QT 1/31/2024 Mark 14:66-72, The problem of injustice

Mark 14:66–72 (ESV) —

66 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. 69 And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

 

NOTE: Technically, Peter had broken no laws by being with Jesus. In fact, as the trial was going on, no laws were found that Jesus broke, except at the end -- he claimed to sit on the right hand of the Father. But as is typical of injustice, association makes you guilty even when people espouse "innocent until proven guilty." Not only is an injustice occurring, it is extending to others who haven't even been accused, except for association. Why is there this desire to hold an axe over an innocent person's head? What was the servant girl desiring? Was she ashamed of her own knowledge of Jesus since she recognized Peter, and this was a way to deflect association to another?

 

We are such a sinful people. We were not created that way, but we have twisted the creation into an evil thing. We all desire justice, but not really. We take "joy" in seeing certain people suffer. Is that not proof enough of our sinful nature?

 

PONDER:

1. Do we recognize our sinful nature?
2. Do we understand that there is nothing good we can do that can make us right before God?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray you would help us to see our sin and repent of it. I pray that we would desire real justice, your justice, not ours.

QT 1/30/2024 Matt 14:53-65, Focus on the gospel, not the other stuff

Mark 14:53–65 (ESV) —

53 And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. 54 And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 56 For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. 57 And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’ ” 59 Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65 And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.

 

NOTE: Elsewhere it has been observed how many Jewish rules were violated in this trial (I recommend The Trial of the Messiah, MBS009, Dr Arnold Fruchtenbaum, Ariel Ministries Digital Press). In his short paper, Fruchtenbaum addresses 22 major judicial laws that were violated. Many are included in the above passage, but three of the most important stand out here, 1) the accused cannot testify against himself, 2) the High Priest was forbidden to tear his garments, and 3) a person cannot be condemned on the basis of his own words alone. There are many other examples in this passage, but it is amazing how rules, morality, and truth are thrown out the door when individuals are so enraged about an issue. We see this today in the political arena. There are so many lies (from both sides) and nobody seems to care about truth. There is no one who approaches things rationally. We are an emotionally-directed nation with no sense or care about what is true or not. What is true in this country is what a person wants to be true. Morality and truth are secondary to achieving the end goals.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I allow the news to emotionally move me? Or can I listen to the news and objectively view it?
2. Am I more serious about politics or am I more serious about people hearing the good news of Jesus Christ? What really motivates me?

 

PRAYER: Father, I want to be focused on the gospel and getting the gospel message out to a dying and deceived world. Give me courage, boldness, and ideas to do that.

QT 1/29/2024 Mark 14:43-50, He is our friend now

Mark 14:43–50 (ESV) —

43 And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” 45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him and seized him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” 50 And they all left him and fled.

 

NOTE: In the Michael Card song, Why, the lyrics highlight this passage. It is hard when your enemies attack you, but when a friend turns against you, it is incredibly defeating. You feel used and abused. Of course, Jesus knew of his duplicity, but it is hard to say when Judas made the decision to betray Jesus. And so for some time, he was a good close friend as the other eleven were.

 

Why did it have to be a friend

Who chose to betray the Lord?

And why did he use a kiss to show them

That's not what a kiss is for?

 

Only a friend can betray a friend

A stranger has nothing to gain

And only a friend comes close enough

To ever cause so much pain

 

Not only is he betrayed by a friend, but he is abandoned by his other friends. As the commercial displayed yesterday, "Jesus gets us." He knows the pain of life. It is not the world he created. The rebellion destroyed creation's beauty and promise. Jesus came to restore paradise, and he will. The days are coming, very soon.

 

PONDER:

1. What kind of friend am I?
2. Would anyone consider me their best friend or a friend that they could count on in the worst of times?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for Jesus' sacrifice for me. He is my best friend. He has never let go of me despite my frailties and failures. Thank you.

QT 1/25/2024 Mark 14:26-31, The long process of living like Christ

Mark 14:26–31 (ESV) —

26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.

 

NOTE: They had spent time with him, they saw the miracles, they listened to the words of wisdom, and they all promised to die before they would deny him. Not many hours later, they all denied him and scattered. I imagine they all went and wept. Of course, they would change. In another 7 weeks, the Holy Spirit would fill them and they would be different men. Well, different but not perfect. We all want to do the right thing, and then we fail, and we wonder if we can ever walk in godliness because it seems we fail so often. As long as we have this body of flesh, we will fail. And as long as the Spirit dwells within us, we can confess our sin, we can with the Spirit's help pick ourselves up, and start afresh again. If we are serious, I believe we get closer to godliness each time. We will never make it, but we will continue to be transformed into Christ's likeness.

 

PONDER:

1. Where do I need to start? What do I need to confess?
2. What or where do I need the Spirit's help to begin again?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive me when I fall and sin. I confess those sins to you. I am weak and I need you. Give me strength today to stand against the evil one. Protect me from his attacks.

QT 1/24/2024 Mark 14:22-25, Assured of eternal life

Mark 14:22–25 (ESV) —

22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

 

NOTE: There are four cups in the seder. I believe this is the third cup, the cup of redemption because of the use of the words "fruit of the vine." It also follows the eating of the afikomen, the middle matzah that is broken in two and given to each. The fourth cup is the cup of salvation, and it could be that as well since a hymn follows. Of course a hymn follows or ends the ceremony whether it is the third or the fourth cup. Mark did not give us a detailed description of the ceremony, which includes many other elements such as the plagues and the retelling of the Passover.

 

The Passover was an incredibly important ceremony for the Jewish people. That Old Covenant ceremony was transferred to a New Covenant ceremony that we call communion, because the New Covenant replaces the Old Covenant. The writer of Hebrews says that it is founded on better promises. Ceremonies seem old hat, but communion celebrates and incredible promise, Jesus' death and resurrection, cleanses us from all sins and gives up the assurity of eternal life to those who believe.

 

PONDER:

1. What is my hope for the future based upon?
2. Or does life just end with death, a meaningless existence?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the salvation I have in Jesus. Thank you that it was not dependent on anything I did other than accept the free gift.

QT 1/23/2024 Mark 14:17-21, What is your excuse?

Mark 14:17–21 (ESV) —

17 And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18 And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” 19 They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” 20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. 21 For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”

 

NOTE: So much has already been written about these verses, but a few things here bear repeating. None of the disciples picked up that it was Judas. Each of the men's biggest concern was that individually, it was him. Although later, Peter would declare that if everyone fell away, he would not. And yet before the day was over (meaning Passover which started Thursday at sunset), he would deny Jesus three times. They were all normal men with normal fears and normal weaknesses, and yet in 50 days, each would be transformed by the Holy Spirit to the extent that they would all (except John) die a Martyr's death. John spend the latter part of his life in prison for his faith. Eyewitnesses do not die for lies. And these events, especially the disciples' deaths, recorded by multiple authors, testify to the truth of the historical writings. For those of us who have heard the gospels, all or part, we have no excuse before God. We may try the old - "what about people who have not heard?" - but that does not let us off of the hook. We who have heard stand before God with no excuse.

 

PONDER:

1. What is my excuse for not believing? Do I really think it is unanswerable?
2. Does my life match my testimony? Do I say I believe but live as if I did not believe? One cannot fool God.

 

PRAYER: Father, help us to see the truth of our lives up against our claims. I pray we would not fool ourselves. And I pray for those of us who truly know the savior, that our lives would bring people to Jesus, not away from Jesus.

QT 1/22/2024 Mark 14:10-11, We live for Jesus, not this life

Mark 14:10–11 (ESV) —

10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.

 

NOTE: This passage immediately follows Mary's anointing of Jesus with a perfume that was worth a year's wages. The disciples thought it was a waste of money (as probably most men would), but Jesus saw it as a beautiful thing (as a women sees beauty, sacrifice, and giving a gift to someone). A flower is a useless gift too, it dies in a few days. But a flower communicates to a woman that she is special, just because of the act and sacrifice of purchasing it for her.

 

I don't know if Mary's act enraged Judas or was the final straw in his idea of a kingdom not materializing. Like many so-called Christians today who see salvation as making a good life better, that is not what salvation is about. Jesus is going to destroy our ideas of a kingdom and replaced it with a much better kingdom, but it might not happen for hundreds of years. I think it will happen soon, but I need to sacrifice my ideas of the comfortable life, and be about the ministry of telling others of Jesus.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I attached to this world and a good life getting better? Or am I attached to JESUS?

 

PRAYER: Father, there is much pain in this life. It doesn't seem to end. But I live for you and not this life. Help me to encourage others and trust that you are bringing good out of the pain in this life.

QT 1/19/2024 Mark 14:1-9, Stepping back and viewing things from a different perspective

Mark 14:1–9 (ESV) —

1 It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, 2 for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”

3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

 

NOTE: The first two verses show how God is able to change the plans of men into his plan. Jesus, the lamb of God, represents the Passover sacrifice for all people. The sacrifice was essential to occur on the Passover. Yet the leaders did not want it to happen during the feast. God did and they didn't. So, it happened during the feast.

 

The second group of verses are interesting. It is a comparison of how men and women view the world. Men saw the waste of the perfume as a lost opportunity to use the money for other more important things. Jesus saw so much more. Jesus says, "Leave her alone, …. She had done a beautiful thing to me." Jesus, as God-man, understands women much better than men. Beauty and the recognition of beauty is an attribute women possess in more abundance than men. Women can appreciate the soft things of life, a sunset, a flower, a chat, a child, that is often ignored or under-appreciated by men. When God made man and woman, he made them different and with unique skill sets. Satan has done all that he can to try to destroy the differences, but for those who are willing to open their eyes, they can see the beauty of the two sexes and the distinct roles.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I let God manage my schedule? Do I get frustrated when my plans are interrupted?
2. Do I quantify everything? Or can I view things from a different perspective and appreciate things that are not so obvious to me? It takes time and effort.

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for life. It would be so much greater without the rebellion, but for now we will have to wait until the redemption of life is complete.

QT 1/18/2024 Mark 12:32-37, Be prepared

Mark 13:32–37 (ESV) —

32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

 

NOTE: We don't know the day or hour of his return, that is the day of the Lord, meaning his second coming, not the rapture. The rapture precedes the tribulation, but does not signal the beginning. The signing of the peace treaty between the Antichrist and Israel signals the beginning of the 7-year tribulation period. The abomination that causes desolation signals the beginning of the last half of the tribulation called the Great tribulation. And the Jews acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah signals the time will be at hand for Jesus' return. We are to understand the signs and the season. We can't pinpoint the day of the Lord's return, but we can recognize the signs. We are close in my estimation. Most events have already occurred, but there are still a few remaining. Russia (Magog and Rosh), Iran (Persia), and Put and Cush (Ethiopian and Somalian Islamic terrorists) have partially attacked Israel. They are all sided together. We also need a one-world government that splits into ten regions. And we need the emergence of the Antichrist. A time with a false sense of peace and security will follow. How long will that all take? Five, ten, twenty years are all good guesses.

 

PONDER:

1. The command to stay awake means to fulfill the responsibilities that were given to us. What has God called me to and what am I doing about it?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to be faithful in the things you have assigned to me. Protect me from sin. Provide my daily bread.

QT 1/17/2024 Mark 13:28-31, It is so important to be a good witness in these days

Mark 13:28–31 (ESV) —

28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

 

NOTE: According to these verses, we should know how to interpret the signs to determine that the season, summer, is near. So what are the signs? One, the gospel must be delivered to all the nations. There are only a handful of people groups who have not heard the gospel or have a translation in their language. Second, we will also see a widespread persecution of believers. I don’t see that as widespread or as bad as other times have been. But I do see an attitude that suggests it. Speaking against homosexuality or multiple sexes is heavily frowned upon, even people losing their jobs and livelihood for daring to oppose these ideas. Third, the abomination that causes desolation, will be a tribulation event. But a rebuilt temple may be possible sign. Fourth, reviewing other signs: world wars started 110 years ago; the nation of Israel was regathered in unbelief 70 years ago; there is certainly great anger in the world over the Jewish-Arab fighting, suggesting a peace treaty supported by the world and guaranteeing security is not far away; and lastly the church is far along in its apostasy. We are close.

 

PONDER:

1. What can I do in the last days? I hope no one suggests hiding. This is the time for true believers to tell others of their hope in Jesus

 

PRAYER: Father, the days seem to be coming to a close, the climax of this stage of history. I pray we would be holy and obedient to you. I pray we would witness the love of Christ and not the anger of the world.

QT 1/16/2024 Mark 13:24-27, Jesus is coming

Mark 13:24–27 (ESV) —

24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

 

NOTE: This is clearly after the 7-year tribulation period. The Son of Man (Daniel's name for the Messiah), Jesus, the Son of God will be clearly visible in his second coming. The elect are the tribulation saints, the OT saints, and the church saints in heaven. They will all gather together as we begin reigning during Jesus' millennial reign. The remaining dead, who did not believe, will be resurrected at the end of the millennium to face final judgment.

 

It does seem unbelievable, and yet it really is not. Jesus' first coming has already happened as was prophesied. Jesus rose from the dead and was witnessed by hundreds proving his power over death. The ability, power, and assurity is clearly there. It is now only a matter of time. The rebellion of the world to God is even greater proof since all the end times' passages tell us of the apostasy in the church, the hearts of many growing cold, and an increase in wickedness across the globe.

 

PONDER:

1. What am I doing to prepare for those days? (And I do not mean storing food or building shelters, I mean what are we doing to warn our friends, families, and neighbors?)

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray we would not waste these days but would use them to honor and glorify you, and to bring people to knowledge of the end times and their need for faith in Jesus.

QT 1/15/2024 Mark 13:14-23, Signs relating to the tribulation time

Mark 13:14–23 (ESV) —

14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.

 

NOTE: I believe that the Luke 21:20-14 (Jerusalem surrounded) and this Mark 13:14-23 passage refer to two different events. Luke's passage answers the question concerning the fall of Jerusalem in 70AD. Mark's passage explains the tribulation period that ends with Jesus' return. Essentially the sign of Jesus' return is the tribulation period. The middle of the tribulation, when the abomination that causes desolation is placed in the temple puts Jesus' return at 3.5 years away, but also begins a period of great tribulation to Israel. The treaty will be broken, and just as Jerusalem was destroyed and a million Jews killed in 70AD, so it will be open season on the Jews again in the last half of the tribulation.

 

Finally, as the next passage will conclude, don't be fooled by people claiming to be Jesus, Jesus' coming will be undeniable.

 

PONDER:

Whether we like it or not, the US will no longer be a supporter of Israel. We certainly can pray for the country, but God will allow evil to win temporarily. Our focus needs to be on the spiritual, not the material -- what am I doing to share Christ?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to be bold and to warn others of the coming days. I will probably sound like a nut or weirdo, but that does not change biblical facts. Give me grace to proclaim Christ.

QT 1/12/2024 Mark 13:1-8, The church age is rapidly coming to a close

Mark 13:1–8 (ESV) —

1 And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

 

NOTE: The Mount of Olives discourse is a difficult passage to understand unless all three gospels are looked at together. There are actually three questions (sign for end of age, sign for fall of Jerusalem, and sign for Jesus return), they are not answered all in one gospel, but are answered in all three gospels together. The prophecy of the huge temple stones being thrown down (verse 2) was fulfilled in 70AD, when the temple was burnt and the stones were all toppled and rolled in order to find the gold that had melted and seeped into the cracks. Verses 5-7 depict the characteristics of the church age, currently almost 2000 years old. Basically, Jesus says there will be cults and there will be wars throughout the whole period. Life will not be easy, but just "uneasiness" and death are not signs of the end times.

 

Verse 8 answers the question about the sign for the end of the age (church age). The sign uses a Jewish idiom, "nation against nation, and kingdom against kingdom." The idiom refers to war that is non-regional and does not have to involve borders, or wars that occur between multiple nations that are far away from each other, essentially world wars. The first of those wars occurred in 1914. Again in 1939 with WW 2. We might add the Arab and Israeli wars of 1948 and 1973 when multiple nations took sides supporting one of the factions. In that period, we should add Korea and Vietnam, 1950 and 1965, as multiple nations in and outside of the region took part. We should also add 1990 when a coalition of nations attacked Kuwait and Iraq. And again in 2001, when a coalition of nations attacked Afghanistan (and Islamic nations supported Afghanistan). Most recently when a coalition of nations supporting Ukraine against Russia and its supporters in 2022. Most recently is 2023 with the many nations supporting Hamas, and others supporting Israel. So, my short list is 1914, 1939, 1948, 1950, 1965, 1973, 1990, 2001, 2022, and 2023. At this point, the birth pangs do not appear to be getting worse (years apart): 25, 9, 2, 15, 8, 17, 11, 21, and 1, but I probably have not included all cases (and some cases could be arguably added together). The thing that is most striking is the involvement of US in most of these cases is what makes the battles non-regional.

 

PONDER:

1. We do not know the time and date of Jesus return, but we are to watch for the signs and to understand the seasons. Are we watching?
2. Are we sharing our faith with others?

 

PRAYER: The time is coming and is not far when the church age will end. Are we living for Jesus or for the world? Lord I want to be living for you.

QT 1/11/2024 Mark 12:41-44, Money is a Lordship issue

Mark 12:41–44 (ESV) —

41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

 

NOTE: The issue is that the rich people contributed out of their abundance. They could give a tithe or even a little more because they had a lot. I like to call a "tithe" -- a rich man's excuse not to give. Why? Because a tithe is easy when you are rich. But when you are not, it is a sacrifice. Obviously this poor woman gave a lot, in fact everything she had, but even if she had given half, it would not have been out of abundance, but out of money she could have really used to live. The modern day church has made a mockery of giving. Some put a $20 dollar bill in the basket each week (when they come). Others contribute considerably more, even 10 percent of their take home. But when you are taking home $200K a year, is $20k really that much. So now you have to live on $180K, whereas the person taking home $60K and giving $6K a year, lives on $54K. But the New Testament is clear, the command is not to tithe, but to give from the heart.

 

2 Corinthians 9:6–8 (ESV) — 6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I give reluctantly or joyfully?
2. Am I a cheerful giver?
3. What can I do this year to continue to give more?

 

PRAYER: Father, this is such a contentious area for so many people. Why? I guess we see money as our money and we don't like being told what to do with our money. But this more than almost any other area is an issue of Lordship. I want you to be Lord of my life in all areas. Help me to be obedient to you in this issue of giving.

QT 1/10/2024 Mark 12:35-40, We are nothing without God

Mark 12:35–40 (ESV) —

35 And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? 36 David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared,

“ ‘The Lord said to my Lord,

“Sit at my right hand,

until I put your enemies under your feet.” ’

37 David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly.

38 And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces 39 and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40 who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

 

NOTE: Jesus point about Ps 110:1 was not to introduce the concept of error in the scripture. The crowd's reaction almost seems like they enjoyed seeing the scribes refuted. But the point was not that the scriptures were in error, rather the scriptures were true. The only way God could call David's descendant, Lord, is if he was also God. This is the Messianic secret or stumbling block that Jews did not understand. The trinity and the idea that the Messiah was God was not concealed but was not plain either.

 

Teachers of the law truly need to be students of the word, but unfortunately many of these spiritual leaders were more interested in what they got out of their position than the good they could do to others. Teachers are held to a higher standards. We, who are teachers, must be humble and learning at all times.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I glory in a spiritual gift? May it never be …
2. Do I see myself as someone special? God forgive me when I do.

 

PRAYER: Father, the idea that I, a misfit -- a phony -- a scared little boy, should think that I am anything special is disgusting. Forgive me for my sins. All that I am and all that I have done, you have done through me. I am nothing without you.

QT 1/9/2024 Mark 12:28-34, We need a savior because we can't keep the law

Mark 12:28–34 (ESV) —

28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.

 

NOTE: Jesus is asked for the most important command, although the failure to keep just one of the 613 commandments is a failure to keep the whole law. So, I am not sure what the scribe was looking for, and I wonder if the reason Jesus replies to him later, "you are not far …" is an indication that he is missing the point, but he is close. Jesus replies to the question with two commands, that can be summarized even further, love God and love people. Jesus adds much more content. Loving God should consume your whole being, implying in my mind, that a "Sunday-and-Wednesday-night-only" effort is not at all what he had in mind. Also, loving people, is also more richly described, because we are to love others as we would love ourselves. Since most people really love themselves, I don't think we understand this one either. Of note, is that rather than one command, Jesus provides two commands, suggesting the importance of both. In practice, the two commands, if followed, would summarize the entire law. But nobody does even one of the commands correctly, which is why we need a savior, because our rebellious body will not allow us the ability to please God in the flesh.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I believe the lie, that the end of my life, I will be judged by how my good deeds compare to my bad deeds? That is a lie of Satan.
2. Do I realize that even one infraction of the law separates me from the infinitely holy God?

 

PRAYER: Father, the prince of lies is actively working to deceive and confuse people. I pray to be able to expose those lies in my everyday actions with people. Give me grace to share truth in a gentle and respectful manner.

QT 1/8/2024 Mark 12:22-27, Heaven is better

Mark 12:22–27 (ESV) —

22 And the seven left no offspring. Last of all the woman also died. 23 In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife.”

24 Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? 25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 26 And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? 27 He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong.”

 

NOTE: Jesus is in Jerusalem before the Passover. And like the Passover lamb, there is a series of questions / inspection to make sure the Passover lamb is pure. Apparently, the Sadducees did not believe in a life after death. The Sadducees may have only accepted the Pentateuch as inspired and the party was mostly political. Jesus quotes from the Pentateuch arguing, based on the tense of the verb, that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob still lived at the time of Moses, although in heaven (and are living today). And that relationships change in heaven (marriage does not exist, or at least relationships are different). Technically, they have not been "resurrected" yet into their new bodies, that occurs after the tribulation. But their spirits are alive in heaven with God. I really don't understand the difference between the spirit form and the resurrected body, but I believe what Jesus says will happen. I also believe that whatever happens, it will be glorious. There is nothing about life on earth that we will feel that we missed out. And there will be things in heaven that could never be experienced on earth.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I worry about missing out on experiences of earth when I am resurrected or die?
2. Do I believe that God has an even greater plan?

 

PRAYER: Father, when you created earth, and relationships, and work -- we were intended to live forever with access to the tree of life. That was heaven. But we rebelled against your plan, and life changed a lot. We died with no healing. Relationships became difficult. Work became frustrating. And we suffered from a body now contaminated with sin. Thanks be to you, that you have rescued us from our rebellion, redeemed us with the blood or your son, and resurrected your son as first fruits of all those who would believe in him. Thank you!

QT 1/5/2024 Mark 12:13-17, There is a great difference between God and me

Mark 12:13–17 (ESV) —

13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” 15 But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him.

 

NOTE: One of the most ridiculous notions I have heard from Atheists is that if God exists and they are facing him at the end of their life, they have concocted questions that they are absolutely convinced will leave God stunned and speechless. The Atheists' problem is that they think God is as stupid as they are. God is so far beyond our ability to grasp. In fact a good argument for some of the things we don't understand, such as the trinity or free will versus predestination is that we should expect an infinite mind to understand things that our 3/4-cubic-foot mind cannot. It is like me explaining how to build a neural network to a two-year old. We are so foolish to think that we can outwit God. He did everything he could to show us the truth, and we have denied it at every stage. And if we commit only one sin, the refusal to believe God, we have sufficiently separated us from his infinite holiness for the rest of eternity.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I fooling myself to think I have any argument that will stand up to God?
2. Would I not be smarter, to admit my sin and rebellion, repent, and turn to the only person who can save me from "the wrath to come?"

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to know how to communicate that message to others in a way that causes them to pause and consider your claim upon their lives.

QT 1/4/2024 Mark 12:5-12, You might think otherwise, but God is your owner

Mark 12:5–12 (ESV) —

5 And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. 6 He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this Scripture:

“ ‘The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone;

11 this was the Lord’s doing,

and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”

12 And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away.

 

NOTE: The Pharisees were correct, Jesus was talking about them and about all people who reject God. The tenants wanted to kill the Son so that they would own the vineyard, and they could then do what they want without the constant interference of the owner. That is pretty much a description of today. People want to eliminate God so that they can do what they want without the interference of biblical morals or guilt. We take "pride" in our sin. We flaunt our sin to further emphasize to God that we are not subject to him. But we will be called to account by Him who owns our lives. It is not "our lives" and it is not "our rules." We are created by God and God has given us his rules. And judgment is coming upon those who believe otherwise.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I really believe that my life is my own?
2. Do I really believe that I can choose my own rules for life?

 

PRAYER: Father, the days are coming to a close. Reveal to the world that you still are the owner and you control the end. I pray that people would confess their sin, repent, and turn to you before it is too late.

QT 1/3/2024 Mark 11:27-33, We have truth that is a rock too

Mark 11:27–33 (ESV) —

27 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, 28 and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” 29 Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.” 31 And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32 But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. 33 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

 

NOTE: The authorities question Jesus on his authority, but when Jesus asks them a questions, the authorities answer that they do not know. Jesus was providing answers to people, and the individuals who claim to be the ones providing answers could only say, "we do not know." The irony is amazing. Jesus, in fact did have authority. The Jews required two Rabbis with authority to affirm authority to a new rabbi. When John the Baptist, baptized Jesus in the river, God the Father spoke, and God the Holy Spirit descended. Jesus' affirming authority was God. And, Jesus was the word of God (John 1:1-14) who became flesh. There is no greater authority than God.

 

In a world that is deeply struggling with truth and with lies, Jesus is the answer we need. Jesus said,

 

John 14:6–7 (ESV) — 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

 

The years ahead will see lies multiply and will see technology cause the love of many to grow cold. The evil one will continue to deceive. But in all of this mess, we have a rock that we can hold on to, the truth of God, his word, and his spirit living within us. We must rest on real truth and trust God during these days.

 

PONDER:

1. What is my source of truth on life?
2. Do I rely on the world's wisdom or God's word?
3. Do I realize that the enemy is seeking to destroy me with lies?

 

PRAYER: Father, may our focus rest on you and your truth. Help us to share that confidence with others who are lost and worried.

QT 1/2/2024 Mark 11:20-25, Sharing the gospel when difficulties stand in the way

Mark 11:20–25 (ESV) —

20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

 

NOTE: In this story, we have already seen that the objects in the story are symbolic, since it was not the time for figs. The fig tree represents Israel, and Israel has been cursed by God for failure to recognize the time of Jesus' coming. If the first part is symbolic, I believe we can assume the remainder is symbolic too. We are never told to throw mountains into the sea. Rather, the mountains are obstacles to advancing the gospel. God can open any door and God can change any heart. Ultimately, a person chooses to believe or not according to their free will, but we can pray for an opportunity to share with any person. This year is a new year to ask God to move mountains so that we can share with that friend or neighbor who seems so closed to the truth of Jesus.

 

PONDER:

Who do I know that is closed to the gospel? I need to add him to my prayer list this year.

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray for boldness and opportunities to share my faith and my story with others. I pray that my witness would be such that it would augment my conversion story in a positive way.

QT 1/1/2024 Mark 11:15-19, What is worship?

Mark 11:15–19 (ESV) —

15 And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” 18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. 19 And when evening came they went out of the city.

 

NOTE: The market for the exchanging of offerings for cash, and vice-a-versa was set up in the court of the Gentiles. Epstein argues that it was a recent move as previously it had been placed on the Mount of Olives. Not everyone probably agreed with the move into the temple courtyards. And symbolically, it excluded Gentiles from their place of prayer, because it had become a noisy and busy area. What the Jews did was wrong, but we must point the finger a little at ourselves too. Extremes are always dangerous, but there is an argument for a place of reverence and awe, a quiet place to pray and pour out one's hearts to God. I've seen both extremes. In one case, everything is formal and protected from anything that might not fit the style of the room. In other places, the room is a raucous assembly of people catching up on the week that only settles down when worship starts. The first image smells of religiosity, a fake façade portraying sincerity of worship but denying God's rule in the rest of the week. The second image shows gladdened hearts but perhaps not appreciating the holiness and fear of God.

 

Is there a balance? Ultimately, it always boils down to our heart. When the music starts or the service begins, what is our relationship to the Almighty? Does worship bring tears, boredom, or anger? Our heart knows the true relationship. And our actions, outside of the church, reveal the true heart.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I judge others for their worship experience? That's wrong.
2. Do I judge myself for my worship experience?
3. Am I living for God during the week, in the same spirit, that I worshipped for an hour on Sunday? Actions reveal the heart.

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to find the balance in worship, especially before the service begins. I want to help people to truly find Jesus and be changed by his presence. In this new year, continue to help me to nail down my new roles.