QT 12/29/2023 Mark 11:12-14, Walk the talk

Mark 11:12–14 (ESV) —

12 On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.

 

NOTE: I think there is evidence in the passage to take what happened as symbolic (and real). The key piece of evidence is Mark's admission that it was not the season for figs. Rather than a realistic event (it did happen), this is much like Jeremiah or Ezekiel acting out a message to make a point. Israel was the fig tree, and God came and found it was not producing fruit, so Israel was cursed for their failure and their unbelief. This story brackets the next story (as the fig tree in brought up again), so we must view it as emphasizing what it brackets. The story that follows is the temple and the turning over of the money-changer tables. Jesus (God) was angry with the corruption that had come into the temple, just as he was angry at the fig tree. And just as the fig tree is cursed, so is the temple. It would be destroyed 40 years later. I believe that already the offer of the kingdom has been withdrawn from the nation, though still open to individuals; individuals who would take the kingdom message to the Gentile world. But God is not finish with his people yet, and there will come a time when the offer will be made again. I believe we are nearing that day, when God will focus on Israel (the tribulation period) and the whole nation (or what is left) will turn to Jesus for salvation.

 

PONDER:

1. In what areas, like Israel, am I a hypocrite?
2. Do I walk my talk?

 

PRAYER: Father, a new year is around the corner. I am excited and always a little fearful of what a new year brings. I can only do what is expected of me, and I pray I will be faithful to you. Open my eyes to areas of hypocrisy in my life. Help me to see and change.

QT 12/28/2023 Mark 11:1-10, Open the door and let him in

Mark 11:1–10 (ESV) —

1 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’ ” 4 And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. 5 And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. 7 And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. 8 And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. 9 And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”

 

NOTE: Jesus enters Jerusalem as a coming King, he is even called such. There is no doubt that the crowds knew him to be the Messiah, as they spread coats and palm leaves appropriate for a King. He had fulfilled the requirements. He was what Daniel called and prophesied: the "Son of Man." He had opened the eyes of men born blind. He had healed the leper. And he cast out demons from the mute. These were all signs that only the Messiah could do. The leaders called him the prince of demons or demon-possessed, but the people called him Son of David. And yet, in only a handful of days, they would cry out "crucify him." Why? We are a fickle and sinful creation. When we don't get what we want, almost instantly we change from being a fan to being a hater. They wanted a King to break the yoke of the Romans. But, they needed a savior to break the yoke of Satan. We think our needs are those of this temporal life, but our real need is the unseen spiritual life that lays before us. We are blind like those born blind. We are paupers thinking we are rich, but our clothes are rags that are unworthy of heaven. We are pitiful, because we don't realize that our religiosity will not save our souls. We are like the last church of the church age, the church of apostacy, the Laodicean church:

 

Revelation 3:15–20 (ESV) — 15 “ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

 

Our real need is to invite Jesus into our life!

 

PONDER:

1. Is my faith just religiosity?
2. Does Jesus live within my soul or is he on the outside, knocking on the door, asking to enter?

 

PRAYER: Father, it has been many years since I responded to the knock and opened the door of my heart and let you into my life. There has been many years of joy and of pain. But I can honestly say that your presence has changed everything. I wouldn't want to experience the pain again, but I absolutely would not to go through life without you. I pity the "me" before I surrendered to you, I was a wretched mess. Now, I am an unworthy mess who is loved and full of your joy.

QT 12/27/2023 Mark 10:46-52, Has your life been changed?

Mark 10:46–52 (ESV) —

46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

 

NOTE: What would have happened if the man had not called out to Jesus? Probably nothing. If you have faith, you will seek Jesus in everything in your life. Without faith or just with religion, you don't seek Jesus, you just live your life and mumble some words about God being sovereign. If you don't take steps to really know the savior, were you saved? Were you just going through the motions? If Jesus means nothing to you, did he ever mean something? Do you believe you are a Christian and have never experienced your life change from inside out? A life changed by Jesus is never the same.

 

I wonder how many who claim to be Christians are just nice people trying to be good. The harsh truth is that we are never good enough. We have all gone astray. There is no one who does good, not even one. So writes Paul in his letter to the Romans.

 

PONDER:

1. Is your faith real or a façade you have fooled even yourself?
2. Is Jesus your life goal or just a part of your life?

 

PRAYER: Father, I feel like I am in the third stage of my life. And now, even more than before, I want to make sure I am living for Jesus. Lead me and guide me these days for your glory.

QT 12/26/2023 Mark 10:35-45, Giving perks to others

Mark 10:35–45 (ESV) —

35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 

NOTE: In Mark's gospel, it is amazing how many times this issue of "who is important or ascendant" is referenced. Many believe Mark's gospel to be Peter's account given to Mark. This theme would fit as it seemed to be a struggle of Peter who often took on a leadership role in the group. In each case, Jesus presents humility as the answer to "importance." Rather than being treated as special, we need to treat others as special. It is not the perks of the position that are important, but rather the perks we can give to others. Today, I see too many people who are used to perks because of position and money, and expect (even demand) to receive them. We need to really think differently. A pastor, a reverend, a priest are all normal persons being obedient to a call. They are not any more holy than any congregant. The wise and humble servant will recognize that truth and treat each person with respect and dignity.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I treat everyone the same or do I give special treatment to some?
2. Do I have expectations of how I am "supposed" to be treated?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive me for my pride. I want to be a servant. I want to give to others respect and dignity, and not expect it for myself.

QT 12/25/2023 Mark 10:32-34, Christmas was intended to lead to the cross

Mark 10:32–34 (ESV) —

32 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”

 

NOTE: This is a fitting passage for Christmas -- Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem to die for our sins. This was the reason he was born.

 

Mark 10:45 (ESV) — 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 

It wasn't politics that brought him to the cross or even the jealousy of the religious leaders. He was born in that manger to die on a Roman (Gentile) cross. His people would hand him over to the Gentiles to die. And so Jew and Gentile killed Jesus. But, that was the plan. It was not an accident. It was not a story of a good man whose life was cut short. It was the Son of God who was destined to die on a cross and pay the sins of all mankind. Christmas leads to Good Friday and then to Easter. And because of these three days, we can be born again and have eternal life. The birth, the crucifixion, and then the resurrection. Jesus was the first born from the dead, and if we believe in Jesus, we too can be resurrected from the dead.

 

PONDER:

1. Have I experienced the new life? 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) — 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2. Have I placed my trust in Jesus for salvation?

 

PRAYER: Father, many years ago, I prayed for you to be my savior and Lord. I believed in you and what you did on the cross for me. I experienced and am still experiencing the new life. On this Christmas day, I say "THANK YOU" again for changing the course and direction of my life.

QT 12/22/2023 Mark 10:17-22, Wealth as a hindrance to being a disciple

Mark 10:17–22 (ESV) —

17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’ ” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

 

NOTE: The love of wealth is a hindrance to following God. It can even be a hindrance to salvation as the next section (Mark 10:23-31) implies. I think Brooks is correct in his assessment of the passage:

 

The entire section emphasizes that riches make being a disciple difficult but the rewards of discipleship are worth more than material possessions. Jesus did not teach that wealth is evil. He did not teach that poverty is better than riches. He did not teach that only the poor can be saved. He did teach that discipleship is costly and that wealth often is a hindrance to repentance and acceptance of the gospel. [Brooks, J. A. (1991). Mark (Vol. 23, p. 161). Broadman & Holman Publishers.]

 

So I think the question that is worth asking is how is my wealth or desire for money affecting my ability to be a disciple? Now that I am retired, the question is different for me than for someone else. In one sense, I am more restricted in my giving or charity because of a greatly restricted income. Although I have reduced many unnecessary expenditures, life is just harder, although not difficult. God was gracious, and decisions made in the past have provided necessary income and then some. But still, how is my wealth affecting me? Could I give more? Do I worry too much about my funds surviving 20-30 years of retirement?

 

I think I will see my giving grow as I become more comfortable with the change. The better question for me is how am I using my time. What could I do better in my expenditure of my time? In this next year, I need to make time to meet with people regularly beyond my two small discipleship groups.

 

PONDER:

1. How does a desire for wealth affect ministry?
2. How am I doing in being a disciple? What is holding me back?

 

PRAYER: Father, I have had some months now to adjust to a new schedule and life. And yet, I don't feel I have made the transition well. Help me to be more disciplined in the things I want to accomplish in this new year.

QT 12/21/2023 Mark 10:13-16, Make time for everyone

Mark 10:13–16 (ESV) —

13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

 

NOTE: Earlier, Jesus had used an example of children to contrast humility to the disciples' pride. And more recently, he had chided them for trying to stop others (who were not part of the group) from using Jesus' name. The disciples were suffering from the "importance" syndrome, where we think we are special because of our group identification or some title or applause (and then excluding others who are not part of the group). We are not important, only Jesus is important. We can learn a lot from children, they don't notice importance. The president's children, if young, call him Daddy and run to him just as much as the "lowly" Janitor's children. They are not infected (I know the word is affected) by "standing." In the world's eyes children are insignificant, weak, helpless and dependent (ref. James Brook, NAC Mark). And when we receive children, do we humble ourselves -- we are not so important that children cannot take up part of our time.

 

PONDER:

How do I see children and certain others? Do I see them as an inconvenience, taking me away from important things? Or do I see all as important and worthy of my time? And why do I think my time has "worth?"

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to view the interruptions of life differently. Help me to see all interactions as important. Help me to make all my encounters meaningful each day.

QT 12/20/2023 Mark 10:2-12, Divorce was never supposed to be a thing

Mark 10:2–12 (ESV) —

2 And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3 He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” 5 And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ 7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

10 And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. 11 And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

 

NOTE: At this time in history, there was a debate still going between followers of Rabbi Shammai (who believed extramarital sin was the only grounds for divorce) and Rabbi Hillel (who believed that a husband could divorce his wife for any reason). Jesus starts with the commands in Deuteronomy, which historically required a reason for divorce, and which further Pentateuch passages clarified in three categories. Moses, the author of the first five books, wrote what God through the Holy Spirit breathed through him. Divorce was not Moses idea. God allowed it because of sin, but it was never his intention. Jesus goes back to Genesis to make that argument. Jesus further expands the understanding of divorce. In fact Jesus' words elevate the woman position, since most Rabbis taught that a man did not commit adultery against the woman by divorcing her and marrying another. Jesus said that the husband's action was adultery against the woman. In any case, divorce is ultimately one sin, just as gossip, lying, or stealing are sins. Jesus died for all of our sins.

 

PONDER:

1. We all try to justify our actions, when confession and repentance is the best course. If you divorced your spouse, have you repented?
2. Are you are thinking about divorce? Seek God in repentance and seek to do everything possible to save your marriage. But sometimes, because of our sin and the sin in the world, divorce is the only answer.

 

PRAYER: Father, we are all sinners seeking to justify our actions or behavior. We ruin many things. Have mercy on us and pull us out from the hole we have dug. Let us have new beginnings. Change what we ruined into something beautiful again.

QT 12/19/2023 Mark 9:42-50, Living in a manner that honors God

Mark 9:42–50 (ESV) —

42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

 

NOTE: I don't believe Jesus was suggesting to mar God's creation, but rather that we need to take serious and radical action when it comes to sin. We need to understand our triggers. We need to repent of our sin, and never tire of repenting. We need to pray as Jesus taught, "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from sin." And the real cause-effect issue in this passage is how our sin could affect others. If our lifestyle or actions cause another to sin, that is extremely serious, and radical action is necessary. What do we eat or drink, and where? What would happen to a young believer if they saw us in public eating or drinking? Would they be encouraged or would they be devastated? How do we treat servers and workers? Do we show the love of Christ or do we rant and demand special attentions and things done our way? Are we selfish standing in line? Are we even observant about the others around us?

 

PONDER:

1. Do I live in such a way outwardly as to encourage others to walk with Christ?
2. Or do I live in such a way as to bring shame to Christ and to encourage others to sin?

 

PRAYER: Father, protect me from sin. Continue to open my eyes to my behavior. As a frequent speaker, I pray that my messages would be true and according to your word. Help me to see where my actions or words could confuse others, and even cause them to sin.

QT 12/18/2023 Mark 9:38-41, Getting the message out anyway possible

Mark 9:38–41 (ESV) —

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.

 

NOTE: Paul said something similar, and in Paul's case, the individuals were doing it for false motives.

 

Philippians 1:15–18 (ESV) — 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

Yes, and I will rejoice,

 

I think what is hard for me, is to see someone preaching Christ, and the baggage around the person is not pretty. I'm not a fan of street preachers because it can cause others to think that becoming a Christian will then involve street preaching.

 

But if I really had Jesus' or Paul's attitude, I would rejoice. People need to hear about Jesus, and people also need to see a good witness. Some plant and some water, but God gives the growth.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I critical of other Christians and how they share the gospel?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive me for a critical spirit. I need to rejoice that the message goes forth. I also need to be less critical of the church and focus on my own life and my own sharing of the gospel.

QT 12/15/2023 Mark 9:33-37, Jesus' type of leader

Mark 9:33–37 (ESV) —

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.”

 

NOTE: Jesus is God and as such, he does not need to ask a question of anyone. I believe that every question of God's exist for our sake and for a purpose. Jesus knew what they were discussing, but he asks them, and none respond, why? Because they were embarrassed. He was talking about death and they were discussing next in line for a promotion. Yes, they should be ashamed. Also, Jesus was training a new style of leadership, where the leader is humble and serves others, not himself. It was very different from the world's style. Children were the bottom of the social ladder of that time. Jesus' picking up the child emphasized that it was the things the world did not consider important or worthy of our time, those are the things a leader for Jesus should consider.

 

PONDER:

1. As a leader, do I put others first or myself?
2. Who are the people I ignore and how can I change my response?

 

PRAYER: Father, my normal nature is pride, just like the disciples. Forgive me and help me to see the people you put in front of me. Help me to be loving and caring.

QT 12/14/2023 Mark 9:30-32, The importance of asking questions

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.

 

NOTE: There is a lot happening here that is not recorded. Obviously the teaching included more than a couple of sentences of his being delivered into the hands of men and killed and rise. But it is clear that they did not understand but were too fearful to ask. The fear may be related to Jesus' response to Peter previously, or more likely it is related to the next passage, "who is the greatest among them." I say that because one of the reasons people don't ask questions is that they don't want to appear as the dumb one, even though there are usually many others with the same question. No one wanted to ask Jesus because obviously, to be the greatest, you had all the answers. And so we (like the disciples) fail to ask questions for fear others will think less of us. Our own pride prevents us from knowing.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I willing to appear "dumb" before others?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray that my pride would not rise up in these days of retirement. I have no one to compete against. I am free to be humble.

QT 12/13/2023 Mark 9:17-29, We need help (prayer) and guidance (reading the word)

Mark 9:17–29 (ESV) —

17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “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.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 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.”

 

NOTE: It is very likely that epilepsy was also involved here as well as a demon possession, due to the symptoms and since Jesus specifically commands the demon. The boy was physically as well as spiritually sick. Actually, that statement would encompass most people. We have two problems, a decaying body, and a flesh that fights against God. We start the spiritual process by putting our faith in Jesus, asking him to enter our lives and give us eternal life. The physical problems also require asking, but the only true healing will occur at the resurrection (or rapture). Until then, prayer is our strongest weapon. Prayer provides help. And reading the word changes our thinking over time. A lifetime of immersion into the word of God will make a person very different, remarkably more like Jesus. Where most people in the church today fail, is that they don't get into the word of God. They fool themselves thinking church and "daily bread devotionals" are enough. They aren't!

 

PONDER:

1. Is all my scripture ABC gum (already been chewed)?
2. Do I go to the scriptures and read it daily, meditating on what God reveals not some person's thought about the word?

 

PRAYER: Father, I can see the difference that years of meeting with you and reading the word of God have accomplished in transforming my person and character. I praise you for that. In many ways, I am where I wanted to be because of what you have done over the years. Thank you!

QT 12/12/2023 Mark 9:2-8, What are we doing for God's kingdom?

Mark 9:2–8 (ESV) —

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.

 

NOTE: These three men received a taste of the kingdom before anyone else. Jesus was transformed into his glorified body. He truly was the Son of God in appearance and by affirmation from God the father. He was above the law and the prophets, and his word assumes authority over all others. Ultimately they will see Jesus again in his resurrected body after the crucifixion. We will all have resurrected bodies, new bodies, unphased by sin or the temptation to sin.

 

Elijah came ("has come") and "does come first" before Jesus, both the first coming and his return. Events are moving fast. Israel is in the land and the enemy is still trying to destroy the nation. At some point, an invasion is coming, and after that a 7-year peace treaty. We are 76 years past the establishment of the nation of Israel. And the Jewish idiom "nation against nation" meaning non-regional world wars started 106 years ago, and the last one, the battle against Iran (multiple non-regional actors), ended 20-some years ago.

 

What is the application? I think we need to be doing the work of God because we have no idea when he is coming, but it does seem to be soon.

 

PONDER:

1. What is the work of God?
2. What has God called me to do that I am not doing?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to listen and learn. Keep me from sin. Give me insight and words to encourage and challenge others in their relationship with you.

QT 12/11/2023 Mark 8:34-38, Jesus is only interested in followers who are completely sold out on him

Mark 8:34–38 (ESV) —

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.”

 

NOTE: This is hardly the call to be a follower, this is the call to discipleship from Jesus. His standard is much higher than that of John the Baptist or the Rabbis. Jesus calls us to sacrifice our will for his will. The question is not "what do I want to do?" but rather "what do you, Lord, want me to do?"

 

One obvious answer from the text is to speak freely of our faith. We cannot shrink back. We cannot be ashamed just because the world and its' so-called elites scoff at our beliefs. The 'elites' are heavily influenced by peer pressure from their queen bees. In order to be accepted and to get the good jobs and make the big bucks, the world tells us to follow their worldview. Being a Christian who stands firmly on the fact that Jesus is the only way to salvation will get harder and harder each year. The enemy is waging an all-out assault on truth where truth is becoming defined by what others think who are considered elites, not whether truth is true or not.

 

PONDER:

1. How am I doing? When was the last time is held back from saying truth?

 

PRAYER: This seems like a broken record Lord, but I ask for courage and boldness to proclaim your truth. I also pray for my family members and the many concerns. You know what those are. I especially pray the new lives that are being formed right now.

QT 12/7/2023 Mark 8:22-26, Faith can be a journey

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.”

 

NOTE: Another result of the rejection by the Jewish leaders is that Jesus' healings usually required faith. Now, in this passage faith is not mentioned, but it is interesting that the healing is not immediate, but only partial at first, as if the person didn't really have faith until he could begin to see. Also, Jesus doesn't usually question a person, and here he asks him if he can see. That would suggest that the healing is partially based on the person's faith. The story adds to the credibility or the historicity of Mark's account. This is the only example in scripture of a two-staged healing. Why would the early church create a kind-of one-off healing unless it actually occurred?

 

What is the message of this story? I think it shows people whose faith is weak and need to see more before they can believe. One does not have to immediately believe in God, to ultimately come to saving knowledge of Christ. It can be a journey to healing and that is okay.

 

PONDER:

1. We are all journeys to some extent, but my choices affect my direction. Am I heading toward or away from God in the things that I choose to do?

 

PRAYER: Father, give me grace and wisdom these days to use my time wisely. I pray that I can be a help to people, that I can mentor and minister to people.

QT 12/6/2023 Mark 8:11-21, "Do you not yet understand?"

Mark 8:11–21 (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.

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?”

 

NOTE: Fruchtenbaum argues that Jesus did not begin using the phrase "this generation" until after the rejection of his messiah-ship by the leaders (Matt 12:22ff [Matthew is not organized chronologically]; Mark 3:22ff; Luke 11:15ff). Many other things changed in regard to his ministry after the rejection. I personally believe the church age plan was initiated by the rejection (God knew it would happen), and Daniel's seventieth week was put on hold. The church (a blending of Jew and Gentile) became God's plan to take his message to the world -- all because "this generation" refused him. Jesus, as God, knew this would happen, but he was also human, and so I think his "sigh deep(ly) in his spirit" was his frustration that his people would not believe. Seeing "his" disciples worried about no bread, just after the "sign" request from the Pharisees was doubly disappointing. He had just performed the second miracle of multiplying food out of nothing, and here his disciples were worried about food. His question is meaningful for us to consider: "Do you not yet understand?"

 

PONDER:

What are our worries? Have we never seen God do a miraculous work in our life? Have we never seen the outcome of seemingly unrelated events work out for good? Do we even know the savior or are we only religious?

 

PRAYER: Father, as I ponder the many circumstances of life, do I understand? Do I see how you are working and the things that you are doing, and believe that you are bringing good out of them.

Personal Note 12/6/2023

I was supposed to be in Europe these next three weeks, but God had other plans. I hurt my leg and then some family members had medical issues. The last two days have been consumed in doctor visits. While missing Europe is disappointing, I believe God is in charge and can bring good out of all things. Hopefully, I can get back on track here with my 5 days a week quiet time devotionals. -Tom

QT 12/1/2023 Mark 7:31-37, Growing spiritually strong disciples

Mark 7:31–37 (ESV) —

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.”

 

NOTE: It would be hard for a man, formerly deaf and mute, not to tell of his healing. It would be hard not to notice. Why did Jesus so often tell others not to say anything? One might argue humility, and that would be true of the Son of God -- He had nothing to prove to anyone. It is possible he did not want the fame to spread too quickly since it would move him to the cross too soon. It does show that he was not intending just to grow crowds. When he defines the word "disciple," he uses the strictest words of exclusion. He wasn't growing a movement. He was growing people, mentoring men and women who would carry on and make disciples. It was far more important to create spiritually growing followers than having a lot of followers.

 

The church today struggles with this idea. Do we grow numbers or do we grow spiritually strong disciples? We want to do both, but spiritual growth is far more important than numbers. We want people on fire, not lukewarm whom Jesus would spit out of his mouth.

 

PONDER:

1. Where am I on the temperature scale -- cold - lukewarm - hot?
2. What am I doing to make disciples?

 

PRAYER: These days, may things are happening. And I'm not sure why certain events are occurring in my own life. I trust you. I know your reward is far greater and better than anything I can create on my own. I pray to use these days wisely. I pray for you to take care of details surrounding recent events. I pray for new ideas on how to share my faith as my plans have been thwarted. I want your plans.

QT 11/30/2023 Mark 7:24-30, Do we ache to serve Jesus?

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.

 

NOTE: This is passage is best understood by a Jew but also gives a glimpse of the future ministry with Gentiles. The term "dog" is typically used by Jews to describe Gentiles. It can also be viewed as puppies, as opposed to scavengers (adult dogs). Jesus' ministry was to the Jews, and it was not time for it to spread to the Gentiles. He was already having a problem with crowds as expressed in the opening verse of this story. While the women doesn't necessarily express faith, her persistence shows her implicit faith. The intent was always the whole world, but that was the job of the Jews. It was always their job to be God's witnesses. With the rejection of Jesus by the Jews, that responsibility fell to the church, a new entity composed of Jew and Gentile. If I could summarize the key responsibilities of believers in Jesus Christ, it would be the following three (there is overlap among the three).

 

1. Make disciples (Matt 28:19-20)
2. Be a witness for Jesus Christ to a dying world (Acts 1:8)
3. Love God and love people (Matt 22:37-40)

 

I believe a disciple making disciples (1) does (2) and (3) as part of the definition of a disciple of Jesus Christ. I believe being a witness (2) means doing (3). And I believe loving God and loving people (3) should lead to (1) and (2). All three are inseparable to a true follower of Jesus Christ.

 

PONDER:

1. Are you a true follower of Jesus Christ or just a religious person?
2. Do the three key responsibilities ache at your heart? If not, you are religious and don't really know the savior.

 

PRAYER: Father, in these last days, help me to see opportunities to share my faith. Give me boldness and the words to share Jesus with others. I pray my life would express my faith in all that I do.

QT 11/29/2023 Mark 7:14-21, We need transformed hearts

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.”

 

NOTE: It is easier to control what goes in the mouth than what comes out of the heart. I'm sure this "parable" (more properly, riddle) was discouraging to the disciples. They still had a works-focused mentality, and Jesus had just stripped away one of the works that they could most easily accomplish. It is interesting to note that the first seven items in the list of sins from the heart are plural in the Greek, and the last six are singular, suggesting the first seven are repeated acts, while the last seven are attitudes (Brooks, James A. 1992). The battle is within us, although that is not to mean that external factors do not contribute. Also, as suggested by Brooks, the heart is a symbol of the rational, intellectual, decision-making element in the bible. I would argue that it is also a symbol of the emotional and affectionate element as well. In other words, the battle is in our heart (mind). The flesh wages war against our heart (mind). And we must go to war against our flesh in the heart (mind). What does that mean? That is a difficult question. I suppose that what we feed our hearts (minds) matter. To the extent that we let trash in, we will trash our heart. The best cure is the word of God taken daily and in copious quantities through devotional times, bible study, regular reading, and scripture memory. I think the Doctor (Jesus) would write that prescription.

 

PONDER:

1. What am I feeding my heart?
2. Do I need a new prescription?

 

PRAYER: Father, continue to change and transform my thinking. May I not give into the flesh (keep me from evil), but may I become more and more like my savior.

QT 11/28/2023 Mark 6:53-7:13, The selfish responses to Jesus

Mark 6:53–7:13 (ESV) —

53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. 54 And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 55 and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

7:1 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.”

 

NOTE: The passage at the end of chapter six and the passage that begins chapter seven go well together. They show the contrast in the people's response and the leaders' response to Jesus. Both responses are not completely correct, but they do offer interesting contrast and similarity. The people, wherever they see Jesus, rush to him (a good response), so that they can heal their sick (an okay response). There is nothing wrong with looking to God for healing but it is a slightly selfish response, because they are trying to remove a source of pain from their life, not necessarily meaning they want to become followers of Jesus -- they just want their lives to be easier. The leaders go to Jesus looking for some way to criticize him because his popularity threatens their position. Rather than being excited about his healing, they are skeptical … no, jealous. To them tradition is everything. They have memorized the moral laws. They know the reasoning (the Mishna and Talmud interpretations). They are comfortable with their upper class lifestyle. Yet Jesus' teaching and the confirmatory miracles threaten their whole lifestyle. The are selfish too, and want to keep their comfortable lifestyle and position. And they wanted to selfishly keep the people's devotion to their teaching.

 

Also, the leaders were more interested in the letter of the law than the spirit of the law. Technically, the ritual washing was more for priests than the people, and we see the influence of religion, i.e., more rules are always better (which is not true).

 

Additionally, the description of Corban, a gift given to God, allowed the participant to use the gift until death whereby it then passed over to the temple. The rule allowed the rich to avoid having to use their wealth to take care of their parents.

 

We are all selfish in various degrees (none good). And we need to take note of our actions and recognize the selfish act (even in giving or sacrifice, like, "to be seen"). We can't escape our selfish flesh, but recognizing it can help us to live less selfishly.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I see myself as selfish or have I "whitewashed" my actions?

 

PRAYER: Father, I am selfish even when I think I am not. Help me to see it in my everyday actions. Free me from myself. Help me to think through ways to truly give and sacrifice without being seen or known.