Once again, Mark mixes two stories together. This time two daughters from very different backgrounds combine to illustrate the dynamic of faith that encounters the kingdom of heaven.
The last words of Peter in Mark's gospel are the truest words he ever spoke in that gospel. In attempting to suppress the truth about Jesus, he certainly did speak the truth about his relationship with him. What does it mean to know the Lord, and what does that mean for discipleship?
Jesus preached that the kingdom of heaven had finally drawn near. The kingdom of Satan was put on notice! His kingdom was about to be plundered, and his captives set free. The mastery of Jesus over demons could not be denied. What does it mean for the church today to preach the kingdom of heaven?
Mark mixes two stories together, another example of his 'sandwich' technique. The brutal story of the death of John the Baptist is inserted into the story of twelve disciples going on their first mission trip. Through the mixing of these stories, Mark reveals powerful truths about discipleship and mission. What is the sign of spiritual success, anyway?
The family of Jesus thinks he is insane. Religious authorities from Jerusalem accuse him of being Satan incarnate. Does nobody, friends or enemies, understand who Jesus is? Mark mixes two contradictory stories together to teach his listeners about the identity of Jesus, and what it means to be his disciple.
In Mark's gospel, nobody knows who Jesus is! Not the crowds that received His healing and heard Him teach, not the religious leaders that opposed Him, not even the disciples who were constantly with Him! How does Mark help his readers come to a knowledge of who Jesus is? What does it mean for you and me?
The Gospel of Mark gives an amazing picture of Jesus, not just as another anointed man, but nothing short of Almighty God! Knowing who Jesus is should act as a great boost in our faith, in our confidence to trust him. Listen to the majestic picture Mark draws for us in the contemplation of Jesus.
When will God come? Isaiah prophesies that God would come and make himself known. According to Mark's 'Good News' story, God fulfilled that promise in the coming of Jesus. All through Mark's narrative, Jesus 'comes'! What happens when Jesus comes?
The life of Joseph serves as such a comprehensive picture of Jesus to come. The introduction of the baker and cupbearer reveals a massive amount of light about the nature of ministry, and much about the greater Joseph to come: Jesus!
The story of the healing of Bartimaeus concludes a section in Mark's gospel concerning discipleship. In these stories, who is the real blind person? How is it that Bartimaeus could 'see' what others could not? Why did Bartimaeus follow Jesus after he received his sight? This is a powerful story of what Jesus looks for in those who would follow him!
An unidentified woman breaks into a social gathering, and proceeds to do something that shocks all who are present. She breaks an alabaster box and pours out the entire contents of an extremely expensive perfume over the head of Jesus! What a waste of resources! Or was it? What is Jesus worth to you?
In the midst of great hypocrisy in the temple, Jesus rivets his attention on the actions of an unnoticed, destitute widow. He 'calls' his disciples over to illustrate to them that everything he had been trying to teach them about following him is perfectly exemplified by this woman's actions. Are they listening?
Many will recognize this as the cry of a desperate father on behalf of his demonized son. Or does the gospel writer use the story of this distraught father as the perfect picture of the serious disease that inflicts the disciples? Which is the more serious issue, the demonized boy or the faithless disciples? To deal with the real issue, Jesus provides a graphic illustration of his death and resurrection as the basis for real faith!
In the gospel of Mark, the disciples go from their best to their worst. Resisting the teaching of Jesus concerning the cross, they begin to fail at so many levels. However, Mark illustrates many positive examples of what discipleship should look like, but none of them are from the twelve disciples! Instead, there are many 'minor' figures that appear only once in the gospel, and each of these insignificant people show true discipleship as a follower and servant of Jesus! The kingdom of heaven will find the proper response in the most unlikely people from the most unsuspecting places! May we, as disciples, take their stories to heart!
Jesus cleansed a leper instantly! Who had ever seen such a miracle? Disobeying Jesus, this leper immediately proclaims his testimony far and wide, so much so that the itinerant ministry of Jesus was forced to halt! Jesus, who was preaching throughout the synagogues of Galilee, is now forced to stay in the desolate places. The leper, who used to live in the desolate places, is now preaching in the towns! The two men have traded places. What is all this about? Did the leper really know who had healed him?
The kingdom of heaven has arrived in the person and ministry of Jesus. It is open warfare! Perhaps this was never so evident when Jesus encounters a man filled with thousands of demons. But there is no contest! Listen to this amazing story of the power of the Word of Jesus Christ, the 'Divine Warrior' spoken of by Isaiah the prophet. Jesus came to destroy the word of darkness!
Fear is a debilitating emotion. There are various degrees of fear, experienced by bot saints and sinners alike. The Bible command is 'Fear not.' Can it possibly be that simple? What clues do scripture give us to help us face this paralyzing emotion? Let us see what the men of God found within scripture did, and how it direct us to overcoming!
Despair is a step beyond, regret, sadness and depression. it is a real battle for many people. Many are surprised that this negative emotion is abundantly portrayed in the scripture. How does the Bible tell us to deal with this overwhelming sense of darkness? Is it possible to emerge from the deep darkness of despair to the bright glory of the sun? Can mourning be turned into dancing? Let us see how the saints of old cried out to God to emerge into his provision!
What happened that day on the boat on the Sea between Jesus and Peter? What was the significance of the miracle catch of fish? What was the real miracle? Learn how Jesus catches the big fisherman, who will then go on to catch men alive in the kingdom of God!
The short story of 2 Kings 4:1-7 is packed with many truths! God wants our obedience as the key to see the miracle we need. There is never a problem with God's ability to give. The problem is whether we are prepared to receive! Let this story be an inspiration to demonstrate our faith in God!