Luke 6:1 - 26

This section shows Jesus' activity on two separate Sabbaths.  At one, He is questioned by the religious leaders for allowing His disciples to work on the Sabbath by rubbing heads of grain together to get the kernels to eat.  Jesus responds by reminding the leaders that God's intent is for man to enjoy the Sabbath within its rules; and that He was the one in control of the Sabbath and its activities.

On another Sabbath, the rulers watched to see if Jesus would heal a man on the Sabbath day.  Jesus does so, citing the fact that the Sabbath was made to enjoy doing what is good.  What is better than saving and preserving life?

Luke 5:17 - 39

Jesus continues to amaze those who observe His ministry.  At one gathering, so many were present that a paralyzed man could not be brought to Jesus until his friends tore off the home's roof tiles to lower him to the feet of Jesus.  Jesus comments that, due to the man's faith, his sins have been forgiven.  The religious leaders question the ability of Jesus to do this.  Jesus gives an incredible statement of proof:  "Isn't it easier to say 'Your sins are forgiven' rather than 'Get up and walk'?  In order to let you know that I do have power to forgive sins, go ahead, get up and walk."  AND THE MAN DOES SO!  Don't be distracted by the formerly paralyzed man walking away from the building.  Understand that his walking is proof that Jesus has power to forgive sins!

Other followers are invited to join Jesus' group of disciples; and Jesus has the opportunity to remind others that only those who know they have need will seek for help.  Those who think 'all is well' will never ask for Jesus' forgiveness; thus, they will never receive what they so desperately need.

Luke 5:1 - 16

Jesus teaches the crowd by utilizing a fisherman's boat as a speaking platform.  After teaching, He assists the fishermen in taking the largest catch they had experienced.  After blessing them so profusely, He extends an invitation to these men to abandon their nets and become fishers of men.  The fishermen do so, following Jesus as His disciples.

Jesus heals a leper; and when the news spreads, Jesus withdraws from the public view.  He did not want to develop a reputation as merely a miracle healer.

Luke 4:31 - 44

The power and authority of Jesus is demonstrated in these verses.  He travels throughout the region, healing diseases, delivering those possessed by demons, teaching with an authority that was unknown to the people of that day.  Jesus left people with a memorable impression.  Many were unaware of Who He was; but they knew that He was far from ordinary.

Luke 4:1 - 30

Jesus begins His public ministry in isolation.  For forty days He fasts in the wilderness of Judea.  At the conclusion of this time, He encounters Satan himself who tempts Him to take the easy way in life.  Satan hasn't changed much, has he?  He fell from heaven due to a desire to be like God; he caused Adam and Eve to sin by promising they could be like God; now he tempts Jesus Who is fully God and fully man to lay aside humanity and act like God.  Jesus humanly faces each of these tempting tests by responding from God's Word.  He would not take the easy road; and for that I am glad.  He took the road that I need to take, the road of dependence on God and God's strength.

Returning from the desert, Jesus begins teaching in Galilee, eventually reaching His home town of Nazareth.  The people in that city could not believe that God would use someone they saw grow up in the home of a carpenter.  Jesus invited them to respond favorably to His message, warning them of the danger of refusing it; but they turned on Him, attempting to throw Him off a cliff.  Jesus left Nazareth, and would not do any further work there.  They lost an opportunity to be blessed by the Son of God.

Luke 3

Zacharias' son, John, conducts his ministry in the desert region around the Jordan River.  His message is to repent and show the fruits of repentence in one's life.  He makes specific personal applications to various groups of people that come to be baptized - i.e.  identify that they have repented in the way he is prescribing.  Jesus is One Who comes for baptism, and God Himself speaks words of approval at the occasion.  Luke then traces Jesus' genealogy on His mother's side - all the way back to Adam and God.

Luke 2:25 - 52

The childhood of Jesus is related in these verses.  There was an unusual connection between the temple and this Child.  At a very early age (8 days) He encounters a prophet and prophetess who both predict that God is doing great things in and with this Child.  As Jesus grows, He returns to the temple at age 12 and again astounds those within its walls.  This time, He is found debating with the teachers of the Law, claiming He must be "about His Father's business."  However He returns to Nazareth and continues to grow and mature.

Luke 2:1 - 24

In stark contrast to the birth of John, Jesus is born with no fanfare or celebration.  Mary and her husband, Joseph, travel to Bethlehem to be registered in the Roman census.  While in the ancestral home of their families, no relative or friend opens their home to the couple.  The child is born in the lowest of conditions in the midst of feeding cattle.  Shepherds, the social outcasts of society arrive to find exactly what angelic messengers had promised they would - the Messiah laying in a manger as a baby.  All are stunned at this!  Mary, we are told, kept careful notice of all that occurred and meditated on them; deeply considering all that God was doing in the life of this little One.

Luke 1:57 - 80

The town of Hebron celebrates the arrival of Elizabeth's son.  The wonderful provision of the Lord to this home is cause for great rejoicing.  When it comes time to name the young man, the family goes against traditional naming convention and chooses John (full of grace) as the child's name.  Zechariah, finally released from his mute condition, fills the room with a grand song of praise to God for His great grace towards His people.  John grows and becomes a great man - living in the desert places of the nation.

Luke 1:39 - 56

Mary visits her cousin, Elizabeth.  While there the two ladies rejoice over God's goodness to each of them.  Mary composes and sings a beautiful song praising God for His faithfulness to His promises in sending the promised Deliverer.

Luke 1:21 - 38

While Elizabeth, Zecharias' wife, hides the fact of her pregnancy for five months another visit is made by the angel Gabriel to the land of Israel.  This time he brings news of a coming birth to another unsuspecting candidate.  Instead of a barren older woman, he carries news to an unwed young woman.  Mary is stated to have found favor with God; He has chosen her to give birth to the One who will be called the Son of the Highest.  The physical impossibilities will be no difficulty for God, Who makes all things possible.  Mary, overwhelmed at the thought, submits herself to God's plan for her life.

Luke 1:1 - 20

Luke begins his record by stating that he has carefully searched out as many records and witnesses as were available in the preparation of his writing.  The research put into this is fitting for a man of his station (a physician).

Luke begins the story of Jesus' life by recounting the events leading up to His birth.  Before Jesus was born, there was a son born to the barren wife of a faithful priest.  The angel, Gabriel, told faithful Zacharias that his wife would bear a son that would fulfill the prophecy of Malachi - given some 400 years prior - to prepare the way for the coming Deliverer.  Because of the incredulity displayed by Zacharias, he is struck mute until all the angel has declared comes to pass.

Mark 16

Those who were nearest to Jesus when He died went at their first opportunity to honor His body as it lay entombed.  When they arrived, they found that Jesus had risen from the dead.  This seemed almost unbelievable, until Jesus began appearing to them in physical form over a period of 40 days.  After that, He ascended into heaven having given His followers instructions to declare the good news to everyone.  He is alive today!

Mark 15:26 - 47

Jesus' death by crucifixion is outlined in these verses.  The physical agony suffered is not covered in great detail; but the emotional agony is.  Abandoned by His followers, humiliated by His fellow countrymen, mocked by those who came near Him, ridiculed by those crucified near Him, and - worst of all - forsaken by His Heavenly Father.  The physical and emotional agony was immense and intense; but the spiritual results are of such an impact that they are still being felt today!  It began with the centurion's declaration "Truly this was the Son of God!"  It was seen by many as the temple veil was torn top to bottom.  It brushed up against the lives of those who had seen Him just hours ago, as Pilate is told of Jesus' death by Joseph, who requested the body for burial.  For many, the events of that day were seen as an end; but it was only the beginning.

Mark 15:1 - 25

Jesus is taken to Pilate, the Roman governor, for a trial as the Jews were not authorized to issue execution decisions.  Pilate attempts to learn what Jesus' crime is; but the crowd being incited by the religious leaders calls for His execution.  Jesus is taken to the place of execution to be crucified and the process of execution begins.

Mark 14:54 - 72

Peter follows at a safe distance to see what will happen to the arrested prophet from Nazareth.  Throughout a thrown-together trial, Jesus maintains His composure and the witnesses against Him cannot agree on any charge that might be held against Him.  Jesus responds affirmatively to a direct question regarding His identity as the Messiah, upon which the charge of blasphemy is leveled against Him.  He is judged worthy to be executed.

Meanwhile, Peter is identified as one who follows Jesus.  In trying to keep his identity secret, he denies knowing Jesus three times - exactly as Jesus had predicted would happen.

Mark 14:27 - 43

Jesus begins a long night of agony.  He foretells His followers' betrayal and abandonment; Peter declares he will never leave, although before the night is through he will deny knowing Jesus three times.  Jesus then goes to pray and finds that none of His followers are able to stay awake with Him.  Judas and his band of conspirators arrive and arrest Jesus, taking Him before the religious leaders.

Mark 14:1 - 26

Jesus spends the last two days of His earthly life in and around the cities of Jerusalem and Bethany.  While there, He continues to instruct His followers about the nature of the coming kingdom; that it is not made of the ones that culture would expect.  Thieves, beggars, the scum of society will find their places in this kingdom - not because of their worth but because of the worthiness that He gives to them.  All this highlights the glory and power of Jesus; He alone can make a person worthy of entrance into His kingdom.

This news is too much for one follower, who agrees with the religous leaders and begins to plan for a betrayal and arrest.  At least one of Jesus' followers came to the conclusion that this kingdom was not what they assumed it to be; it was time for Jesus to be moved aside.  Even this decision shows God's remarkable plan.

Mark 13:21 - 37

Jesus reminds His follower of the certainty of the Kingdom, while at the same time reminding them that the timing of the arrival of the Kingdom is unknown.  Those who claim to have "inside knowledge" and "secret revelation" about the day, date, hour or even year of His return are lying.  Jesus' own words are "do not believe it."  God does not reveal that information, so that all will be vigilant at all times.  It could be today!

Mark 13:1 - 20

The followers of Jesus ask Him some pointed questions about the future.  When will certain events occur?  How will we know when to expect what?  These are questions that many still ask today.  Jesus' response was to not worry about the events themselves; their mission was to endure faithfully.  The promised Holy Spirit would guide them through even the most difficult events and provide protection for them.  The observant obedient follower would be well-prepared, for his preparation would not be based on the events around him, but the work done within him.

Mark 12:28 - 44

Jesus continues to amaze the religious leaders as He anwers their questions accurately and without reference to other teachers.  He states that the greatest commandments are to love the one true God with all ones being, and to love one's neighbor as one's self.  A scribe accurately discerns how true this is, and Jesus tells him he is not far from the kingdom.

How many people are like that scribe today?  They have an understanding, an awareness of the deep truths of God and His kingdom, yet have still not entered into it.  What a precarious place they occupy - enough knowledge to make an informed decision but not enough wisdom to make the correct decision.

Mark 12:1 - 27

Jesus speaks directly against the religious leaders, comparing them to murderous tenants of a king's vineyard who refuse to respect the lord of the manor.  Knowing He referred to them, the leaders desired to seize Him, but would not because they were unsure of how the crowd would respond.  They send some from their groups to try to catch Him in a error of logic or a conflicting statement concerning taxes and the future.  In each instance, Jesus responds with diplomacy, directness and a clear understanding of God's Word that leaves the questions answered without any conflict caused with His earlier statements.

Mark 11:19 - 33

Jesus' power and authority are still being questioned.  As Jesus and His followers make their way into the city, the followers are amazed at how quickly Jesus' power takes effect, as evidenced by a fig tree He had cursed the day before.  Jesus teaches that faith does not need to be great to be effective.  His authority is also questioned by the religious authorities.  Rather than clearly state to them the Source of His authority (which they would have denied as possible), He asked them to clarify their current knowledge of authority.  Failing to do so disqualified them from learning more about God's authority.

Mark 11:1 - 18

Jesus heads to Jerusalem for the upcoming Passover feast.  As He enters, a procession welcomes Him with cries of Messianic blessing - announcing Him as the awaited Messiah.  Jesus spends the next few days teaching in the city, impressing the crowds with His understanding of God and the Law, and stirring fear in the minds of the religious leaders with His understanding of God and the Law.  Events are leading to their culmination.

Mark 10:32 - 52

Once again, Jesus tells His followers of His impending betrayal, death and resurrection.  The disciples, probably figuring that NOW is a good time to lay plans for the future (especially if Jesus is going to rise - as they assume - to power), begin to ask for places of prominence in the coming kingdom.  Jesus states that giving places of distinction in the kingdom is not His place of responsibility.  The key to greatness in His kingdom is to be the servant of all.

To illustrate this, Jesus stoops to heal one of the least-productive members of society:  a blind man.  The faith of this blind man in Jesus' power to heal is what brings about his healing.

Mark 10:1 - 31

Jesus continues instructing His followers in the laws of God.  While they had heard many things from the rabbis and other teachers in their youth, Jesus was able to get straight to the heart of the matter.  On the subject of divorce, Jesus taught that God's plan was for a man and woman to become one flesh for a lifetime.  On the subject of children, Jesus taught that God places a high priority on children, especially their faith and trust.  When a discussion was raised about gaining eternal life, Jesus makes the point that, in order to lay hold of eternal life, all else must be abandoned.  Those who forsake all and throw themselves completely on God's mercy will find not only a relationship with Him, but great blessing for doing so.

Mark 9:30 - 50

Jesus instructs His followers about the seriousness of sin and the secret to true greatness.  Sin should be taken so seriously that if permanently maiming oneself would be an effective means of curtailing sin it should be done.  Jesus' other teachings highlight the fact, however, that it is the heart of man that causes sin not an eye or foot.

One phrase caught my attention as I read.  It's found in verse 32, after Jesus begins to tell His followers about the necessity of His betrayal and death.  "...they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him."  What a brief yet telling look into the minds and attitudes of those who closely followed the Lord Jesus!  They were in the very physical presence of the One Who could explain for them in great detail what was true about the situation they faced, yet they refused because they were afraid to admit their own ignorance.  Ignorance, pride and fear are a dangerous combination.  How often they creep into my own life, and maybe even yours.  What are you afraid to ask the Lord to explain?  In what area are you fearful to ask for direction?

Mark 9:1 - 29

Jesus continues to demonstrate His amazing power and person.  After promising His followers that some would see the glory of the Kingdom prior to their death, He takes three of them to a private place in the mountains where He is transfigured before them.  That's a word we hardly use anymore, so think of the metamorphosis process.  His appearance was drastically and totally altered, so that they could see the glory that He truly possessed.  These three followers (Peter, James and John) would never be the same after that incident.  Read their written works elsewhere in the New Testament and see how that theme of God's glory in Jesus permeates their thoughts!

Rejoining the group of followers, Jesus and the three are confronted by a crowd assembled to watch the followers of Jesus attempt to exorcise a demon from a child.  Their failed attempts only highlighted the fact that Jesus alone has the power over the universe and its forces.  The child is delivered; the followers learn another lesson about dependence on Christ.

Mark 8

This chapter is full of conversations that are misunderstood by the participants.  The disciples, after seeing Jesus feed over 4,000 with only 7 loaves of bread misunderstand His warnings about the leavening qualities of the religious leaders and think He is upset because they haven't brought enough provisions!  Jesus could certainly provide for their physical needs.  Perhaps to illustrate this point, when they encounter a blind man, Jesus restores the man's sight to him.  Jesus then asks His followers what the public opinion is of Him, and follows up by asking whom they think He is.  Peter correctly identifies Jesus as the promised Messiah; but misunderstands how that role will be fulfilled.  Jesus instructs His followers to clearly understand the cost of following Him.

Mark 7:14 - 37

The incredible power of faith is demonstrated in this passage.  Jesus begins with a conversation about what really makes a person unclean.  It is not the rituals followed or the regulations kept; but the heart attitude that makes a person unclean before God.  Only the heart of faith will be clean.  Jesus then encounters a woman not of the Jewish faith.  A daughter is healed because of her mother's incredible faith in the power of Jesus of Nazareth.  A deaf-mute man has his ears and mouth opened as a direct result of his faith in Jesus.  In what condition is YOUR faith?

Mark 7:1 - 13

The disciples (those who followed Jesus) were criticized for their failure to follow the established traditions of the Jewish faith.  The religious leaders assumed that this failure was due to the teaching of their rabbi, Jesus; they questioned Him about the failures of His followers.  Jesus responded with an extraordinary comment - that God is more impressed with the attitude of the heart than the action of the jaw.  It is more important to draw near to God with the heart than to just claim to follow Him without any supporting actions.