Tag: teach

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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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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!

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Mark: The Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod

Read: Mark 8:14-21

It’s so easy to make fun of the disciples, their apparent ignorance, lack of insight and understanding, poor education, etc. Well, at least that’s my first reaction:

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.” Mark 8:14-16

They only brought one loaf of bread. Based on the math of two previous stories, 5 loaves feeds 5,000+ and 7 loaves covers 4,000+; I’m pretty sure one loaf for their team is enough.

No, dear disciples, that’s not the point at all.

Way back in Exodus, the Feast of Unleavened Bread was instituted as a reminder of the first Passover, God’s amazing deliverance from the strong arm of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. No doubt everyone knew about the significance of yeast in baking bread. The leavening agent for bread is the difference between nice bread or flat crackers, a good loaf that sells in the marketplace or bad loaf that’s tossed to the dogs (unless intentionally removed). Hmmm.

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? Mark 8:17-18

It’s interesting that Mark prefaces this with “aware of their discussion.” The image I have in my mind is the disciples huddled up comparing notes, trying to figure out what He just told them.

On a practical level, Jesus reminds this that one loaf is surely enough to feed them, but it’s not about the loaf of bread people! It’s about the yeast, that small ingredient that changes everything. Just one gram of yeast and the bread is different, one sin separates the sinless from the sinful. There is no hope except through Jesus.

In the text, Jesus includes both the Pharisees and Herod in the same group, like they are of the same character. That’s absolutely the worst group anyone would want to be associated with. Herod is the one that just served up John the Baptist’s head on a platter just a few chapters ago. Herod’s yeast is probably narcissism, the Pharisees’ yeast begins with pride. The combination of the two lead to a life full of sin, far from that which Jesus calls us to.

Jesus chose these disciples intentionally, surely they were not from either camp, but they are certainly far from ready for what lies ahead. They have much to learn. We have the privilege of reading the rest of the story, they had to walk around in a daze hoping for the light to come on and clear up their misunderstanding. I’m sure they knew they were off base, but in the course of events, they just couldn’t get their minds wrapped around what Jesus was teaching them.

The same goes for me far too often. Is this trial a test or am I just being ignorant? Did I forget to bring the bread or did I miss the point entirely? What is the yeast in my life?

Like a song that ends in dissonance, Mark leaves us hanging:

He said to them, “Do you still not understand?” Mark 8:21

 

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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!

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Mark: The Syrophoenician Woman’s Faith

Read: Mark 7:24-30

In this passage, Mark tells us that Jesus has relocated to the vicinity of Tyre, the bustling metropolis of His time, about 30 miles from Capernaum — a significant distance to walk, to find some rest and perhaps focus on teaching His disciples. For perspective, our daughter and husband live about 21 miles from us in Easley, SC. In our modern world, it takes about 30 minutes to drive from our place to theirs. Google maps suggests this would take us between 7 and 8 hours to walk to her house. A full day’s journey.

Territories of Tyre and Sidon, NIV Study Bible, p. 1670

Jesus led his disciples far away, but His fame has followed them. Here in this Gentile area,

He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. Mark 7:24

Mark’s account of this story uses the term “Syrophoenician” to describe the woman who approaches Jesus. Matthew’s account refers to the Old Testament label of “Canaanite” (see: Matthew 15:21-28). The point is that she is not part of the Jewish family and herein lies the tension.

The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. Mark 7:26

Initially, Jesus’ response troubled me, in my attempt to be politically correct, He calls the woman a dog:

“First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”
“Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” Mark 7:27-29

The woman is not deterred and counters with a beautiful notion that even His crumbs are good enough and completely sufficient. Her faith has proven enough for her little daughter. Once again, Mark chooses to highlight those who were considered lower than the least, a woman and a even worse, a daughter of a woman that is not part of any Jewish tribe.

The term dogs gets my attention and it must have shocked the Jewish leaders of the day as well. How could Jesus interact with one of those people?

I’m offended because it’s completely unacceptable to refer to a group of people as dogs. Apparently, in those days, this was not so uncommon, yet it is certainly not an endearing term. But I think that IS the point. The Jews of the day were indeed the chosen people of God, but they have closed the doors to the dogs of the world. Unless you followed their ways, their laws and rules, you could not be one of the chosen people.

In this bold, short narrative, an outsider, a woman nonetheless, comes to Jesus to beg for her little girl and He makes a point of letting everyone know that though His first objective is to the chosen children of Israel, He demonstrates the desire to adopt everyone into the family, even those society has labeled as dogs.

While we might be put off by the term, I’m completely convinced that we do the same today. We have labeled people dogs of this day, those who have aligned themselves with satanic cults, religions that are far from Christian, or even the homeless, vagrants of society.

I pray that this story would shock me, that it would be cold water splashed in my pious face anytime I consider someone outside the Christian faith as somehow less worthy than myself. Lord, Your gospel is good news for everyone. Help us to share with the dogs of today!

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Mark: That Which Defiles

Read: Mark 7:1-23

The Pharisees and some teachers of the law…again. This time, the approach is simple, pick a rule that surely everyone knows: you must wash ceremonially before eating!

Most of the words in this passage are in red letters in my Bible, the words of Jesus. Mark explains the idea of washing before eating in verses 1-4, then quotes the Pharisees:

“Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” Mark 7:5

Jesus sees this as a great teaching moment. He explains rather bluntly that they have elevated their customs above the law that they pretend to uphold. In this case, ceremonial washing, but in other cases, they’ve made rules to allow them to disobey God’s commands. To be clear, this is much more than merely not washing hands before dinner, this is an attitude of the heart, of a contrite and bitter heart.

Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.” Mark 7:14-15

The funny thing is that the disciples didn’t understand, they had to ask for clarification. I’m sure glad they did, because I’m not sure it was quite clear to me either. “Are you so dull,” Jesus continues, it’s not the food that defiles you at all. No more rules about clean and unclean food. Mind blown!

How many traditions have we invented that we hold onto so tightly? There are some who firmly believe that only ordained clergy can administer communion or baptize new believers. Only staff can decide what’s best for the holier than Moses defined hour of worship on Sunday. The Pharisees had 600+ rules. I suspect we have more, but we’re better at hiding them so as not to be accused of being a Pharisee. Clever us.

We know these rules are not of God. We created these rules out of a desire to elevate some above others, to put clergy on a pedestal, elders above deacons, deacons above congregants, congregants above outsiders. We’ve created a hierarchy that has is so inwardly focused that we’ve lost touch with the outside world–the world Christ came to save.

This type of arrogance has crept into the modern church club mentality where only certain people get an invitation to meetings and discussions that affect the body of believers. Over time, this has become the norm. Add a decade or two and we see the church in great decline, no longer a key part of society.

Our selfish desires for recognition have undermined God’s desire for creating an effective church, a body of believers that are filled with the Holy Spirit and on mission to change the world. I truly believe that unless we become the church Jesus intended, we are just ceremoniously washing our hands.

If we know the rules, we can play the game fairly. When the rules are so simple, like love God, your neighbor and yourself, it’s not so easy. “Did God really say…” (Genesis 3:1), words from the great tempter reappear.

Jesus isn’t done yet,

He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” Mark 7:20-23

It’s inexcusable to blame someone else for the sin that comes from my actions, my thoughts, the impurities in my heart. The “devil made me do it” is simply not true. Satan may have put the thought in my mind, but it was my choice to cultivate the thought rather than just have the Holy Spirit destroy the weeds!

That which defiles reminds us of the seriousness of our ministry. The list that Mark provides, quoting Jesus, is rather shocking. For a culture that seems to hang pride up as a banner, to talk openly about sexual immorality, adultery, lewdness, etc., was unheard of…literally. These are just things we don’t talk about. But this is our savior, Jesus. He is not bound by our perception of rules and regulations, he only cares about the heart and soul.

It’s so easy to criticize the church for its shortcomings and while awareness is important, action is imperative! My earnest desire is to do more and rant less, but sometimes, I just have to let it out!

Lord, help us to ignore the prompts of the great tempter, the one who has a finite lifespan. Help us to focus on you and you alone.

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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.

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Mark: Jesus Raises Jairus’ Daughter; Heals A Woman

Read: Mark 5:21-43

Jesus is not happy with the Pharisees, the teachers of the law, and the religious right, but he doesn’t apply that stereotype to everyone who wears the mantle of Jewish leader. This is important for us to grasp. Our version of church has plenty of Pharisees, but there are many inside those organizations that truly love Jesus and are doing their very best to live lives as disciples and disciple makers. I hope we are not too quick to judge!

In this story, Jesus demonstrates his love for one of the synagogue leaders, Jairus, by receiving him and hearing his request:

He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him… Mark 5:23-24

Tears begin to creep into my eyes when I read “my little daughter is dying…” The words are so sincere, they touch my heart. I don’t know how many children Jairus had, but it’s obvious that he is counter culture on several levels. First, he cares about his “little daughter,” his baby girl. My understanding of the culture at that time would dismiss baby girls as a burden, a non-contributor to the family, something necessary for procreation, but not for carrying the family name. Ugh!

Secondly, though Jairus is part of the currently established church, he seeks out Jesus, he’s not your typical Jewish leader. I’m sure there were many who were not dissuaded by the Pharisees and their evil desires to eliminate Jesus.

Hearing his petition to heal his dying daughter, “Jesus went with him…” Isn’t that just like our Lord, our Savior? I know it’s a simple phrase, but it’s amazing to read that Jesus stopped what He was doing, whatever direction He was headed, and went with Jairus. Do you see that? Can you believe that Jesus would walk with you?

Jesus Heals a Woman on the Way

Along the way, as if this weren’t enough, a woman seeks out Jesus for healing. For 12 years her bleeding simply would not stop. Doctors had not clue (I can’t imagine what they tried). She spent everything she had for a remedy, but it only got worse. Then she heard that Jesus would be walking by and knew that He can heal her, but she is “unclean” by definition, so she had to disguise herself and sneak up to touch the hem of His robe. Instantly she is healed and Jesus decides to use this as His preaching point, on the way to Jairus’ daughter.

But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Mark 5:32-34

Jesus Raises Jairus’ Daughter

It took time to make the journey, though it doesn’t seem like it was that far. In whatever time it took, the little girl died. Jairus’ friends and family already began to mourn, but Jesus has a different plan. He and His selected three disciples (Peter, James and John) plus mom and dad went into the room where the little girl laid.

He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. Mark 5:41-42

Beautiful story. Happy ending. Many lessons to draw from these few words. I can’t help but be overwhelmed at the deep demonstration of Jesus’ love for those who would simply reach out to Him. He’s willing to walk with us, to take our hand, to heal our brokenness.

Jesus, we love you! Oh how we love you. You are the one our hearts adore!

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Mark: If anyone has ears

Read: Mark 4

That day.

You remember.

That day when Jesus spoke to the crowds in pleasing parables that caused us to ponder.

That day.

We learned about scattering seeds, the very Word of God.

When we had to admit we didn’t really understand the depth and breadth of His teaching.

More than pleasant stories to share with children, Jesus taught in ways that no other prophet could.

He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, “‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’” Mark 4:11-12

He points to Isaiah 6:9-10, just after Isaiah’s call and famous, “Here am I” quote.

Here we are. The secret to the kingdom of God in our hands.

You people who hear me, listen! Think carefully about what you are hearing. God will know how much to give you by how much you understand now. But he will give you more than you deserve. The people who have some understanding will receive more. But those who do not have much will lose even the small amount they have.” Mark 4:23-25

He will give more that we deserve. Amen!

Seeds. It’s all about seeds. Scattering seeds, growing seeds, the mustard seed. Jesus teaches and I suppose few understood, even the disciples were confused:

With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything. Mark 4:33-34

Thankfully, He explains the meaning and the disciples grow in knowledge and wisdom.

This is what caught my eye today. Just after these great teachings, the day comes to an end. Mark gives us a glimpse of a day in the life of Jesus.

That day when evening came.

That day they learned more in a moment that all of the teaching in parables and sideline explanations as they left the crowds behind and boarded their all familiar boats.

The storm is furious.

Jesus takes a nap.

The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:38-39

That day when we see Jesus with our own eyes and still wonder.

He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:40

Do we still have so little faith?

Make that day this day.

Make this day that day.

Don’t wait for Sunday.

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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.

 

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