Take Two: Mark 16, Proverbs 26

In theological circles, Mark 16 is one of the more heavily debated. This is due to some textual variants between different archaeological finds. Let me briefly explain.

As you may know, we do not have any "original autographs" of the Scripture. This does not mean that we do not have the Scriptures, just that we have no originals. We have thousands of copies, so there really is no legitimate question about what the originals say in 99% of the Bible. Mark 16 is one of those chapters that is disputed. Some of the earliest manuscripts stop after verse 8. Others have verse 20 (the short ending) immediately following verse 8. Some later dated manuscripts have vv.9-19 in the position that they are here. As such, theologians have debated on whether vv.9-19 are in fact part of Mark's inspired work. No one can scientifically verify either way; however, if you want an opinion, I think that it is part of the original text. Here are a couple of "simplified reasons."

• First, the ending of the gospel after verse 8 would eliminate any resurrection appearances. All of the other gospels include a resurrection appearance. (Pretty important element of our theological beliefs.)
• Second, the language style in vv.9-20 bears similarities with the other passages of Mark.
• Third, there is no dispute about any of the details in the section, meaning that no "new" theology or otherwise unsubstantiated concepts are proposed in this section.
• Fourth, there is no overwhelming reason to reject the "long ending."
• Fifth, due to the reverence given to the Scriptures, it seems unlikely that a later copyist would add such an extended passage and try to pass it off as the original.

Those who oppose the "long ending" make a good argument for their position...but not overwhelming. HERE IS WHAT WE CAN TAKE FROM THIS today. Every idea/event mentioned in the "long ending" is also mentioned or supported elsewhere. If I am going to make a point from the "long ending," and it is disputed, I just cross-reference and make it from another passage as well. I have every confidence that there is no reason to question the authenticity or veracity of the Gospel of Mark...even though we may have some rational disputes on these 11 verses.

Back to the text:

In Mark 16:1-3 we see the ladies preparing to go and anoint/prepare Jesus' body for burial. From this, we can be certain that He was buried very late of Friday (close to 6PM), because if there had been time, He would have been prepared before closing the tomb. In Mark 16:4-6 we see that the women came to anoint a dead body and only found an empty tomb and an Angel. They came to serve Jesus and found that He cared for Himself. Mark 16:4 uses the "divine passive" when it states that the stone "had been" rolled away. This refers to a God-activity. GOD NEEDS NO SERVANTS. He is self-sufficient and self-satisfying.

Mark 16:7-8 gives the instructions from the angel for the women to tell the disciples...but it seems that they left and told no one (if you think it ends there). Mark 16:9-10 tells us that they did go to tell the disciples AS THE ANGEL HAD INSTRUCTED. Mark 16:12-19 give several resurrection appearances and also the commission to preach Christ to all creation (Mark 16:15). Some dispute is made over Mark 16:17-18 (the accompanying signs).

Since the modern Pentecostal movement, much attention has been given to a belief that this is a continuing promise and ability given to all Christ followers. Many people have died of snake bites trying to claim this verse as a continuing promise. Certainly the Apostolic witnesses were attested to by these signs; however, I do not believe that every believer of all times is given the ability and responsibility to heal the sick, speak in tongues, cast out demons, and take up serpents. In fact, I don't encourage taking up serpents except in small bites...with a little tabasco sauce to kill the "wild taste." (OOOOHHHHH! No he didn't just say that! Yes he did!!)

Proverbs 26:21 is the takeaway today. Contentious people are the fuel that strife lives off of. Show me dispute or division...and I will show you one or more people who thrive off of being "contrary," right in the middle of the dispute.

BEGINNING TOMORROW, we will be taking up the OT Book of Ruth. See you there!

Take Two: Mark 15, Proverbs 25

If you are familiar with the Easter Story, you may be tempted to "gloss over" this chapter due to its familiarity. We all have a tendency to do this with familar stories. However, this is the most significant event in the life of a Christ-follower.


In Mark 15:1-15, we encounter the exchange before Pilate. He is the local political authority. When Jesus was brought before him, Pilate recognized that the motives of the accusers (which he did not particularly appreciate) were wrong. Still, part of Pilate's job performance review by Caesar is based on how well he keeps the peace. Jesus admits to the charges that He is the King of the Jews, that it...the awaited Messiah (Mk 15:2). Pilate saw nothing in this that caused him to desire or demand Jesus' death. In fact, many people in the world today look at Jesus the same way. They are aware of His claims, yet since it does not apply to them, they see no need to consider it further.


Pilate wanted the situation to go away quietly. He knew that the religious leaders were behind the trouble before him (Mark 15:10). After being unable to win the crowd over to another solution, Pilate yielded to the voice of the CROWD and gave Jesus to be crucified (Mark 15:15).


Mark 15:16-21 speaks of the scourging that occurred prior to Jesus being sent to the cross. Remember that crucifixion was the most severe of punishments and the carrying out of the sentence was brutal. The violent nature of the crucifixion served as a deterrent to "would be" criminals.


Mark 15:22-37 details the "cross event." Jesus was stripped of all of his clothing (they cast lots for it). He was then nailed to the cross through both hands and feet. This is a public spectacle that was difficult to watch...and was comparatively more brutal in his case. While on the cross, He was insulted, mocked, and challenged. Any self-interest would have resulted in retaliation, yet Jesus had only one interest, that of completing the task of the Father...to satisfy the wrath of God against sin. In Mark 15:33, the text says that the day became dark from 12 noon to 3PM. At 3, Jesus cried out to God in Aramaic. "My God, My God...why have you forsaken Me.

The word "lama" which is translated "why" has more than one function. It is used at times as a question/interrogative. (ex: Why is this happening? Why am I here?, etc.) In this case, its use is DEMONSTRATIVE rather than interrogative. (Demonstrate/show why you have forsaken me.) Jesus is not crying out in a pitiful voice wondering how things got to this point...He is crying out, knowing that the end is coming... and asking the Father to show the world what this death has accomplished.

Mark 15:38 is the answer. When Jesus died, the veil which separated the presence of God from the people was torn in two from the top to the bottom. Now, there was nothing that separated the people from God. Before, only the priest could pass through the veil on behalf of the people. Now, Jesus becomes the gateway (the new veil) to God and people approach God, not through a priest and a veil, but through our new High Priest (Jesus) and His sacrifice alone. Even the statement of the Gentile Centurion, upons seeing how Jesus died, declared that Jesus was the "Son of God" (Mark 15:40).


Mark 15:42-47 details how Joseph, a member of the rulers and a believer in Christ received permission to bury Jesus before the Sabbath (which began at 6PM on Friday night.) This is the first day in the tomb (Friday). No one could attend to Jesus on the Sabbath (since work was prohibited on the Sabbath/ Saturday- the second day). We will resume the story tomorrow...with the following morning, Sunday- the third day.


Proverbs 25:4 is the takeaway today. Becoming what God has called us to be is more often about what we take away (the impurities/dross), than about what we add. Sometimes we think we NEED to learn more, add more, do more...when what God really wants to do is subtract some elements in our lives that are impurities. The Holy Spirit is all about surfacing stuff we need to forsake. Becoming a useful vessel is, in many cases, simply yielding and forsaking, leaving the useful vessel part for Jesus to mold and shape.

Take Two: Mark 14, Proverbs 24

At Simon's home in Bethany, the disciples were having dinner. Mary came in and broke open her alabaster jar of perfume and anointed Jesus with it (Mark 14:1-3). This caused quite a stir since it was common for a "common person" in Jesus' day, to save up all of her life for her burial perfume. What she poured out cost around 300 denarii (1 years wages for a common laborer). In our state (Florida), the minimum wage is presently $7.21/hr. So, based on a 40 hour work week, the amount in today's terms is right at $15,000. Not only was it costly, but the perfume was saved so that a body could be covered with it after death. The perfume would cover the stench produced as the body decomposed, since there was no practice for preservation. (Now you know why Martha was concerned when Jesus told them to re-open Lazarus' grave! She thought that the body would already be decaying and that the smell would be overwhelming.)

So Mary's gift was not only one of great expense, but also one of great humility (Mark 14:4-9). As such, her act is an ongoing testimony for all of us. This is the model of devotion, humility, sacrifice...WORSHIP that we are given as an example.

In Mark 14:12-26 we see the last passover and its evolution to the Lord's Supper. The bread that Jesus broke was the piece of unleaven bread which is hidden in the beginning of the meal and rediscovered/found at the end of the meal. In the same way that the bread was hidden and then came to light again, so Jesus' Body would be buried and resurrected. (This is My Body...takes on new significiance). The Cup was the Cup of Blessing which is the last cup of the passover. Jesus said that the blessing of God was the New Covenant in His Blood.

In Mark 14:27-51, we see Jesus' prophesy that the disciples would all abandon Him. Peter protests, but ultimately does exactly as Jesus stated. Notice though, that the disciples never intended to fail Christ. They did not set out with limited commitment. They were absolutely committed in their strength; however, their strength was insufficient for the task.

Jesus' "mock" trial and Peter's denial is recorded in Mark 14:53-72. Much confusion has come about through the years over verse 71. Some believe that when Peter "cursed," that he used profanity. Not so. He emphatically denied Jesus and swore by a curse (i.e. "I swear this, and if I am lying, may I lose everything that I have, -or- may I die the death of a beggar"). The point is not his choice of words, but that he progressively denied even knowing Jesus to the point of the strongest and most emphatic denial possible.

(Interesting to me that Jesus knew this in advance, told Peter in advance, and chose Peter anyway to be the powerful preacher of Pentecost.)

Proverbs 24:17-18 is the takeaway today. I was reminded in reading this how we often take "disagreement" personally. Someone told me this week that he was going to work against a particular politician in the next election (in a couple of years). I wondered how one could pray effectively for this leader and support any of his decisions in the future if he has already decided BASED ON ONE VOTE that the man is unworthy of his support. I disagreed with the vote as well...but does it have to be personal? The official's vote is just one of many wrong votes...if God's people do not intercede for him and beg God to convict his heart and guide him in the paths of righteousness. Did this man become our enemy? Is He evil? Are we to hope for his failure...by not praying for his success and usefulness in this season? We are called to think differently and to weep with the calamity that befalls those who live outside of the blessing of God.

Take Two: Mark 13, Proverbs 23

Chapter 13 is a brief teaching on the "tribulation" or "great tribulation." In Eschatology (study of "end times"), the tribulation period precedes the Second Coming of Christ. The subject came up because the disciple commented on how magnificent the temple was (Mark 13:1-2). Jesus told them that it would be utterly destroyed. That was hard to reconcile since it was an impressive building. Not like a church you may meet in now. It was huge...with incredible stone walls and magnificent decor. To put it in perspective, it would be like someone telling you that one day "Mt. Rushmore" will be leveled and there will be no hint of a President's face anywhere. (Kind of hard to get our heads around that).

Some of the disciples (Peter and Andrew, James and John) asked Jesus when this amazing feat would occur that He just spoke of. (Mark 13:3-4). Jesus told them that there would be many "false starts" or "missed cues" about the beginning of the tribulation (Mark 13:5-8). He seems to be saying that a number of people would falsely believe that the tribulation had come...or that some would seek to gain notoriety by claiming they knew when it was coming. (How true it is...anyone remember Y2K...for example?)

Jesus said that before the end would come, the tribulation would intensify and it would be a crime to be a Christian/witness. This persecution of believers would not stomp out the movement...since Christ proclaimed that the gospel will be preached to all nations/people group/ethnic peoples), (Mark 13:10). Further, the turmoil and strife will intensify until relatives are turning one another in to find relief or to gain an upper hand (Mark 13:11-13). Many will think that the times are futile...but those who endure will be saved (v.13).

Mark 13:14-19 describes the time of the anti-Christ (a world figure/messiah-type person) who will organize the people against God and against things of God, particularly the Jew. This person will ultimately lead an effort to exterminate Christians and Jews from the planet and will set himself up as god...arguably in the temple in Jerusalem (v.14). It may seem that his reign is everlasting and that hope will never come, but Christ tells the disciples that God has intentionally set a limit (42 months) on this one's power. His reign will end when Christ Himself comes again to make war against him (Mark 13:24-27).

Remember, the disciples wanted to know "when" this would occur. Jesus gives them the answer, both in parable and directly. They are to discern the times (as they discern the producing of fruit on the fig tree) (Mark 13:28-32). Just as you can look at a tree and know with some accuracy "about" when it will bear fruit...one should be able to observe the times and do likewise.

Mark 13:33-37 is Jesus telling the disciples that they will not know in advance exactly when. They are to be as a watchman awaiting the return of his master. Every day that goes by when the master has not yet arrived, should intensify the anticipation and cause them to be more expectant and aware of the hour. So...they are to be on the alert!

The anticipation of Christ's return was a rallying point for these early followers. As such, they were vibrant and zealous witnesses of Christ. They pursued the mission and did not cling too tightly to what they had...believeing that they would be leaving it behind soon, as they were gathered to be with Jesus. I wonder (at times) if that is not the issue with the church today. Could it be that we don't "really" believe in a soon coming Jesus? Is it that we think that since it has been so long...that we have an infinite amount of time to settle up and prepare? The disciples knew that each passing hour meant one less hour before His coming. They lived as children waiting on Christmas...10 days to go! 9 days to go! 8 days to go!....

Proverbs 23:4 is the takeaway today. The verse is not an admonition against providing for oneself or one's family. It is an admonition against living for things. Things are necessary...and things are even good. Things bring comfort and pleasure. However, things are not a reason to live. Things have an allure to them that draws us away from that which is important. I tell people all the time to avoid that which tempts them to sin. If that is lust...stay off the beach. If that is food...stay away from restaurants. If that is shopping...shop online. If that is...well you get the point. When we desire wealth...we have tendency to take our eyes of that which is truly important. Soon...we have been lured away from what was meaningful, and left only with things that can never truly satisfy.

Take Two: Mark 12, Proverbs 22

In the opening parable in the chapter, Jesus teaches of the coming judgment of those who were poor stewards of the vineyard (Mark 12:1-12). This parable was given in the hearing of the Pharisees and they fully understood that Jesus was speaking to and about them. They took what was given them, the world as a vineyard, which was intended to produce from the vine for the vineyard owner (God). After rejecting the servants of the Owner/God, they ultimately killed the Son of the Owner/God. Had they finally accomplished their task? No. The Vineyard Owner was coming again to exercise judgment and give the vineyard to others whom He chose (Mark 12:9).

In Mark 12:13-17, Jesus is confronted by some who would try to trick Him into a public statement of anarchy. He recognized them for that they were and responded in a way that made them marvel.

Mark 12:18-27 is a picture of the Sadducees. They were devout religious people who did not believe in the resurrection. They present one of the theological questions that "justified" for them why there was no resurrection. Since there could be no answer (in their mind) that was consistent with their understanding of God's Word, then there must not be a resurrection. Jesus' response was simplistic in that He told them that they had too narrow of a view of the Kingdom.

It is funny...I have had to answer this question for some "Baptists" over the years. They thought of marriage as "the point." They considered that divorce and remarriage...or marrying after being widowed or a widower would create some type of "domestic" disturbance in heaven. The truth is...marriage on this earth is a wonderful institution/covenant which foreshadows the ultimate marriage between a Christ-follower and the Christ. We know one another in heaven...but we are so enamored with the Lord, that He is our only focus. He is the Point!

Mark 12:28-34 contains Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandment. Mark 12:35-40 is a strong afront toward the scribes. Jesus points out an apparent inconsistency in the approach of the scribes. The great king, King David, would have a throne that lasted forever; yet, David called the Messiah (in the Spirit), who was his descendent, "Lord." David did not take a position of superiority, but one of humility. Jesus was pointing out that if the scribes "truly" understood the nature of God and the calling of God's people, they would not walk about as elitists, but as humble servants (Mark 12:38-40).
THIS IS A POINT OF WARNING/APPLICATION: Sometimes Christians can begin to look at the world as though "we have arrived" or that "we are 'chosen'," or that we are somehow better off than others. The nature of being a Christ-follower is not one of superiority and pridefulness, but one of humility before God and service in the world.

This is seen in the final parable of the chapter (Mark 12:41-44). Jesus calls the disciples to observe that a widow has given two pennies to the temple treasury. He then tells them that she has given more than anyone since she gave from her poverty (all that she had), while others had given from their abundance (from their comfort/excess only). The giving was related to the heart and not the amount. The credit was based on the heart position and not the size of the gift. The HEART was observed by the level of sacrifice of the giver. It was NOT POSSIBLE for those who gave from their surplus to claim that they loved God so much that they gave large amounts of money to Him. Jesus said they gave less than the widow. In God's economy, the level of sacrifice is directly tied to the level of devotion. No sacrifice, no devotion. Limited sacrifice, limited devotion. Total sacrifice (regardless of amount) is total devotion.

Proverbs 22:2 is the takeaway today. As I read this, especially in reflection of the principle taught above, I am reminded that God is God of both the rich and the poor. He does not love or value one more than the other. We cannot say that He blesses the rich more than the poor. God does not respect/choose one man over another in this way. God does entrust people as stewards of His creation. He does entrust people with a Stewardship of His Mission...a divine cooperation. Often times (not always), wealth is a function of stewardship. As Lord of all...God has the same rights to the wealth of the rich man as He does the poor man.

Take Two: Mark 11, Proverbs 21

Chapter 11 begins the final section of this gospel. Almost 40% of Mark's gospel is dedicated to "Passion Week;" that is, the week preceeding the crucifixion and Resurrection. From the amount of detail displayed here in this gospel, it is clear that Mark is emphasizing that this is the main point of Jesus' earthly ministry. He gives no attention to Jesus' life before His baptism. He summarizes three years in ten chapters. He focuses on the last week of Jesus life, death, and resurrection in five chapters. Brooks gives us a good summary of the timeline for the week:

Unlike the previous part of the Gospel, the passion narrative is characterized
by specific time references. At its beginning the events are set forth as having
taken place on three distinct days: 11:1–11, 12–19, 20ff. No indication is given
in 11:27–13:37 of where the third day ended. The next indication of time is in
14:1, which states that when the Passover was “two days away” the authorities
conspired further against Jesus. The following day preparation was made for the
Passover meal (14:12), and it was eaten that evening (14:17). The crucifixion
took place the next morning (15:1, 25) and the death and burial that afternoon
(15:33, 42). The day of the crucifixion was the day of preparation for the
Sabbath (15:42), i.e., Friday. The resurrection took place on the day after the
Sabbath (16:1), i.e., Sunday.
{James A. Brooks, vol. 23, Mark, electronic e., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 176.}

The timeline helps keep the week in perspective. Mark 11:1-11 is the entry to the city that we celebrate as Palm Sunday. Here we see Jesus' prophesy and instructions to the disciples...right down to the colt's location and what to say.

In Mark 11:12-14, (Monday) Jesus cursed the "fig tree" that had its fullness of leaves but no fruit. The implication is a prophesy against the religion of the Pharisees. Mark 11:20-26 is a record the next day (Tuesday), when the party traveled that way again and the tree was withered. As unusual as it was for the tree to have fullness of foliage and no fruit, it was also unusual for it to have withered in a day. Peter points this out and Jesus tells him that the ingredient is faith.

Unfortunately, we live in a world where "health, wealth, and prosperity preaching" demands that I stop and explain a bit. Passages like this (according to some) place the accomplishment of events squarely on the measure of faith of the one asking. If you truly believe, God will do it. This is a mischaracterization of God's Word which happens when we try to take individual verses and isolate them from the rest of Scripture. This is why I constantly prompt our church to study the Word and develop a theology from the Scriptures.

The relationship of faith and answered prayer has everything to do with knowing who God is, what He desires to see done, and agreeing with Him in asking for it. We never propose something to God in prayer that He has not thought of or has a particular desire for. Thank God that He doesn't always answer the prayers that I pray. Sometimes my prayers are not for the "best" things. This does not mean I go around praying generic prayers, "God, let your will be done...whatever that is." (There are times in which I do pray this way, but it is the exception, not the norm.) Thank God that His answers do not depend on whether I have sterling faith or not (See Mark 9:14-29). Faith is essential. We must believe that God is able and that He has a purpose/plan, and that He answers the prayers of His people. We, however, are not the key to the answer...God ALONE is the key.

How do I explain the Mark passage? Jesus discerned that the Father wanted to demonstrate the futility of the religious practice of the Pharisees. Discerning this, He pronounced a curse on the tree and it was carried out...demonstrating EXACTLY what the Father desired. (See John 5:19, John 14:10-12).

Mark 11:27-33 closes the chapter. Jesus was causing a "stir" in Jerusalem and the religious leaders wanted it stopped. They tried again to trip Him up. Jesus answered in a characteristic manner. They asked by whose authority He was acting. He replied by confronting them with their own unbelief. They refused to give an honest answer, so He refused to answer them.

Proverbs 21:31 is the takeaway today. The partnership in victory is a cooperation. Man prepares...and God delivers. If the horse were never prepared, there is no reason to suspect that God would bring victory. If God does not bring the victory, there is no reason to believe that man's preparation will be sufficient. It is a divine cooperation.

Take Two: Mark 10, Proverbs 20

Did I mention that Mark goes fast? I had to read the chapter a couple of times this morning. It is like trying to take a "sip" from a fire hydrant!

In Mark 10:1-12 Jesus answers the Pharisees on the subject of divorce. If you read this and thought His answer was a bit ambiguous, consider the context. We miss it without a little background. The Pharisees were typically divided into two "camps" on the subject. One group believed that a man could divorce his wife for displeasing him. They were very subjective. It could be that she "let herself go" in appearance, stopped cleaning the house, watched too much "Oprah" or that she wrecked the car. Any reason...if it was important to the man...it was good enough. The second camp held to a more rigid understanding of the text. They held that divorce was only "legal"/valid when she had committed sexual immorality. (The Greek word- Porneia, where we get the English-pornography). This may include any sexual infidelity...whether homosexuality, adultery, etc.

The goal of the Pharisees was to get Jesus to commit to one side or the other-- thus alienating the other camp. {The best way to destroy a guy...is to divide his "support base" until he is in the minority...then take him out. }

Jesus hit them in the stomach though. He changed the question. He stated that they were asking when it was legal, when the real question was why they would even pursue it when God made marriage an indissoluable union (i.e. a one way ticket, a forever promise, etc.). Jesus pointed out that the Mosaic provision for a Certificate was only given when the hearts of the people were so hardened (a product of sin) that they would not yield to God. The Certificate of divorce was a protection measure to insure that the woman would not be abandoned. (She had little standing in community and was dependent for livelihood on her husband. If he did not provide, without the Certificate...she could not even remarry...thus she was doomed.)

Sometimes, we as Christians ask the wrong questions too. Do I tithe on the gross or the net? How much drinking is allowed as "social" before it becomes drunkenness? How many times do I have to forgive? At what point is enough, enough...in my marriage?

Mark 10:17-31 is an interesting exchange with the rich young ruler (Pharisee). (One of my friends thinks this is the Apostle Paul early on. Interesting thought...but I don't know.) The ruler wanted to know what he had to do to be righteous with God. When Jesus gave him the commandments, the ruler claimed that he had kept them perfectly. Jesus pressed the issue to the "heart" of the matter. The man placed great trust in his own possessions. Jesus told him to forsake those things and trust God alone to provide. The man went away sorrowful.

We as Christians often do the same thing in our journey. We are confronted with sin and consider forsaking it; but, we decide that we cannot live without the comfort that the sin provides. So, we go away sorrowful. As believer though...rest assured...God will not let you get away with that. (Speaking both biblically and experientially!) He will not allow you and I to become content with a second rate salvation. He will chip away at our defenses and give incentive...until we are willing to yield that area of our lives. At that point, we are ready to move forward and experience the "abundant life" of John 10:10.

Mark 10:32-45 speaks of the coming crucifixion. Jesus tells His disciples exactly what is coming and how. This will serve to strengthen their faith and affirm that things did not "get out of hand" at Calvary...but were the expressed and intended will of God. Beginning in Mark 10:35-45, Jesus speaks of the model of servant leadership. Non-believers DEMAND authority. Believers YIELD authority.

(As a sidenote...this is why I "shake my head" many times when people refuse to follow the direction that a church's leadership takes. To refuse to submit is to act as non-believers. Non-believers demand their rights, while believers yield under lawful authority and depend on God to defend them. So when someone says, "I am leaving because I don't like so-and-so, or I can't submit to the direction the pastor is going" They are saying that they are demanding their rights. My rights...and the rights of every believer...were nailed to the cross at Calvary. I gave all that I had there...both my sin and my right to make demands. When Jesus said, Take up your cross and follow Me, He did not give me a vote. This was His way...and I either yielded or rebelled. There was no middle ground.)

The chapter closes with "blind Bart" receiving his sight. (Mark 10:46-52) He "pitched a fit" (as my Grandmother was fond of saying) when he heard that Jesus was coming into town. Even though people tried to quiet him, he pressed on until Jesus called him forward. He knew what he wanted (sight) and he asked for it. Jesus granted it according to his faith.

There is no "receiving from Jesus" until we know what we want (i.e. we are convicted of our sin and broken fellowship with God resulting from it), and ask Him for it (i.e. ask for forgiveness and yield to His Lordship in our lives) in faith.

Proverbs 20:18 is the takeaway today. There is wisdom in planning. We are called to live disciplined lives. As people who have emotions, we must be all too aware that, at times, we can become "driven" by our emotions. This is why it is important to seek guidance and accountability (assistance) when making big decisions in our lives. We don't need to seek counsel on whether or not to lie, to confront evil...or to tithe, go to church, or read the Bible. The Scripture is clear. We do need (often times) to seek counsel before running out and doing something that is less than clear (when to get married, job changes, major purchases, educational pursuits, etc.). Is that a "legal" requirement? NO! But it has proven to be a step wisely taken for me. Sometimes I miss my own blindspots...and God has placed people around me to help me see them...and avoid the pitfalls hidden from my sight by those blindspots.

Grace,

Take Two: Mark 9, Proverbs 19

Chapter 9 begins with the transfiguration. Mark 9:2-8 relates that Jesus went up the mountain with his inner circle of disciples (Peter, James, and John). This was a special time of revelation for these men, since represented on the mountain were Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets)...and Jesus (the Son of God). In Mark 9:5, Peter decides to break the silence...mostly because he was overwhelmed and did not know what to say. He told Jesus that it was good to be there and that they should make three tabernacles...one for each (Moses, Elijah, and Jesus).

The tabernacle is the place of meeting with God. While each man represented a different era (or if you are a student of Eschatology {i.e. "end-times theology"}, different "dispensations") there is something unique about Jesus. The testimony from God (Mark 9:7) is that Jesus is uniquely God's Son and the purveyor of truth on relating to God. Both Elijah and Moses were honored...but Jesus was the One God pointed to and instructed Peter to listen to. This is because Jesus was the substance of the message preached in the Law and in the Prophets. He is God's Messiah.

Mark 9:9-13 speaks of John the Baptist. He is the one who came in the spirit of Elijah. The disciples wanted to know how to process their new information with what had been taught by the Scribes. Jesus did not discount the information taught by the Scribes...only related that they missed the "person" that their teachings pointed to.

Mark 9:14-29 gives an interesting account of a healing Jesus performed. Let me make a quick observation. I have met and "read" people who are convinced that this is a boy who had epilepsy and not a demon. They explain it in very scientific ways and then condescend to tell me that it is only explained as "demonic" because they did not have the knowledge to call it what it was. They are wrong in their assessment. How can I be so arrogant as to call them "wrong?" Simply...because the Word of God says the boy had a demon and that Jesus cast it out and ordered it never to return again. We can either believe some dude 2000 years after the event...or we can believe Jesus who was there.

Now, the significance of this account for me relates to both the time elapsed between Mark 9:20-25; and the faith exhibited by the boy's father. It seems that the boy experienced the seizure for some time (seconds or minutes) before Jesus interrupted. At least long enough for Jesus to have a conversation with the father. Jesus waited to heal the boy while He talked with the father about his belief. The father made one of the greatest statements on the human experience and our Godward response, "I believe...help my unbelief" (Mark 9:24). The disciples were a bit perplexed at the event, since they had tried unsuccessfully to cast out the demon. Jesus explained His success in Mark 9:29.

Whether you believe in "stubborn demons" or "prayerless disciples," one thing is certain...with Jesus all things are possible...for His glory!

I love the final exchanges of the chapter. In the midst of teaching on the resurrection (Mark 9:30-32) and teachings on holiness and discipleship (Mark 9:38-50), the disciples had a discussion on who was the "coolest" among them (Mark 9:33-37). These guys give me hope. God is into regular people with regular stuff and regular struggles. He meets us where we are and then refuses to leave us there.

Proverbs 19:27 is the takeaway today. Wisdom and understanding come with applied discipline. As we discipline ourselves to pursue knowledge and understanding, we develop wisdom. When we stop being intentional, we drift away from the Word of knowledge. Are you disciplined in your approach to God and His Word? Or, do you come and go as you feel "moved" along the way. Discipline is not bad...it is our friend.

Take Two: Mark 8, Proverbs 18

As we look at this chapter, there are two primary sections or movements in it. Mark 8:1-26 gives more miracles that Jesus performs, while Mark 8:27-9:1 begins a shift toward discipleship and Messianic teaching.

Bear in mind two things. First, scholars agree that Mark is not a "chronological account" of the life and ministry of Jesus. It is a collection of events and is true...but the arrangement was not "necessarily" chronological. As such, it is fair to ask why the arrangement appears as it does. What is Mark's point in arranging the material (under the inspiration fo the Holy Spirit) as he has? Second, this collection of events in Mk 8:1-30 parallels the structure of events in Mk 6:31-7:37. James Brooks (NAC) noted that this is probably due to Mark's accentuating that Jesus' disciples were dull of hearing and had to be instructed twice. This might also explain the inclusion of the only account where Jesus had a two-stage healing (Mark 8:22-25).

In Mark 8:1-10 the second mass feeding is recorded. It is a different account than the feeding of 5,000, even though some have tried to say that it is simply a modified re-telling. (Jesus refers to the events distinctively. See Mark 8:19-21). Some have proposed that the reason for the two accounts is that the 5,000 involved a Jewish audience, while the 4,000 involved a predominantly Gentile audience (since He was likely in the region of Decapolis). The text is not specific but this seems like a reasonable assumption.

After the feeding. The next story is the Pharisees' request for a sign from God (heaven) (Mark 8:11-13). Jesus had performed many miracles and His power was well attested even among the Pharisees. The fact that they asked for "another" sign is consistent with Mark's purpose to show that even the disciples did not "get it" (Mark 8:14-21) the first time around.

Mark 8:27-30 contains Peter's confession of Christ (parallels Matthew 16). This is a turning point in the gospel. Jesus then explains to the disciples plainly that He will suffer and die (Mark 8:31-33). Peter rebukes Jesus over the message.

NOTICE: In one breath he confesses Christ, and in the next, He rebukes Christ as being mistaken about what would come to pass. WHAT! Remember though...Peter was looking at the Messiah through the lens of what he had always been taught about the Messiah. His presuppositions were dictating his understanding. Jesus corrects Peter.

Every one of us look at God through a particular lens. Usually, that lens is formed by the teaching and training we have received. Ultimately...the authority of Jesus was....Jesus. Ultimately, our authority on God is...God. Regardless of what we may have learned before or are reading now...the only true authority on who God is...is God; and, the only reliable record of who God is...is God's Word. (Not this preacher, nor John Piper, nor your favorite post-modern commentator.) What does the Word say? Why does the Word say it? What does it mean to me? The Word is unchanging. It is not defined by our interpretation or preaching. The Word is the Word...even if we are wrong in our understanding of it. To say (as many are becoming fond of doing today) that we "feel" that Jesus is different than we read clearly in the Scriptures...is simply and absolutely wrong.

Mark 8:34-9:1 closes out the section with the cost of discipleship. Being a "Christian" (or as I prefer, a Christ-follower/disciple/fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ), requires an unconditional surrender to the will of God and an intentional pursuit of Jesus as Lord. It is not to be stagnant, contently backslidden, or intentionally rebellious. If you KNOW you are "not right" with God...and you know what needs to change to become "right" with God...yet you choose to ignore the actions...then you need to question who you are following...because it is not Christ. (See Matthew 7, especially Mt 7:21-23).

It is one thing to be "thick" and not fully grasp God's will. It is quite another to set oneself up as a rebel who defies God's will. The former...could make you an immature disciple. The latter reveals the need for a heart change.

Proverbs 18:2 is the takeaway today. Some people want to spend more time talking than listening. I meet them every week. They walk away from a message having heard something that simply affirms what they already believe. They claim to be full of understanding and believe that they have arrived. They confidently claim that someone else is wrong because they do not agree with them. Here is what I have come to understand along my journey of walking with Jesus...I am more aware of my own ignorance today...than ever in my life. Much more than when I started in ministry as a teacher. Then, I was assured (in my mind) that I had the answers. Now, I am amazed at how God answers my questions in ways I never expected or deserved. I spend more time now trying to understand others than ever before. I am still discerning and decisive. Just because someone has a different idea...doesn't mean (necessarily) that I am wrong...but it just may be the case.

Grace,

Take Two: Mark 7, Proverbs 17

Mark 7 opens with an extended teaching on traditions taking the place of relationship. The Pharisees are offended by the fact that Jesus' disciples did not observe the ritual washings prior to eating their meal (Mark 7:1-5). It is not that the disciples ate with dirty hands per se, but that they did not go through the ceremony of dipping and wiping their hands to demonstrate that they were ceremonially clean.

A couple of issues that Jesus addresses. The thrust of His teaching is not aimed at religion as though religion were bad. Religion (defined as a system or process one employees to relate to, worship, and commune with God) is not bad in itself. The Pharisees had begun to look to the system as the means to save, rather than the God that the system pointed to.

This is why Jesus spoke the next verses. The Pharisees had elevated the traditions of the elders (religious practices) to the level of doctrines; in fact, the traditions had actually crowded out the doctrines of God. The Pharisees had "honored" God with their lips, but their hearts were not with Him (Mark 7:6-8). In fact, the Pharisees had even gone to the point of sacrificing the doctrines of God for the sake of their traditions.

In Mark 7:9-13, Jesus pointed out that the Pharisees had developed traditions that stated it was preferable to give to the Lord in all cases, even when that meant neglecting the care of ones parents. The Pharisees taught that you could be released from the obligation to care for your parents if you took the means which you would have cared for them and called it "corban" (meaning - given to God). This was not in addition to God's instruction, but was opposed to it. SUch is the nature of rules and traditions if left unchecked.

This is why I do not promote a "total abstinence from alcohol" position as the only way of being righteous before God (for instance). I have no right to "add to" God's Word. It never states that we are to abstain totally from alcohol consumption. (Personally...I am a person who totally abstains because I never want to give a cause for offense...and drinking in my cultural context is always offensive to observers. I can even build a good case for why, in principle, drinking is ordinarily bad. I usually can argue a case from Philosophy as to why a Christian can glorify God in their lives better by not drinking than by drinking.) The point though...is that no one ever became righteous before God by drinking or not drinking. Jesus said that it is not what comes from the outside in that defiles us; rather, defilement before God is a heart issue (Mark 7:14-23).

The next story recorded gives us an example of the right "heart." A Gentile woman asks for help and Jesus rebuffs her and even seemingly insults her (Mark 7:24-27). The woman though...is persistent and does not offer any justification for her request. She merely asks Jesus to be merciful. She is as a beggar before Jesus...imploring Him to be merciful. In her begging, she acknowledges that it is only by God's mercy and grace that she has any hope. Jesus responds with grace according to her faith (Mark 7:28-30). Some of us would be better off if we quit reciting our resumes to Jesus and simply begged for Grace.

The chapter closes with an incredible miracle of Jesus healing a man who was deaf and mute. His method was a bit unorthodox...which tells me the recipient must have shown great faith to allow it (Mark 7:31-37). As a result, the people were blown away and wondered how Jesus could do all that He was doing. He could...because the Kingdom was at hand.

Proverbs 17:15 is the takeaway today. It is equally bad to call righteousness wicked...as it is to justify wickedness. Think that one through. There is a lot there. How do we justify wickedness?

Take Two: Mark 6, Proverbs 16

Mark 6:1-6 relates an encounter that Jesus had with the people who knew him best for most of his life. Jesus returned to His hometown and began to teach there. The people became offended at his teaching because it was "different" than they were accustomed. As a result, they began to question "who does He think He is? We know this guy. He was a construction worker here." Jesus taught his disciples that there is a credibility gap that occurs when we are very familiar with a person. Someone said "familiarity breeds contempt." Truthfully speaking, we live in an age where we look for and expect authenticity. Sometimes though, we become too familiar with a person and their "authenticity." As a result, we start to ask the same questions that the townspeople asked here. Why should we listen to this person? He has as many "issues" as I do. Also, sometimes we become frustrated when our own family doesn't seem to understand and respond. Well...we are in pretty good company.

On the backside of pointing out the credibility problem among those most familiar, Mark records that Jesus sent out the disciples to preach the gospel (Mark 6:7-13). Catch the correlation. Some did not respond, but Jesus simply sent them disciples elsewhere. The proclamation did not change...only the audience....only the location.

The execution of John the Baptist and the rumors about "who Jesus could be" are recorded in Mark 6:14-32. From this story, what jumps out to me is that Herod never got past the conviction/weight of his own sin. After killing John the Baptizer (Baptist), He thought about him over and over. He even thought that Jesus may be the spirit of John the baptizer. Unresolved sin never just "goes away." It must be dealt with.

The feeding of 5,000 men (...not to mention the women and children) is recorded in Mark 6:33-43. I find it interesting that Jesus' compassionate response to the people (Mark 6:34), was to teach them the things of God and His Kingdom. Their greatest need was not food, the Roman government, taxes or the economy. Their greatest need was HOPE in the midst of life. Their greatest need was PURPOSE, so that life made sense in context.

The last two miracles (walking on water, Mark 6:45-52; and multiple healings, Mark 6:53-56) finish up the chapter. When you look at the chapter as a whole, Mark does not bury us in detail, but provides an overview of Jesus' impact and influence on others. Without question, Jesus is presented to us as unique. He is not an average teacher. He is not an elite philosopher. He is someone like the world has never seen. He is, in fact, God...even if people responded differently to Him.

Proverbs 16:2 is the takeaway today. A man can justify his own actions in a hundred different ways. We can redefine "is" to mean anything we want. However, our justification is not the final authority. It is the judgment of God who weighs the intent of the heart. Whether we do something perceived as good or something inherently bad, God still looks at the intent of the heart. This is the reason that we are called to leave judgment to the Lord.

Grace,

Take Two: Mark 5, Proverbs 15

Chapter 5 is one of my favorites in this gospel. Jesus demonstrates His power (rule and reign) over both spirtual and physical matters...or if you prefer, natural and supernatural.

Mark 5:1-20 gives the story of the Gadarene/Gerasene demoniac. A man was so possessed with demons that he could no longer function in society (Mark 5:2-3). He lived in the rocky area near the sea there which was used for burials (a cemetery). He possessed superhuman strength due to the demon possesion and was constantly tortured mentally...something we infer based on his constant screaming and "cutting" of himself with rocks (Mark 5:4-6).

Notice that Jesus disembarked from the boat at this place. No good Jewish religious guy would ever hang out at a cemetery. Dead people were "unclean"; yet Jesus parked the boat there on purpose. When Jesus stepped out, the demoniac ran to him and bowed before him. The man is not the one controlling this action...it is the demons. (Notice...the first thing the supernatural beings--demons-- do when the King of the Kingdom steps out, is bow and beg.) (Mark 5:6-13).

I meet people who talk with me about their "battles" with the enemy. They speak of how the devil is really "wearing them out." I too have encountered the enemy. His tactics with me have never been to overpower me or to wrestle in a contest of strength. When he has succeeded in overcoming me, it has not been by power, but by enticement. He distracts or detours me. That's all. My great failures in life have been when I simply YIELDED to him and his enticement, not when I was overcome by his power. Why? Because He who is in me (the Holy Spirit) is greater than he who in in the world (the enemy). There is no need to do battle with the enemy. He knows his place. Whenever Jesus steps into a place, he simply bows and begs.

The event with the demoniac was pretty "crazy" for those who looked on. The herdsme who just watched their swine take a nosedive off of a cliff into the sea, ran to town and told people about Jesus. When the people arrived at the place where Jesus was, they found Him...but also found the "former" demoniac...now clothed, sitting with Jesus, and in complete control of himself (Mark 5:14-16). This so scared the townspeople, that they asked Jesus to leave (Mark 5:17). He obliged them. The man who was healed wanted to go too...but Jesus who was disinvited to stay in the region, sent his new "convert" to tell the story in the region. The man did so with passion (Mark 5:18-20).

Mark 5:21-43 contains two miracles. A synagogue official asks Jesus to heal his daughter. By the time Jesus arrives at the house where the girl is, she is already dead. When He pronounces that she will be fine, many of the people there (mourners and so forth) begin to laugh at him (Mark 5:39-40). Jairus and Mrs. Jairus do not laugh though. They chose to believe (Mark 5:36). Jesus called the girl back from the dead and she came (Mark 5:41-42).

In the midst of the travel to Jairus' home, another miracle occured (Mark 5:25-34). A woman with an incurable medical condition, a hemorage, came to Jesus to seek healing. She had already exhausted every avenue of help available (Mark 5:26). She decided to touch Jesus' garment, believing that by simply touching it, she would be healed...and was (Mark 5:27-29). Jesus confronts her and then declares that she is healed because she chose to believe (Mark 5:31-34).

In each of these cases, Jesus demonstrated His power over insurmountable circumstances. The key to His healing in each case was simply His power and the willingness to believe on the part of the beneficiary. The Kingdom was in their midst. The King was ushering in a new era. The benefits were available for all who would believe.

One of the Scriptural truths we have today is knowing that the Lord is the same today as He has ever been. His character and power are unchanging. What troubles you? Take it to Him...believing...and receive the benefit of the King's Kingdom.

Proverbs 15:8 is the takeaway today. The most religious act by an unrighteous person is despised in the sight of God. The prayer (alone) of a righteous person honors God. We cannot "do" anything to impress God. In fact, we diminish His grace and greatness by trying to earn our righteousness. To simply call on Him brings delight, when done in the right spirit. The Scripture is not saying that religious acts are bad (sacrifice, worship, piety, etc.; only that they are of less worth than a prayer offered with humility.) Jesus teaches this principle to the Pharisees..."Do these things, without leaving the weightier things undone."

Take Two: Mark 4, Proverbs 14

Mark 4 is somewhat unique in the gospel because he offers an extended discourse on parables. Not much explanation is given on each one (compared to the other gospels); however, what he does say is instructive for us regarding the Kingdom.

Mark 4:1-9 describes the parable of the sower. It is fairly commonly known to those familiar with the NT (Appearing also in MT 13 and Lk 8). The parable was commonly understood to the hearers and was intentionally vague in meaning. This called the hearer to reflect on the meaning and commit to the message.

In first century Palestine, the practice of planting involved scattering the seed and then plowing it under. (We do it in reverse in our context today). The main emphasis in on the produce of the seed, not on the sowing. The sower is the same with all of the soils. The seed is the same with all of the soils. The condition of the soil/environment as the "receptor" of the sown seed is the main differentiation that corrolates with the produce. As you apply the parable to you individually, you may decide that the best way to experience abundant life is to flee from the enemy (Mark 4:15), To drive deep your roots (Mark 4:17), and to eliminate the weeds (worries of the age) in your life so as not to choke out the produce (Mark 4:19). To do so seems to make the environment right for abundant produce.

It seems though that the primary focus (bearing in mind the context provided by the other parables in the section) is on the reliability of the coming Kingdom. This seems to be less about individual activity as it is an explanation for why some reject the message and how their doing so...does not negate the reality of the coming Kingdom. Notice that the seed sometimes sprouts up without the sowers knowledge (Mark 4:26-29). Notice also that the seed, while small in its inception, becomes a large (proportionately speaking) plant which provides for many (Mark 4:30-32). Notice also that this seems to be the thrust of Jesus explanation on why He teaches in parables (Mark 4:10-12).

Just to clarify a question that may arise on Mark 4:10-12, let me say that the focus is (again) on the fruitfulness of the kingdom...the produce...not on an "attempt" to prevent the produce. Some read v. 11-12 and focus on the mystery...as though keeping the Kingdom mysterious was Jesus' point. Some would even cite this as a proof text claiming that God intentionally wants some to not understand the message. This conclusion is not consistent with the Scripture elsewhere...and Scripture cannot be inconsistent; therefore, our conclusions must be reevaluated so as to develop ones that ARE consistent with Jesus in other places.

V. 12 begins with the Greek word hina, which is often translated correctly as "so that" and indicates purpose. For example...something happens, so that, something else will happen. The word though, in the original language is more functional than that. Much like our English words, it can have other connotations...depending on the context. A better way to translate hina in this verse is to render it "as a result." For example, something happens and as a result, something else occurred. Brooks speaks of this in his commentary:

Some have sought to avoid the conclusion that Jesus used parables to hide the truth by claiming that Mark or someone before him mistranslated Jesus’ Aramaic word “so that” rather than “who.” This is a possible explanation, but a better one focuses on the meaning of the quotation from Isa 6:9–10. God told the prophet to deliver his message even though it would be rejected. The seeing without perceiving, the hearing without understanding, and the failure to turn and be forgiven (Isaiah wrote “be healed”) were the result, not the purpose, of his message. So it was also with the parables of Jesus. Therefore the Greek word hina (translated “so that” in the NIV) at the beginning of v. 12 ought to be translated “as a result.” This is a well-established meaning. Jesus did not speak in parables for the purpose of withholding truth from anyone; but the result of his parables, the rest of his teaching, and even his miracles was that most did not understand and respond positively. He did speak in parables to provoke thought and invite commitment. Therefore parables are more than mere illustrations. They constitute spiritual tests that separate those who understand and believe from those who do not. Still another possibility is to translate hina “that is” (cf. its use in 9:12). This rendering and the translation “as a result” do not differ greatly. (James A. Brooks, vol. 23, Mark, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 83.)

This conclusion is also consistent with the NT elsewhere (1 John 2:2, John 3:16-17, 2 Peter 3:9-10, etc.).

To wrap it up, the Kingdom of God is mysterious. How it becomes and expands, has far more to do with God (and far less to do with us) than we are often comfortable with. God is the "giver" of the Word...and the "power" behind the Word taking root and bearing fruit. That being said, we are given the privilege and responsibility as "sowers" of the Word. We are not necessarily responsible for the fruit...but are responsible for preparing the soil, sowing the seed, pulling the weeds and praising God for the harvest.

Proverbs 14:4 is the takeaway today. I have commented on this verse in the past but it struck me again today. I am so glad to pastor a church with cares less about a "clean manger" than they do having a "full manger." When people who have been estranged from Christ...come to Christ...their lives are often "messy." We should expect nothing less. The messiness should no more be a source of guilt than a newborn should feel guilty for not being able to walk. Certainly we should not resolve to stay "messy," but God is awesome...in that He takes "messy" and fixes it as His Word is heard and understood. May we never come to a place where we are embarrassed by the messiness of the stalls, as long as we are seeing new oxen joining us on the journey.

Grace,

Take Two: Mark 3, Proverbs 13

Mark 3 opens with Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6). As Jesus went into the temple, there was a man with a physical infirmity, but the Pharisees had their attention focused on what Jesus was doing. They were not focused on the worship of the Creator, or the needs of the man...but on what the other "religious guy (Jesus)" was doing in the room.

Their goal was to affirm their belief that Jesus was a bad guy and would break the Jewish Law. The only healing that was permitted on the Sabbath was that which saved a life. Jesus used the event as a teachable moment. The motives of the Pharisees were revealed when Jesus asked them a question which they would have to agree to...and they did not respond (Mark 3:4). He wanted to know from them, was it right to do good...or to do evil?

Obviously it was right to do good and wrong to do evil. Jesus is pointing out that to do nothing (not to do good) was to, in fact, do evil. They could not respond without becoming trapped in their own words, or repenting. So, they said nothing. Jesus became angry at their self-serving hardness of heart. Rather than be proven wrong, they would simply sit by and wait for him to act. They were faced with a crossroads of decision...and they refused to step across. So, Jesus healed the man anyway. This infuriated the Pharisees...to the point...that they went out and "conspired with" the Herodians against Him. (These two groups had nothing in common...except their common enemy, Jesus.)

Jesus' fame continued to spread (Mark 3:7-12). He continued to work miracles of healing and exorcism...not because it was his ministry, but because it authenticated his message and bore witness to the claim, "the Kingdom of God is at hand." Many of those who benefitted from His healing were not true disciples. They were not there to become Christ-followers. They simply wanted to be healed. Jesus healed them anyway.

Something that struck me was this: Jesus never sought out these people to demonstrate his goodness toward them. You don't find where He had a game plan to go find people who did not care about the Kingdom...in order to bless and heal them. These folks found Him and He ministered to them. SOMETIMES today, we find ourselves going out in search of opportunities to do nice things for people unsolicited. We might even do it without presenting the gospel (or the intention of presenting the gospel) and say that we are just "being the Body" of Christ. Are we? Were we commanded to seek out opportunities to do social ministry without the gospel? Where? When? How?

Jesus certainly did "social ministry," but always in the context of proclaiming the Kingdom (the Rule and Reign of God in the heart...and the challenge for men to repent and follow God.)

One last observation in the chapter: Responding to the accusation that Jesus' power (as opposed to the claimed power of the Pharisees) came from Satan rather than God (Mark 3:20-23), Jesus told a parable.

Mark 3:24-30 is the parable where Jesus proposes the principle that if the physical infirmities of the people are the result of Satan (as the Pharisees proposed and was commonly accepted), then Jesus' power had to be from God...since Satan could not stand against himself and survive. The Pharisees had to either admit their flawed theology of sickness (the sins of a person or his ancestors are the cause of his illness.- See John 9:1-3), or agree that Jesus was working according to God's power. They again responded with hardness and Jesus introduces the sin unto death.

What is the sin unto death? It is essentially the sin of unbelief. The Pharisees would rather attribute Jesus' actions to some other power than to admit their failure and believe in Him. The verb tense indicates a perpetual state of unbelief. It is not a one time confession, 'I do not believe in God." It is an ongoing attitude of explaining away God's actions so as not to acknowledge Christ as Lord. I am asked from time to time, "Pastor, have I committed the 'blasphemy of the Holy Spirit sin' in rejecting Christ through the years?" Here is the answer I have become pretty comfortable with. IF YOU ARE ASKING THE QUESTION, IT IS NOT TOO LATE FOR YOU NOW. If you go on asking the question, it may become too late. All sin is forgiven to those who repent and believe.

The chapter closes with Mark 3:31-35. Here, the family of Jesus comes to get Him. He makes an incredible statement about allegiences. For a Christ-follower, the closest connections and familial relationships exist between those who know and do the will of God. The bond between believers is stronger than even the bond of blood relatives. This seems hard...and should not be "pressed" too far; but, for those who have ever experienced the bond of Christian family...it makes perfect sense.

Proverbs 13:24 is the takeaway today. Discipline is an act of love. To withhold discipline or to apply it inconsistently is to act with hate/"unlovingly" toward a son. To love our children requires at times that we desire their good character over their popular award of "best friend." When they grow up, they really respect and give the "best friend" award...only this time, it really means something.

Grace,

Take Two: Mark 2, Proverbs 12

Mark 2:1-12 give the story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man who was lowered from the roof. Bear in mind that He has amassed great popularity among the people and when he returned to the city, they surrounded him again. He was teaching them in a house and it was an OPEN meeting...(since there were scribes and Pharisees there). The crowd was so densely packed that the friends could not carry the paralyzed man to Jesus. So, they climbed onto the roof and began to remove the roof. Their goal was to lower their friend to Jesus.

That is a lot of work. Many would have said..."maybe next time," or "sorry dude...let's go down the street where Rabbi fluffyhead is preaching." Others would have expressed their inability to get to Jesus as simply "God's will." These friends starting taking the roof off of a man's house.

I am not sure who lived there, but he was probably inside when the roof was removed. I imagine he had to wonder who was on the roof and why they were installing a skylight! IS THIS NOT WEIRD? (Honestly, I don't know if I would take someone's roof off to get my friend to Jesus!)

Anyway, they did and Jesus gave a statement that was a veiled reference to His deity. The Scribes said that only God could forgive sins (Mark 2:7). Jesus said that so they would know that He could do it (and wasn't some weirdo), He would also heal the man physically (Mark 2:10-11).

The rest of the chapter is a succession of encounters Jesus had with people (mostly religious experts) where He redefined for them what it meant to relate to God. They did not understand why He would hang out with sinners (if He was a religious man). He said, "That's the point of my coming" (Mark 2:15-17). They wanted to know why His disciples didn't observe the "fasts" of he day. He said that there would be a time for that, but this wasn't it (Mark 2:18-20). Apparently some thought that the coming Kingdom would fit into the "shell/old wineskin" of Judaism...but Jesus said that you put new wine in new wineskin.

Let me pause here. Some today say that we (Christ-followers) should abandon our "church" practices and move toward something that is less "institutional" or "structured"...like Jesus taught. They cite verses like this. Jesus ushered in a new era of full knowledge of God's Messiah. People (prior to the cross) were saved by believing in God's coming Messiah. After the Cross, people called on the Name of God's Messiah, Jesus, who came. We still live in that era. We don't need new wineskin...because we don't have any new wine. We simply need to do with the wineskin that we have...what Jesus told us to in the first place (Acts 1.8; Mt 28:18-20, etc.).

The religious dudes wanted to know why the disciples did not observe the work restrictions on the Sabbath (by not plucking heads of grain when walking through a grainfield) (Mark 2:23-28). They thought that God was pleased in their worship when they would observe the Sabbath with this form of rigidity. Jesus told them that God was not laying these burdens on them but that they were self-imposed. The Sabbath was not give to be a burden, but so that man would be blessed in the Lord of the Sabbath.

When you summarize all of these ideas, you find a pretty common theme. The religious experts of the day had developed and (basically) adhered to a form of worship that was devoid of relationship. It could be observed without even adding people into the mix. Jesus pointed out that God cared less about their ceremony than He did their mission.

I wonder how many times people I know (even me at times) exchange the mission for some activity of busy-ness? Is our worship of God about form or substance? Are we more concerned with meeting God or with a crying baby, temperature of the room, cell phone going off, or whether the Service will be over by 12:00? One way to guarantee that everything works as predicted...ban all people from worship. Never get involved in or invested in the lives of people. If we do, everything will run like clockwork...and we can hang out with stuffy little Pharisees who care more about the form than the substance. As for me...I hope I never become satisfied with the form and always seek the substance, the reality, the Truth of who God is and why God has put me here...that I may know Him and make Him known.

Proverbs 12:11 is the takeaway today. The first part of the verse speaks of how we are called to provide for ourselves. God's provision can come in the form of "manna" from heaven; however, He is just as much the "Provider" when our provision comes from our own hands. It is not a statement of faith to sit on the sofa and wait for God to provide through some miracle. Laziness is not some virtue or statement of spirituality...it is just laziness. The second part of the verse shows that we must be intentional and diligent to focus on the important things. Someone once made the statement that it is possible for a person to "get too busy making a living to make a life." It is also possible to be too busy doing less important things...and not ever accomplish that which is very important.

Grace,

Take Two: Mark 1, Proverbs 11

As we begin our study of this gospel, a couple of background things may assist us. Early church tradition credits Peter as the primary source of information that is chronicled here by the author (possibly John Mark...however he is not identified). Tradition also holds that the gospel was written in Rome, and most likely between AD 64-65 (since there is only veiled inference to persecution...a prominent feature after Nero AD 65). If Peter is a primary source, then it occurred after AD 62 (when Peter arrived in Rome).

Mark is one of the synoptic gospels (meaning it agrees with Matthew and Luke) in purpose and material addressed. Contemporary scholars generally hold to the hypothesis that Mark was the first gospel written, though there is no universal consensus. (NOTE: Several early church fathers held to a Matthean priority).

95% of the material covered in Mark is also covered in Matthew or Luke. Only 5% of the material addressed is unique to this gospel (which is another reason scholars believe it was the first to be written). What we do know...is that the gospel of Mark was in circulation and being commented on by the early second century (AD 120, by Papias).

Most scholars believe that Mark had non-Jewish readers in mind when writing this gospel. Perhaps, if written in Rome, the presence/ concentration of Gentiles would have influenced this approach.

Mark begins with this statement: "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (Mk 1.1). Christ rarely referred to Himself in Messianic or Deistic "terms," however, at times He did. Mark begins with the conclusion He has drawn and widely represented the thoughts of firsthand witnesses (like Peter and the Apostles)... that Jesus was, in fact, the Son of God. It is clear from Mark 1.2-8, that He is presented as the Savior/Messiah as well. Mark 1.9-11 bears witness to God's unique affirmation of Jesus as His own Son and in His pleasure in Christ's ministry and life. Jesus is not pictured as a highly gifted or evolved teacher...but as the unique Son of God and Savior of the World.

Mark 1.14-15 gives the thrust of the message that Jesus preached: The Kingdom of God is at hand (defined...by me elsewhere...as the rule and reign of Christ in the hearts of men), so, repent and believe. F0r more on this, see the recent messages I preached 2/1/09 and 2/8/09 specifically. They are available on this website or on the sermon archives at http://www.calvaryofpensacola.org/audio.html .

The call to action and the response of those hearing the teaching of Jesus was one of "change." Notice that Simon and Andrew "left their nets" (Mark 1.18), and James and John "left their father" to follow Jesus (Mark 1.20). The uniqueness of Christ and his teaching in the field of religious guys is obvious in the response of those in the synagogue (Mark 1.21-28). His teaching was affirmed by the presence of supernatural power (i.e. the effecting of miracles). Further, He spoke with absolute authority...not as a scholar citing other scholars for evidence (Mark 1.22).

His powerful preaching and the working of miracles caused His fame to spread widely and drew throngs of people from all of the surrounding areas. We can draw two things from this:

• First, there were great needs all around Him in the lives of people and the contemporary religion of the people did not need those needs.
• Second, Though His message was one of absolute surrender (a hard message in today's times), people willingly responded because they wanted desperately to find relief for that which afflicted them.

Some say that the thrust of the gospel today should focus on healing and social justice. These people cite the miracles worked by Jesus as a primary reason for their view. While we ARE called to heal and to speak for those who are most vulnerable in society (AND MUST DO MORE OF IT), we must never forget that the primary responsibility of Christ followers is to follow after Christ. He said that His purpose was to proclaim the gospel (the good news of God's Salvation...and the coming of the Kingdom...along with the challenge to repent and believe) everywhere. His preaching was primary...not his social ministry. Social ministry gives evidence of the Kingdom and gives an opening for the gospel, but is not the primary responsibility of the church or of Christ followers (Mark 1:35-38).

To effectively communicate the gospel and call others to repentance and belief...we must be willing to minister to people where they are. This means close connection with those afflicted by the enemy and suffering. We must be willing to touch the "lepers" of the world...while proclaiming God's Salvation (Mark 1:39-45).

I will confess that I struggle to maintain balance in these areas in my own life. To preach only --makes the message empty. To heal only--only makes the condemned "more comfortable". Both proclamation and ministry are required to effectively communicate the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Proverbs 11:13 is the takeaway. Our character is revealed...not in what we say (so to speak) but in what we do. One cannot go about claiming to be trustworthy and acting as a talebearer ( a gossip). Trustworthy people control their tongues and protect the dignity of others by concealing matters that are dealt with. Do you "bury" things...or display them over and over...even when they have been dealt with time and again? The answer reveals character.