Tag: miracle

Posted on

Mark: The Church Club — Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us

Read: Mark 9:38-41

Are you a church club member? Wear the t-shirt, have the bumper sticker, know the lingo, the logo, the mission statement and tagline? Is any of that important or useful for building up the kingdom?

Those rhetorical questions have a rather obvious answer, I get that, yet many times we see people walk into and out of buildings we call churches as if it were a country club with exclusive membership rights.

Good news / bad news, the disciples struggled with this notion for a brief time as well:

“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” Mark 9:38

Hard to understand why John would make this statement. He’s one of the inner circle, the chosen within the chosen. But here we have it, they got the lesson wrong from Jesus.

Jesus gently corrects them this time, provides simple and powerful redirection:

“Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Mark 9:39-40

In this statement, Jesus speaks into the battle that is in fact raging on a spiritual level. The unseen warfare has two sides: those for us and those against us. Subtle, yes, but don’t miss this point.

One of the ways to guard against this mentality is to develop relationships with other churches in the city where we serve. The struggles they have are not unique. We moved a lot over the last few decades, thanks to the military, and I’ve been involved in lots of different churches as a result. I know from firsthand experience that all churches are fighting internal battles. Whether they choose to admit it or not is the difference between being effective and just getting by. Sadly, most see themselves as individual entities rather than being a part of the body of Christ.

We can change that. It’s well within our reach.

When we say “we,” the we should always mean those who follow Christ, not the t-shirt we happen to be wearing.

Make a conscious effort to be a part of the team that’s working in your region, your city. I don’t know much about Rugby, but the featured image came to mind as I thought through this. It’s messy, dangerous, difficult and challenging. Progress is hard to see at times, but as a team we can succeed.

We know we win in the end.

Someone has to carry the ball. If that’s you, protect it when the enemy tries to steal it, but constantly be looking for someone to pass it off to and score when you have the opportunity. If you don’t have the ball, support the one who does and block out the enemy, make room for him to score.

Together, working as one body, we will succeed.

Posted on

Mark: Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah

Read: Mark 8:27-30

In a few words, Mark records a pivotal conversation for the world:

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” Mark 8:29

I’m trying to get my mind around how the Gospel of Mark is organized. When we zoom out to get a big picture of the writing, we see Jesus performing miracles for Jew and Gentile, covering many miles around the region and doing His best to keep his ministry quiet.

Literally thousands of people have been affected by His preaching, teaching, miracles, and perhaps mostly, his compassion. Over and over again we read the phrase, “Jesus had compassion on…” So who is He?

The Messiah

Peter is bold in saying what others were thinking, but no one disputes the conclusion that this man, the one that called them from various positions, the one that they can see with their own eyes and touch with their own hands is the Messiah.

The disciples have a front row seat to watch history unfold. Yet Jesus continues to keep this incredible revelation quiet,

Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. Mark 8:30

Why the repeated warning? I think it’s mostly because the people would not understand, they are not ready for the headliner. Jesus, of course, knows the delay in telling the world is only months away, but His disciples have no idea, let alone the “fans” that are gathering to hear His preaching.

Like a song that is working toward a climax that you know instinctively is coming, music beginning to swell, but not quite ready to break. The hearts of the disciples must be beating in anticipation of the day when Jesus rises to the top to take over the world. That’s what their ancestors told them would happen and I’m sure they all had visions for what that would look like.

Jesus tells them to keep it secret. Like any good military operation, we have to maneuver around, position everything perfectly before the strike begins. Sure, Jesus, we’ll keep it secret, we won’t tell anyone.

We have access to the whole story. We know that’s not how it turns out, but I think I can appreciate how the disciples feel, well, a tiny bit of how they feel. In all honesty, we have no excuse for not telling everyone.

The question is, do we have the faith to proclaim that Jesus is the Messiah?

Lord, increase our faith so we may tell the world!

Posted on

Mark: Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida

Read: Mark 8:22-26

Mark includes this brief narrative about healing a blind man at Bethsaida. “Some people” brought the man to Jesus and begged Him to restore his sight. Mark doesn’t let us know if these people are family or friends, but obviously they knew Jesus could heal him, so they tracked him down.

As with the deaf and mute man from chapter 7, Jesus takes the man away from the people, in this case, outside the village.

Here’s the really odd thing about the story: Jesus has to apply spit on the man’s eyes twice. The first time didn’t quite work.

Obviously, Jesus could have healed him in one application (or at least it seems obvious), but for some reason the man was only able to see partially. After the second application of spit on the man’s eyes, all is well and Jesus once again tells the recipient of the miracle to keep it secret.

Why would John Mark include this particular story? Jesus, no doubt, healed lots of people, so it seems prudent to look for meaning beyond the incredible outcome. Here’s what the NIV Study Bible notes prompts us to consider:

This second laying on of hands is unique in Jesus’ healing ministry. It may symbolize that the disciples’ spiritual sight is gradually increasing.NIV Study Bible Notes

I like the concept because there are definitely times that I feel like I’m walking around just seeing blurry images of trees rather than clearly understanding what’s right in front of me. I find myself constantly praying for vision, for clarity, for direction in this ministry or in that application.

Proverbs 29:18 comes to mind. My memory of this scripture is simply, without vision people will perish, but when I looked at various translations, there is much to learn here. Take a look yourself and see what you think. It’s a bit of a rabbit-trail from this post, so I’ll leave that up to you.

Frequently, when I ask about praying for someone, their request is for clarity, for the ability to discern God’s direction for their lives.

Lord, help us to see clearly what lies ahead so we can be more effective in our ministry, that which you have called us to do for the advancement of Your kingdom.

Posted on

Mark: Jesus Feeds 4,000

Read: Mark 8:1-13

Another large crowd gathers to hear the amazing teaching from Jesus. It seems that people are predisposed to gathering to hear words of wisdom or to be challenged to improve or simply to learn about something. Our quest for knowledge is wired into our DNA, some more than others, but all have a desire to learn.

I have to believe that Jesus is not your typical orator climbing on a precipice to make a point. Quite the contrary, I think He is encouraged by the people because of His humble approach to teaching coupled with incredible depth of wisdom. Of course He does have quite the credentials to support this notion, but the people gathering in this story don’t know how this all plays out, they just know of his reputation and after listening to Him speak, they want more and more.

In this instance, the people have been captivated for three days!

“I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” Mark 8:2-3

Jesus instructs His disciples to feed the people, again! Their apparent amnesia is interesting, “can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” They gather seven loaves of bread and a few fish, obviously enough to feed the masses, right? Jesus blesses the bread and fish and the crowd is miraculously fed.

Given the context of this story in Mark, Jesus and the disciples are somewhere in the Decapolis, primarily dominated by Gentiles, though we read in a moment that there are Pharisees policing the crowd, so there are Jews present as well.

The first miracle of feed 5,000 (plus women and children) occurs in predominantly Jewish territory (Mark 6:30-44). This miracle is unique in that it is covered in all four gospel accounts of Jesus’ ministry.

Feeding 4,000 (plus women and children) who are mostly Gentiles is significant and distinctly different! Mark seems to make the point that Jesus is wants to extend the gospel beyond the chosen ones. In addition to healing the Gentile women’s daughter and the man who couldn’t hear or speak, Jesus chooses to involve the disciples in sharing with this large population.

He could have had manna or quail fall from heaven, but, as with the first instance, He has the disciples serve the people. What He does and how He does it is important. What He does is feed a lot of people because He feels compassion. How He does it in mysterious, but requires the disciples to get involved, they don’t sit back and watch the miracle, they are direct participants in the event.

The mere fact that so many are gathered to hear from a Jewish teacher is significant all by itself, but this doesn’t sit well with the Pharisees:

The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. Mark 8:11-13

I like to think that Jesus sighed because the Pharisees simply can’t believe what just happened. Surely they remember that Elisha feed 100 men (2 Kings 4:42-44), but it seems they can’t extend that concept to feeding so many, let alone non-Jewish people. Somehow they miss the miracle, are confused by His teaching, and come up with this great idea: ask Jesus for a sign. He simply dismisses them and gets in a boat to leave. Done.

Everyone who receives Christ has within them the dwelling presence of the Spirit. With that, each are given particular Spiritual Gifts for building up the body of Christ. Every Christ follower is a minister. We all participate, just like the disciples did in this narrative. And just like them, there are times, perhaps more often than not, that we do the work of Christ without completely understanding what’s going to happen. In the case above, watching seven loaves of bread feed so many was amazing. In our present day, sharing the gospel with one seems insignificant, but God can do amazing things with the smallest amount of faith!

Posted on

Mark: Jesus Heals a Deaf and Mute Man

Read: Mark 7:31-37

Jesus continues to minister in the region, around the Decapolis, some 25 miles away, when some people brought a man who was deaf and mute to be healed. Their request is simple, “…they begged Jesus to place his hand on him.” In this case, Jesus is more interactive with the man.

After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. Mark 7:33

In the previous event, the girl who was possessed by an evil spirit wasn’t even present, yet she was healed. In this case, the disciples must have been watching and taking notes:

  1. relocate subject: how far do we take him?
  2. fingers in ears: which fingers? how far? actually in the ear?
  3. spit: how much? just the tip of the tongue?
  4. pray: “Ephphatha!”

Got all that? File this under how to heal and someone who’s become deaf and mute later in life.

Was this confusing for the disciples as they try to learn from Jesus? What’s the difference between the two incidents? Why the physical interaction?

In this miraculous healing, the process seems to be telling us more than the miracle itself. Jesus accepts the man, he honors his friends for bringing him to be healed without argument. Taking him away from the crowd gives me an image of compassion; I believe Jesus was showing extreme kindness in this action. From this somewhat private place, Jesus touches the man, He even uses saliva to take the breach of personal space even farther.

All of this activity only takes a matter of seconds, a few minutes perhaps, but all leaves me in awe of a God who would step out of time and pay attention to one man, to one of us.

Isaiah foretells of the coming Messiah after many woes and proclamations of bad news:

…they will see the glory of the Lord,
the splendor of our God.
Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Isaiah 35:2,5

Oh yes, we will see the glory of the Lord and the splendor of our God in ways we can barely imagine.

Beyond amazed, the man can’t help but tell everyone about the miracle. His life is reset, no more shame for deafness, whatever caused that to happen. No more mumbling of words, now he proclaims the hands of the Messiah have touched even an ordinary man.

This same Jesus has touched us. Go and tell the world!

Posted on

Mark: The Disciples First Ministry Experience

Read: Mark 6:6b-56

The balance of chapter 6 reads like a quick synopsis of the disciples first ministry experience. The details about  John the Baptist seem like more of an important side note than a part of the story. Another interesting nuance is in verse 30 where Mark refers to the disciples as apostles. In Mark 3:14, some translations include “as apostles,” but otherwise, this is the only reference to His disciples as apostles in Mark’s gospel account. (See Mark 3:14.) Interesting.

Here’s a brief outline:

  • Jesus leaves His home town where He was all but dismissed and begins to preach in each village.
  • Jesus sends the disciples out in pairs to preach.
  • Herod hears about the amazing works of Jesus and is confused, thinking John the Baptist has been resurrected.
  • The apostles (disciples) return with stories from the field.
  • In their excitement, they forgot all about eating, plus there were loads of people following them who were also hungry.
  • Jesus feeds the 5,000. The disciples are confused.
  • Jesus walks on water. The disciples hearts are hardened.

Herod’s confused. The disciples are confused. Wouldn’t we be confused? Perhaps I should search for a different word, but Mark is reporting events that were anything but normal. No doubt we should be scratching our heads and wondering what is going on.

Feeding 5,000 (and many more!)

When Jesus feeds the massive group, it’s interesting to see the level of authority and respect He has earned among the people:

Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Mark 6:39-40

Imagine some 10,000+ people (counting spouses, children and relatives) are gathered around the countryside without sound system or any particular formal organization. Jesus directs this entire crowd AND they cooperate. I’ve been in concerts with groups of this size. It’s quite hard to imagine how He managed to direct them in the first place, let alone feed them miraculously.

This significant miracle is included in all four gospel accounts, perhaps because it’s so much greater than the story about Elisha feed 100 men in 2 Kings 4:42-44. Jesus is far superior to the prophets of old, that’s easy to say, but to the Jew in that day, this was huge. They revered the prophets for their great faith–they were the heroes of old. Jesus feeding so many through this miracle was a very big deal.

There’s no attempt to explain what happened here. All we know is they started with five loaves and two fish, fed the mass, then ended up with twelve basketfuls of loaves and fish. The disciples were probably exhausted, so Jesus sent them by boat to Bethsaida while He dismissed the crowd.

Two quick points:

  1. Dealing with so many people is hard work, even with Jesus by their side. Jesus knows this and sends them off to take a break.
  2. Jesus, once again, managed the huge crowd. He dismissed them (somehow), then goes to take a break Himself.

Jesus Walks on Water

In just a handful of verses, Mark covers this amazing event. Jesus is on the mountainside praying after dismissing the crowd and sending His disciples along. Somehow He saw them straining at the oars and felt compassion for them. First of all, how did He see them? This is just slipped into the text like it makes sense! He walks out to them just before dawn, the darkest part of the night. They freaked out! Exhausted from the day, fighting the waves, they’re sure to have lost their minds, but Jesus is making yet another point for them to consider.

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened. Mark 6:50-52

I’m trying to wrap my mind around the events captured in this chapter, but honestly it’s beyond difficult. The disciples are on mission with Jesus, witnessing firsthand the miracles and amazing teaching, get to preach themselves and watch the crowds swell, watch Jesus handle the masses, walk on water, calm the storm, and simply say, “Don’t be afraid.”

Just a normal week at church.

Not!

When I think about my minor ministry, the smallness of that which I do on a daily basis, and my inability to get much accomplished, I’m lost in my weakness. Oh me of little faith (not Ye). If nothing else, I hope I can see that God is not bound by human limitations or logic.

Lord, may I read these stories and be amazed at Your works, at Your desire to teach, to lead, to care for us. Increase my faith one more degree that I would believe You have a plan for my life for Your greater good. My greatest desire is to see people come to Christ, those who have no idea what that means, inside and outside of the church. Move me out of my comfort zone and into the world where there are those who would welcome Your message and those who refuse to listen.

Posted on

Mark: A Prophet Without Honor

Read: Mark 6:1-6

“…He was amazed by their lack of faith.”

Just after Jesus brought Jairus’ daughter back to life, he is back in his hometown, the place where people knew him best. The Sabbath rolls around and Jesus enters the synagogue and begins to preach. Mark provides these remarkable observations from Jesus’ relatives, neighbors, etc.:

Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Mark 6:3

They were offended, somehow. Where did that come from? Perhaps we shouldn’t be so surprised. I’m pretty sure I would be in the doubters group.

We live in a culture that promotes hero worship. I’m not talking about Marvel or DC Comics, I’m talking about people who’ve been blessed with incredible gifts for the building up of the Kingdom on earth who’ve been sucked into accepting a pedestal they’ve been placed upon. Perhaps this isn’t a new concept.

In Jesus’ earthly days, the Pharisees viewed themselves as heroes. They insisted that people look up to them for their vast knowledge and endless faith, but they were, for the most part, lost in their own fame.

In this passage, Jesus’ family and friends are completely confused. They can’t let go of their preconceived ideas of what the coming savior would look like or where He would come from. Though they knew scripture, they couldn’t see that God would do what He said He would do all along. Standing right in front of them, they missed it.

This is a scary thought.

But it’s much worse,

He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. Mark 6:5

Their lack of faith is contagious. It spreads among the people and though the miracle worker was there, though they could hear with their own ears and see with their own eyes, the naysayers infected them with doubt. Deep in their hearts I suspect they were troubled, but the moment passed and Jesus left.

Lord, reveal Yourself to us today, in small ways or works of wonder. May we see your fingerprints in the rising sun and hear your voice in the singing birds. Bring tears of joy from those that come to mind, memories of unbounded love that You have placed in our lives that care about us more than pretense or title.

Don’t let us miss you.

Posted on

Mark: Vile Man Rid of Legion, Business Ruined

Read: Mark 5:1-20

Dear Dad,

I’m so thankful for the herd of pigs you trusted me with, an amazing, extravagant gift for which I am truly thankful. I just wanted to let you know that, because the strangest thing happened this morning, something you’re going to find hard to believe. Some guy named Jesus came through town today and all the pigs went crazy, ran to the lake and drowned. Seriously. It’s not my fault. Do we have insurance? We insisted that Jesus leave before more damage was done, but I have no idea how to recover from this catastrophe.

Sincerely,

Your Faithful Son

How do you read the story? The herd owners were either Jews or Gentiles, that’s basically all we talk about in the Gospels–you’re either in or out. If the owners were Jewish, they were propagating unclean animals, probably for profit. Destroying the herd would have been seen as disapproval for violating Levitical laws. On the other hand, if they were not Jews, perhaps this demonstrates the power of the one true God and His power in spiritual realms.

Oddly, whichever group was affected, neither of them protested about the incredible loss of revenue. It seems like 2,000 of any animal would be a sizable loss for any farmer, so why was there no uproar? Their only response was to insist that Jesus leave immediately.

What would our response be? Awestruck and dumbfounded are words that come to mind. I hope I would at least be brave enough to tap him on the shoulder and ask, “help me understand…”

Fascinating

This is what I find most fascinating about the miracle:

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. Mark 5:18-20

Jesus tells the man (still, no name) to be the voice in his own town, to hang around and show people how he has changed. There’s no doubt that everyone knew this guy, I’m confident he was notorious, that “crazy” man in the tombs. The greatest impact he could have on the kingdom is not to join the professional Christ followers, it was simply to stay in his little town and be the example for others to follow.

The song, If I Have You, comes to mind. When we tear away all the pretense and wrappings of this world, what do we have left? My prayer is that the center of our being is Jesus Christ, that He is so deeply rooted in our lives that we are one of many living out our call in our own towns.

Posted on

Mark: Jesus is Not Happy

Read: Mark 3:7-35

As the Pharisees began to plot against Jesus, the crowds are overflowing. Mark quickly lists the 12 disciples, then focuses on accusations about Jesus’ motivation. In my mind, this quickly gets ugly. Jesus has some strong words for those who are completely confused. At the same time, we are challenged to consider the sin for which there is no forgiveness. Think about that.

Side note: A zillion years ago, I was part of a group of men who reacted some parts of the Gospels as Jesus and his disciples. The part I was given was Simon the Zealot. You may be surprised at the casting call, but I was on active duty in the Air Force at the time. In those days, “bull in a china shop” was my moniker. I’ve lost a lot of that edge, but fondly remember having endless energy and boundless faith. Oh how I long for younger days!

Here’s a quick outline for the rest of chapter 3:

Of all those who followed Jesus, there were a select few called to be disciples:

Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted… Mark 3:13

Can you imagine? Were others disappointed? Or did it just make sense? I’m not convinced they really knew what they were getting into, but watching this man heal so many, hearing His words of compassion for the least, the lost and the lonely, learning how to serve God with fresh teaching, on and on–that must have been so overwhelming.

Jesus’ family and those who were teachers of the law had a different opinion:

When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” Mark 3:21-22

Oh man, Jesus is not happy with being “handled” for sure, but I think He understands the confusion amongst His earthly family. However, the teachers of the law have just taken this a step too far. He tells a sensible parable to debunk their accusation that He is of Satan, then caps it off with this bold assertion:

Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” Mark 3:28-29

Hear this clearly, teachers of the law, your slanderous words, your sinful desires, your relentless pursuit of knowledge without wisdom can all be forgiven, but calling the Son of God one who is from Satan is a bridge too far–you will not be forgiven if you hold onto this statement.

These men watched Jesus perform miraculous healing, yet their minds are so lost they would suggest this was of Satan. In my wild imagination, I can see the look Jesus gave them when He spoke those words. I see Him say each word carefully and distinctly as He looks at each of them. With that look, Jesus could have vaporized them, but He gives them a chance to withdraw, to change, to recant. Did some? Possibly. Clearly, there were many who were stained by this horrible misperception.

Lord help me to learn to listen without warping Your words. I long to be in that group that hears your voice, that sees your eyes, that watches you gesture and smile.

 

Posted on

Mark: Jesus’ Ministry Begins

Read: Mark 1

John Mark wastes no time in getting into the story of Jesus’ earthly ministry. The NIV Study Bible notes summarizes his perspective like this:

Mark’s Gospel emphasizes more what Jesus did than what he said. Mark moves quickly from one episode in Jesus’ life and ministry to another.

No joke! In the first 13 verses we read about John the Baptist preparing the way, baptizing Jesus, then the passing reference to His wilderness experience. It’s as if John Mark wanted us to read the other Gospel accounts for more details–his focus was on action!

Take a few minutes to watch The Bible Project’s overview of the Gospel of Mark here:  https://thebibleproject.com/all-videos/?category=&q=mark

Jesus begins to speak into the ultimate Good News:

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:14-15

Mark’s account of Jesus’ ministry begins with calling the disciples to follow Him, then rebuking an evil spirit while teaching in a synagogue. The people are overwhelmed at His actions:

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” Mark 1:27

The time for complacency is over. No more frozen-chosen. Mark uses strong words of action in his account of Jesus ministry. In the passage above, Jesus speaks “sternly,” the spirit acts “violently,” and departs with a “shriek.” I’m reading the NIV, but the language is strong in whatever translation you prefer.

Jesus goes on to heal many, but it’s interesting that He starts with Peter’s mother-in-law:

So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. Mark 1:31

Did you catch that? I missed it at first. Peter’s mother-in-law, i.e., Peter is married. Paul uses this as a teaching point for the Corinthians:

Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? 1 Corinthians 9:5

At any rate, they are eyewitnesses to the miraculous healing touch of Jesus, in many ways. Jesus goes on to heal many (“the whole town”) and his earthly, physical body grows tired, so He seeks a solitary place to go and pray. This alone is a wonder and a great example for us to consider.  The disciples are so excited they seek out Jesus:

and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. Mark 1:37-39

Many were healed and though Jesus asked them to keep quiet the news spread quickly and to the point where he “could no longer enter a town openly.” Makes sense to me!

John Mark was close to Simon Peter. Their lives were radically changed by Jesus. Though their personalities were quite different, there is no doubt that from this point on they were living on mission for the Gospel. How about us? Have we been radically moved? We know the rest of the story, how can we keep it to ourselves?

Lord, I pray we are all compelled to act, to spread the news of Jesus by reading the hyper-fast pace of Mark’s Gospel.

Proudly powered by WordPress