But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him

Mark 3

But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him. v12

One might think that Jesus' orders here to be odd - why would He tell those He healed not to tell others?  To me this is straightforward - Jesus knew that many if not all of those who had been healed might not fully appreciate who Jesus is.  The Good News of Jesus Christ is that He is not just a man with great powers...He is God himself!

I must acknowledge this daily, worship Him, thank Him for His many blessings, seek forgiveness for my sin and come to Him with my concerns.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are truly a great God - the One and Only True God.  The Lord of Lords and the Name Above All Names.  You created the earth, the universe, and all of its inhabitants.  You were there at the beginning of time and You will be there at the end of times.  You created me and know everything about me.  You suffered and died for me and bless me beyond what I deserve.  I love You Jesus.  But I am weak...I worry...and I am selfish and impatient.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from this sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Mark 2

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” v17

I am struck by the differences between the gospel of Matthew and Mark.  While Matthew's audience was Jews, Mark's was Gentiles.  For Matthew it was important to establish the lineage of Jesus and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.  For Mark, these details were less important so his account of Jesus' life starts with John the Baptist preparing the way and Jesus baptism.

For me, I am once again reminded of how understanding your audience is important when spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Keep in mind what is important to the audience.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You knew all about me even before I was born.  You know how many hairs are on my head.  You know what is in store for me and You have great plans for me.  Of all this I know.  You are the Lord of Lords and You are my Lord my Savior.  What a great God You are!  I am not worthy of the love and blessing You provide.  I am full of pride, selfishness, impatience and so much more sin.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus!  Help me turn from this sin and help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.

Mark 1

Yet the people still came to him from everywhere. v45

Over the past two days I am encouraged by Jesus to boldly proclaim my faith so that others can share in the Good News of Jesus Christ.  As the book of Mark speaks to a Gentile audience, one can easily see chaos - Jesus does what only He can do....transform hearts and lives.  This chaos might on one hand turn people off (Pharisees and Sadducees) but on the other hand it draws people in.

The question for me is to what extent do I draw people in?

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I KNOW You transform hearts and lives and I am deeply blessed.  I am not deserving of such blessing...I am selfish and impatient, and I worry.  Thank You that You love me but please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from such sin.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. Help me be the man You intend for me.

 

And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Mark 1

And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. v4

As a nice segue from yesterday's post where I heard God's encouragement for me to actively spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to all people, I hear today Jesus' same message.  Of course the wilderness is today's world - full of sin and disbelief. 

The message is of course not just about repentance, but also about what we get from repentance - freedom from sin and eternal life with Jesus in heaven - the greatest gift of all time.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE the greatest gift of all time.  There is nothing else I need and certainly nothing else I desire will satisfy and provide like You do.  I am not worth such love and blessing that You provide.  I am full of sin - selfishness, pride, anger, etc.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus from such sin.  Help me turn from such sin and help me serve You by actively spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to all.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

Matthew 28

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." v19-20

Jesus tells us to be a light...and here He tells us to be in action about telling everyone the good news about Jesus Christ. Similar themes are echoed in James and other places.

The question of course is how am I in action?

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are always in action for good...and for Your children.  What a great God You are that You are always doing things for Your children.  I certainly am not worthy of such love and blessing as I speak and think harsh and evil things.  I need more of Jesus in my heart.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus and help me have more of You in my heart and life.  Help me increase my love of You so that I can love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me serve and glorify You.

In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

Matthew 27

 In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him. v44

Like those who crucified Jesus, I too easily speak harshly of His children and I sin.  Indeed, I have posted over the previous two days, we are all sinful and fall short of the glory of God.  In the same way, one can say we are all guilty of Jesus going to the cross.  After all, it was OUR sin that that was necessary for Jesus to nail to the cross.  Without OUR (all of humanity) sin, Jesus would not need to come to earth in human form...He would not need to suffer and die for our sins.

So we are sinful and God suffered and died for us - despite our sin.  Once again I am reminded that Jesus Christ is the greatest gift of all time...and He is my Lord and Savior.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE my Lord and Savior, I accept that You died for me so that I could live...a new life...here on earth, and eternity in heaven with You.  You are the greatest gift of all time.  I am not worth such a price.  I speak harshly of Your children...and I sometimes deny You.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

“It is your responsibility!”

 Matthew 27

“It is your responsibility!” v24

This phrase is mentioned twice in the same chapter - once by the chief priests in v4 and also again (not the exact wording but near exact) in v24.  The repeated use of this phrase underscores Matthew's emphasis on self examination with regards to our role in sin.  We can't escape guilt in relation to sin just because we are not directly responsible for the sin action.  Each sin carries with it a related set of sins that contribute - for example, in criminal law this is called an accessory to the crime.  Additionally, guilt can be shared by contributing forces - such as society or an upbringing.  How many times have you heard of people defend themselves by saying they are not guilty because something ELSE caused my guilt.  Matthew would have none of this - these forces mean that everyone is guilty when multiple parties contribute to sin.  Pilate is not innocent of course; nor are the chief priests, Judas, or any of the other disciples that failed to stand up for Jesus (Peter) or fled (the rest of the disciples).

...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...Romans 3:23

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, and the Name Above All Names...You created all and You reign in my life.  You are full of mercy, kindness, patience, compassion and so much more...my words and my worship are insufficient to describe Your greatness.  That You love me is amazing...even more amazing that You died for me.  I am worth these blessings.  I am weak...I fail to demonstrate Jesus with my life as You intend....to be a light.  Thank You that You have and continue to love me but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from my sloth.  Help me be more of the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”

Matthew 27

“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” v4

Commentary found here indicates that the chief priests claim no responsibility for the shedding of innocent blood - the blood of Christ.  The commentary calls out the chief priests for their hypocrisy - indicating that all who participate and support such sin are guilty of the sin.  This implies that we are guilty of sin if we choose not to point out sin in our own church - of course as indicated in the Bible here.

 My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are pure, holy, and blameless.  Even as a man in human form....how great You are and You are worthy of my worship and my love and devotion.  Yet I fall down and I worship other Gods - my own comfort in particular.  I don't come to you every day in prayer and study and I don't stand for righteousness I as You desire.  I am weak Lord.  Yet I know You love me and I am thankful.  Please forgive me though Jesus and help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.

Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Matthew 26

Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. v75

As a follow up to yesterday's post, Jesus commands us live a life where the Holy Spirit can be seen visibly in our behavior and in what we say.  We must not be a light that cannot be seen.

 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16

The question of course is whether I am willing to live a life where I am unafraid to allow my light to shine.  Peter denied Jesus...will I?

My Prayer: I am convinced that You have transformed both my heart and my life.  I am a better husband, father, and man because of the miracle of your work in my life.  You are the One and Only God...and You are my God.  Yet I am not worthy of Your blessings in my life Jesus because I have denied You on many occasions and while I am thankful that You love me anyway, I desperately need Your forgiveness.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

 

Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

Matthew 26

Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. v56

Wow...damning behavior for the disciples...of course all predicted by Jesus the previous evening at the last supper.  The question for me is to what extent I am willing to stand up for my faith with public pronouncements that may put me in harms way...will I run as the disciples did?

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the one true God....pure, holy, and blameless.  You are almighty, all knowing, and all loving.  What a great God You are...You have blessed me beyond what I deserve.  I am full of pride.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me for such prideful behavior as I have displayed today.  Please help me turn from this behavior.  Please help me be the man You intend for me Jesus.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Matthew 26

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” v39

Jesus is the source of all things - all powerful, all knowing, full of compassion, mercy, etc. (Galatians 5:22).  He does not need us in His life yet He willingly suffered a gruesome death (and rose again) so that we may have life.  I reflect on this for a few moments and without a doubt I recognize Jesus as the greatest gift to me ever and I can go to Jesus anytime and He is always there...plus because He took on human form He can empathize with my troubles.  What a great God I have!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the greatest gift of all time!  You bless me beyond what anything else can.  And You died for me so that I may have life - in abundance.  I am not worth such blessing.  I am weak, selfish, and impatient.  Thank You that You have loved me and You continue to love me but please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from these sins.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.

"Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

Matthew 26

"Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." v13

This is a tough one for me.  My sense here is that Jesus does not discourage others to use their means to celebrate the life of Jesus...worship essentially.  However, we shouldn't inappropriately spend money lavishly to worship.  According to this commentary, the anointing of Jesus through the use of the expensive perfume represents a great sacrifice to Jesus in the same way that Jesus and His disciples frequently encourage us to sacrifice (time, treasure, talent).   I agree with the commentary that:

"Some modern readers take Jesus' reproof in 26:9-11 as playing down the priority of the poor, and then they inexplicably apply the example of this woman's extravagance to their church building programs or other projects."

My view is that this church is an example of inappropriate lavish spending.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You provide, and You provide lavishly in so many ways...ways we see and recognize, and ways we often don't see and recognize.  I know You are generous and You provide in times of thick and thin.  And You expect much of those who are are provided much.  I thank You that You have provided so generously to me.  Yet I am not worth so much love and blessings.  Thank You that You have loved me and continue to love me anyway.  Yet I know there are times when I have not been a good steward of what You have provided so please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such temptation and sin.  Help me a good steward of the time, talents, and treasures You have entrusted me.

‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

Matthew 25

‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ v45

Wow...damning (literally) statements from Jesus in terms of how our service to others reflects our love for Jesus.  The way I see it, there is a direct relationship between how much we love and serve others and how much we love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

As I posted yesterday from James,  we cannot separate faith from action.  Faith is not just reading, studying, praying but also DOING (among other things).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You love me by being in ACTION - You are a loving and active God in my life...constantly blessing me and of course You never cease to love me!  Amazing!  I am not worthy of such love...I have impure thoughts, words and actions.  Thank You that You love me but please forgive me Jesus...help me turn from such sin.  Help me be more like You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.

"For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them."

Matthew 25

"For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them." v29

Yesterday, part of my study included review of Luke 12:48 where Jesus encourages us to use our gifts and even expects much more from those who are blessed with much.

Additional scripture to support this comes from James where it says:

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1-22-25

So, over the past several days, I am encouraged to be in action about my faith, using my gifts, and to be in a state of readiness as I posted yesterday.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus...You are a great God who always has time for me.  You came to earth to both suffer and die for me so that You could empathize with my condition and teach me as only You can.  You of course also beat death by rising again and giving me the opportunity to believe in You and have eternal life - the most amazing gifts of all time!  I am certainly not worthy of these blessings because I am lazy, I am harsh with my words and thoughts, and I am selfish and impatient.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me for these sins and help me turn from these sins.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. 

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."

Matthew 25

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." v13

Once again Jesus encourages me to be ready for when He comes again.  As I posted yesterday, I believe we must be in a state of readiness.

Readiness implies being available - being alert and listening/watching for when Jesus arrives.  Readiness also implies having prepared - taking care of the tasks Jesus asked of me.  Of course Jesus asks much of me and perhaps one way of summing this up might be in Luke:

"from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked..." Luke 12:48

I know I have been blessed and Jesus has entrusted me with much so much WILL be expected.  I must both be watching/listening for Jesus and prepared in terms of having done what He expected from me.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are!  You created the heavens and earth, all of inhabitants and everything else in the universe.  You bless me beyond measurement and what I deserve.  You lived and died just for me and You rose again providing eternal life in heaven with You.  Incredible!  Again I am not deserving.  I KNOW that I don't measure up to what You expect for me as a worker, a dad, a husband, etc.  Thank You that You love me but please forgive me for falling short - my sin!  Please help me turn from this sin and help me be the man You intend for me!

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Matthew 24

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. v44

I have often read about how God wants us to live with the end in mind...that our days are numbered...that we are foreigners on earth...not for this place but made for us to be in heaven with Jesus.

Per Hebrews 9, I need to be "waiting for Him"...anticipating His return knowing that there must be a state of readiness.  There is an appointed time (which no one knows WHEN it will be but that it WILL arrive) and we are to be ready.  At this time, I will be judged.  

In Psalms 90 it says this:

Teach us to number our days,
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom. v12.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are gracious beyond words and beyond measure...particularly full of grace for me specifically.  You know all about me, even my sin yet You came to earth to suffer and die for me so that I could have forgiveness and eternal life in heaven with You.  You are the most amazing gift of all!  I am not worthy of such a gift nor Your blessings and love.  I am lazy, selfish, angry, and impatient.  Thank You that You have loved and I know You still love me but please Jesus help me...forgive me for these sins and help me turn from these sins and help me be the man You intend for me.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away

Matthew 24

 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." v35

As Matthew continues to warn us of false prophets and the end of times, he reminds us of the eternal nature of Jesus.  We must focus on Jesus because He will never go away...never.  

I know that that everything in my life is temporal and earthly...yet Jesus is permanent and eternal.  I can place everything I have...all of my love...in Jesus because of this.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus...You were there at the beginning of all times and You will be there at the end of times...and You will save all of Your children to join You in eternity in heaven...how awesome is that.  You are worthy of my praise for this and so many other reasons.  I love You Jesus.  Yet I am not worthy of all of the love and blessing You provide.  I fail to honor you with my work here on earth...at least in terms of my work being clear that I work for You...so that my earthly masters are clear that there is something at work in me and this is Jesus Christ.  Thank You that You have loved me but please forgive me Jesus for such laziness.  Help me turn from this sin and help me glorify You with all aspects of my life.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

"Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."

Matthew 24

"Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." v12-13

You rarely hear sermons on the end of times but it is truth and it will happen.   Unless I root myself in Jesus Christ I will be tossed about.  My ONLY salvation is through Jesus Christ.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, in a world full of evil and distractions (other Gods, distractions, etc.), You are the only Truth.  You are the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father except through You.  I desperately need You.  I am wicked and sinful.  I neglect my relationship with You.  Thank You that You have loved me and blessed but please forgive me for my neglect of my relationship with You Jesus.  Help me make You my #1 priority all of the time.