He Is The One

Mk 14:43–52
A mob showed up ready to fight, but this was not the time for swords or clubs or opposition. As it says in John 18:10–11 (LEB) Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. (Now the name of the slave was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into its* sheath! The cup that the Father has given me—shall I not drink it?”

Jesus does expose this mob for who they are, in Mark 14:49 he says “Every day I was with you in the temple courts …”. This is the way the evil ones work, not in the public eye, but in the dark, when no one is looking.

I Am

Mk 14:53–65
All of the priestly leaders were there. It says in Mark 14:55 (LEB) Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, and they did not find it.*

They weren’t talking to Jesus at all, they wanted someone to bring an accusation they could use against him. But they couldn’t find anything. Mark 14:59 (LEB) And their testimony was not even consistent about this.

Finally, the High Priest asks Jesus to respond to these accusers. Mark 14:60–61 (LEB) And the high priest stood up in the midst of them and* asked Jesus, saying, “Do you not reply anything? What are these people testifying against you?” 61 But he was silent and did not reply anything. Again the high priest asked him and said to him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?”.

Jesus now answered, Mark 14:63 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

I Do Not Know This Man

Mk 14:66–72
When someone we know is under accusation, our natural response is to protect ourselves, to pull away, to deny even the truth. If Peter had acknowledged Jesus, it would not have changed the outcome. But Peter did feel the guilt and shame of denial. Peter did face the truth of his weakness. And Peter did go on to stand for the gospel as we see in Acts 5:17-21.

Are You The King of The Jews?

Mk 15:1–5
All of the leaders, Mark 15:1 says “the chief priests, with the elders and scribes and the whole Sanhedrin, tied up Jesus”. And, they did this to take him as a prisoner to Pilate.

There was no foundation for any charges, and Pilate is a politician responding to the crowd of accusers in Mark 15:3. See John 18:29–39 (LEB) 33“Are you the king of the Jews?” 34 Jesus replied, “Do you say this from yourself, or have others said this* to you about me?” 35 Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I?*

This was a true statement, “Pilate Refers to Pontius Pilate, who governed Judaea for the Roman Empire circa AD 26–36. As the emperor Tiberius’ prefect in the region, Pilate was responsible for resolving both civil and criminal cases, and he had authority to carry out capital punishments”. ¹

And Pilates authority to carry out capital punishments was the reason the Jews came to him.

Crucify Him

Mk 15:6–15 LEB

Pilate placed Barabbas, a leader of rebellion and murderer, next to Jesus and asked the crowd in Mark 15:9 ” … Do you want me to release for you the king of the Jews?” 10 (For he realized that the chief priests had handed him over because of envy.) and the crowd cried “Crucify Him”.

Pilate, the legal authority, sought to protect his position, and wanted to please the people. There was no time for him to verify the facts, review proper sentencing, or for anyone to ask for mercy.

Hail, King of the Jews

Mk 15:16–20 LEB
The soldiers all gathered and dressed Jesus in purple and made a crown of thorns and mocked him. What did they know of his story? To them, he was just another prisoner.

The King of the Jews

Mk 15:21–32 LEB
They crucified him between two robbers. And, they taunted him, saying save yourself.

Study Verses

• Mark 14:43–52
• Mark 14:53–65
• Mark 15:6–15

Daily Reading

• Mark 14:43-72
• Mark 15:1-32

References

1. 1. Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Mk 15:1). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

The One Who Endures to The End

Mk 13:9–13
There will be times when we stand accused, as Jesus was, accused as the disciples were. And these times are for us to be “a witness to them”. People often quote Mark 13:10 (LEB) And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all the nations. And I have often thought of the books written, and the radio programs, and television shows and though the gospel has been preached. Here though, Jesus describes the gospel being spoken face to face. No one who refuses Christ will have an excuse that they didn’t hear.

I Have Told You Everything Ahead of Time

Mk 13:14–23
Jesus is warning about the end times and many have said this was already fulfilled. However, this is telling of a future event. Because he says Mark 13:19 (LEB) For in those days there will be tribulation of such a kind as has not happened from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will happen. And, this would be in the time Mark 13:24 says is “after that tribulation”.

God does show us things to come. And as we look at the Old Testament prophets, we see that they received what they needed, and what they asked to know. And, as we walk through these years of ministry with Jesus, we see him having moments of foreknowledge as events are unfolding before him. This is the way the Spirit moves, to show us what we need, and what we ask to know. These gifts are given to and for the body of Christ, for us all to benefit from as it says in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

So, when we find these warnings, it is good for us to read and seek to understand them. Not just here, but also in Revelation 4:1 (LEB) After these things I looked, and behold, an open door in heaven, and the former voice that I had heard like a trumpet speaking with me was saying, “Come up here and I will show you the things which must take place after these things.”

He Will Gather The Elect Together

Mk 13:24–27
Arnold T. Olson has written, “They may have differed as to a pre-tribulation or post-tribulation rapture—the pre- or post- or non-millennial coming. They may have been divided as to a literal rebirth of Israel. However, all are agreed that the final solution to the problems of this world is in the hands of the King of kings who will someday make the kingdoms of this world his very own”. ¹

We Can Know

Mk 13:28–31
We can know when a tree is about to bloom, when the leaves are about to come forth. And, we may watch with anticipation until, it seems in a moment, the leaves are there. This harvest will come quickly when it comes. Revelation 14:14–16 (LEB) And I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud was seated one like a son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying out with a loud voice to the one seated on the cloud, “Send out your sickle and reap, because the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe!” 16 And the one seated on the cloud swung his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.

Be On The Alert

Mk 13:32–37
As Mark 13:35 says, “the master of the house is coming” and everyday we are to live with the knowledge that he is coming. For someone, today is the day of salvation.

Lest There Be An Uproar

Mk 14:1–2
There are those that are concerned about public opinion so they plot and plan their schemes by stealth. Have you known people like this who are guarded, bitter, angry, just the opposite of Psalm 32:2 (LEB) 2 Happy is a person to whom Yahweh does not impute iniquity and in whose spirit there is not deceit.

She Has Anointed My Body For Burial

Mk 14:3–9
It is good to honor life. This laying down of our physical body is not a little thing. We resist it. we naturally value the life God has given us. We look forward to the day when Revelation 20:14 (LEB) And Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire.

One of The Twelve

Mk 14:10–11
When Judas went to betray Jesus, there were those, the chief priests, delighted. How could these, holding position of service to God, be engaged in a scheme to kill Jesus. It is clear that they had no reverence for God or the things of God.

Where is The Guest Room?

Mk 14:12–21
On the day of, they would eat the the Passover that night, some today would be in a panic because this wasn’t arrange a month in advance. Jesus always had what he needed when he needed it. He prayed, He gave thanks, He set things in order, and what He needed was there.

As they sat at the meal, Jesus said, One will betray me. Jesus knew what Judas was planning but he didn’t shun him or treat him any differently than the other disciples. Can we do this and love our enemies as he said in Luke 6:27 (LEB) “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,”?

This is My Blood of The Covenant

Mk 14:22–26
Just as he did when feeding the five thousand, and as he did when feeding the four thousand, he took the bread and gave thanks, and broke it giving it to his disciples. It is more than enough.

You Will Fall Away

Mk 14:27–31
He knew they could not stand with him through his trial, even though they did not recognize their own weakness. Then, he told them, Mark 14:28 (LEB) But after I am raised, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Sit Here While I Pray – Watch And Pray

Mk 14:32–42
Jesus asked them to stay awake with him as he prayed, but they could not. There are times when someone needs us to be there for them, and we are not. There are times when we need to be praying, interceding, and we are not. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

And, there are times, when it is God’s will for us to go through, even the worst thing we can think of, giving up our life. But God is always with us, and even at the last moment, Judas had a choice. Jesus said, “the one who is betraying me is approaching”. he didn’t say, the one who has betrayed me because until that moment, Judas might have made a different choice.

Study Verses

• Mark 13:28–31
• Mark 14:22–26
• Mark 14:32–42

Daily Reading

• Mark 13:9-37
• Mark 14:1-42

References

1. 1. Boice, J. M. (1986). Foundations of the Christian faith: a comprehensive & readable theology (p. 705). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

He is God of the Living

Mk 12:18–27
We make a mistake when we apply our experience in this world to the way God’s Kingdom operates. Marriage and procreation are earthly activities.

These Sadduccees didn’t believe in the resurrection so why are they asking this? It is just their, “foolish controversies” as it says in Titus 3:9–11 (LEB) But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and contentions and quarrels about the law, for they are useless and fruitless. 10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned. Jesus responded twice to the Sadduccees saying in Mark 12:24 (LEB) … “Are you not deceived because of this, because you* do not know the scriptures or the power of God?” and then in Mark 12:27 (LEB) He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are very much mistaken!” These questioners were deceived and mistaken.

There is one important question, and this one needs an answer, “Are you ready now, to meet your maker?” Are you ready now, to stand before the God of heaven and earth and give account for your life? As it says in 2 Corinthians 5:10 (LEB) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, in order that each one may receive back the things through the body according to what he has done, whether good or bad. And, there is but one response, did we accept the blood of Christ given for us?

You Are Not Far From the Kingdom of God

Mk 12:28–34
Mark 12:33 (LEB) And to love him from your whole heart and from your whole understanding and from your whole strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

There were some that understood the things of Gods kingdom. Those who respond to the message of Christ on the cross after His resurrection will not be the only ones in heaven. He led captivity captive when he was raised, so there were many that believed before the promise was fulfilled.

As it was with Abraham, so it is with many, as it says in Romans 4:3–5 (LEB) For what does the scripture say? “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his pay is not credited according to grace, but according to his due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but who believes in the one who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited for righteousness,

The LORD Said to My Lord

Mk 12:35–37
Mark 12:35 says, “Continuing”, Messiah is an important part of completing the message about the kingdom of God.

Jesus quotes Psalm 110 and these people understood the reference to the Lord as God – Yahweh and my Lord as Messiah so “if David, who was believed to be the author of the Psalm, said, “ ‘The LORD [= God] said to my Lord [= Messiah]: Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet,’ ” then the Messiah is obviously superior to David, and not merely a descendant, as Judaism popularly held” ¹

David understood the Lord would come and take His rightful place. In Mark 12:37 “David himself calls him ‘Lord,’ and how is he his son?”

For the Sake of Appearance

Mk 12:38–40
Mark 12:38 says “and in his teaching” so Jesus continues his message with “Beware”. There are those that seek position, public honor for approval by men, to be seen and greeted. And he said, these “devour the houses of widows”.

There are many places we can quote, here are a few:
Exodus 22:22 (LEB) “ ‘You will not afflict any widow or orphan.
Isaiah 1:17 (LEB) Learn to do good! Seek justice! Rescue the oppressed! Defend the orphan! Plead for the widow!

This is why Jesus gave a strong caution to his disciples and had strong words for the scribes in Matthew 23:13 (LEB) “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees—hypocrites!—because you shut the kingdom of heaven before people! For you do not enter, nor permit those wanting to go in* to enter.

Out of Her Poverty

Mk 12:41–44
Jesus seems to be finished with his teaching for the day and calls his disciples together when he sees this widow woman’s offering. He says, Mark 12:44 (LEB) For they all ⌊contributed⌋ out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in everything she had, her whole means of subsistence.”

Did she have food for the day? Did anyone else even notice her need? This was in Jerusalem, in the temple, in the Holy place where the High Priest was. If there was any place in Israel where the widow was to be cared for, it was right there. But who noticed? Who intervened to meet her need?

Look! What Wonderful Buildings!

Mk 13:1–2
We sometimes admire the splendor of the things people have built and we expect they will stand forever. We think that our way of life and culture will continue unchanged, but history tells a different story. And here, is a foretelling of things to come in Mark 13:2 (LEB) And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here on another stone that will not be thrown down!” No one imagined that a short forty years later, “its destruction by the Romans in AD 70”. ²

There are those that are about living this life to the full. Some even have their “bucket list” of things they want to do before they die. But this is unfruitful thinking because none of these things have lasting value for God’s Kingdom. Jesus said in Matthew 6:19–21 (LEB) “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and consuming insect destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor consuming insect destroy and where thieves do not break in or steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Watch Out

Mk 13:3–8
The disciples had a very natural reaction to Jesus comments about the temple being thrown down and it was “when will these things happen”.

Jesus doesn’t answer directly because there is an age of grace between His death and resurrection and the end spoken of in Revelation 14:19 (LEB) And the angel swung his sickle into the earth and harvested the vine of the earth, and threw the grapes* into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

And, I am purposely trying to avoid the Pre-, Mid-, Post- tribulation arguments to focus on the important instruction Jesus was giving his disciples. In Mark 13:5 (LEB) So Jesus began to say to them, “Watch out that no one deceives you! There are those that make great claims, there will be wars and peril, there will be physical dangers from what the world calls natural disasters, Mark 13:8 (LEB) and “There will be famines”.

This term, “age of Grace” sounds nice, but is a time of real challenge for the Church and us as individual Christians. This is a time for us to be witnesses, a time for Stephens, and Paul’s and Timothy’s to take a stand for righteousness.

Study Verses

• Mark 12:35–37
• Mark 12:38–40
• Mark 12:41–44

Daily Reading

• Mark 12:18-40
• Mark 13:1-8

References

1. 1. Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel according to Mark (p. 377). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: Eerdmans; Apollos.
2. 2. Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Second Temple, Period of The. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1922). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

Why Are You Doing This?

Mk 11:1–11
This trip to Jerusalem by Jesus and his disciples was not accidental, or just because it was time for the Passover (commemorating the Exodus from Egypt)¹. Jesus was fulfilling prophecy given in Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Look! Your king comes to you; he is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, and on a male donkey, the foal of a female donkey! And he was ushered in with Mark 11:10 “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Jesus understanding of the prophecies of old were coming together with spiritual insight through His foreknowledge. He saw a colt in Bethphage and Bethany and told his disciples exactly what they should do. When asked, “Why are you doing this?” they responded as instructed, “The Lord has need of it.” And it was so He could fulfill His prophetic entry into Jerusalem as their King. And he was ushered in with Mark 11:10 “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”

This phrase is quoted as a lament for the time of darkness coming over the children of Israel in Matthew 23:37-39.²

(There is much more symbolism here to consider in further study.
“Across from Bethphage and Bethany.” “Bethany” means “house of obedience,” and “Bethphage” means “house of jaws.” Bethphage is a priestly place, because jawbones were given to priests, as the law commands (Deut 18:3).³)

He Was Hungry

Mk 11:12–14
The writer simply records the words that Jesus spoke, “Let no one eat fruit from you any more, forever”. See Mark 11:20-25

The Outer Court

Mk 11:15–19
If you just read Mark 11:15 it sounds like they just arrived in Jerusalem, but the day before was what is called “the triumphal entry”. Notice though, Mark 11:11. Jesus went to the temple and looked around and then went out to Bethany for the night with his disciples.

He had been in the temple the day before and, apparently saying nothing to his disciples, went back to the temple and “overturned the tables”. Jesus cleansed, not the temple, but the courts outside the temple. And in Mark 11:17 quotes from Isaiah 56:7 (LEB) I will bring them to ⌊my holy mountain⌋; I will make them merry in my house of prayer. their burnt offerings and their sacrifices ⌊will be accepted⌋ on my altar, for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples,”

And, further in Psalm 22:27–28 (LEB) All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to Yahweh. All the families of the nations will worship before you. 28 Because the kingship belongs to Yahweh, and he rules over the nations. So, even though Jesus said Matthew 15:24 (LEB) “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”, He also cleansed the outer court, this place reserved for the gentiles.

(* study foreigners from Is 56:6)

Have Faith in God!

Mk 11:20–25
We are back to the fig tree, which didn’t seem to mean much earlier. Now, Jesus uses it as an object lesson saying “Have faith in God!” But then Jesus makes this wild statement, “Say to this mountain …”. And then He says, “whatever you pray for …”.

But it isn’t just an empty prayer, because He says “believing you have received it” and “it will be done for you”. Did Jesus just say that nothing is impossible? There is a consistent thread of examples where Jesus included this word “believe”, “from πιστεύω (pisteuō). vb. to believe, to entrust” and it is used some 233 times.⁴

What do we believe? God’s word, that whatever we can ask, believing, will be done? Or do we believe the natural world and circumstance we see and feel and touch around us?

By What Authority!

Mk 11:27–33
It isn’t surprising that right after Jesus is ushered in to the city as King and he cleanses the outer court, and he makes this statement “anything you ask … will be done” that a challenge comes to His authority.

Jesus was very clear with them, he would not tell them because we must get this revelation for ourselves, as Peter said, “You are the Christ”.

They Will Respect My Son

Mk 12:1–12
Jesus uses this challenge to His authority to give this parable. The vineyard owner, God himself, is in his rightful place and entrusts his vineyard to the care of others. They not only abuse his messengers, at the last, they kill his son to try to take ownership themselves.

These that are plotting to destroy Him, that are challenging His authority, don’t get it.

Psalm 118:22–23 (LEB) The stone the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This is from Yahweh; it is wonderful in our eyes.

Teacher, We Know That You Are …

Mk 12:13–17
This wasn’t about paying taxes. And, Jesus saw it for what it was. Flattery is often the first line in a trap. There is wisdom for us in God’s word. In the instruction God gives us foe our own behaviour and so we can see the whiles and manipulations of those serving the devil or just their own lusts.

Study Verses

• Mark 11:1–11
• Mark 11:15–19
• Mark 11:27–33
• Mark 12:1–12

Daily Reading

• Mark 11:1-33
• Mark 12:1-17

References

1. 1. Bokser, B. M. (1992). Unleavened Bread and Passover, Feasts of. In D. N. Freedman (Ed.), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary (Vol. 6, p. 755). New York: Doubleday.
2. 2. Harris, W. H., III, Ritzema, E., Brannan, R., Mangum, D., Dunham, J., Reimer, J. A., & Wierenga, M. (Eds.). (2012). The Lexham English Bible (Mk 11:9). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
3. 3. Just, A. A. (Ed.). (2005). Luke. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
4. 5. Clark, R., & McLaurin, D., III. (2014). Stewardship. D. Mangum, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, & R. Hurst (Eds.), Lexham Theological Wordbook. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

Everyone Will be Salted With Fire

Mark 9:42–50
Mark 9:42 says whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in me to sin, … And, I am sure he was talking literally about how we treat children. Certainly, we have a charge to care for them and to help them and to protect them because who we are represents who God is to them. And, certainly God would not be abusive to them, in fact it says in Matthew 7:11 (LEB) Therefore if you, although you* are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him?

But I am going to stretch this a bit and say that Jesus is really talking about new, baby Christian believers. These might be adults with worldly history and still with worldly ways, but they believe in Christ. And what behavior do they see in you? Isn’t that what Jesus is really talking about.Yes, you should deal with sin, addiction, strong holds in your life, but not just for your own sake, not just for your own salvation. Isn’t it even more for the witness you are to others?

The world says, children do what you do, and not what you say. God’s word says in ,
James 1:22 (LEB) But be doers of the message and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves … So, how will your life stand up to the test of God’s Holy presence?

Is It Permitted for a Man to Divorce His Wife?

Mark 10:1–12
In Mark 10:5 (LEB) Jesus responded, “He (Moses) wrote this commandment for you because of your hardness of heart”.

• God made us male and female
• A man will leave his father an mother Genesis 2:24 (So expect your mother-in-law to be part of your life!)
• The two become one flesh (And, there is no better place to learn to love than in a marriage.) This means you husbands, as it says in Ephesians 5:33 (LEB) Only you also, each one of you, must thus love his own wife as himself, and the wife ⌊must respect⌋ her husband.

Moses did allow a certificate of divorce, and I am not saying it is easy. What I am saying is, 1 Corinthians 7:16 (LEB) For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? if you don’t give all the love you have? As much as is in you, do this:

• Colossians 3:8 (LEB) But now you also lay aside all these things: anger, rage, wickedness, slander, abusive language from your mouth.
• Colossians 3:14 (LEB) And to all these things add love, which is the bond of perfection.

And now I am going to meddle, God’s desire is a Godly seed. He isn’t only looking for your happiness and contentment, He is also looking for your childrens’ children. Learn to love, then love your wife, and love your children, and love the life you have together.

To Such, Belongs the Kingdom of God

Mark 10:13–16
Children can be unruly, even chaotic in their behavior yet it is excitement, and curiosity, and enthusiasm that drives them. It is seldom that they act with malice or guile and they are often unaware that they are interrupting or hindering your important adult conversation. And, here also, I believe Jesus is talking literally about children. But I also believe He is talking about new born Christians. And, the Kingdom of God belongs to them every bit as much as it belongs to anyone else, no matter our spiritual stature.

What Must I Do To Inherit Eternal Life?

Mark 10:17–31
This young man asks in all earnestness, in Mark 10:17 “what must I do so that I will inherit eternal life?” Jesus gives a good answer for a son of Israel, he says in Mark 10:19 “you know the commandments …” and in Mark 10:20 the young man responds, “all these I have observed from my youth”.

What a good boy, who could expect anything more? He has kept the law as best anyone could. But Jesus does not commend him for this. Mark 10:21 does says “he loved him”. And then Jesus told him the one thing he couldn’t do, “sell all you have … and come, follow me”. Whether it was because he couldn’t give up his possessions, or he didn’t want to give to the poor, or he didn’t want to leave his family or friends, really doesn’t matter. He couldn’t follow Jesus. and this was the only thing he needed to inherit eternal life, as Jesus is quoted in John 14:6 (LEB) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Jesus didn’t say you can’t be rich in the earth and in the kingdom, he just said in Mark 10:31 that “many who are first (in this life) will be last (in the Kingdom). For example, you might begin reading for understanding in Luke 16:19 (LEB) “Now a certain man was rich, and dressed in purple cloth and fine linen, feasting sumptuously every day…

The Things That Were About to Happen

Mark 10:32–34
There are many occasions recorded in the gospels where Jesus knew what was going to happen before it happened. The calling of Nathaniel comes immediately to mind, and in John 1:48 Jesus said “when you were under the fig tree, I saw you”. And, the colt, in Mark 11:2 he said “you will find a colt tied”. Jesus described this in John 5:19 “what he sees the father doing … these things also the Son does likewise”.

At this moment, those following were afraid. What would happen to them if Jesus was killed? They didn’t yet have a full understanding of God’s plan, but they would.

This foreknowledge, this word of knowledge, for me, is a demonstration of what we find later in 1 Corinthians 12:7–11 (LEB) But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for what is beneficial to all. 8 For to one is given a word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another a word of knowledge by the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another ⌊miraculous powers⌋, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing of spirits, to another kinds of tongues, to another interpretation of tongues. 11 But in all these things one and the same Spirit is at work, distributing to each one individually just as he wishes.

Their People in High Positions Exercise Authority

Mark 10:35–45
This servant of all concept is upside down. This isn’t how the world works. In fact, the god of this world himself explained this when he tempted Jesus in Matthew 4:8–9 (LEB) Again the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, 9 and he said to him, “I will give to you all these things, if you will fall down and* worship me.”

Jesus said we are to be like Him. In Mark 10:43–45 (LEB) But it is not like this among you! But whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be most prominent among you must be the slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Have Mercy on Me

Mark 10:46–52
Out of the “large crowd” was the voice calling, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” and Jesus stopped. He is listening. He is willing. What would you do if you knew Jesus would grant your request? In Mark 10:52 Jesus says “Go, your faith has …”. What? What is it you are asking? What do you believe?

We are almost there so here it is, Mark 11:24 (LEB) For this reason I say to you, whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received it,* and it will be done for you.

Study Verses

• Mark 10:17–31
• Mark 10:32–34
• Mark 10:46–52

Daily Reading

• Mark 9:42-50
• Mark 10:1-52

He Had Compassion On Them

Mk 6:30–37
When John’s disciple came to Jesus, he took them to find a private place to rest. When someone we are close to dies, we feel grief, and it is good for us to take time away. They all went together, but the crowd ran ahead. Jesus in Mark 6:34 “had compassion on them …and he began to teach them”.

Jesus compassion overcame His grief at the loss of John. As it says in Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is not able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but who has been tempted in all things in the same way, without sin. Therefore let us approach with confidence to the throne of grace, in order that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need¹.

His compassion, “That (human) disposition that fuels acts of kindness and mercy … (that) form of love, (that) is aroused within us when we are confronted with those who suffer or are vulnerable”².

It was late, and the disciples said, enough, “send them away” and Jesus answered, “you give them to eat”. They had purposely come away to a remote place, there was o provision for this crowd. And, the disciples had planned a time of rest, they didn’t have any provision for others.

How Many Loaves Do You Have?

Mk 6:38–44
And, now, in their grief, fatigue from the day, and in the midst of this desolate place, He says, “How many loaves do you have?

Provision begins with what you have. Provision comes when things are in order, Provision arrives when we give thanks and distribute what we have.

Not only were all fed, but each of Jesus disciples had a basket left over for themselves.

The Wind Was Against Them

Mk 6:45–52
He still needed time for himself. Jesus sent the disciples on to their next destination, Bethsaida. He dismissed the crowd. And finally found His time away to pray.

Then, in “about the fourth watch of the night,” between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.”³. Jesus had been praying for maybe six or more hours, and the disciples had been rowing and fighting the wind this whole time. When Jesus walked up to the boat, walking on the water, He said “Have courage”.

And All Those Who Touched it (His Cloak) Were Healed

Mk 6:53–56
His fame had spread abroad. The woman with the issue of blood had just touched His cloak and was healed. Everyone had heard about her experience and they were reaching out to touch Him.

Can’t They See the Miracles?

Mk 7:1–13
Everywhere Jesus went, people were getting healed. And, the best the Pharisees could say, in Mark 7:5 is “Why do your disciples … eat their bread with unclean hands?” Day after day we read the crowds pressed so could not eat. They were working hard to meet the needs of the people and it was tiring and demanding.

I like Jesus response in Mark 7:9 “You splendidly ignore the commandment of God so that you can keep your tradition” and in Mark 7:13 “making void the word of God”.

Anytime we attach our own ideas to God’s name, anytime we put our own wants on others, we create a barrier between them and God.

Listen to Me

Mk 7:14–23
Jesus took the time to get everyone’s attention and said in Mark 7:15 “there is nothing outside of a person that is able to defile him by going in”. He further explained to His disciples in Mark 7:20 “What comes out of a person, that defiles a person”.

It isn’t how clean or washed, or proper you are that God cares about. It is what you think and say and how you behave that matters. Don’t we all know the effect of someones evil plans, deceit, abusive speech, and all the rest on the people around them?

As James 1:27 says, “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: …”

It is Not Right to Take The Children’s Bread

Mk 7:24–30
Jesus is still looking for some privacy but He couldn’t escape the eye of the people.

And this woman, a mother desperate for her daughter, would not stop. Jesus responded with His mission, as it says in Mt 15:24 But he answered and* said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”⁴

Matthew (Mt 15:22) calls her “a woman of Canaan”—a more intelligible description to his Jewish readers (compare Jdg 1:30, 32, 33)⁵.

And, she knew she was outside of the covenant with Israel but she didn’t stop. For her, healing her daughter was a very small thing for the Son of God. And, Jesus agreed.

He Has Done All Things Well

Mk 7:31–37
Jesus is back in the region of the Decapolis. And, there are still people to be healed. For this man, it was a compound problem. He wasn’t hearing right, and he wasn’t able to speak right. Jesus dealt with the hearing first. Now, would you let anyone put their fingers in your ears? How about letting someone spit and then touch your tongue? He let Jesus do this and then Jesus also spoke, in Mark 7:34 , “Be opened”. There is often an action needed for healing to occur. Are we willing to take the action? Remember Naaman in the Old Testament?

And They Did Not Have Anything To Eat

Mk 8:1–10
Again, there was a large crowd. Again, Jesus has compassion on them and does not want to sent them away empty. Again, Jesus asks, “How many loaves do you have?”

They bring what they have, they set everyone in order, and they gave thanks and began to break the pieces before setting it before the crowd. And, again, they have baskets left over.

Demanding a Sign From Heaven

Mk 8:11–21
The deaf hear, the mute speak, the dead are raised, incurable blood disease is stopped, and thousands are fed. What more sign could you need? The works of God were happening right in front of them.

Even His disciples had trouble here, because He had to remind them of the work done in feeding the thousands. For us, it should be enough for us to have our daily bread and continue doing “the Works of God” as mentioned in John 6:28 fulfilling our part in thew “hidden warfare between God and Satan in which an author believes the stakes are final judgment and salvation (John 3:19–21)”⁶.

Study Verses

• Mark 6:30-37
• Mark 7:31-37
• Mark 7:14-24
• Mark 8:1-10

Daily Reading

• Mark 6:30-56
• Mark 7:1-37
• Mark 8:1-21

References

1. Harris, W. H., III, Ritzema, E., Brannan, R., Mangum, D., Dunham, J., Reimer, J. A., & Wierenga, M. (Eds.). (2012). The Lexham English Bible (Heb 4:15–16). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
2. Engelhard, D. H. (1996). Compassion. In Evangelical dictionary of biblical theology (electronic ed., p. 109). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
3. Biblical Studies Press. (2006). The NET Bible First Edition Notes (Mk 6:46–48). Biblical Studies Press.
4. Harris, W. H., III, Ritzema, E., Brannan, R., Mangum, D., Dunham, J., Reimer, J. A., & Wierenga, M. (Eds.). (2012). The Lexham English Bible (Mt 15:24). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
5. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 76). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
6. Minear, P. S. (1992). Works of God. In D. N. Freedman (Ed.), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary (Vol. 6, p. 972). New York: Doubleday.