adopted into a royal priesthood. You have a name.

Bartimaeus may not be able to see, but he has heard about this man, Jesus, and no doubt heard the marvelous works He has done. This is more than he ever hoped for. This day, Jesus of Nazareth is crossing his path. Excitement wells up inside him and he can’t contain himself:

When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10:47

Images of crowded streets come to mind as the disciples try to manage those clambering to see Jesus or merely make their way along. As I’m writing this, I hear the noise, see faces of people caught up in their own personal business of being busy, making their way along, minding the children, watching their steps. It’s chaotic and it’s somewhat oppressing as more and more people make their way along. It’s uncomfortable, to say the least. I’m sure I would be thinking, it’s noisy enough, then this blind guy starts going bonkers. Someone get the safety team in place, we have a situation here!

Jesus, of course, sees through it all. We recall the words from Isaiah:

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.
Isaiah 42:16

Bartimaeus may have heard Isaiah 46 read in the temple for however many years he ambled around the villages. Could this be the day that his darkness is turned to light?

Jesus tells His disciples to call Bartimaeus. Hold everything, the Master will see you Bartimaeus, this is your lucky day! I’m really not exaggerating, look what they said:

So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Mark 10:49

Bartimaeus leaves nothing behind as he leaps to his feet. I love the scene that’s playing in my head, I hope you have something similar running through your mind as he moves quickly to encounter Jesus.

The stage is set. Time stops for a moment and the noise of the crowd seems to quiet down when Jesus asks him a rather simple question: “What do you want me to do for you?”

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Mark 10:51

When confronted by the Messiah, Bartimaeus has one simple desire: he just wants to see.

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:52

Leaving everything behind, Bartimaeus is healed and follows Jesus. No warnings about telling people. No spit applied twice. Time begins again and the noise rises as they continue along their way to Jerusalem.

Here’s the thought: Are you clambering to see Jesus? Will you unashamedly move through the crowds of your day and make your way to Jesus?

When you seek Him and find Him, as He promised, what will you ask for? Do you have enough faith to receive it?

 

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Mark: Jesus Teaches on Pride and Position

Read: Mark 9:30-37

The title of this passage is “Jesus Predicts His Death a Second Time,” does indeed include the explanation that Jesus will be delivered into the hands of men, but this isn’t the main point of the text. The concern here centers on pride and position.

To begin with, Jesus continues to show this select group of men that He cares about them specifically, that He wants them to understand more than anyone else. From my pious position I point my finger at them and slowly shake it back and forth. Couldn’t they see that The Messiah was pouring into them? Here He goes again, taking them aside, away from the crowds, speaking directly to them.

Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. Mark 9:30-31

I’m not sure why, but the thought occurred to me this morning, how old were the disciples? We know Jesus was about 30 at the beginning of His public ministry. Jewish tradition and historic culture would suggest it would be awkward for the disciples to be older than Jesus. If those observations are accurate, our incredibly young Messiah was teaching a bunch of 20-somethings.

It seems irrelevant until we consider they are talking amongst themselves as if Jesus doesn’t know or somehow is in the dark about their conversations.

“What were you arguing about on the road?” Mark 9:33

This reminds me of Genesis 3:9, “Where are you?” (as if God didn’t know). It’s about being honest. As parents, how many times have we asked the rhetorical question of one of our children? We know who stole the cookies from the jar, as crumbs fall from her lap, that’s not the point. Will you admit you helped yourself to cookies without asking? Will you confess? A teachable moment for our children and much more so for the disciples.

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35

Anyone in a leadership position knows this verse. The best way to get your underlings to do something for you is explain that they must be a servant to lead. I’m sure by now they’ve heard the lesson many times in various ways, but given their maneuvering for position at the head of the table, Jesus sits them down and explains it once again, this time using a mere child as an example.

The imagery of Jesus gently holding the child and talking with His disciples has been the subject of many wonderful paintings. I love that Jesus would teach so kindly when it seems like He should have opened up Proverbs 13:24 and delivered some discipline! That’s been my go-to verse far too often!

But here’s the real point, Jesus includes Himself as one who must be servant of all. I’m convinced the disciples didn’t get this. Their young 30-something master was teaching them about leadership and in just a few more weeks, Jesus would show them the lesson by allowing himself to be subjected to human authority.

This may not be news to those of us who have known Jesus for years, but this kind of humility is far from normal in the world where the climb to the boardroom seems to be through people far too often.

The disciples didn’t hear the lesson about Jesus’ pending arrest, mock-trial, brutal beating, death, and resurrection because they were too focused on figuring out who gets to stand on the left or right of their leader. Sad. I wonder if this happens in churches today.

 

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Mark: Jesus Heals a Boy Possessed by an Impure Spirit

Read: Mark 9:14-29

Before we get to the details about healing the boy, step back and imagine yourself being one of these people:

As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. Mark 9:15

Would you drop all pretense and run to see Jesus? By this point in Mark’s account, so many wonderful events have been recorded. Jew and Gentile, all around the region, people are hearing about the man that heals, preaches, feeds, and most of all, shows genuine compassion for people. Yes, I would run!

The Disciples Failed

If I were writing an account of my work, the last thing I’d want is to point out this incredible failure:

“…I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” Mark 9:18b

The disciples…ah yes…the stalwart leaders of our faith show their humanity once again and encourage us by not being perfect, by making mistakes, stumbling and faltering, but, hear this: they kept on trying. Their faith was weak compared to where it needed to be, but they never stopped pursuing Jesus. When Jesus rebuked them, they leaned into the words, even captured them in the Gospel records for us to appreciate. Come on Jesus, hit me again, make me stronger for the ministry you have planned for me. Holy Spirit, help me to hear the words and know you’re trying to make me better, more capable, one worthy of the family title I wear as a Christ follower.

Jesus takes control of the situation:

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23

What do you mean by “if” I can? What do you mean by “if” you can? If this is about growing the kingdom of God, we are assured that the gates of Hell cannot stand, so let’s get beyond the if and begin to understand it’s when, not if.

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:24

The father in this story is moved completely. In my imagination, I see him fall to his knees completely unashamed, all illusion of pride gone from his heart as he considers his boy, his lifelong torture by an unseen enemy. For us, the unseen enemy is unbelief. I join him in his desire: help me overcome my unbelief!

Prayer

Do you pray often? I have an app that reminds me throughout the day, https://new.echoprayer.com/, to pray for certain people, events, churches, etc., throughout the day. It’s somewhat mechanical, but I know I need the reminders.

In this story, the disciples ask Jesus to explain why they were unsuccessful. Crazy isn’t it? The story ends with these two verses:

After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” Mark 9:28-29

I love the way Jesus demonstrates compassion for people, but even more how He loves His disciples enough to privately teach them, away from the crowds, noise and attention. Mark doesn’t give us the full transcript of the conversation, something I don’t appreciate in this context! What prayer? Do I lay on hands? Do I recite Isaiah? Tell me more…please!

Nope. Stand back and look. We’re not going to get a prescription for casting out demons from youth that cause boys to convulse, blah, blah, blah. What we are told is two simple truths: 1) the disciples lacked faith and 2) they were not praying.

Both of these are well within our grasp. To increase your faith, get around other believers, go to church and worship full-on, spend time with God by listening to His highlight reel called the Bible–do this daily, often and with sincerity. Pray without ceasing. Download the app if you’re like me, but by whatever means you need, get on your knees and pray. Richard Foster has a great book to help you appreciate all kinds of ways to prayer.

Yes, I’m so pleased for the father and for the boy in the story, they can now live their lives and tell the story with passion and excitement and I’m sure point people to Jesus better than I will ever be able to appreciate. I’m thankful for that lesson, but I’m thankful for the strong lesson on faith and prayer.

Lord strengthen our faith and teach us to pray.

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