Mark 6:45 - 56

The disciples of Jesus return from the teaching assignment given to them.  While they report all that has happened, Jesus encourages them to take some time alone to rest and recover.  This never happens!  While they are on their way to retreat, the crowds notice where they are headed and outrun the boat in which Jesus is travelling.  Jesus and His followers then take time to teach and meet the many needs represented in the crowd, including food and healing.  They cross the lake again, and Jesus assists the struggling disciples by walking on the water to assist them during a storm.  Upon arriving on the shore, the healing and teaching ministry continues.

What lesson is learned through all this?  Ministry knows no time schedule or calendar.  Make the most of every opportunity whenever it presents itself.  Plan for rest and recovery; but be ready to adjust your plans to His!

Mark 6:1 - 29

The reactions to Jesus were never mild; people either loved Him or hated Him.  In His hometown of Nazareth, He was unable to have a productive ministry due to the fact that many people associated Him with His family and would not afford Him enough credibility to earn their attention.  For this reason, Jesus did not have a large impact on the region of Nazareth.  He did send out His followers in 6 groups of 2, so that they could exponentially spread His message and power.  In His instructions to them, Jesus warned His followers that they would also receive similar reactions to the ones He had received.  During this time, King Herod heard of Jesus and became convinced that it was a resurrected John the Baptist (a cousin of Jesus) whom he had beheaded to please the daughter of his illegitimately married wife.  No one had a mild response to Jesus!

Mark 5:21 - 43

Jesus proves that His healing power is not bound by age or physical condition.  A twelve-year old girl is raised from the dead; and a woman who has suffered from hemorrhaging for twelve years is completely healed.  Both of these women are instantaneously relieved from their maladies; and both becoming living testimonies to the fact that Jesus changes lives drastically.  In both cases, Jesus states that it is faith that has allowed these benefits to be enjoyed.

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Mark 5:1 - 20

The greatest advertisement for Jesus' work is a changed life.  Mark relates the account of a demon-possessed man who was instantly transformed by the Lord's power.  A legion of demons had taken possession of this man and tormented him constantly.  At the Lord's command, they were forced to leave; and the man was immediately, to use Mark's words, "in his right mind."  The reaction of the people in the region was fear and they asked Jesus to leave.  The man himself asked to follow Jesus; but was given a greater assignment - to tell his friends and others the great things that God had compassionately done for him.  Are you letting others see the difference Jesus makes in your life today?

Mark 4:21 - 41

Jesus continued teaching those who followed Him about the coming Kingdom of God.  Mark records for us that He used the teaching method of parables to communicate truth.  These short stories were pictures of certain aspects of God's Kingdom that would invite further discussion on a deeper level.  Mark records that the parables were given to the larger group; and the meaning and truth were discussed with those who wanted more than just a story.  How easily satisfied are you with the teachings of God's Word.  Do you just read it "Oh that's nice" and go along your way - or do you stop to consider the meaning and truth being conveyed?

After teaching, Jesus and His followers take a boat trip to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.  During the journey, a storm overtakes the craft and threatens to sink it.  Jesus calms the storm with a mere word - prompting the followers to question "What kind of man is this?"

Did you ever stop to consider that Jesus slept through the storm that tossed the ship, filled it with water and terrified seasoned fishermen?  It wasn't the storm that moved Jesus to action, it was the cries of His followers.  Jesus is present in the storm you are facing, too.  It doesn't "bother" Him, nor will it sap His strength to intervene.  Perhaps He is waiting to hear from you before He takes action.

Mark 4:1 - 20

Jesus taught the multitudes that gathered to Him, sometimes by using a boat for a mobile platform.  During one such occasion, He taught them by using the story of a farmer planting his crops.  The seed was the same as it was sown over several different types of soil.  Because of the way the soil received the seed there were vastly different results.  The hardened soil was barely affected by the seed, it bounced right off.  The seeds that found thorny soil grew, but were soon choked in their growth by all the established plants.  The seeds that fell in stony ground grew but had no depth.  Finally, the seeds that fell into good cultivated and prepared soil produced the expected fruit.  Even there, the yields were different; some gave twice or three times the expected harvest.  Jesus used this story to teach about those who hear God's word.  For some, it makes no effect.  For others, there is shallow response.  Others will respond but become distracted.  Yet, there are some who will benefit from it; some more greatly than others.  What soil are you?

Mark 3:20 - 35

Jesus is confronted by many in His hometown and surrounding area, people who are trying to understand what He is trying to accomplish.  Many are puzzled, because they know this man as the boy who grew up in the carpenter's home.  His family was well known in the region; and His talk about a coming heavenly kingdom seemed to confuse many.  He even stated that His family would take second place to the mission for which He had been called.

Mark 3:1 - 19

Jesus continues to observe the Sabbath the way it was intended - not in following rules, but in pointing men towards the One who made the Sabbath for enjoyment.  The crowds continue to follow Him; and He specifically invites 12 to follow Him and learn what He will teach them.  Not everyone who followed was called to be taught; but many were blessed by the teachings He gave.  Today, there are many who follow and reap the blessings of following, but very few will dedicate themselves to learning and being taught by the Master.  What about you?  Will you follow AND be taught by Him?

Mark 2

Wherever Jesus went, people were trying to question and discredit Him.  When He told someone their sins were forgiven, they commented "He's only taking the easy way out; He should have healed them."  So Jesus, to prove He could forgive sin, healed the person.  When He ate with tax collectors and others considered "sinners" by society, people noted that "He only socializes with outcasts."  Jesus replies that only those who are sick search for a doctor.  When Jesus and His disciples travel, people even criticize their means of travel and the places they choose to eat!  Jesus responds that the Sabbath (the day they traveled) was not made for restriction by the law; but that laws were given so that the Sabbath could be immensely enjoyed.

Mark 1:23 - 45

Jesus moves throughout the area of Galilee, teaching and healing many.  No disease is seen to be a problem for Him to provide full and immediate healing.  Leprosy, the scourge of the day, was defeated; demon possession proved to be no threat to His power.  The fame and notoriety of this man from Nazareth grew, yet He remained steadfast in His purpose - preaching to the nation, declaring that God's Kingdom was close at hand.

Mark 1:1 - 22

Mark begins his account of Jesus' life by briefly introducing us to John, who baptized those who had repented of their sins and were looking for One to come that would baptize with the Holy Spirit.  Jesus is baptized by John, receives the approval of His heavenly Father and is immediately driven into the wilderness where He successfully endures temptation from Satan himself.  Jesus then begins a public ministry, preaching a message of repentance in light of God's coming kingdom.  He calls Simon, Andrew, James and John to follow Him and they begin teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

Matthew 28

The presence of a sealed tomb and Roman guards did not stop Jesus from fulfilling His promise of resurrection!  Exactly three days after His death, the tomb was empty; not as the result of a robbery or a plot to fool the masses, but as the result of Jesus' bodily resurrection.  He was seen by many in the days following His resurrection.  The guards were told to concoct a story of robbery that would be covered by those in authority should the governor hear of it.  Meanwhile, Jesus told His followers to make disciples of others - telling them of who He is and what He has done.

Matthew 27:51 - 66

Immediately after Jesus' death, many events occurred.  The veil in the temple tore in half, graves were opened, and earthquake occurred, and the centurion guarding the proceedings declared that Jesus truly was the Son of God.  Joseph, a rich man who followed Jesus, asked for the body and placed it in his own unused tomb.  Due to Jesus' claim to rise from the dead after three days, a guard was placed at the tomb to prevent unauthorized access to the grave site.

Matthew 27:27 - 50

While Jesus faces persecution and mockery leading up to His death, the focus shifts to the opinions and reactions of others.  Others are seen mocking, others are questioning and jeering, others are calling out for Him to deliver Himself.  When Jesus cried out in agony for His Father to not forsake Him, it was others who withheld assistance while they waited to see whether any divine assistance would arrive.

Matthew 27:1 - 26

This passage speaks of the events surrounding the trial that sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion.  Perhaps the most telling statement in these verses is the fact that even before the trial began, the chief priests and religious leaders pre-determined that Jesus would be put to death.  The trial, the sentencing, the execution - was all determined before the legal proceedings began.

Matthew 26:51 - 75

At the time of Jesus' arrest, one of His followers tried to defend Him but Jesus demanded that no violence be used in his defense.  Jesus saw this occurrence as a fulfillment of prophecy.  His followers scattered and fled.

Meanwhile, Jesus was taken to be examined by the high priest under charges of ... eventually a charge of blasphemy was brought.  Initially, no charge could be brought because none of the "witnesses" could agree in their testimony.

Peter, who had followed at a distance, was unsure of what the public sentiment against Jesus would be; so he tried to stay very inconspicuous.  He even tried denying association with Jesus.  The Lord had told Peter this would happen; and realizing what he had done, Peter wept.

Matthew 26:26 - 50

Jesus continues the discussions of His impending beytrayal, death and departure with His followers.  He uses part of the Passover meal to remind those dining with Him of the great deliverance that He will accomplish in less than 24 hours.  Imbedded in that teaching is a promise that He will be successful, for He will partake with them again.

Jesus then travels to the Garden of Gethsemane, a favored place of His, to pray.  He invites His followers to join with Him in this endeavor; but they are unable to physically remain alert.  While Jesus concludes His prayer time, Judas arrives with a contingent of soldiers and Jesus is betrayed and arrested.

Just a thought for your consideration

I love keeping up with the world around me.  I read many sites through my Google Reader, and subscribe to several forums to keep me apprised of not only the events but the reactions to them.  This can also lead to some frustration, especially when all I get is "Hey, check this out" and then a link to follow.  Is it too much to ask to have a short synopsis?  How about "Hey, this is interesting, but I disagree with the points the author made in the fourth paragraph." or "You might not like this, but here is what they are voting on today."  Just something more than the potpourri of symbols that make up a URL for the article I need to read or picture I need to see.

Just a thought.  Thanks.

Matthew 26:1 - 25

Jesus prepares to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem.  This is not unusual, for the law required the feast to be celebrated in the capital city.  During this time the religious leaders, with the help of one of Jesus' followers, seek the opportunity to arrest and execute this teacher from Nazareth.  Jesus knows even this, and informs His followers that one of them - one who celebrates the feast with them - will betray Him.  Yet, in all this, we see no panic or anxiety on Jesus' part.  He does not have a martyr's complex; He is steadfast in His obedience to His Father's will.

Matthew 25:31 - 46

Jesus continues teaching on the coming Kingdom.  When the arrival of the Kingdom occurs, a separation will take place - dividing those who truly belong from those who have mingled in trying to appear as though they belong.  Those judged to be righteous will receive blessing, while those judged to be unrighteous will suffer punishment.  Both will respond similarly "When did we do these things?" The answer, Jesus says, is revealed in the manner in which we treat one another, especially the least in society.

Matthew 25:1 - 30

Jesus illustrates the suddenness of the coming Kingdom with two pictures.  One is of a wedding party that was ill prepared for the unannounced arrival of the bridegroom.  Those who were unprepared failed to enjoy the blessings of the wedding feast.  The second picture was of 3 servants left to do business for their master.  While two were diligent and rewarded; the third was lazy and punished.  All those who would enter the kingdom must be prepared and diligent.

Matthew 24:29 - 51

Jesus continues discussing the future coming of the Son of Man, inaugurating the Kingdom of God.  The timing of the event is unknown; those who believe they have it figured out will always be disappointed to find it is not when they believe it to be.

Matthew 24:1 - 28

Jesus answers His followers questions about the end of all things which will usher in the beginning of His kingdom.  Jesus instructs His followers that when many begin pointing to signs saying "It's about to happen" to not believe them or follow their instructions.  The coming of Jesus' kingdom will be sudden - like lightning going from one end of the sky to the other.

Matthew 23:23 - 39

Jesus continues His denouncement of the religious leaders.  He describes them as "white-washed tombs, full of dead men's bones" a picture of something that looks beautiful on the outside but full of defilement and corruption on the inside.  He cries out against their arrogance, stating that had the prophets come in their day, they too would have killed them just as their fathers did.  He concludes with perhaps the most gripping charge against the people.  He states that He is willing to gather them together for protection and safety - but they are not willing to respond.  One hears the heart and passion of the Lord Jesus as He weeps over the city that has forsaken the God Who chose them.

Matthew 23:1 - 22

Jesus lays out His case against the religious leaders of the day.  He describes them as men of outward action that does not align with their stated beliefs.  He encourages His followers to do what these religious believers say, but not to follow their practical example.  The desire these leaders have for prominence and authority shows the extent of their deceit.  Jesus then gives several examples of how these leaders actually work against their stated purposes.  In all this, the result is greater condemnation and not any commendation at all.  These religious leaders are labelled hypocrites, blind guides, and foolish for their destructive efforts.  As a church leader, am I following their footsteps in my life?  Are there areas where I teach one thing, yet do the opposite?  Lord keep my steps aligned with Yours, so that those who follow my example are ultimately following Yours.

Matthew 22:23 - 46

Jesus continues to amaze the religious and social leaders with His understanding and in-depth grasp of God's Law.  A group that claimed there was no resurrection asked Him a question about a woman married to seven brothers - to whom would she belong in the resurrection (do you see the irony in that question?).  Jesus not only answers the question but silences their ignorance about the coming resurrection.  Another group tried to puzzle Jesus by asking which commandment was the greatest.  Jesus summarized the entirety of God's Law into two commands:  Love God and Love others.  Jesus then asked them a question:  If Messiah is David's Son, why or how did David call Him "Lord"?  No one was able to answer the question; and their questions to Him stopped after this exchange.

Matthew 22:1 - 22

Jesus pictures the coming kingdom for His followers in terms of a marriage feast given by a king for his son.  None of the invited would come.  In fact, they even treated the messengers delivering the invitations cruelly.  The king, infuriated, destroyed those who mistreated his servants.  He then tasked other servants to fill the hall with guests from all walks of life, not just those normally invited to a royal banquet.  Those who refused to attend on the king's terms were barred from the festivities.

The religious leaders, still attempting to turn public opinion against Jesus, bring up a question of taxation.  Jesus instructs them to give to Caesar the things with his inscription on it; and to give to God the things with God's inscription on it.  As bearers of the image of God, we are to give Him our lives.  No wonder the leaders marvelled at His teaching and went their way!

Matthew 21:23 - 46

Jesus' authority is questioned by the religious leaders.  Since they fear the people, they are not quick to arrest Him - hoping to avoid public rioting and protest.  In the meanwhile, Jesus teaches His followers in parables - warning them about the evils of the religious leaders - about the importance of obeying wholeheartedly and not just outwardly.

Matthew 21:1 - 22

Jesus continues His trek to Jerusalem, where He is determined to confront the religious leaders and face iminent and certain death.  Along the way, He teaches His disciples about faith and humility.  As Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem, a crowd hails His entry.  However, Jesus claims that even the rocks will cry out if the people remain silent.  How fickle the crowd will prove to be in just a few days' time.