Tag Archives: Mark

Mark 7- Traditions vs. God

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Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Mark 7:5-7

One of the great debates in Christianity, even today is the traditions of Man vs the commandments of God. The religious leaders truly believed that they were righteous men, over the years they created many man-made traditions and expected the people to keep them or they would be punished. Jesus was eating with “unwashed hands” , the religious leaders felt this was a good time to publicly scold Jesus for not keeping one of their traditions

Now the ironic thing is these men felt they were righteous because they washed their hands before they ate, yet they are also the ones who killed the Messiah. Now which offense is greater? Pretty common sense, Jesus was using the moment to exploit the religious leaders as being hypocritical in their teachings and judgement, as the prophet Isaiah foretold about them.

For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. Mark 7:8-11

Now are all traditions bad? No of course not, for example most of the Christian Church today still celebrates Christmas for the birth of Christ. Was they ever commanded by Jesus to do? No, is it a harmful thing to do? No, actually a lot of good things come out of focusing on the virgin birth and the gospel of Christ. The only time when tradition becomes bad is when it is in opposition of God’s Law and when its used hypocritically

Jesus brought up the example of Corban, the religious leaders failed to take care of their elderly parents , breaking the commandment to honor your father and mother, instead gave their money to the temple as “Corban”. Jesus showed how hypocritical the religious leaders were, and they loved their religion more than they truly loved God

And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. Mark 7:13-14

Jesus explained, the traditions of the religious leaders were actually overriding The Law of God, the religious leaders basically we’re creating their own religion. We see this alot today, many groups just keep adding their own traditions and eliminating The Bible. 

We need to make sure everything we do and everything we say, is for the true love of God and not for our own hypocritical ways, Amen!

Mark 6- Be Not Afraid

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And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: Mark 6:47-49

After a long day of preaching and teaching, Jesus did what he always did, he went alone to pray to the Father. While he was praying, the disciples were in a boat when another storm came upon them. Jesus came to help them, but by unstandard means, we has literally walking on water.

When the disciples saw Christ defying the law of nature, they freaked out. Some even thought he was a ghost, but Jesus was revealing how he has power of the natural and the supernatural world. Jesus is Lord of All, just as he demonstrated his authority over the demons, he has the authority over the Heavens and the Earth

For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. Mark 6:50-52

Jesus said to them “Be Not Afraid, I am with You” , Jesus is saying the same thing today to his Church. As one theologian said “A scared world needs a fearless Church” , Take Courage, the One who has overcome the world is walking with You! Yes the world is scary, Yes we have troubles and problems, but we also have a Risen Savior!

Notice Jesus immediately stopped the storm, Jesus is in complete control! The world may seem like its in total chaos, however God is still on the throne. The disciples witnessed the miracles of Christ, yet still hardened their hearts, do this sound familiar? Where is your faith?

Maybe you feel like your stuck in the boat right now, maybe your caught in the storms of life, Take Courage , Jesus is with you! Amen!

Mark 6- Feeding The Five Thousand

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And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? Mark 6:34-37

Jesus began drawing major crowds, and he had great compassion for them as the Great Shepherd. At this point Jesus was teaching outside of Jerusalem in the desert, far away from civilization, it was starting to get late in the day and the disciples were worried about feeding all these people!

The disciples first thought was to send everyone away, however Jesus commanded “Give them something to eat” Jesus didn’t turn away anyone as the Good Shepherd. He had compassion and love for his Sheep. Notice the similarity between God feeding the Israelites in the Wilderness and Jesus feeding his people in the Wilderness!

The first thought and response of the disciples is, “How can we feed all these people”? They don’t have money or resources, however Jesus is asking them to have faith and trust in him. Just as he is asking us today to trust him also in the Wilderness!

He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. Mark 6:38-41

Notice the symbolic number of 7 (5 loaves and 2 fish) as we know 7 is the Biblical number of completion. Jesus took whatever they had to offer, blessed it, and multiplied it. This should be a message to the Church, take the gifts that you have, and Christ will bless and use it for Gods glory!

Jesus blessed and broke the bread, does that sound familiar? A foreshadow of the Lords Supper, a foreshadow of his death on the cross. Jesus is breaking bread with his people and having fellowship with them, this is exactly what Communion is all about! Honoring our Lord and having fellowship with each other including Christ!

And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men. Mark 6:42-44

Notice the symbolism of the 12 baskets, the 12 Apostles, the 12 tribes of Israel. God doesn’t do anything by mistake, this event is a revelation of who Jesus is and who we are because of Christ

Jesus is your Shepherd, Jesus is providing for you in the Wilderness, have faith in Him Amen!

Mark 6- The Apostles

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And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. Mark 6:7-10

The calling of the Apostles, this is the beginning of Christ’s Church, we can learn alot from them by what Jesus commanded them to do and what authority he gave them. First we notice the symbolic number of 12, the same number of the tribes of Israel. And when you study Revelation you see the 24 elders, the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 Apostles coming together in unity. 

Secondly Jesus gave them power and authority over the demons, the same Holy Spirit is living inside of you today! The same power that rose Jesus from the grave is living inside of you (Romans 8:11) They were sent in teams of two, nobody was made to go this life alone. This is why the Church is important, Christ never expected you to do this alone!

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. And they went out, and preached that men should repent And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. Mark 6:11-13

So what do you do if you preach the gospel and they reject it? Jesus said “Shake the dust off your feet and move on” Its not our job to save people, we can’t save people only God can. All we can do is sow the seed (preach the gospel) and be the hands and feet of Christ. Anyone who rejects the gospel it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, think about that!

What message did the Apostles preach? Repent! Repent! They didn’t try to be socially acceptable and relevant. They preached the gospel of Christ and that’s it, why? Because Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6) So what power did the Apostles have? They cast out demons and healed people, with no money or no building, they set the world on fire! How? By being filled with the Holy Spirit

Many people question, why don’t we see these works done today? My question would be “Does the Church look or act like the Church of the 1rst Century? NO, so why would you expect a Holy Spirit powered Church today. We need to get back to the basics! Preach the gospel in Jesus name Amen!

Mark 6- Hometown Hero?

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And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. Mark 6:1-4

Many Christians want to be popular with the world, they want everyone to love and accept them. Question is, if your Lord was rejected and killed by the world, why would you expect better treatment? Christians who believe they should be all inclusive and accepting, don’t understand real Christianity. As Jesus said “He didn’t come for peace but with a sword” (Matthew 10:34) What did Jesus mean? He meant the gospel was going to divide people, many will reject it while few will find the way

The Messiah came to his hometown, you would think they would have a parade, right? Wrong, they rejected and opposed Jesus. They made derogatory remarks about his occupation, his family, they basically wrote him off as crazy. Jesus said “A prophet has no honor in his hometown or family” why? Because people don’t understand the transformation power of God and becoming Born Again

And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. Mark 6:5-6

 Jesus performed limited healings and miracles in Nazareth, why? Because of the lack of faith among the people. They had hardened hearts and spiritually deaf ears. They rejected Christ, and rejected his gospel. Remember the previous miracles Jesus performed were possible because of the great faith of people in Jesus. 

Back to modern day Christianity, again why do you think you’re going to be popular as a Christian or loved by many? Jesus was tortured and crucified by his own people, and he is our Lord, why do you expect better treatment? 

Jesus said “Deny Yourself, Carry your Cross, and Follow Him” Jesus didn’t say this is your best life now, Jesus said the opposite. This will be your worst life now, until you enter the Kingdom. Suffer for Christ, those who endure till the end will be saved Amen!

Mark 5- Jairus’s Daughter

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And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. Mark 5:22-23

Today we look at another healing Jesus made, a man named Jairus came to Jesus for him to heal his daughter. Who is Jairus? The Bible says he was a “ruler of the synagogue” obviously he had a high standing with the religious leaders at that time, so for him to come to Jesus shows not only great faith but also humility

Notice when it came to life or death for his daughter, Jairus denied his pride, humbled himself and came to Jesus. Don’t wait until your death bed to come to Christ, come to the only one who can save your soul, Jesus Christ now!

Jairus demonstrated his faith in multiple ways here, not only did he seek out Christ but he believed that if Jesus would just lay his hand on his daughter, she would be instantly healed. Jairus was convinced that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah

While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. Mark 5:35-37

Bad news was given to Jairus, that his daughter had already died before Jesus was able to get to her. But when Christ heard this he said “Don’t be afraid just believe” this must have taken great faith to believe this. Notice Jesus told everyone not to follow him except a few disciples, why? Because of the lack of faith by the majority of people, Christ only surrounded himself with those who truly believed

And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. Mark 5:38-40

When Jesus finally reached Jairus home, the girl was already dead. There were people mourning and crying over the loss of the young daughter. However Jesus made the statement “She is not dead, just asleep” What was the reaction of the crowd? The laughed at Christ, they had no faith in Jesus. 

And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. Mark 5:41-42

Jesus commanded “Little girl Rise” and immediately the daughter came back to life, just as when Christ commanded Lazarus “Come Forth” and brought him out of the grave, Jesus holds the keys to life and death!

Remember it was the faith of Jairus in Jesus that allowed this to happen. Jesus not only raised the dead but took a Synagogue leader and made him a disciple Amen!

Mark 5- One Touch of Faith

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And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. Mark 5:25-27

 What does true faith look like? What does true faith feel like? How about this woman, who has been suffering for 12 years with a medical condition. She went to see many doctors, but nobody could cure her. One day she heard Jesus was coming through town, and she knew if she could just touch his garment, she would be healed!

This woman had been beaten down, she had every reason to give up, however she had faith in Jesus, she believed he is the Christ, she knew he was the only one who could save her. Do you have this faith in Jesus? Are you reaching out and seeking him?

Just one touch of the Savior and she was cured! It sounds too simple, it sounds impossible. But then you start to realize who Jesus is, the Son of God, the Great I AM, the Good Shepherd who came to bring life to his sheep

For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? Mark 5:28-30

She kept saying “If I could just reach the Savior, then i would be healed” this is what we should all be saying daily. If we just keep reaching out to Jesus, you will be saved. Keep focused on Christ and not of this world. There is only one who can set you free!

Notice when she touched his garment, Jesus knew immediately and asked “Who touched me” Jesus hears your prayers, Jesus knows your pain, and Jesus doesn’t just want us to reach for him but to get to know him. A personal Savior from Heaven.

And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. Mark 5:31-33

Even though Jesus was surrounded by people, he searched for the one woman who was seeking him. Don’t think that you’re too insignificant for Christ, remember he left the 99 to find the one lost sheep! 

The woman bowed before The Lord and begged for mercy. She knew who he is , the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, she laid her life at the Savior’s feet

And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. Mark 5:34

Notice Jesus’ response “Daughter, your faith made you well” He addressed her as a child of God, and Christ healed her because of her faith.  Just one touch of the Savior, will save your life, keep seeking Jesus Amen

Mark 5- Legion

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But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. Mark 5:6-8

Today we see again Jesus demonstrates his power and authority over the supernatural as Lord of Lords. He meets a Gentile who is possessed with multiple demons, living in a cemetery, cutting himself, the man has been overtaken by the demonic forces in his life.

Notice the reaction when the demons see Jesus, first they worship Christ, then they beg Jesus not to torment them. Notice as it is written “Every knee will bow” even the demons bow to the Lord Jesus Christ! Notice the title they address Jesus by “Son of the Most High God” , the demons know Jesus has the power and authority to destroy them

Jesus commands the demons to come out of the man! Notice the power and authority Christ has displayed against the demonic forces, this is a glimpse of the New Covenant

And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. Mark 5:9-12

Jesus commanded the demons to identify themselves, and they obeyed and revealed their name was Legion, because there was many of them. The word “Legion” was a Roman term, meaning potential tens of thousands. This man could have been possessed with numerous demons. 

The demons begged Jesus not to send them away, meaning sending them to the Abyss! They beg Jesus to send them into a herd of pigs instead and he allows them to. Again notice the power and authority of Christ

And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. Mark 5:13-15

When the pigs got filled with the demons they ran off a cliff and killed themselves. Notice the symbolism of their death, they drowned off a clif, foreshadowing the Lake of Fire, the future event for Satan and his demons

When the people saw the Gentile man  “in his right mind” they were terrified. Imagine that for a reaction. Instead of rejoicing over the man’s transformation , they wanted Jesus to leave! Does that sound familiar?

And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. Mark 5:18-19

The man begged Jesus to let him go with him but Jesus told him “Go home and tell your friends the great things The Lord has done for you”  Are you telling others the great things Jesus has done for you?

Preach the gospel and tell them about Jesus Amen!

Mark 4- Jesus Calms The Storm

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And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. Mark 4:35-37

One of the great demonstrations of Jesus deity is when he calmed the storm. There are many people, even today, who still believe that Jesus was only a man, or that he was only a prophet. Yet Jesus fully demonstrated that he has all power and authority over the supernatural and the natural world. 

After teaching to massive crowds, Jesus and his disciples decided to get on a boat to cross the sea of Galilee, what’s important to note is Jesus was crossing the sea to preach to Gentiles. Why is this significant? Because the New Covenant is all about making us Children of God, Jew and Gentile, One Covenant under God

As they were crossing the sea of Galilee , a major storm broke out, causing some of his disciples to question their faith. Does that sound familiar? Often when life gets tough, that is when our faith is truly tested!

And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Mark 4:38-40

After a long day of teaching, Jesus decided to take a nap, well his disciples were furious with him! How can you take a nap while we almost perish! Does this sound familiar in our own lives? When a storm of life arises, what do we do? We get angry at God, we blam him for all our troubles. 

Jesus got up and rebuked the storm and it ceased immediately. Jesus demonstrated his power and authority as Lord of Lords. This is a demonstration of the New Covenant. A covenant with Christ with power and authority!

Why are you so fearful? Jesus asked his disciples, maybe Jesus is asking you this today also, why are you so fearful? Where is your faith? These words pierce the hearts of all believers. Jesus is questioning our faith!

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?  Mark 4:41

Who is this man, that even sea obeys him? Jesus Christ demonstrated his power and authority over the natural and supernatural, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Every knee will bow and tongue will confess that Christ is Lord over all things Amen!

Mark 4- The Light of The World

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And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. Mark 4:21-23

Jesus said “We are the Light of the Word” (Matthew 5) “ A city on the hill can’t be hidden” (Matthew 5) Then why do we see few Christians out in the world letting their light shine in the darkness? Alot of Christians dont even want to go to Church anymore, they hide in their houses, sit on their couches, Jesus said “Is a candle to be put under a basket?” We the light of the world were not made to be hidden, we were made to spread the Light of Christ in this dark world

But you say “That Church is too corrupt” or “That place has too many bad people” Yes! The darker the place the better, the Light shines brighter in darker areas. Jesus said “There should be nothing hid, nothing kept secret” The gospel needs to be preached on the streets, from the rooftops, so everyone can hear!  There should be no secret clubs or meetings about Christ, that is a cult

And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. Mark 4:24-25

Jesus is saying there is no excuse for you not to preach the gospel, “Make disciples of all the nations “ (Matthew 28:19) If you know the gospel then preach the gospel ,a light can’t be hidden, a city on the hill can’t be unnoticed. You can’t help build Gods Kingdom if you don’t reach out to people, this is our service and duty as a Christian

Reminds me of the old Sunday School song “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine” Are you letting your Light shine before others in this dark world? Now more than ever this dark world needs the light of Jesus Christ!

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14

Can you be the Light of the World if your hidden under a basket? Of course not, then why are you being disobedient to The Lords commands? As the song said “Don’t let Satan blow it out” , don’t let Satan be a stumbling block to your calling, be the Light in Jesus name Amen!