Mark 2:1-2 – 1A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.
When Jesus entered Capernaum again, the crowds all came, wanting to see him and what he would do. He began to preach the word to them, that being the reason he was there. So many people packed into the house that there wasn’t any room inside or outside the door.
Mark 2:3-5 – 3Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
There was a paralytic who had four friends that wanted to bring him to Jesus. I am sure they were hoping that Jesus would heal him, just as he had healed others. The place where Jesus was preaching was so packed that they couldn’t get near him, so they went up on the roof of the house, dug a hole in the roof, and lowered their friend down to Jesus. I love this story. This is wild. Can you see this? These guys hear that Jesus is back in town, and they decide they have to get their friend to Jesus, believing that Jesus can heal him. If you need to be healed, it would be a good thing to have four friends like these guys. They didn’t let anything stand in their way. They knew they had to get their friend to Jesus…so he could be healed. How many of us are like these four crazy friends? How many of us would climb up on the roof and dig a hole and lower a mat to get a friend to Jesus? Anyway, these guys are standing outside the house, they can’t get close, and one of them probably gets an idea. This is the crazy friend. There is usually one in every group. This is the buddy that’s been arrested a time or two. He always has some wild idea that could possibly get everyone in trouble, but he’s passionate. Maybe he hatched this plan and had to convince the others that it would work. Anyway, these guys climb up on the roof of the house, somehow hoist their paralytic friend up there, and they dig a hole in the roof. This house was probably made of mud with wood supports, and branches on the roof. This wasn’t like they removed a panel or something. These guys dug a hole through the roof. I can imagine being someone inside the house, listening to Jesus, and then dirt from the ceiling starts falling on your head. You begin to hear a commotion up above. Then more dirt starts falling, and you are seeing sky and hands as this hole emerges in the roof. It gets bigger and bigger, and the next thing you know, a guy is being lowered down through the hole into the house. Can you imagine if this was your house? What the heck? They just dug a hole through my roof! This is wild! Anyway, there is no room in the house, so people begin to pack even closer together to make space for this guy on the mat that is being lowered. He finally reaches the ground, and now everyone can see that he is paralyzed. His friends are still on the roofed, anxiously peering down through the hole, waiting to see wait would happen.
This is where Jesus enters the scene. The scripture says Jesus saw their faith and said “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Wow! That’s huge! Why in the world does Jesus say this? I think there are a lot of reasons. Let’s start with this one. Here was a man who came to be healed. He obviously had significant physical problems. He was a paralytic. He couldn’t walk. He couldn’t take care of himself. He had extreme physical needs. He came to Christ to be healed. By telling him his sins were forgiven, Jesus is saying, “Yes, you need to be healed, but there is something more important than your physical condition.” Jesus spoke to his spiritual condition, and the greater need he had to have his sins forgiven. This is huge! Despite all of his physical needs, what he truly needed was to be forgiven! What a lesson for all of the people in the crowd. I don’t know what Jesus was preaching on at the time, but I have to believe this was an awesome illustration for his sermon. Here in one sentence, he speaks volumes. “Son, your sins are forgiven.” He healed his greatest need, and demonstrated to the crowd their need as well, to have their sins forgiven.
Okay, what’s another reason that Jesus said this? I believe that Jesus had been waiting for an opportunity to confront the religious leaders and the teachers of the law. We see in the next few verses how this plays out. Jesus was demonstrating his authority again, and we will get into that in a minute.
One more thing…verse 5 says, “when Jesus saw their faith…” he acted. We are saved through faith. In Luke 7:50, after telling a woman that her sins were forgiven, Jesus tells here that her faith saved her. Ephesians 2:8 tells us we are saved through faith. Faith saves. When Jesus saw their faith, he forgave sins.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Monday, October 8, 2007
Mark 1:40-45
Mark 1:40-42 – 40A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” 41Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.
I love this story, this picture. A man who needs to be healed comes to Christ, on his knees, begging to be healed. He believes that Christ can heal him and make him clean, if only he (Jesus is willing). Jesus is always willing to heal those who come to him with faith. This man come to Jesus, has faith, and is humble. He is on his knees. Jesus sees him, and is filled with compassion. Jesus, full of compassion, reaches out and heals the man. He has compassion for this man, and for us. He wants to heal. He came to heal. That is why he was there, to heal sick people, to change lives. He touches the man, and says, “I am willing. Be clean!” This is beautiful. Jesus had compassion on him, and was willing to heal him. He has compassion on us, and is willing to heal us. He is waiting for people to come to him in faith, asking to be healed, asking to be clean.
Jesus, again, in this account, demonstrates his authority. He simply touches the man, saying “Be clean!” and he is healed of his leprosy. Verse 42 says that immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. When Jesus touches you, when he heals you and makes you clean, you are clean. There is no need to wash off or go through rituals to make yourself clean or cleaner. You are clean, just as this man was immediately cured and made clean by Jesus.
Mark 1:43-44 – 43Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44“See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”
Jesus tells this man to go, and not to tell anyone about his healing. He directs him to go to the temple and show himself to the priests, offering the sacrifices that Moses commanded. Jesus says to do this as a testimony to the priests. I think this is very interesting. This man is a testimony to the priests, because he was healed and made clean outside of their system. The priests and religious leaders were caught up in a system of ritual and sacrifice, and had everything invested in the people needing to come to them, paying and offering sacrifices to be made “clean.” However, this man had been healed and made clean without going through their system. He had gone straight to Jesus.
I think there are a couple of reasons why Jesus told him not to tell anyone about this. First, I think Jesus was waiting for the appointed time to confront the priests and religious leaders. He wanted them to see that this man had been healed, but didn’t want to confront them just yet. Secondly, I think Jesus wanted people to believe him and love him apart from his miracle working. His miracles were always for the purpose of demonstrating his power and authority, so that people would believe in him. However, Jesus knew that many people, having seen or heard of a miracle, would simply come to him to see if he could work a miracle for them, not because they truly wanted to follow him or believe him. I think Jesus did this to prevent these type of people from coming to him.
Mark 1:45 – Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
Although Jesus had told the man he cured of leprosy not to say anything, this guy couldn’t keep quiet. He went out and began to spread the news, telling everyone what Jesus had done. When Jesus changes someone’s life, when he heals you, this should be the response. A person who has been touched by Jesus can’t help but tell everyone about it. This guy had leprosy, and Jesus touched him, told him “Be clean!” and he was clean. He was healed. It was a miracle, and he couldn’t help but spread the news to everyone. As a result, everyone wanted to come to Jesus. Many were probably curious. Many probably wanted to see a miracle themselves. I am sure there were others who wanted to be healed. There were so many people who wanted to see Jesus that he couldn’t openly enter a town due to the crowds, but instead stayed outside in lonely places. I think it interesting that Mark uses the adjective “lonely” for the places Jesus stayed. With all of the people that wanted to come to him, you would think he wouldn’t be lonely, but Mark tells us he stayed in lonely places. Ministry is often times a lonely occupation. Being a missionary can be a very lonely existence at times. It encourages me to know Jesus experienced this, and despite having all the crowds desiring to see him, he stayed in lonely places. He knew what it was like to be lonely, to not belong. He was other. He was different. He stayed outside in lonely places, away from the crowds. I also think it very interesting that he didn’t use his newfound popularity for personal gain, but kept to himself. I think this is something we continually see with Jesus, that he wasn’t concerned with popularity or being important, but was simply there to do the work of his Father.
I love this story, this picture. A man who needs to be healed comes to Christ, on his knees, begging to be healed. He believes that Christ can heal him and make him clean, if only he (Jesus is willing). Jesus is always willing to heal those who come to him with faith. This man come to Jesus, has faith, and is humble. He is on his knees. Jesus sees him, and is filled with compassion. Jesus, full of compassion, reaches out and heals the man. He has compassion for this man, and for us. He wants to heal. He came to heal. That is why he was there, to heal sick people, to change lives. He touches the man, and says, “I am willing. Be clean!” This is beautiful. Jesus had compassion on him, and was willing to heal him. He has compassion on us, and is willing to heal us. He is waiting for people to come to him in faith, asking to be healed, asking to be clean.
Jesus, again, in this account, demonstrates his authority. He simply touches the man, saying “Be clean!” and he is healed of his leprosy. Verse 42 says that immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. When Jesus touches you, when he heals you and makes you clean, you are clean. There is no need to wash off or go through rituals to make yourself clean or cleaner. You are clean, just as this man was immediately cured and made clean by Jesus.
Mark 1:43-44 – 43Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44“See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”
Jesus tells this man to go, and not to tell anyone about his healing. He directs him to go to the temple and show himself to the priests, offering the sacrifices that Moses commanded. Jesus says to do this as a testimony to the priests. I think this is very interesting. This man is a testimony to the priests, because he was healed and made clean outside of their system. The priests and religious leaders were caught up in a system of ritual and sacrifice, and had everything invested in the people needing to come to them, paying and offering sacrifices to be made “clean.” However, this man had been healed and made clean without going through their system. He had gone straight to Jesus.
I think there are a couple of reasons why Jesus told him not to tell anyone about this. First, I think Jesus was waiting for the appointed time to confront the priests and religious leaders. He wanted them to see that this man had been healed, but didn’t want to confront them just yet. Secondly, I think Jesus wanted people to believe him and love him apart from his miracle working. His miracles were always for the purpose of demonstrating his power and authority, so that people would believe in him. However, Jesus knew that many people, having seen or heard of a miracle, would simply come to him to see if he could work a miracle for them, not because they truly wanted to follow him or believe him. I think Jesus did this to prevent these type of people from coming to him.
Mark 1:45 – Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
Although Jesus had told the man he cured of leprosy not to say anything, this guy couldn’t keep quiet. He went out and began to spread the news, telling everyone what Jesus had done. When Jesus changes someone’s life, when he heals you, this should be the response. A person who has been touched by Jesus can’t help but tell everyone about it. This guy had leprosy, and Jesus touched him, told him “Be clean!” and he was clean. He was healed. It was a miracle, and he couldn’t help but spread the news to everyone. As a result, everyone wanted to come to Jesus. Many were probably curious. Many probably wanted to see a miracle themselves. I am sure there were others who wanted to be healed. There were so many people who wanted to see Jesus that he couldn’t openly enter a town due to the crowds, but instead stayed outside in lonely places. I think it interesting that Mark uses the adjective “lonely” for the places Jesus stayed. With all of the people that wanted to come to him, you would think he wouldn’t be lonely, but Mark tells us he stayed in lonely places. Ministry is often times a lonely occupation. Being a missionary can be a very lonely existence at times. It encourages me to know Jesus experienced this, and despite having all the crowds desiring to see him, he stayed in lonely places. He knew what it was like to be lonely, to not belong. He was other. He was different. He stayed outside in lonely places, away from the crowds. I also think it very interesting that he didn’t use his newfound popularity for personal gain, but kept to himself. I think this is something we continually see with Jesus, that he wasn’t concerned with popularity or being important, but was simply there to do the work of his Father.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Mark 1:35-39
Mark 1:35-37 – 35Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”
I love how Jesus got up very early in the morning, and went to spend time talking to God. He made it a priority, the first thing he did, to spend time with his Father. This is a great example for us. He went to a solitary place, where he could be alone, spending time talking to God.
Simon and the other guys must have been a little concerned, not knowing where he went, so they go looking for him. The day before Jesus had amazed everyone with his teaching, his healing, and by casting out demons. Everyone was looking for him. I can imagine the whole town again showing up at the house in the morning, looking for Jesus. He must have known this, so he went to a solitary place to be alone and pray. The guys must have thought, “What is he doing way out here? Everyone wants to see him.”
Mark 1:38-39 – 38Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages – so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Jesus tells them that he wants to go somewhere else, possibly away from the crowds in Capernaum. He wants to preach in the nearby villages. He says that this is why he has come. He gives his purpose here, to preach, and in as many places as he can. He wants to go out into the villages and spread his message to as many as possible. We should be doing the same thing. The easy thing for Jesus would have been to stay in Capernaum, where he was already drawing a big following, and where he was becoming very popular. Instead, he left there to go preach in places where the people had not yet heard the good news. So Jesus left Capernaum, and traveled throughout Galilee, preaching and driving out demons.
I love how Jesus got up very early in the morning, and went to spend time talking to God. He made it a priority, the first thing he did, to spend time with his Father. This is a great example for us. He went to a solitary place, where he could be alone, spending time talking to God.
Simon and the other guys must have been a little concerned, not knowing where he went, so they go looking for him. The day before Jesus had amazed everyone with his teaching, his healing, and by casting out demons. Everyone was looking for him. I can imagine the whole town again showing up at the house in the morning, looking for Jesus. He must have known this, so he went to a solitary place to be alone and pray. The guys must have thought, “What is he doing way out here? Everyone wants to see him.”
Mark 1:38-39 – 38Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages – so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Jesus tells them that he wants to go somewhere else, possibly away from the crowds in Capernaum. He wants to preach in the nearby villages. He says that this is why he has come. He gives his purpose here, to preach, and in as many places as he can. He wants to go out into the villages and spread his message to as many as possible. We should be doing the same thing. The easy thing for Jesus would have been to stay in Capernaum, where he was already drawing a big following, and where he was becoming very popular. Instead, he left there to go preach in places where the people had not yet heard the good news. So Jesus left Capernaum, and traveled throughout Galilee, preaching and driving out demons.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Mark 1:29-34
Mark 1:29-31 – 29As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and began to wait on them.
Jesus went from the synagogue to Simon and Andrew’s house. Simon must have been married, because he had a mother-in-law. You usually don’t just get a mother-in-law without getting the wife as well, so we can assume he was married. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and Jesus went to her, and immediately healed her, helping her up. She was grateful and better, so she began to wait on them. That is a great response from her. If Jesus heals you, it’s a good idea to start waiting on him afterwards.
Mark 1:32-34 – 32That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33The whole town gathered at the door, 34and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove our many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
The people in the town had previously seen Jesus drive out a demon in the synagogue, and had most likely heard the news of him healing Simon’s mother-in-law, so that night they bring him all the sick and demon-possessed so that they can be healed. The entire town was gathered outside the door. They had seen the power and authority of Jesus, and brought him those that needed healing. Having seen the power and authority of Jesus ourselves, it is now our job to bring to him those who need healing, just like those people of Capernaum. Just as he healed in that day, he is waiting to heal today. He healed those with diseases, and also drove out many demons. Once again, Jesus demonstrates him authority over the demons, not only driving them out, but also commanding them not to speak. The demons knew who Jesus was, and he did not want the crowds to know his identity, so he commanded the demons not to speak. He has authority over sickness and demons (and everything else) and he demonstrates that in this passage.
Jesus went from the synagogue to Simon and Andrew’s house. Simon must have been married, because he had a mother-in-law. You usually don’t just get a mother-in-law without getting the wife as well, so we can assume he was married. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and Jesus went to her, and immediately healed her, helping her up. She was grateful and better, so she began to wait on them. That is a great response from her. If Jesus heals you, it’s a good idea to start waiting on him afterwards.
Mark 1:32-34 – 32That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33The whole town gathered at the door, 34and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove our many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
The people in the town had previously seen Jesus drive out a demon in the synagogue, and had most likely heard the news of him healing Simon’s mother-in-law, so that night they bring him all the sick and demon-possessed so that they can be healed. The entire town was gathered outside the door. They had seen the power and authority of Jesus, and brought him those that needed healing. Having seen the power and authority of Jesus ourselves, it is now our job to bring to him those who need healing, just like those people of Capernaum. Just as he healed in that day, he is waiting to heal today. He healed those with diseases, and also drove out many demons. Once again, Jesus demonstrates him authority over the demons, not only driving them out, but also commanding them not to speak. The demons knew who Jesus was, and he did not want the crowds to know his identity, so he commanded the demons not to speak. He has authority over sickness and demons (and everything else) and he demonstrates that in this passage.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Mark 1:21-28
Mark 1:21-22 – 21They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.
Jesus and the first disciples went to Capernaum, a bigger city, and on the Sabbath, when everyone gathered together in the temple, he went there to teach them. This was very unusual, because typically only the teachers of the law would teach the people in the synagogue. The people were amazed, because they were used to listening to their teachers, who simply gave their opinions on the law. Jesus did not give opinions, but simply taught what scripture said. This is a great lesson for us. We should teach what Scripture says. Scripture has authority. Our opinions do not have authority. Scripture has the power to change lives. Our opinions are not going to change anyone’s life. The teachers of the law would argue and speculate about the law, and others’ interpretations of the law, but they had no authority. Jesus, the one who had authority, taught the people from the scriptures, and they were amazed. He was so different from everything they were used to seeing and hearing.
Mark 1:23-26 – 23Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, 24“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God!” 25“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
Here is another great example of Christ’s authority. A demon recognizes him and asks, “What do you want with us? Have you come to destroy us?” He knows who Jesus is. He is aware of his power and authority. He asks Jesus if he has come to destroy them (the demons), knowing full well that Jesus has the power and authority to do so. All of creation is God’s, however, Satan tries to claim it for himself. Jesus came to reclaim what was already his. The demons know this. Jesus commands the demon, and the demon obeys the authority of Jesus. The demon recognizes Jesus as the Holy One of God. Jesus tells him to be quiet and he is silenced. Jesus did not want the demon to say who he was. That was not the time for his identity to be revealed. He commands the demon to come out of the man, and the demon once again obeys his authority. Jesus reclaimed the man, who had been possessed by the demon. I love the picture here of Jesus commanding the demon, and retaking this man.
The question that the demon asked Christ, “What do you want with us? Have you come to destroy us?” is a very interesting question. It is even more interesting that this demon was in the temple. The teachers of the law and those practicing in the temple were using the name of God, but were not teaching the people to follow God. I wonder if the demon was really asking, “Did Christ come to destroy the religion of the teachers?”
Mark 1:27-28 – 27The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching – and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.” 28News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
The people are amazed by Jesus’ teaching and by his authority. He is teaching them in a manner different from the teachers of the law, and demonstrating authority not only in his teaching, but also by commanding a demon. How sad of an indictment against the temple that Jesus’ teaching was so different from what they were accustomed to hearing there?
With Jesus bursting onto the scene with such powerful teaching and his display of authority, news about him quickly spread. Jesus is what people are looking for. People are not looking for more commentaries and opinions about the law. They are looking for power and authority, the kind that changes lives, the kind that Jesus had. When they see this, news spreads quickly over the whole region.
Jesus and the first disciples went to Capernaum, a bigger city, and on the Sabbath, when everyone gathered together in the temple, he went there to teach them. This was very unusual, because typically only the teachers of the law would teach the people in the synagogue. The people were amazed, because they were used to listening to their teachers, who simply gave their opinions on the law. Jesus did not give opinions, but simply taught what scripture said. This is a great lesson for us. We should teach what Scripture says. Scripture has authority. Our opinions do not have authority. Scripture has the power to change lives. Our opinions are not going to change anyone’s life. The teachers of the law would argue and speculate about the law, and others’ interpretations of the law, but they had no authority. Jesus, the one who had authority, taught the people from the scriptures, and they were amazed. He was so different from everything they were used to seeing and hearing.
Mark 1:23-26 – 23Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, 24“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God!” 25“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
Here is another great example of Christ’s authority. A demon recognizes him and asks, “What do you want with us? Have you come to destroy us?” He knows who Jesus is. He is aware of his power and authority. He asks Jesus if he has come to destroy them (the demons), knowing full well that Jesus has the power and authority to do so. All of creation is God’s, however, Satan tries to claim it for himself. Jesus came to reclaim what was already his. The demons know this. Jesus commands the demon, and the demon obeys the authority of Jesus. The demon recognizes Jesus as the Holy One of God. Jesus tells him to be quiet and he is silenced. Jesus did not want the demon to say who he was. That was not the time for his identity to be revealed. He commands the demon to come out of the man, and the demon once again obeys his authority. Jesus reclaimed the man, who had been possessed by the demon. I love the picture here of Jesus commanding the demon, and retaking this man.
The question that the demon asked Christ, “What do you want with us? Have you come to destroy us?” is a very interesting question. It is even more interesting that this demon was in the temple. The teachers of the law and those practicing in the temple were using the name of God, but were not teaching the people to follow God. I wonder if the demon was really asking, “Did Christ come to destroy the religion of the teachers?”
Mark 1:27-28 – 27The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching – and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.” 28News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
The people are amazed by Jesus’ teaching and by his authority. He is teaching them in a manner different from the teachers of the law, and demonstrating authority not only in his teaching, but also by commanding a demon. How sad of an indictment against the temple that Jesus’ teaching was so different from what they were accustomed to hearing there?
With Jesus bursting onto the scene with such powerful teaching and his display of authority, news about him quickly spread. Jesus is what people are looking for. People are not looking for more commentaries and opinions about the law. They are looking for power and authority, the kind that changes lives, the kind that Jesus had. When they see this, news spreads quickly over the whole region.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Mark 1:14-20
Mark 1:14-15 – 14After John had been put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of god is near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Jesus begins his ministry, “proclaiming the good news of God.” I think it’s awesome that he was “proclaiming the good news of God” while at the same time being the good news of God. That should be our ministry as well, proclaiming the good news of God, which is Christ.
The timing here is interesting. Jesus began after John was put in prison. John came to prepare the way for Christ, and after he was put in prison, Christ began his ministry. Jesus said, “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near.” The time had come because HE was there. The kingdom of God was near because HE was there! HE was near! He said, “Repent and believe the good news!” He called people to repent (turn or change, be made new) and to believe the good news. He was calling people to himself. He is the good news! He was calling people to believe him, come to him, and be changed (repent). That is the same thing we need to be doing. We should be calling people to come to Christ, believing him (the good news), and repenting (allowing him to change them). The ministry of Christ was a great example of what our ministry should look like.
Mark 1:16-18 – 16As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 18At once, they left their nets and followed him.”
I love this account of the calling of the first disciples. There is so much for us to learn in these two verses. Jesus is walking along the lake, not in the temple. You would think if he were looking for some people to get into his ministry, he would have found some good churchgoers. Instead, he is out walking along the lake. He sees Simon and Andrew, and he tells them to follow him. It is an invitation and a command, all at the same time. He sees that these guys are fishermen, and he puts things in a context where they can understand it. He says, “…and I will make you fishers of men.” He invites them to something better. He sees them fishing for fish, and invites them to come fish for men. He tells them that HE will make them fishers of me. He is going to change them for the better. He is going to give them a greater purpose. These guys are a great example for us. They don’t hesitate or give an excuse. They leave their nets and follow him. These guys were fishermen, businessmen. They had nets, and probably boats, and were most likely doing pretty well. Being a fisherman was a pretty good job in their day. They left it all to respond to the call of Christ, and they did it immediately. If we would only follow Jesus like these guys…No wonder he went to the lake, not the temple.
Mark 1:19-20 – 19When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Here is another great example of the first disciples immediately leaving all they had to follow Christ. I wonder if they didn’t jump out of the boat and swim to shore, leaving their dad and co-workers calling out to them, wondering what on earth had gotten into these guys. They were looking for more, and when Jesus came and offered it to them, they followed “without delay.” These guys may not have been very important by the world’s standards, but they did one important thing…they followed Jesus. We need to realize that is the only thing that matters. Will we follow him? Will we do it without delay? Are we willing to leave our father and co-workers in the boat? Are we willing to leave our nets at the water’s edge? That is what it takes to follow Christ. In both verses 18 and 20, it says, “they left” something to follow Jesus. Following Christ is a sacrifice. It always demands that we leave something behind. Are we willing to leave everything? For these first disciples, following Jesus demanded their very lives. They left it all. What is it that is keeping us from following Christ? What are we unwilling to leave behind? Why is it that we hesitate? What can we learn from these first disciples?
Jesus begins his ministry, “proclaiming the good news of God.” I think it’s awesome that he was “proclaiming the good news of God” while at the same time being the good news of God. That should be our ministry as well, proclaiming the good news of God, which is Christ.
The timing here is interesting. Jesus began after John was put in prison. John came to prepare the way for Christ, and after he was put in prison, Christ began his ministry. Jesus said, “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near.” The time had come because HE was there. The kingdom of God was near because HE was there! HE was near! He said, “Repent and believe the good news!” He called people to repent (turn or change, be made new) and to believe the good news. He was calling people to himself. He is the good news! He was calling people to believe him, come to him, and be changed (repent). That is the same thing we need to be doing. We should be calling people to come to Christ, believing him (the good news), and repenting (allowing him to change them). The ministry of Christ was a great example of what our ministry should look like.
Mark 1:16-18 – 16As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 18At once, they left their nets and followed him.”
I love this account of the calling of the first disciples. There is so much for us to learn in these two verses. Jesus is walking along the lake, not in the temple. You would think if he were looking for some people to get into his ministry, he would have found some good churchgoers. Instead, he is out walking along the lake. He sees Simon and Andrew, and he tells them to follow him. It is an invitation and a command, all at the same time. He sees that these guys are fishermen, and he puts things in a context where they can understand it. He says, “…and I will make you fishers of men.” He invites them to something better. He sees them fishing for fish, and invites them to come fish for men. He tells them that HE will make them fishers of me. He is going to change them for the better. He is going to give them a greater purpose. These guys are a great example for us. They don’t hesitate or give an excuse. They leave their nets and follow him. These guys were fishermen, businessmen. They had nets, and probably boats, and were most likely doing pretty well. Being a fisherman was a pretty good job in their day. They left it all to respond to the call of Christ, and they did it immediately. If we would only follow Jesus like these guys…No wonder he went to the lake, not the temple.
Mark 1:19-20 – 19When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Here is another great example of the first disciples immediately leaving all they had to follow Christ. I wonder if they didn’t jump out of the boat and swim to shore, leaving their dad and co-workers calling out to them, wondering what on earth had gotten into these guys. They were looking for more, and when Jesus came and offered it to them, they followed “without delay.” These guys may not have been very important by the world’s standards, but they did one important thing…they followed Jesus. We need to realize that is the only thing that matters. Will we follow him? Will we do it without delay? Are we willing to leave our father and co-workers in the boat? Are we willing to leave our nets at the water’s edge? That is what it takes to follow Christ. In both verses 18 and 20, it says, “they left” something to follow Jesus. Following Christ is a sacrifice. It always demands that we leave something behind. Are we willing to leave everything? For these first disciples, following Jesus demanded their very lives. They left it all. What is it that is keeping us from following Christ? What are we unwilling to leave behind? Why is it that we hesitate? What can we learn from these first disciples?
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Mark 1:9-13
Mark 1:9-11 – 9At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
I think it is interesting how it says, “at that time Jesus came…” I have often wondered why Jesus waited until he was thirty years old to start his ministry. I believe that God had appointed a certain time for him and at that time Jesus began. John had been preparing the way, and God the Father made it clear to Jesus when was his time. So, Jesus waited until the appointed time, and then came to begin his ministry.
Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. Why did Jesus get baptized? Did Jesus need to be baptized? In Matthew 3:13-17, we have another account of Jesus’ baptism. John told Jesus, “I need to be baptized by you!” but Jesus replied, “…it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus apparently was baptized to fulfill all righteousness.
For Christians, baptism is done as an outward symbol of an inward change, that being the changed heart and life that is a result of accepting Jesus. I think the baptism of Jesus was also a symbol, showing that he was God’s son. When a person accepts Christ and begins to follow him, they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a symbol of this, which is why in Mark 1:8, John said, “I baptize with water, but he (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” After Jesus was baptized, the Spirit came down from heaven and rested upon him, and thus began his ministry. This was also a sign to John, who had been told that the one on whom the Spirit rested was the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. (John 1:33) This was a sign to John, showing him that Jesus truly was the Son of God.
In verse 11, a voice from heaven (God the Father) tells Jesus: “You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” As Jesus begins his ministry, God the Father encourages him with a statement of WHO he is, how much he is loved, and how pleased his Father is with him. I think it had to be important for Jesus to hear this. Although being all-God, he was also all-man. Knowing what he was about to begin, and where it would eventually lead him, and I can think of no better words to hear from his Father. He came to please the Father and glorify the Father, and being reassured that is what he was doing had to be a huge encouragement to him, as well as preparation for what would happen next.
Mark 1:12-13 – 12At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
I think it very interesting that immediately after the high point of Jesus’ baptism and the Spirit descending on him, and the Father speaking to him, his is sent into the desert to be tempted by Satan. Many times we see spiritual high points as ends in themselves, when God is actually using them to prepare us for trials, temptations, or tough times that lie ahead. Two important points…first, Jesus was prepared before he was sent into the desert to be tempted. The Spirit came and rested upon him, and the Father spoke to him and encouraged him. Second, following all of this preparation, he was tested. The Spirit actually sent him out into the desert, where he was tempted. God prepares us so that He can then send us out. God didn’t send Jesus just to get baptized in the Jordan. God sent him to defeat Satan, sin, and death. That was no easy task. He was prepared, and then he was sent out.
Mark doesn’t really give us many details of the temptation of Jesus. We can find that account in Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13. Just a couple of passing thoughts…When Jesus was tempted, he was alone. When I find myself being tempted, it is almost always when I am alone and vulnerable. Jesus was in the wilderness, alone and vulnerable, and that is when Satan came to tempt him. Also, after Jesus was tempted, but did not succumb to temptation, angels attended him. When we stand firm against temptation in the power of the spirit, our needs will be provided for as well, just as the angels provided for Christ.
I think it is interesting how it says, “at that time Jesus came…” I have often wondered why Jesus waited until he was thirty years old to start his ministry. I believe that God had appointed a certain time for him and at that time Jesus began. John had been preparing the way, and God the Father made it clear to Jesus when was his time. So, Jesus waited until the appointed time, and then came to begin his ministry.
Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. Why did Jesus get baptized? Did Jesus need to be baptized? In Matthew 3:13-17, we have another account of Jesus’ baptism. John told Jesus, “I need to be baptized by you!” but Jesus replied, “…it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus apparently was baptized to fulfill all righteousness.
For Christians, baptism is done as an outward symbol of an inward change, that being the changed heart and life that is a result of accepting Jesus. I think the baptism of Jesus was also a symbol, showing that he was God’s son. When a person accepts Christ and begins to follow him, they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a symbol of this, which is why in Mark 1:8, John said, “I baptize with water, but he (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” After Jesus was baptized, the Spirit came down from heaven and rested upon him, and thus began his ministry. This was also a sign to John, who had been told that the one on whom the Spirit rested was the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. (John 1:33) This was a sign to John, showing him that Jesus truly was the Son of God.
In verse 11, a voice from heaven (God the Father) tells Jesus: “You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” As Jesus begins his ministry, God the Father encourages him with a statement of WHO he is, how much he is loved, and how pleased his Father is with him. I think it had to be important for Jesus to hear this. Although being all-God, he was also all-man. Knowing what he was about to begin, and where it would eventually lead him, and I can think of no better words to hear from his Father. He came to please the Father and glorify the Father, and being reassured that is what he was doing had to be a huge encouragement to him, as well as preparation for what would happen next.
Mark 1:12-13 – 12At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
I think it very interesting that immediately after the high point of Jesus’ baptism and the Spirit descending on him, and the Father speaking to him, his is sent into the desert to be tempted by Satan. Many times we see spiritual high points as ends in themselves, when God is actually using them to prepare us for trials, temptations, or tough times that lie ahead. Two important points…first, Jesus was prepared before he was sent into the desert to be tempted. The Spirit came and rested upon him, and the Father spoke to him and encouraged him. Second, following all of this preparation, he was tested. The Spirit actually sent him out into the desert, where he was tempted. God prepares us so that He can then send us out. God didn’t send Jesus just to get baptized in the Jordan. God sent him to defeat Satan, sin, and death. That was no easy task. He was prepared, and then he was sent out.
Mark doesn’t really give us many details of the temptation of Jesus. We can find that account in Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13. Just a couple of passing thoughts…When Jesus was tempted, he was alone. When I find myself being tempted, it is almost always when I am alone and vulnerable. Jesus was in the wilderness, alone and vulnerable, and that is when Satan came to tempt him. Also, after Jesus was tempted, but did not succumb to temptation, angels attended him. When we stand firm against temptation in the power of the spirit, our needs will be provided for as well, just as the angels provided for Christ.
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