One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.

 John 5:1-9

One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me. John 5:5-7

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 5:1-9 using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus demonstrates that He has compassion and He is all knowing - omniscient.  He saw the man who had been lying near the pool who had been "invalid for thirty-eight years" (vv5-6).  Jesus sees the pain, the challenges, the suffering, etc. that we experience and He meets us in our of need.  He knows that the man "had already been there a long time." Jesus asks the man whether he wants to be healed and then gives the man two commands (1) to take his bed, and (2) to walk.  The command to take his bed is intentional to begin stirring up Jewish leadership - stay tuned on this. Jesus then heals the man.  At times Jesus' response to pain, challenges, and suffering is to take away these things, and other times it is to equip us to endure so that others can see Jesus working in us.  See also 2 Corinthians 12:9 where Paul shares how he asked God to remove the thorn in his side, but God's response challenged Paul to see how "[God's] grace is sufficient for [him], for [God's] power is made perfect in weakness."  Paul is reminded that the thorn in his side served to "keep [him] from becoming conceited."  God has a plan - sometimes we don't like the plan, but it is perfect.    
• What do we learn from the passage about people?:  The text first describes the man as an invalid (v5) then as sick (v7).  None of God's creation is invalid - all of His creation serves a role and His purpose. We also see others who may not see the least of these (Matthew 25:40) to help them or push their way in front of them (v7).  The man is no longer invalid but instead now he is sick and somehow worthy of healing vs being simply "invalid".  The man believes that stirred water in the pool will heal him yet finds out that Jesus healed him with his words.    
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not ever view someone as invalid - all are God's creation and perfect. Claim the promise that God sees all and responds to our cries.  Follow Paul's example to see how God's grace is sufficient.  Help those who need it - the least of these. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and knows all of my pain, challenges, suffering, etc. and You respond.  Thank You Jesus for saving me and for working in my life.  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Mark 10:46-52

And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10:47-48

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 10:46-52, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: True to His Word (v45) where Jesus shares how He came to serve, Jesus sought those who needed both a physical and spiritual healing.  While many sought to silence Bartimaeus, Jesus sought to see and speak to him.  See vv49.  Jesus goes even further, asking Bartimaeus what He can do for him.  Jesus gives Bartimaeus what He seeks - his sight.  Jesus attributes this miracle to Bartimaeus' faith that he could be healed - this is what God seeks from us - faith and belief that God can do anything, that we can bring any request to God we seek - not that He will grant it but that we have faith that He is able.   
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: We should not presume that we know Jesus'  intentions. See v48 where many rebuked Bartimaeus for calling out to Jesus - the assumption is that those rebuking Bartimaeus might not have felt Bartimaeus was worthy of an encounter with Jesus....or that they somehow knew that Jesus did not want such an encounter. People often claim to know God's will - without truly knowing God.  Also, Bartimaeus was desperate, hence he cried out to Jesus to have mercy on him - twice - see vv47-48.  Bartimaeus believed that he somehow deserved his blindness - as he asked for mercy, which is different than compassion.  We all need mercy because we should be reminded that we all sin and the wages of sin are death (Romans 3:23, 6:23).  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We can only know God's will if we submit to Him, and allow Him to direct our steps and plans - see Proverbs 16:9, 19:21, 20:24. We can take comfort that our faith can make us well - v52 - whether it be during this life or in Heaven when all believers receive their Heavenly boy and are healed from all earthly infirmities. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that serves and heals - You are able of all things and You are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory.  Thank You for my salvation and for the mercies and blessings You pour out every single day for me.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.

Mark 10:1-12

But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate. Mark 10:6-9

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:1-12.  Excerpts from the sixth and final section - the Conclusion - from the commentary provided for this text:

• "Dogmatism and certainty are not appropriate in an area where good and godly students who affirm the infallibility and inerrancy of the Bible hold differing views. Still, there are some things we can affirm based on Jesus’ words in Mark[.]"  These things include: (1) Marriage is a gift and work of God that receives its meaning and significance from Him. (2) God’s design for marriage is exclusively heterosexual and unique among all human relationships (10:6-7). (3) God’s plan from the beginning is that marriage would be permanent (10:9).  (4) Jesus acknowledges that because we live in a fallen world and have hard hearts, divorce will occur (10:3-4). However, no divorce is ever necessary, though it may be occasionally permissible to those whose divorce is on biblical grounds. (5) To divorce one’s mate (without a biblical cause?) and remarry another is to commit the sin of adultery (10:11-12)." 
•  The commentary also offers the following: (1) Where the sin of adultery and/or divorce has taken place, forgiveness is possible and available to those who repent and confess their sin (1 John 1:9). (2) If we are in an unbiblical marriage, we should not attempt to get out of it. Seek forgiveness for the sin of adultery, and then work hard to glorify God and be a blessing to the mate with whom you are married. (3) In the church we should emphasize the value and dignity of marriage while eliminating the shame and stigma of the divorced. We “mingle the call to obedience with the tears of compassion” (Storms, “Divorce and Remarriage”).  (4) We should acknowledge that divorce is a sin that is far more hurtful and destructive than many other sins.  (5) “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” No minister should perform a wedding without requiring extensive premarital counseling and the signing of a premarital wedding covenant."

The only words I can share on this subject: thank You God for my marriage to Lisa!

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who saves. You also created marriage and my marriage to Lisa.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor my marriage.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?

Mark 8:1-26

And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? Mark 8:17-18

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 8:1-26, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Crowds gathered everywhere God - v2 - and He had compassion on them, seeking to not just teach and meet their spiritual needs, but also their physical needs. Yet there are those who's hearts remain hardened and fail to understand - it is God alone who softens hearts and brings about an understand of who Jesus is.  See also v12 where Jesus shares how "no sign will be given to this generation" in response to the Pharisees - they had no faith.  This is in contrast to those who demonstrated desperate faith (hunger and thirst). Jesus seeks those who have faith.  Jesus warns us of the influences of those without faith - v15.  
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Jesus seeks desperate faith from us - that all things are possible - Philippians 4:13.  We are often worried or have doubts (see v4,16) that Jesus can do what He says - we can take comfort in knowing that "all of God's promises find their yes in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20).  People often see Jesus as a vending machine - that He has done something and they seek for Him to do it again - this is not faith in Jesus.  Alternatively, Jesus wants those who are truly seeking a healing to come to Him (v22).    
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must avoid seeking to test God as the Pharisees in v11 (see also Deuteronomy 6:16, Matthew 4:7, Luke 4:12).  We must also remember what God has done - see v18.  Believers all have testimony where they can share at any given moment what He has done in their lives and in those around them - see also Acts 4:20.  We should have desperate faith such as those whom Jesus has healed. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and never stops working for me - You reached down into the pit and saved me - while still an enemy and hostile to You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Mark 7:24-37

And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” Mark 7:37

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 7:24-37.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of two) division (vv31-37):

• For the first division, the title is: "Jesus Is the Savior Who Does All Things Well."
• "Perhaps this particular miracle had special significance to Peter, the eyewitness source for much of Mark’s Gospel, because he saw it as a physical parallel to his own spiritual experience. I can identify with that!" 
• "As Jesus looked up to heaven, first He sighed. I believe this is an expression of our Lord’s love and compassion for this man and also His great grief over the fall of man and the terrible consequences of sin. It is the sigh of God over a broken creation." 
• "Mark’s conclusion has deep theological significance. “He has done everything well (good)” echoes creation and God’s work in Genesis 1–2. “He even makes deaf people hear, and people unable to speak, talk” recalls Isaiah, who wrote that when the Messiah comes, “the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then the lame man will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy, for waters will gush in the wilderness, and streams in the desert” (Isaiah 35:5-6). 
• Quoting yet another commentary - from Sinclair Ferguson - the commentary shares: "Jesus takes the man aside. His attention is personal and compassionate. Entering the man’s world, our Lord uses sign language....'The man could not hear Jesus and he was also incapable of verbal communication. So Jesus “spoke” to him in the language he could understand—sign-language. The fingers placed in his ears and then removed meant, “I am going to remove the blockage in your hearing.” The spitting and the touching of the man’s tongue meant, “I am going to remove the blockage in your mouth.” The glance up to heaven meant, “It is God alone who is able to do this for you.” Jesus wanted the man to understand that it was not magic but God’s grace that healed him.' 
• Quoting yet another commentary - from James Edwards - the commentary shares: "[t]he allusion of Isaiah 35 is of supreme significance for Mark’s presentation of Jesus, not only because the restoration of speech signals the eschatological arrival of the Day of the Lord but also because the desert wastelands of Lebanon (Isaiah 35:2) will receive the joy of God. The regions of Tyre and Sidon are, of course, precisely the Lebanon of Isaiah 35. Jesus’ healing . . . in the Decapolis becomes the first fruit of the fulfillment of Isaiah 35:10, that Gentile Lebanon will join “the ransom of the Lord [and] enter Zion with singing”! Salvation thus comes to the Gentile world in Jesus, who is God’s eschatological redeemer from Zion."

Once again, we have scripture that describes how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecy - on multiple levels. He meets us where we are and heals.  He DOES do all things well because He works in all of the details - not just healing and saving but doing so in a way that it becomes clear that He is God.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that exists in all details and does all things well so that we can see You in all....You are so full of love and compassion that even while I was still an enemy and hostile to You, You saved me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and compassion.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.

Mark 7:1-23

For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person. Mark 7:21-23

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 7:1-23, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God cares about our heart condition not about what we do that we think pleases God - our motives and our heart condition towards God matter most.  The Pharisees were more concerned about washing of hands and external cleansing - but this did not matter to God as much as love of Him and others.  It is our heart that requires cleansing and only Jesus can forgive us and cleanse us from the stain of sin.       
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: The Pharisees were more worried about being right about tradition than they were about pleasing God.  God does not seek empty rituals that are devoid of any love of God.  The Pharisees are not alone in what they do as we often do the same thing.  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): People often chase things to do thinking they are pleasing God - instead we should understand that we cannot earn God's love or His favor.  Nobody can do this - we should all understand that we all sin, we all need a Savior, Jesus is that Savior and that God saves not because of anything we do but because He is full of grace and compassion.  This should drive us into the arms of Jesus for us to know, love and surrender to Him such that the Holy Spirit does a work in us to make us more like Him....and this will be Him doing the work!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome that saves - not because of anything we do but because You are full of grace and compassion towards us.  Thank You Jesus for this grace and compassion!  I am not deserving of such grace and compassion and for my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.

Mark 6:7-13

So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them. Mark 6:12-13

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 6:7-13. Excerpts from the commentary's for the fourth and final (of four) division (vv12-13):

•  The title of this division per the commentary: "Go Preaching the Word and Doing the Work of the Kingdom." 
• "[The disciples] were not to compromise their message even if it brought rejection and persecution. They had to have the courage to tell the truth about Jesus and the gospel." 
•  "If “repentance” was the first word out of the mouth of John, Jesus, and the apostles (Acts 2:38), it must be an important component of the gospel and the Christian life." 
• The commentary refers us to Thomas Watson's treatise on repentance - The Doctrine of Repentance - where Watson outlines "six ingredients necessary for true repentance...including sight of sin, sorrow for sin, confession of sin, shame for sin, hatred for sin, and turning from sin and returning to the Lord."  We are further referred to Joel 2:12, Acts 26:20, and Ezekiel 14:6.
• "We are called to turn away from all our abominations—not just the obvious ones or the ones that create friction in others. The goal of repentance is not to manufacture peace among others with perfunctory repentance, but rather to turn to God wholly." 
• "Repentance is rooted in a hatred of sin and a joyful awareness of God’s loving-kindness, which leads to joy: “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance” (Romans 2:4)."

Indeed Repentance must be stressed as core to the gospel - Satan is waiting to consume and eternally condemn those who do not.  We should be sharing the Gospel as Good News, so good that it should motivate us into the arms of the One True God who offers what no other can - life to the full now and for eternity!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of incredible grace and compassion - saving me and all other believers not because of what we have done but because He is SO good.  I am not deserving of my salvation as my sin is great and it continues....daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics.

Mark 6:7-13

He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. Mark 6:8-9

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 6:7-13. Excerpts from the commentary's for the second (of four) division (vv8-9): 

• The title for the first division is "Go Mean and Lean with Nothing Nonessential."
• "To be effective in God’s work, we must do what we do unencumbered, with no excess baggage that could impede our mission. Further, we must go in radical faith and dependence on our God." 
•  "The four items required of the Twelve are identical to what God told the Hebrews to take on their flight from Egypt (Exodus 12:11)." 
• The commentary details the parallels between the Old Testament exodus and how Jesus sends out The Twelve under the authority of the new and greater Moses (see also Hebrews 3:1-6).  
• Dependence on Jesus for all things is emphasized, particularly in the mission field.

For believers, God calls upon us constantly and fear and anxiety often accompany such calls - to step into the unknown.  God called Moses in Exodus 3 to rescue Israel from bondage.  This triggered much fear and anxiety in Moses, and God quelled this fear and anxiety, speaking to Moses and revealing His plan for this effort in Exodus 3:15-22, and sharing how Aaron will be his helper in this mission in Exodus 4:1-17.  God gives all believers a role in the Great Commission and we should lean on Him in prayer, etc. to equip us and to give us courage to step out into these roles. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of incredible grace and compassion - You saved me while still sinning and an enemy and hostile to You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving for how You save, equip, provide, and lead in the roles You design for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

“Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.

Mark 5:1-20

“Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled. Mark  5:19-20

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 5:1-20, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary - which offers three divisions for this text. Excerpts from the commentary's third (of three) division (vv14-20): 

• The commentary's title for this division is "Jesus Commissions the Delivered."
• The demon possessed man who has now been healed is emphasized as "a new creation" and we are referred to 2 Corinthians 5:17.
• The reaction of the townspeople is remarked as fear over this rabbi Jesus and His amazing powers and over loss of two thousand pigs. They certainly did not care for the demon possessed man.  This is contrasted with God's grace towards the man.  The commentary shares: "[t]he townspeople may not have cared for the demoniac’s soul, but the Son of God did. Jesus made him a new man. Heaven was glad, but his fellow humans wanted him gone. What a sad commentary on the wickedness and self-centeredness of the human heart void of the grace of God."  
• While the man sought to stay with Jesus, Jesus instead sought for the man to spread the word about what just happened: “[t]ell them of My mercy,” Jesus basically tells the man. “Be My witness; give your testimony. You were lost but now you are saved. You once belonged to Satan, but now you belong to the Son of God.”  We should note that Jesus gave this mission to the man who will now live among those who feared Jesus - they will hear the Truth about Jesus's love, mercy, and compassion for the man and how Jesus seeks to save.  We are referred to Luke 7:47 where the text shares how those who are forgiven much love much.  

We all have a story to tell about how we were forgiven much and saved by Christ.  This should compel us to love Jesus and others as Jesus loves us.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, what an awesome God that You love me - saving me while still sinning and hostile to You.  You pour out Your mercies ceaselessly and every day for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings that You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?

Mark 4:35-41

But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing? Mark 4:38

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 4:35-41, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary - which offers six divisions for this text. Excerpts from the commentary's third (of six) division (v38): 

• The commentary's title for this division is "We Panic When We Lose Faith in the One We Should Trust." 
• "[The disciples] demand, “Do you not care that we are perishing?” They question His love and concern for them. Frustrated by what appears to be indifference to their plight and facing a desperate situation they have no hope of handling themselves, they lash out in a rude outburst rather than exhibiting faith in the One who has proven Himself trustworthy." 
• The commentary reminds us that we all have these moments where our faith is tested and we lash out in frustration or panic.

It's important that we not stray far from God's Word, His people, prayer, etc. for us to remind ourselves that God is in everything and that He never leaves or forsakes us. Anger is often one of my responses.  Yet I have seen God's hand in helping with my anger and I am reminded by James 1:2-4 that I will experience trials of "various kinds." Surely, I can cry out to God but I should avoid using words to tear down and anger - see James 3:6, 8b-9, and James 1:19-20. 

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father, what an awesome God You are that You love me and are so full of mercy, patience, and compassion for me - even when my trust in You fails and I sin by lashing out in anger and frustration.  Thank You Jesus for Your mercy, compassion, grace, and patience.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor these blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

Mark 4:21-34

And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” Mark 4:30-32

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I continue a focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 4:21-34, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary - which offers three divisions for this text. Excerpts from the commentary's third (of three) divisions of the text (vv30-34): 

• The text includes the Parable of the Mustard Seed, which is an analogy also used in Matthew 17:20 where Jesus describes how faith as small as a mustard seed can "move mountains." Per the commentary here for vv30-32: "[a]t the beginning a small seed is sown. But soon the small seed explodes in growth. It produces something completely out of proportion to itself. Likewise, from small and meager beginnings, God’s kingdom will expand and grow for all to see. What began as the smallest becomes the greatest! Unlike His first coming, when Christ returns, all the world will see as He surpasses all the earth’s kingdoms in power, glory, and majesty. What an encouraging word for those who think they labor in vain, who endure rejection and persecution, and who may even experience martyrdom!"  
• While less clear, the commentary sees the reference to birds nesting in the shade of the mustard growth as "nations enter[ing] and enjoy[ing]" this rest - we are referred to Psalm 104:12, Ezekiel 17:23, 31:6, and Daniel 4:9-21 for additional scripture how branches represent faith and provide rest and refuge. "This is a parable of growth and grace, of joy and celebration." 
• Based on vv33-34, the commentary winds down with an application for us to draw near to Jesus: "For the tenth time in chapter 4, the importance of hearing is noted. “As they were able to understand” implies that the parables either enlighten or obscure, depending on one’s ability to hear and respond. He purposely chose this teaching method, knowing what would happen. However, to those who drew close to Jesus as His disciples, He explained everything. Only in close communion and connection to Jesus can one understand “the language about God” (Edwards, Mark, 146). Draw close to Jesus and you get more of Him and His Father; draw back from Jesus and you lose both Him and the Father (2 John 9)."  
• The commentary's conclusion for this chapter then points to end times and how the mustard seed of faith will be in full glory per Revelation 7:9-10.

For those of who often struggle seeing how our faith produces fruit or how prayers get answered, we should be encouraged by Mark 4:21-34.  I have seen with my own eyes how God worked in me. Yes, we all experience spiritual deserts and feel as if we are wandering in the wilderness - but we can be comforted in knowing that God never leaves or forsakes us, and just as He did for Israel as a cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22), He leads, directs and is working in all things for good (Romans 8:28) for those who love Him.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of incredible grace and compassion, providing rest and refuge, never leaving or forsaking me, directing and leading me, and You are always at work for good.  Thank You Jesus for these blessings and of course for my salvation.  I am not deserving of such love and compassion and blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

Mark 4:21-34

And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” Mark 4:26-29

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I continue a focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 4:21-34, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary - which offers three divisions for this text. Excerpts from the commentary's second (of three) divisions of the text (vv26-29): 

• "This is Mark’s only unique parable. Jesus crafts a second parable about sowing seeds. In the parable of the soils, the focus was on the necessity of sowing and the receptivity of the soils (vv3-8). Here the emphasis falls on the innate power of the seed. The Word of God has within it the power of its own success and triumph. Let the Word loose and watch it work. This parable is instructive concerning the nature of the kingdom in a comprehensive sense. It notes the kingdom’s sowing (v26), growing (vv27-28), and harvesting (v29). From beginning to end, the sovereignty of Christ and the power of the Word stand forth in absolute authority." 
• "The man is not important; the seed is the focus. The man is passive because the power for the seed to sprout and grow is not in him. The coming of the kingdom of God is not contingent or dependent on human activity. The seed of the gospel prospers and grows of itself. Once it is sown, a process is set in motion that cannot and will not be stopped, even though its growth is a total mystery to us. See also James 1:21."
• RE: the harvest, "[w]ho would have imagined that starting with only a group of 12 men, Christianity would grow to where it is today? But it won’t stop there. It will continue to grow until every people group on the planet is found in the kingdom. God will ensure this growth."  

Many may feel, myself included at times, that the seeds of God are not growing at all, whether this is our own faith or journey with God, or how God may not be responding to long-standing prayers such as for salvation for loved ones. Yet God is always at work, and as this commentary emphasizes, while God's plans and designs remain a mystery (see also Isaiah 55:8), we can rest in God's promises - of which there are many (see 2 Corinthians 1:20).  Among the many promises of God where we can rest is Romans 8:28 which shares that "for those who love God all things work together for good." This is a great promise indeed!  This post from DesiringGod.com looks at how farming is used in scripture (among other analogies) and how we are encouraged to have a "long view" on our own sanctification.    

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of incredible grace and compassion for me as You never stop working for me and You never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation, nor how You bless in so many ways.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

Mark 4:21-34

And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Mark 4:24-25

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 4:21-34, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God seeks us to know Him, love Him, to obey Him, and to worship Him.  At the same time, God hardens hearts and softens hearts for those He wishes - this is a mystery (see v27).  To those whom God reveals Himself and then applies, God will further reveal Himself (v24).  God is the one who gives and grows faith, and He is the one who will harvest, and it is promised that He will separate the wheat from the chaff, with the chaff - those not bending their knee to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior - being condemned for eternity.  See also Matthew 3:12 and Luke 3:17.  God can also grow faith from the smallest of seeds (v31-32).  God is patient with those who truly seek to understand (v34).  
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: God created man to help plant and cultivate faith in creation.
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey)?: P: God is able to cultivate and grow faith (v31-32).  We should listen to God's Word and then use and apply it (v24).  We should be patient with those who truly seek to know God, to love Him, and to please Him - v34. Follow Christ's lead.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has cultivated and grown my faith - revealing more of Yourself to me and never leaving or forsaking me.  You are so full of mercy, grace, compassion, and patience for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and grace.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

[W]henever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.

Mark 3:7-21

[W]henever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” And he strictly ordered them not to make him known. Mark 3:11-12

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 3:7-21, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations from the text using the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus does not want to be known as just someone who performs signs and wonders - miracles.  He wants it to be clear that He is the One prophesied about in the Old Testament....the incarnate Son of God.  Once again we experience the Messianic Secret.  Jesus is sovereign over demons.  Jesus calls believers to specific roles - in this case the first twelve apostles.  Judas is appointed - even though Judas betrays Jesus, Judas' sin is used for good (see also Genesis 50:20) as Jesus' arrest and crucifixion is required for Jesus to rise again, defeating sin and death.        
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: There will always be people who seek something from God - more than salvation.  They are drawn to Him for what they expect Jesus can do for them not because we all sin and are in need of salvation.  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey)?: We should come to Jesus in humility, not with expectations that He will do something for us - we must acknowledge that God's will and purposes reign - not our own.  We of course should avoid betraying Jesus - instead we should please, honor and glorify God as this is our purpose. When we are called to a specific role we should follow Jesus' call to do His will.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of incredible grace and compassion for me - laying down Your live for me, knowing everything about me, including my sin, yet loving me first and saving me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and for my salvation. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

[H]e said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.

Mark 3:1-6

[H]e said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. Mark 3:3-5

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 3:3-5, which is the text for the second (of three) division per the commentary.  Excerpts from the commentary for the first division:

• "There will be no retreat in His message and no backing down in His actions. With the courage of His convictions, He will press forward, obedient to the will of God regardless of the consequences. Note the example He provides for us."
• "The ravages of the curse are reversed as a foretaste of life in the kingdom when “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4)."
• "Jesus actually fulfills the intent and heart of the Mosaic law. He will make this clear when He answers a scribe who asked, 'Which command is the most important of all?' (Mark 12:29-31)."
• "In this act of mercy, Jesus loves His Father by expressing God’s character and compassion toward this man, who is undoubtedly one of God’s precious creatures. Likewise, He loves this man through His kind, healing touch. The Pharisees knew nothing of this love and thus were far from fulfilling the law of Moses."
• "Sometimes in life and ministry we must confront and provoke others. It is neither easy nor fun. However, sometimes it is necessary, especially when the right thing is not being said or done. Here Jesus raises the right question given the situation of the man and the foolish regulations of the Pharisees[.]"
• "It is both shocking and sad to think that the Pharisees could not correctly respond. Their silence condemns them, and it reveals a tragic flaw in their theology concerning the nature of our God—a God of grace and mercy, love and compassion."
• "Pride is dangerously deceitful, and it, unlike any other sin, provoked our Lord to righteous anger. It was right for Him to feel that way with the Pharisees, and it is right for Him to feel that way today, for pride still deceives us all."    

As the commentary shares, standing firm in Truth while doing good or being obedient in any of God's commands, sometimes requires great courage.  In this particular case, God seeks for us to demonstrate compassion and do good.  On other occasions, God wants us to share His position on matters such as marriage, abortion, etc.  For some this requires incredible courage in the face of physical danger - the ministry that comes to mind is Voice of the Martyrs that focuses on supporting those in parts of the world means imprisonment, harsh punishments, or even death for those that share the gospel or otherwise practice their faith publicly.  See also Matthew 7:24-27 where Jesus encourages us to have faith with a strong foundation, one that does not shake or fall.  We must remain in Him for Him to remain in us - see John 15:4-11.    

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of incredible grace and compassion for me - even when I don't have compassion on others.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation, nor the grace and mercies that You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus,to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him.

Mark 3:1-6

Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus,to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. Mark 3:1-2

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 3:1-2, which is the text for the first (of three) division per the commentary.  Excerpts from the introduction for this chapter of commentary and the first division:

•  "It is always right to bless others and do good, no matter what the enemies of God’s kingdom might say or do." 
• "The religious leaders of Israel are certainly tiring of Jesus humiliating them and asserting His own authority. The worst part is He continually backs up His claims with acts of undeniable power and teaching with inherent authority."
• "The hostility now reaches a climax in this fifth controversy, resulting in anger on both sides. For Jesus the anger stemmed from the religious leaders placing limits on when it was right to do good and to save a life. For the Pharisees and the Herodians, it was over the young Rabbi’s continuous undermining of their traditions, their religious rules, and the overall status quo."
• "Jesus will not back off, though He understands where this will lead. Consumed with the will of His Father and emboldened by an uncompromising conviction, He will move ahead with His face set toward the cross, unalterably convinced that it is always right to do good!"
• "Jesus seems to be deliberately provoking a confrontation with the religious leaders. Don’t claim to forgive sins (2:5), they effectively tell Him. Don’t consort with sinners (2:16). Don’t neglect fasting as we dictate (2:18). Don’t work in order to eat on the Sabbath (2:24). Their hardness of heart is almost overwhelming, and Jesus’ frustration has reached a boiling point. Undoubtedly He is overtly inviting their critical judgment by what He is about to do!"
• "In the synagogue Jesus sees a man with a withered hand. This man was disabled and in need of love and compassion. One can imagine the repeated embarrassment he endured every time he lifted up his hands in prayer, as was the custom. Some may have drawn the conclusion that his deformed hand was a curse from God for a sin by him or his parents, as the disciples assumed concerning the man born blind (John 9:2-3). And just like the blind man, this man needed Jesus’ attention, and his healing would be the occasion for God’s power to be put on display. Jesus, with sensitivity and compassion, took notice of this man."
• "The Pharisees permitted healing on the Sabbath only for the sake of saving a life. This man’s problem was not life threatening, so he and Jesus should wait. If Jesus healed him today, they could accuse Him of breaking the Sabbath, an offense punishable by death according to Exodus 31:14-17."
• "The Pharisees were enslaved to their own critical hearts, and they did their best to enslave others as well."    

As I posted yesterday, legalism is of course not confined to the Pharisees of Jesus' day - there are those in every church that have strong opinions about how faith, worship, church practices, must work and we must all be aware of how we as believers bring about and practice this legalism - it is a form of elitism that I know for certain how faith, worship, church, must work.  Scripture may be clear on certain aspects of faith, worship and church life, but where it is less clear and silent - we can all agree to disagree about approaches based on church, denominational, etc. differences.  Let us all unite around what is important and agreed upon that we all exist to bring to glory to God. Church unity is a significant theme in scripture and we should be mindful to follow scripture on this key topic. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me.  Thank You for Your grace and mercy that You pour out ceaselessly and every morning.  I am not deserving of such grace and mercy.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day....

[H]e looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.

Mark 3:1-6

[H]e looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him. Mark 3:5-6

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 3:1-6, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary.  Observations from the text using the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God does not seek strict rules around worship or the Sabbath.  His intent with the Sabbath is for God's people to be together in corporate worship.  The Bible does not say God's people shall not heal anyone on the Sabbath - note Jesus' anger and grief at the Pharisees hardness of heart (v5).  See also Galatians 5:22-23 where Paul notes there is no law for believers that demonstrate fruit of the Spirit.     
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: The Pharisees are not simply history - they represent any group of people that seeks legalism or elitism in church such that they know the proper way to worship.  Such arrogance creeps in the church in more subtle ways with intolerance about different worship styles - we should be mindful of different styles.  See also this article per DesiringGod.com.  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey)?: We should be careful to seek and know God's intent - carefully studying His Word and gaining guidance from church leadership on difficult questions where it is less clear.  We should not add or subtract anything from the Word.  We should never tire of doing good works with an intent to glorify God.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of incredible grace and compassion for me - loving me while still an enemy and hostile to You, saving me, and pouring out an inexhaustible supply of grace daily.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving!  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. And the Pharisees were saying to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?”

Mark 2:23-28

One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. And the Pharisees were saying to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” Mark 2:23-24

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 2:23-28, looking at the first of three divisions, starting with vv23-24.  Excerpts from the commentary's introduction for vv23-28 and the first division: 

• Highlighting the Pharisees response to Jesus' disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath, the commentary shares: "[f]ew things are more destructive, seductive, and deceptive to a true and vital relationship with God than the deadly poison of legalism.  It is destructive because it breeds death rather than life. It is seductive because it has a natural allure for the flesh that causes us to look to ourselves rather than to Christ for our spiritual status before God. It is deceptive because it makes us think we are the spiritual elite when actually we are spiritual slaves."
• "This is the fourth of five controversies with the religious leaders. First, they complained that Jesus claimed to be God and to forgive sins (2:1-12). Next, they were offended because He consorted with sinners (2:13-17). Then He did not fast according to their religious traditions (2:18-22). Now they take issue because He does not honor the Sabbath the way they believe He should (2:23-28 and 3:1-6)."
• The intent of the Sabbath per the commentary: "[t]he general rule was, “Do no work that is not absolutely necessary.” It was understood that nothing was “absolutely necessary” except those tasks that could result in loss of life if left undone."  Additionally, work for good was always acceptable - such as serving others, etc.  
• "Perhaps with good intentions the Pharisees had constructed a mountain of rules that enslaved those who tried to follow them. In a reversal of Genesis 50:20, what God had meant for good they had turned to evil. In a sense the clash is not over the rules but over who makes the rules. Jesus will gladly honor the law when it conforms to God’s intentions."  

Arrogance and pride are indeed dangerous sins.  As believers grow in knowledge of God and His Word, we should not use it to belittle people or hinder people's own faith journey.  Peter, for example, defended his work sharing the Good News with the Gentiles even though they were not circumcised - see Acts 11:1-8.  Paul (see 1 Corinthians 9:19-23) recognized that people less mature in their faith must be met where they are - in their circumstances.  We must acknowledge and accept people where they are and encourage them to grow in their faith - not beat them up by comparing them to yourself.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of incredible compassion and love for - sacrificing Your own life and pouring out mercies ceaselessly every morning.  I am not deserving as my sin continues and it is great.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Mark 2:1-12

And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:5

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 2:1-12, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary.  Observations from the text using the Sword Method:

• What do we learn from the passage about God?:  Spreading the Good News is important - just as He did in chapter 1, we see Jesus teaching others (v2).  Jesus has compassion and He heals (vv4-5, 10-12).  He has power and authority (vv10-11) - Jesus reigns over all (see also Colossians 1:15-17).  Jesus also understands scripture - as He is the divine author (see John 1:1)!
• What do we learn from the passage about people: We must demonstrate faith trusting Jesus that He can heal others both spiritually and physically.  We must have compassion for others just as Jesus did - notice how the paralytic's friends were desperate to get Jesus to see and heal him (see vv3-4).  We must understand that we have sins of the heart or sins, God sees all of our sin (Leviticus 19:17) - notice how God understood the thoughts of the scribes (vv6-8).  We must love others as God loves us.  We must also recognize God for who He is - as God not only has power to forgive sins but over everything. 
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey?: Sins to avoid: questioning the authority of God or not fearing God. Promises to claim: Jesus forgives my sins and His mercies never cease and are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).  Examples to follow: According to our role at home and in the church, we must teach God's Word. We must also demonstrate compassion to serve others in need. Commands to obey: Love and forgive others as Jesus loved us.

Just as the paralytic's friends were desperate for healing for him, we must also be desperate for the spiritual healing as we are all broken, sinful and in need of a Savior.  Jesus is this Savior.  He will forgive and save, pour out mercies ceaselessly that are new every morning, and He will live in your heart changing you from the inside out to become progressively more like Him every day.  "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (Matthew 5:6)." 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of incredible grace and compassion. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your rich mercies and grace that are inexhaustible, and of course of my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

Mark 1:35-45

And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.  Mark 1:40-42

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 1:35-45, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary.  Excerpts from the third (of three) division of the commentary, which covers 1:40-45:

• "The person with the disease was mocked and shunned. The leper had to wear torn clothes, leave his hair unkempt, cover his face, and cry out “Unclean!” He was forced to live in isolation."
• "Leviticus 13–14 discusses the disease. It was usually regarded as an evidence of divine punishment. As such, the cure could only come from the Lord. Other illnesses could be healed, but leprosy had to be both healed and cleansed. Needless to say, no one in the Bible healed a leper by touch other than Jesus."
• Warren Wiersbe's Be Diligent shares: "When you read the ‘tests’ for leprosy in Leviticus 13, you can see how the disease is a picture of sin. Like sin, leprosy is deeper than the skin (v3); it spreads (vv5-8); it defiles and isolates (vv44-46); and it renders things fit only for the fire (vv47-59). Anyone who has never trusted the Savior is spiritually in worse shape than this man was physically."
• "[The leper] was desperate, and he believed only Jesus could heal him and make him clean. He came, knelt, and begged, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Wow! His faith is astounding! The issue is not whether Jesus could heal him, but would He? This man comes to Jesus with great courage, great humility, and great faith—the same way we, as sin-sick sinners, must come to Him. He came believing in the only One who could change his life and make him whole."
• "As the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53:4, [Jesus] takes on Himself the infirmities of this man, cleanses him, and makes him whole!"
• "Jesus sternly charged the cleansed leper to see the priest to be pronounced clean so that he could return to his community and not to tell anyone. Jesus "wants followers who seek Him! People are always tempted by the sensational. Jesus desires followers who long for truth and want to know Him. He does not want people to come to Him to get what they want."  God is not a vending machine!
• "Ironically, Jesus and the leper have traded places. The leper is now on the inside with family and friends. Jesus is on the outside in a lonely and desolate place. This picture of substitution is the heart of the gospel. It is why Jesus came. He will take on Himself our sin, our sorrow, and our shame. In return He gives us His forgiveness, His holiness, and His righteousness—praise the Lord! What an exchange!"   

Jesus' healing of the leper is of course key to this third and last division (vv40-45) of the text - Mark 1:35 to 1:45. The commentary refers to this division as The Kingdom Advances Through Healing.  The first and second divisions...Through Prayer, and Through Preaching.  We must all recognize that we are all spiritually dead and broken until Jesus saves us - we all need a Savior and the One Who Heals and Binds Our Wounds and Sins.  He does this by taking our sin upon Himself and the punishment we deserve.

Also, in my commentary-assisted study of this division, I once again revisit the "Messianic Secret" which I first explored a few days ago here.  God reveals Himself in the Word through the Holy Spirit.  Yet until glorification, we don't fully comprehend God's Word or even God Himself.  We rely on sanctification to bring about a progressively greater understanding of God.  This post from John Piper on DesiringGod.com explores this topic further as Piper describes the mystery of God, sharing: "[s]o I'm not sure I know why God would hold his insights, and give them at certain points, and then crash us with wonderful insights for a season and then withhold them for others. God knows what he is doing, and we need to profit from it by acknowledging that we are finite and fallible and sinful."

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of incredible grace and compassion for me - saving me while I was still hostile and an enemy to You.  You also continue to pour out rich mercies that never cease and I experience every morning.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.