Avsnitt
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God’s Word for Today
4 Jul, 2024
38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
-Mark 9:38-41 ESV
DIFFERENT BUT NOT AGAINST
After learning the lesson about greatness, John told Jesus, ”Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.”[NLT] They don’t learn the lesson on humility, do they? The disciples assume they are first and will have the most authority. They're still being too exclusionary. The fact that this man, apparently, was successful where the disciples themselves had recently failed. This could be a blow to their pride also. How often do we discourage someone who has success where we failed?
Paul talks about this when he rebukes the church in Corinth for claiming to follow human leaders, either Apollos or Peter or himself (1 Cor 1:12). Such thinking leads to ungodly tribalism or schism. We are all servants of the Lord, are we not? (1 Cor 3:3–5). Anyone who is not against us is for us. This is an important point that we modern believers often forget. It is good to study the Bible and learn the details of theology. It's not bad to discuss issues with people who have different views. What is bad is to vilify anyone who differs in their beliefs or views. Our enemy is not flesh and blood but evil spiritual forces (Eph 6:12). If we follow Christ, we should encourage any work that builds His kingdom and intentionally avoid building our own. There is no ‘us’ versus ‘them’ but ‘we’ in God’s family. Should others are different, it does not mean that they are against us.
Let’s be like Paul in being magnanimous in attitude, that is, esteeming others as better than ourselves. [Phil 2:3] When Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he was maligned by other preachers. They preached Christ to ‘add afflictions’ to his life. Yet, he was thankful and joyful that the gospel had been preached. His agendum is the advancement of the gospel. [1 Cor 2:2, Gal 6:14]
There should not be competition among God’s children. The popular preacher is no better than somebody who does the simplest deed in the name of Christ. Jesus has assured this by saying, “For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.” Both the one in the limelight and in secret receive their respective rewards.
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God’s Word for Today
3 Jul, 2024
33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”
-Mark 9:33-37 ESV
WHO IS THE GREATEST?
Jesus heard the disciples discussing about something on their way to Capernaum. He waited for the right time to address it when they settled in a house. He asked, “What were you discussing on the way?” His question doesn't reflect a lack of knowledge but provides an opportunity for them to take responsibility for their actions. One of the biggest mistakes we tell ourselves is that God either doesn't know or doesn't care about what we do and say. We do think that we're too unimportant or that He isn't interested in us, don’t we?
They kept it by themselves. They were too ashamed to tell Him about their arguments. We will learn in Luke 14:7-11 that the disciples are displaying the same prideful assumptions as the Pharisees. Jesus tells the Pharisees a story about a guest at a wedding feast who faces a choice to take an honorable seat commensurate to his position or to sit in a lowly spot.
However, in a show of great tenderness, Jesus sat down and called the twelve. Instead of rebuking, he taught them a paradoxical truth. He said, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” To be great in God's kingdom is to realize that we are not great, is it not? We are not worthy of forgiveness or consideration or position. God's notice of us and blessings for us are because of His love, not our effort (Eph 2:8–9). And so the "greatest" in Jesus' kingdom is the person who acknowledges this by seeking God, rather than seeking themselves.
And as an object lesson, He took a child in his arms and said, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” Jesus is not saying that they should accept the child because he is innocent or blessed with secret wisdom. No. It is because he is of the lowest social status and completely without power. And as a note, during this time household servants had authority over children. Jesus, surely, is pleased when we take care of the kids in our Sunday School and other activities, not because of what we can get but in what we can give to them. This is the essence of greatness – to give away our lives for the least and lost.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Text: Mark 9:30-32 (ESV)
30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.
JESUS’ SACRIFICE REVEALED
Jesus and His apostles slipped from the crowd through Galilee. Nobody knows where they were. What Jesus shows here is that it's okay, and often essential, to take a break from active ministry in order to grow personally. Just as He takes time to pray (see Mark 1:35; 6:46; 14:32–39), we need to set aside time to learn, rest, and allow God to renew our relationship with Him.
In this secluded place, Jesus, once again, taught them about His future, saying, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” The word "delivered" is from the Greek root word ‘paradidomi’ and means to give up. This shows the "deliverer" has power, and "the delivered" does not agree with what is happening. Bible interpreters, therefore, translate the word as "betray" which Judas did.
It's important to realize that it isn't the Jews who crucified Jesus. It's traditional religious leaders, governments, soldiers, and common people—really it is every person who ever sinned, including every human alive today, who is responsible for Jesus being crucified. Perhaps even more astounding, it is Jesus Himself. He willingly submitted to crucifixion so that all who put their faith in Him could be saved from our sins.
But they did not understand the saying of Jesus, and were afraid to ask Him. In Matthew’s account the disciples are "greatly distressed."[Mat 17:23] This word "distressed" is from the Greek root word lupeo which means grieved or offended. It's natural to become distressed when we don't understand what's going on. What is less justifiable in their minds is how they watched Jesus heal, expel demons, calm the sea (see Mark 4:37–39), and walk on water (Mark 6:48). They did not understand what He meant by being killed and raised after three days. They are still caught up in their expectations of what the Messiah ought to do and be. How can the liberator of Israel die?
Similarly, there are truths revealed in the Scriptures that are hard for us to chew upon. The truth that God is working for good during our sufferings and lack is not readily acceptable by many of us, is it not?
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Text: Mark 9:28-29 (ESV)
28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”
PRAYER IS POWER
When the disciples were together alone in a house, they asked Jesus why they couldn’t drive the spirit away from the mute boy. They have a good reason to wonder why they seem to have no authority over the demon. Earlier, they traveled around Galilee and experienced healing and casting out demons by themselves(see Mark 6:13).
Did they trust their experience? Perhaps. We have no idea. We should not presume that we can do an extra-ordinary work today since we have done it before. It is possible that the disciples have displayed the same arrogance that Jesus condemns the Pharisees of. They're filled with self-confidence since they're associated with Him. And they allow that self-confidence to feed the belief they have an autonomous power and authority outside of God.
Jesus explains that such a challenge can be overcome only by prayer. Impliedly, Jesus addressed their lack of prayer. However, in Matthew 17:20, Jesus reveals that they did not have enough faith. Faith and prayer are closely twined. The more faith in God we have, the more we realize how much we need Him. Thus, we do pray when we believe, don’t we?
Trusting that He will work all things together for good (Rom 8:28), we keep our eyes on the One in whom the faith is placed and not on the circumstance in which the Faithful One acts. Even this posture is partially expressed as prayer. Even when we don’t understand, we pray with thanksgiving in our hearts. And the Lord will act in ways beyond our comprehension and flood our souls with peace. [Phil 4:6,7]
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Text: Mark 9:14-26 ESV
I BELIEVE; HELP MY UNBELIEF!
When Jesus, Peter, James, and John came down, they saw a great crowd and scribes arguing with the rest of the disciples. Jesus inquired what they were arguing about. Out from the crowd, a man said, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” This boy has been sick since his childhood. He was oppressed by a demon that caused him to be deaf and mute and have seizures. Perhaps, there was frustration from the father and crowd when their expectations were not met. And the unbelieving scribes may have used it against them, taunting them as fake and deceivers. They even accused Jesus of being Satanic in His healing work.
Upon hearing it, Jesus rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith, saying, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” Jesus is patient with the disciples most of the time. But, He was hard unto them should they refuse to accept what He has taught them. He has rebuked the Twelve for being hard-hearted (Mark 8:17) He equated Peter's words with those of Satan (Mark 8:33). Jesus also has already exposed the scribes for their ' lack of faith (Mark 3:22–30). In Matthew 17:20, Jesus reveals that the faithless generation includes both the scribes and disciples.
The father was doubtful. He has just spent time with Jesus' nine followers who could do nothing for his son. Moreover, the Jewish scribes apparently argue that they do not have the power or authority to do so (v.14). yet, Jesus is understandable to him. He encourages him, “’If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes." Jesus isn't saying that we can accomplish anything we want if we have enough faith; this isn't an endorsement of the Word of Faith teachings. True faith doesn't presume that God will do what we want but that God can do what He wants (see Mark 1:40–42).
Without hesitation, the father responded, "I believe; help my unbelief!" In an expression of honest vulnerability, the father declares what faith he has alongside his doubt and fear. Definitely, He is our example of someone who understands God wants all of us, not just the bold confidence of the Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:24–30), or the adoration of Mary of Bethany (John 12:3). He also wants the limitations of Peter (John 21:15–19) and the terrible miscalculations of Paul (1 Tim 1:13). Simply put, Jesus wants whatever else we have in our hearts, both good and bad. We can’t hide anything from Him anyway.
Jesus expelled the demon completely. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again." A person who is freed from a demon can expect the demon to reappear with other spirits (Mat 12:43–45). But it's safe to assume this demon obeyed Jesus' command not to ever afflict the boy again.
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Text: Mark 9:1-8 ESV
1 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”
2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them,
3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.
4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.
5 And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
6 For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.
7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”
8 And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.
-Mark 9:1-8 ESV
THE GLORY OF JESUS
Jesus was with Peter, James and John alone. They went up to a high mountain. These three were His core disciples. This mountain is either Mt Hermon or Mt Meron. As Jesus prayed, He was ‘transfigured’. It comes from the Greek root word 'metamorphoo'. It means to change forms. While Jesus prays (Luke 9:29), His body changes from a purely human form to one that more accurately displays His deity and glory.
In verse 1, Jesus promises that some of the disciples will see "the kingdom of God after it has come with power" before they die. This, according to many interpreters, is the display of the power of the kingdom of God Jesus promised seen by Peter, James and John. His clothes became as "white as light[Mat 17:2]; in Luke 9:29 says "dazzling white," like a flash of lightning. The original text doesn't say "bleach" but "whiten." Other versions give the more precise word of "launderer" or "fuller." A fuller is someone who uses nitrium to clean woolen cloth. In John’s vision in heaven, the twenty-four elders and the tribulation martyrs will also receive white robes (Rev 4:4; 7:13–14). His clothes are a metaphor for the righteousness that characterizes the presence of God. We will never be good enough, just as a launderer can never bleach Jesus' robes white enough so that we must receive Jesus' gift of forgiveness of our sins.
Amazingly, the images of Moses and Elijah appeared also. This has an allusion to the OT law since two witnesses were required to prove someone's guilt (Deut 17:6; 19:15). Now, God sends two witnesses to validate Jesus' identity. Both Moses and Elijah represent how Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection fulfill the requirements of Judaism (Mat 5:17).
Peter, James, and John are terrified. They do not know how to respond (v.6). They have no reason to think Moses and Elijah are leaving any time soon, so Peter offers to make tents, similar to the booths used in the Feast of Tabernacles. They are to enjoy the precious moment. Do such august visitors need shade from the sun?
But, a cloud overshadowed them. It was the ‘Shekinah glory’ of God. A voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" This was a repeat affirmation during Jesus’ baptism. When faced with this image of glory and the voice of God, Peter, James, and John fall on their faces in terror until Jesus comes to them, touches them, and says, "Rise, and have no fear" (Mat 17:6–7). Similarly, when we are confronted with the overwhelming glory of Jesus, a reverential fear is felt.
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God’s Word for Today
27 June, 2024
34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
-Mark 8:34-38 ESV
DO FOLLOW JESUS
Firstly, to follow Jesus is a choice. The phrase ‘If anyone would come after me’ is an invitation for us to decide personally. There are many ‘professors’ but few ‘possessors’ of true faith in Christ. Good deeds are evidence of true faith as the shadow is to the man.
Following Jesus has conditions. There is a denial of self. The word ‘deny yourself’ means to forget your own self-interest. It doesn't mean abandoning worldly comforts like a monk or rigid actions via spiritual disciplines. It means to refuse our rights and privileges that get in the way of God's kingdom. What, specifically, we will have to deny depends on our situation. It could be comfort, worldly responsibilities, or even the connection to our family or past (Luke 9:57–62). Moreover, we are to take up our cross daily. It doesn't mean to accept a specific burden from God. It's parallel in meaning to "deny [your]self." If we learn to sacrifice ourselves to God, we won't fret about sacrificing our things. We will belong to God, not to our things, position, reputation, or comfort.
Following Jesus is most commendable. Jesus said, ”For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.” There are little ‘deaths’ we should embrace in following Jesus. Rift in familial relationships and persecutions may happen.[Mat 10:35-36, 2 Tim 3:12] But the Bible promises compensation or rewards. Jesus calls those who listen to Him His own family (Mark 3:33–35). And God will give rewards in heaven to those who are persecuted on Jesus' account (Mat 5:12).
In a rhetorical question, Jesus asked, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?” Obviously, nothing! Jesus condemns people's desire for "the world." His subjects should abide in His kingdom laws.[Matt 6:33] Nothing in the world is more precious than our life—our immortal soul's potential to live for eternity in God’s presence. Jesus knew this when Satan offered Him the world (Mat 4:8–10). Not only would Jesus not sacrifice His own integrity for the world, He would not sacrifice our souls for our comfort.
Lastly, it’s our source of comfort or pleasure. True followers of Jesus are not ashamed of His name. here, Jesus warns the disciples that their idea of what is shameful and what is honorable is completely warped. Later in the book of Acts, the Jewish authorities has called in the apostles, who preached Jesus. They beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.[Acts 5:40,41] As John Piper said, “God is most glorified in us when we are the most satisfied in Him.”
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God’s Word for Today
26 June, 2024
31 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
-Mark 8:31-33 ESV
GET BEHIND ME, SATAN!
Jesus gathered His disciples. He began to teach them about His forthcoming suffering and death under the elders, chief priests and the scribes. These three—the chief priests, scribes, and elders—make up the Sanhedrin, the legal and political branch of Judaism. But, after three days He will rise again. He said this plainly. There was no ambiguity.
When Jesus calls Himself the "Son of Man," He's not just emphasizing His human nature. He is referring to the prophecy in Daniel wherein the Ancient of Days gives the Son of Man "dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed" (Dan 7:13–14).
After this announcement of His death, the disciples make some kind of dominant protest, led by Peter. Impliedly, Peter claims he has authority by rebuking Jesus. His crucifixion is the pinnacle of self-sacrifice and humility and love. However, the Twelve are still caught up in the fact that their friend will be King.
Let’s be watchful. We may fall into the same trap as Peter did. Jesus did not come to make some earthly territory into a superpower, did He? His purpose is to save individuals from eternal damnation. He did not come to lead Christians to redeem or control the culture, but to serve others. Was not Paul surrounded by friends who would rather see him safe than follow God's plan? (Acts 21:3–4, 25:8–11). Is not the primacy of health and wealth over the gospel a manipulative act of the devil in this generation?
Peter might have good intentions for Jesus’ comfort and safety. Unbeknown to him he became an instrument of Satan. Jesus strongly rebuked Satan who was behind Peter’s protest. Anything good or better we pursue as a substitute of fulfilling God’s will may subtly comes from Satan.
Moreover, we see the gullibility of Peter’s heart. At Through the Father’s revelation, Peter declared that Jesus is the Christ.[Matt 16:16] And in a moment, he was influenced by Satan to oppose Jesus. It is Satan’s intention to either sidetrack or block Jesus’ death at the cross.
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Text: Mark 8:27-30 (ESV)
27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” 30 And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.
YOU ARE THE CHRIST
They left Bethsaida. Mark says they went to "the villages of Caesarea Philippi. " The Greek root word for "village" is ‘kome’ which refers to where the laborers slept, that is, we may say a "bedroom community." Jesus and the disciples are "on the way"—indirect though it may be—to Jerusalem, both chronologically and theologically. As they grow nearer to the crucifixion, Jesus takes the time to teach them what they need to know.
Jesus asked, “But who do you say that I am?” Some people say that Jesus is John the Baptist—who was his cousin of almost the same age or Elijah or Jeremiah (Mat 16:14), or any of the other Old Testament prophets. They don't mean Jesus was literally one of the former prophets. They mean He came in the same style, power, and authority, and with a similar message.
There is no doubt that Jesus’ message and authority is reminiscent of the old prophets. Yet, it did not cross their minds that Jesus might suffer the same fate as the old prophets. Elijah was almost killed by Jezebel. Jeremiah was thrown into a muddy cistern. John the Baptist was beheaded. Even more, the disciples don't yet understand that "a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him" (John 13:16). The disciples know they follow the Christ (Mark 8:29), but they have a vague idea about what a hard road they will face in the next few weeks to follow.
It was Peter who recognized Jesus as the ‘Christ’. "Christ" is from the Greek root word ‘hristos’ and means anointed. In Hebrew, it is "Messiah." Luke's version says, "the Christ of God" (Luke 9:20); Matthew 16:16 says, "the Christ, the Son of the living God." Mark, as he often does, condenses the statement. Peter is given the honor of finally answering the question the Twelve had posed after they witnessed Jesus calming the storm: "Who then is this?" (Mark 4:41). Sadly, before too long, however, Peter will deny even knowing Jesus (Mark 14:66–72).
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Text: Mark 8:22-26 (ESV)
22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” 25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”
HE SAW EVERYTHING CLEARLY
Jesus was in Bethsaida. It was a fairly large city near the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. This is not the first time Jesus has healed the blind. He had done other such miracles before John the Baptist died (Luke 7:22), but it is the first recorded in Mark's Gospel. It's possible the people know of these other healings, as they ask Jesus to "touch" the blind man, and not merely bless him by laying hands on him.
He took him outside the village and had spit in his eyes. Why? Scholars suspect that Jesus’ purpose was to assure the people that He didn't use an esoteric magic spell. Here, He appears to use an accepted medical practice to show the crowd He isn't using witchcraft. God is well able to heal using medical practices—even those that have no basis in science. Sometimes He may do so to hide the fact His work is a miracle.
Interestingly, after Jesus asked him if he saw anything, he said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around." His healing wasn’t instant and complete, unlike the others. The bible doesn't say why some healings are immediate and some take a little time. One possible reason here is that this provides a metaphor for the progressive spiritual revelation. They are beginning to see Jesus for who He is—and, indeed, Peter will soon declare Jesus to be the Christ later(Mark 8:29)
He touched him again. His sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. "Clearly" is from the Greek word ‘telaugos’ and actually means "at a distance." It may mean that Jesus' first effort made the man near-sighted and the second brought his full vision back. That would explain why he thought the people were walking trees (Mark 8:24).
God won’t do something either half-done or mediocre. He would complete what He has started.[Phil 1:6] Moreover, this healing reminds us of the sanctifying process of God in our lives. When we become believers, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us to teach us the truth (John 16:13). We begin as the blind man, seeing Jesus and people as a tree, walking around. But as He works in us, we learn more about God and what He has planned for us.
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Text: Mark 8:14-21 ESV
14 Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat.
15 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”
16 And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread.
17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?
18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?
19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.”
20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.”
21 And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”
-Mark 8:14-21 ESV
BEWARE OF THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES AND HERODIANS
Jesus and His disciples left the place, to avoid the Pharisees. He rebuked them for asking Him sign when they saw His miracles. It was a waste of time to be with them. They moved away fast so that they forgot to brIng bread with them in the boat except one loaf. Or, they presumed someone had brought bread. A lack of foresight may plague us sometimes in ministry.
As they were in the boat, Jesus warned them, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” A leaven is used as a metaphor for influence and growth (Gal 5:9) either for evil (1 Cor 5:8) or good (Mat 13:33). Jesus argued with the Pharisees several times about their insistence in putting man-made tradition above the needs of the people (see Mark 2:15–28; 3:1–6; 7:1–23). Herodians were not religious sects but exerted secular and political power. In short, Jesus wishes to warn the disciples to avoid their teaching (Mat 16:12)—whether the love of manmade tradition or secular power.
And in a moment, the disciples were discussing that they were not able to bring bread. That is, they lack food to eat during the journey. 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? They forgot altogether the two miracles of feeding which resulted to 12 and 7 baskets of excess bread. Having experienced the miracles, they doubted and were filled with unbelief. They are in danger of rejecting Jesus just like the Pharisees and Herodians, who were filled with unbelief, are they not?
Like the disciples, we are prone to doubt and distrust God, are we not? God has been so good to us everyday. Yet, we doubt whether He can sustain us tomorrow. If we really believe Jesus is our Savior, we will trust Him to give us what we need. If we believe God is loving, we will trust Him to take care of us. If we believe that our commission as believers is to spread the gospel and seek God's kingdom, he will sustain us through His abiding presence.
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Text: Mark 8:11-13 ESV
11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.
12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
13 And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.
-Mark 8:11-13 ESV
WHY DO YOU SEEK A SIGN?
The Pharisees and scribes have been following Jesus for quite sometimes. They were well aware of the miraculous works Jesus did—including healing the blind and deaf—and exorcisms.
But, they want something more extreme, that is, a literal "sign from heaven." Otherwise, they won’t be convinced that Jesus' authority is from God and not Satan (Mark 3:22–30). They want something like Elijah calling down fire from heaven to consume his sacrifice (1 Kings 18:36–38) They want something that validates His claim as God's Messiah who will lead them into freedom from the Roman empire.
Instead, Jesus rebukes these hard-hearted Pharisees. Matthew records that they have an understanding of the weather but not the prophecies of the Old Testament (Mat 16:2–3). Their attitude was similar to Satan’s during the second temptation (Mat 4:5–7). Satan had suggested Jesus has to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple.
Is it not ludicrous that they obliged Jesus to prove His deity before their presence? They had even the audacity to give credit for the miracle He did to Satan (Mark 3:22). The people would have tried to make Jesus king (John 6:15). But, He evaded the crowd. Later, Jesus will face this same temptation while hanging on the cross from the thief (Mark 15:29–32).
Don’t we have people in our own lives with the same hardened heart today? They find something wrong in the Bible undermining its authority and choose to reject Jesus because of it. Instead of submitting to all the evidence that Jesus is who He said He is, they close their ears, eyes, and understanding and come up with ridiculous arguments to justify their decision.
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God’s Word for Today
20 June, 2024
In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him and said to them, 2 “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. 3 And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away.” 4 And his disciples answered him, “How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?” 5 And he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” 6 And he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd. 7 And they had a few small fish. And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them. 8 And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. 9 And there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. 10 And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.
-Mark 8:1-10 ESV
HOW CAN ONE FEED THESE PEOPLE WITH BREAD HERE IN THIS DESOLATE PLACE?
Again, a great crowd of about 4,000 people had been with Jesus and His team for three days in a desolate place. And, they have nothing to eat. They were captivated by Jesus – in His teachings and work.
Jesus saw them with compassion. He called his disciples to him and said to them, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away.” [v.2,3] Definitely, Jesus had set the stage for them to trust Him that He is in control. He was not going to feed the crowd only but to foster the faith of His disciples also. He was hitting two birds with one stone.
However, they said, “How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?” Have they forgotten how Jesus fed the 5,000 men crowd [without counting the women and children] a few months earlier? Is Jesus able to perform the same miracle? Like the disciples, we do doubt, don’t we? We do argue that no two lightnings hit the same object twice, don’t we?
This miracle of feeding the crowd was not different in many respects from the previous one. He fed the crowd with 7 loaves and a few fishes. I just wondered if a few from the crowd knew the miracle he did previously. This was a different crowd. Jesus fed everyone plus seven baskets left over. Again, Jesus has demonstrated that He can provide more than our needs. The prophet Jeremiah has declared, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ [Jer 33:3]
Today, we should trust that Jesus is our great provider even in our ‘desolate’ circumstances. He is neither advanced nor late. We can rest in Him. At a hind sight, we could see that everything is beautiful in His time and terms. Since Jesus is faithful, He would continue to do what He has done yesterday. He remains faithful. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.[Heb 13:8]
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God’s Word for Today
19 June, 2024
31 Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
-Mark 7:31-37 ESV
HEALED GENTLY AND PRIVATELY
From Tyre and Sidon, Jesus made a circuitous route to Decapolis to avoid the district of Galilee. The last time He had been in Decapolis, He healed the demon possessed man. He was driven away by the crowd. Apparently, this time the people are much more receptive. Was this because of the testimony of the healed demon possessed man?
They brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. It appears that the locals like or respect this man. Like the crippled man who was let through the ceiling (Mark 2:1–12) and the blind man at Bethsaida (Mark 8:22–26), they bring him to Jesus. Unlike the cases of the blind Bartimaeus and the unnamed demon possessed man. They were not brought by anybody. In either case, even when we don't have others to lift us up to God, He hears us where we are.
Jesus shows particular gentleness with him. He sets him aside privately. Jesus doesn't use him as a public object lesson like He does the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25–34) and the Canaanite woman (Mark 7:24–30). He touches his ears and tongue after spitting. A spit is thought to have healing powers in Jewish and Greek traditions. Apparently, this deaf and mute person did not know what is happening until Jesus touched him. His healing did not depend upon him.
Then Jesus prayed, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” Although Jesus is God, He often prays to God. This shows His relationship with the God-head. He is separate from the Father (John 5:19–27). In fact, He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" (Phil 2:7). Jesus' power comes from the Holy Spirit, not Himself (Mark 3:22–30).
The healing was immediate. This corresponds directly with the work of the Messiah. As Isaiah says, "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy" (Isa 35:5–6). Although our healing may not be immediate today, there is hope for those of us who are suffering now. We might never see complete healing in this world. Those who insist that you will be totally healed if you have "enough faith" are false teachers.
He charged them not to spread the news. But, the more zealous they proclaimed it. Physical healing isn't His primary mission. It is secondary to His more important purpose. That is, to reveal the way of salvation and train others to spread the gospel after He leaves.
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Text: Mark 7:24-30 (ESV)
24 And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. 25 But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” 28 But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” 29 And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” 30 And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.
THE DOGS UNDER EAT THE CHILDREN'S CRUMBS
Jesus went to Tyre and Sidon. This is the first and last time Jesus wentt to a Gentile territory. Tyre and Sidon are the major cities of a district known as the economic competitors of Galilee. Thus, the Jews distanced from them. Josephus, the historian, called them "our bitterest enemies." Here, Jesus and the disciples retreated wherein they could avoid the Jewish crowds in a hostile Gentile district. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden.
But, a Syrophoenician woman took the opportunity to seek Jesus' help. Her daughter had an unclean spirit. Hence, in desperation, she went to Jesus bowing before Him and begging for Him to cast away the Spirit out from her. Jesus’ popularity as a healer has spread beyond Galilee. A feeling of desperation has prompted her to seek Jesus.
In quite a strange response, Jesus said, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” Was Jesus indifferent? Was there a racial slur and insult in His comment? Matthew gives more context to this particular encounter. This Canaanite woman is begging Jesus to free her demon-possessed daughter, while the disciples beg Jesus to send her away (Mat 15:23). Once Jesus has the disciples' attention, He tells the woman, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Mat 15:24). This was purposely done to demonstrate the faith and wisdom of a Gentile woman.
The woman understands Jesus' metaphor. The "children" are the Jews (Deut 14:1) and "bread" is God's provision in whatever form it may take. She is the "dog," and although He uses a diminutive form of the word that means household pet. It was not an insulting remark but not very flattering as well. She was begging. And, she couldn’t be demanding but wait and expect Jesus would act out of mercy and kindness. She was expecting the least, as the happy pet dogs eating crumbs falling from the table. Similarly, the woman with an issue of blood was just happy to touch Jesus’ garment. Such simple faith has caught Jesus’ attention and commendation.
Evidently, Jesus introduces an image of the children and the dogs as a metaphor for Christianity. God has fed the Jews with truth until they could take it no more. They hanged Jesus on the cross. Then, He sent the gospel to the Gentiles (Rom 3:29). The Gentiles who are happy to receive the crumbs under the table will find themselves at the wedding feast of the Lamb (Rev 19:6–9).
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Text: Mark 7:14-23 ESV
14 And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: 15 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” 17 And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, 19 since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
WATCH YOUR HEART
The hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes was exposed by the Lord Jesus Christ. Here, Jesus calls their attention to realize what cleanness and uncleanness are about, respectively. They questioned and criticized Jesus why He allowed His disciples to eat with unwashed hands. Whereas, they neglected the law of honoring the parents when somebody practiced ‘Corban.’ Jesus had highlighted their double standard.
Spiritual cleanness is a matter of heart. Jesus pointed out that nothing that goes into a person from outside can defile him but the things that come out of a person are what defile him. These religious leaders had mixed up the practice of doing ceremonial laws [like washing hands] could make a person holy or morally upright. In the ceremonial law, God gave standards for what the Jews were to eat and avoid eating. But, is eating shrimp or bacon more serious than the selfishness and pride that fill the hearts? For the Pharisees, it is? God gave food laws[kosher food] to the Israelites as a sign that they were set apart from the pagan nations around them. Non-kosher food is called unclean, but those who eat it are not called unclean. They committed the error of making a ceremonial law as the end. Thereby, they appear cultic and are skewed in their attitudes.
This truth was not readily understood by the disciples also. They asked Him about this parable when they were alone with Him at home. Jesus rebuked them for their lack of understanding. He explained to them this truth in much detail. “Whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled. (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”[v.17-23]
“Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.”[Prov 4:23]
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Text: Mark 7:1-13 ESV
1 Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem,
2 they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed.
3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders,
4 and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And, there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.)
5 And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?”
6 And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,“‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;
7 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”
9 And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!
10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 11 But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God)—
12 then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother,
13 thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”
-Mark 7:1-13 ESV
THE WORD OF GOD AND TRADITIONS
For whatever reason, the Pharisees and scribes gathered around Jesus. They were always stalking Him and the disciples. They asked Him,” “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” they were offended upon seeing the disciples eating with unwashed hands. They got this as a traditional practice from their great fathers.
Jesus addressed by rebuking them, saying, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;
7 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”
Jesus, without hesitation, has alluded their reaction as fulfillment to prophet Isaiah’s prophecy. That they’re hypocritically serving God. But, in reality, they leave the commandments of God and hold on man-made traditions. An outside ritualism without reality in the heart.
They are doing it in a very subtle way. Jesus exposed it through their invention of the Corban, that is, devoted to God as a gift. The word described something to be offered to God or given to the sacred treasury in the temple. If something was “Corban,” it was dedicated and set apart for God’s use. Jesus exposes their corruption of the Law by citing their abuse of “Corban.” Moses had instructed God’s people to “honor their father and mother” (Ex 20:12).But, the Pharisees negated that command by teaching that they could give money to the temple in lieu of helping their parents in need.
The Scriptures is our source of authority for belief and practice. Why? “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”[2 Tim 3:16,17] Nothing must be added to the Scriptures. Instead, every tradition and practice must be subservient to it.
When tradition is in conflict with the Scriptures, would you forsake your traditions in order to embrace the Scriptures. Some traditions have their own merits, but that tradition is only authoritative insofar as it is aligned with biblical truth.
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Text: Mark 6:35-44 ESV
GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO EAT
The great crowd of 5,000 men besides women and children stayed with Jesus at this desolate place. As the sun was setting down, the disciples became concerned about the problem of feeding them. They suggested to Jesus, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” To dismiss the crowd while they have time to go to the towns to find food for themselves was a practical solution, was it not? Despite, their experiences of seeing the miracles Jesus’ did, they still think this way. Perhaps they sighed that a restful trip with Jesus winds up being yet another day of watching Jesus heal and teach. Perhaps, the Twelve were thinking of their own hunger and fatigue.
But, Jesus commanded them instead, “You give them something to eat.” They did not expect it coming. How could they feed them when they have nothing? This is a common issue for us today. In the thick of ministering others, it can be difficult to determine how much more we should stretch ourselves.
Although they have nothing in their pockets, they forget that Jesus is with them despite surmountable needs. Jesus is our sufficiency, is He not? Jesus commanded them to feed them because they can do it if they believe in Him.
But, Jesus was out of the equation in their thinking as yet. They doubted. They commented, "Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?" A denarius is roughly a day's wages of a common laborer (Mat 20:2). It was Philip who pointed out that it would take nearly a year's income to give everyone just a bite (John 6:7). Clearly, Jesus wants them to learn that God will always give them what they need to do His will. Where the Lord leads He will provide. They were calculative and practical. This is our default thinking.
Jesus asked them, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see." Andrew sighed to find a boy with five barley loaves and two fish only (John 6:7–9). Jesus already knows how He will feed the people. He allows the Twelve a moment to fully recognize the situation (John 6:5). God does this to us as well, doesn’t He? He may wait until the day before the rent is due to provide the money, or just give us time to fully understand our helplessness before coming through to rescue us. Is He cruel? Definitely not! He's positioning us to see a better look at His power and authority. God is our present help in trouble.[Psa 46:1]
Reminiscent of the Shepherd in Psa 23, Jesus is our shepherd and we are not going to experience lack. This is not a time to panic. He let everyone sit down in the grass quietly in a group of hundreds and fifties. He blessed and multiplied the five loaves of bread and two fishes And in an orderly manner, he let the twelve distribute the food to each one. Everyone ate and was satisfied. In fact, they took up twelve baskets extra full of broken pieces and of the fish. As the ‘bread of life’ is to the whole world, God’s provision is more than sufficient. [John 3:16]
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God’s Word for Today
13 June, 2024
30 The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.
-Mark 6:30-44 ESV
COMPASSION
The disciples returned from their mission. They were excited to tell their stories about their experiences – what they did and taught. It was a testimony time. And, Jesus showed His compassion. He knew they were tired and weary. He said, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. They have to unwind by themselves at a place away from the crowd after a hard day of ministry. Giving them time to rest was the first thing Jesus did to them.
They rode a boat. But, the crowd saw and recognized them. They either ran or walked on foot and got there ahead of them. Undoubtedly, they were excited to hear and be ministered by Jesus. May we have the same excitement to meet Jesus every day in prayer and worship.
As they approached the shore, Jesus saw the great crowd, about 5,000 men plus women and children.[Matt 14:21]. He was touched with compassion. Why? He saw them as sheep having no shepherd. As much as Jesus needs to spend time alone with His shepherds-in-training, He can't neglect the thousands of lost sheep who so urgently need Him now. "Compassion" is from the Greek root word “splagchnizomai”, which means "to be moved with love in the deepest part of a person."
The present religious and political systems were like wolves, ravishing their innocent and vulnerable lives. These souls are oppressed, scattered, and hopeless by these greedy predators. They used the law of Moses to harass them unto their advantage. Only, the Messiah is their hope – the good shepherd. In Ezek 34:23, Jesus is the fulfillment. "And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd." As the shepherd of Israel, Jesus cannot refuse the sheep who come to Him.
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God’s Word for Today
12 June, 2024
21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
-Mark 6:21-29 ESV
HATRED IS OUTRAGEOUS
One day, Herod arranged a birthday banquet with his nobles and military commanders. Herodias, who hated John the Baptist, was there with her daughter. There was much revelry. Food and drinks are splattered everywhere. There was music and dancing. Her daughter entertained and pleased Herod and the guests with her sensual dancing.
In a spur of a moment, Herod asked the lass, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” His pride and conceit made him careless about his words. Wealth and fame do blind sound judgment in many cases.
The girl went to ask her mother Herodias, who grabbed the opportunity to harm John the Baptist. She asked for his head on a platter. Herod was bound to fulfill his vow so that a few minutes later John the Baptist’s head was cut and placed on a platter. Hatred is outrageous. The passion of Herodias to kill John the Baptist has overruled her desire for fame and fortune.
The head of John the Baptist was more valuable to her than half of Herod’s kingdom. It sounds ridiculous. But, this is what happens when the heart is corrupted by bitterness and anger. The writer of Hebrews has warned us, “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” [Heb 12:15] Definitely, the hatred of Herodias became her obsession. She was hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.[Heb 3:13]
Let’s ask the lord to make our hearts soft and sensitive.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!”[Psa 139:23-24]
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