Tag Archives: Mark

Mark 4- Parable of The Sower

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Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Mark 4:3-9

Today we take a look at Jesus’ parable of the Sower, now the nice thing about this parable is Jesus actually explains it at the end, so there is no doubt what he is referring to. This parable is about the way people respond to the gospel, some receive it and have faith, some hear it , believe it, then when times get tough fall away, some never receive the gospel in their heart ever! So which group do you belong in?

The seed is the Word of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ! This is why it’s important we preach the gospel , share the good news with others, we don’t know who is going to receive it or who’s going to leave it. However it’s our duty to be sowers of the good news as Jesus commanded us in the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19)

Notice how Jesus ends the Parable “Let those who have ears , let them hear” meaning those who have not hardened their hearts and deafened their ears to the gospel by the Holy Spirit, let them receive the Word of God and be brought to Christ!

The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. Mark 4:14-20

Jesus explains his parable, one thing you will notice about the groups, really there are two groups: false converts and Born Again Christians. The first 3 groups either reject the gospel or receive it on false terms. We see this alot today with “Prosperity Gospel” “Cult groups” or “New Age Christianity” They don’t believe in the real Jesus or understand the real gospel. They look for a worldly Jesus to obtain pleasure and possessions now

The last group are the Born Again believers, they receive the true gospel and produce good fruit. Remember Jesus said “A bad tree can’t produce good fruit” (Matthew 7) Also “We will be known by our Fruit” (Matthew 7) There is evidence of our Born Again conversion with Christ

Regardless it’s up to God who becomes saved , sow the seed, preach the gospel to everyone in Jesus name Amen!

Mark 3- Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit

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Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: Mark 3:28-29

There is one sin that Jesus said he will not forgive “Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit”, this should obviously be a dire warning to everyone, God will not be mocked. So the obvious question is “What is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit”?  The dictionary defines Blasphemy as “ Act of insulting , showing contempt, or lack of reverence towards God” or “Acting or claiming the attributes of a deity”

I think it’s interesting because in this statement, Jesus is basically declaring that the Holy Spirit is God. If the Holy Spirit wasn’t God, then blaspheming against him wouldn’t really be a sin. Notice the punishment, eternal damnation, Hell. 

When you understand that we are dead in our sins (Ephesians 2) its the Holy Spirit that convicts us of our sin and leads us to Christ. If you reject this conviction or calling , this would be one example of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Many of the religious leaders knew the scriptures, they witnessed the miracles performed by Christ, yet they still rejected him, they rejected the Holy Spirit, which leads to eternal damnation

Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit. Mark 3:30

Notice Jesus charged the religious leaders with blasphemy because they accused him of being possessed with demons. Again this displays that Jesus is God also, if Jesus wasn’t God, then it really wouldn’t be blasphemy. But because God is Triune, Father , Son , and Holy Spirit, any rejection of the three is blasphemy and eternal damnation

Why did religious leaders reject Christ? Was it due to lack of evidence, no? Was it due to their lack of knowledge with scripture?, No, It was because they have hardened their hearts and loved their religion more than they loved the true living God. They made an idol out of their traditions and statuses, and rejected the calling of the Holy Spirit

Many even today have rejected the Holy Spirit, they claim not to know God or understand his direct revelation. But God knows their hearts, God knows their thoughts, God knows they have committed blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and will be eternal damned!

Mark 3- A House Divided

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And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. Mark 3:20-22

Jesus began healing many people, casting out demons, teaching with authority, you would think the people would be impressed, right? His family said “He is out of his mind”, the religious leaders said “he is the prince of the devils” Obviously signs and wonders were not convincing enough for everyone, as many have rejected Christ for different reasons.

When we think about Jesus’ family, think about how difficult this must have been for him to leave his family behind and begin his ministry. Even though Jesus was born to be the Lamb of God and he is Christ, he was also human. He loved his family and grew up with them. And now , except for his mother, they rejected him and called him crazy! Most famously his brother James, who didn’t believe Jesus until after the resurrection, then went on to establish the Christian Church in Jerusalem.

Then you have the religious leader, who had their own agenda. They didn’t seem to care if Jesus was the Messiah, they wanted him killed because he made them look bad. These men were supposed to love God, yet killed his Son to maintain their lifestyles, does that sound familiar today?

And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. Mark 3:23-26

Jesus tried to reason with them “If he was Satan why would he drive out Satan”? The logic of the religious leaders didn’t make any sense, yet they continued to hold to their belief for their own benefit, does that sound familiar today also? Jesus also made another statement “A house divided against itself can not stand”

We wonder why the Church today has so many problems, well because we are a house divided. How can we fight against Satan, when we spend most of our time fighting against each other? Jesus said “Satan doesn’t fight against himself” so why are we the Church fighting against ourselves? Its time to get back to the Law of Christ, Love God and Love your Neighbor

No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house Mark 3:27

Nobody can rob someone’s house who has a loaded shotgun and is standing of the front porch, right? Jesus is saying “Satan can’t overcome the Church if the Church is alert and ready” However when we are spiritually asleep and divided, we become very weakened

The New Covenant has come, Jesus has the power and authority over Satan and all evil, its time for the Church to wake up and come together in Jesus name Amen!

Mark 3- Lord of The Sabbath Part 2

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And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. Mark 3:1-3

The religious leaders once again are looking to trap Jesus, to try and charge him with any crime, so they could get rid of him. The religious leaders decided to use the Sabbath as their trap, as mentioned previously the Sabbath was abused by Israel as a yoke to burden the people rather than to free them as intended by God

There was a man with a withered hand and they wanted to see if Jesus would heal him. This was their trap, if Jesus heals the man he is “breaking the Sabbath” , anyone can realize that healing someone is not morally wrong it’s actually a blessing. Why would the religious leaders take a healing from God and make it a sin? It displays the wickedness of their hearts, it displays the arrogant pride of the religious leaders.

Jesus, who is Lord of The Sabbath (Mark 2) told the man to stand up. Jesus knew exactly what was in the hearts and minds of the religious leaders and was going to demonstrate true justice. Jesus is going to demonstrate, that not only does he have the power to heal, but he is also Lord of The Sabbath

And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. Mark 3:4-5

Jesus called them out, asking them a simple question, “Is it lawful to do good or evil on the Sabbath” Common sense will tell you, you should do good on the Sabbath, such as healing, but these wicked religious leaders were blinded by their own pride. It says “They held their peace” meaning they couldn’t respond to Jesus because they knew they were hypocrites.

Jesus grieved at the hardness of their hearts, notice Jesus still loved these men but he mourned their wickedness. They claimed to love God and be teachers of The Law, yet had no love in their hearts. 

Christ healed the man right before everyone, he made him whole. But their was no rejoicing or joy coming from the religious leaders, their legalism has cut them off from God. They made themselves Lords of the Sabbath however there is only one Lord and it’s Jesus Christ

And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him. Mark 3:6

Did witnessing this miracle change anyone? No the Pharisees and Herodians came together to try and plot to kill Jesus instead. People ask for signs and wonders, these religious leaders experienced it and still rejected Christ

Jesus is Lord of The Sabbath, as Jesus is Lord over everything. Jesus is our Rest and our salvation Amen!

Mark 2- Lord of The Sabbath Part 1

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And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn. And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful? And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him? Mark 2:23-25

One of the great debates still in Christianity is the Sabbath, should Christians still keep the Sabbath? Was the Sabbath abolished? Jesus addresses the Sabbath and shows how it pertains to the New Covenant. The first thing to note, is Jesus never commanded us anywhere to “Keep the Sabbath in the New Covenant”. The Sabbath was a sign of the Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 31:13) Any Christian who says “You need to Keep the Sabbath” challenge them where this is in Jesus or the Apostles teachings!

We see in this story, the Sabbath being broken. The Pharisees try to charge Jesus with breaking the Sabbath, which is ironic because as Jesus reveals to us he is the “Lord of The Sabbath”. Jesus gives an example of David breaking the Sabbath, eating the showbread while he was hungry, which was unlawful in the Torah

Why didn’t the Pharisees condemn David for this? Jesus is trying to show how hypocritical the Pharisees are, they want to condemn Christ but say nothing about David. 

How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him? And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath Mark 2:26-28

Was David a High Priest? No therefore he broke the Torah laws yet was never condemned by the Pharisees. But yet they want to condemn Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, is this righteous judgement? No , Jesus also revealed “The Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath” God created the Sabbath as a sign for Israel to separate from the rest of the world, also to provide physical and spiritual rest. However the religious leaders took this Law and made it a yoke that nobody could  carry or maintain.

Jesus made another statement “The Son of Man is Lord of The Sabbath” How could Jesus fulfill the Sabbath? Easy, he is the Lord of the Sabbath, as he is the Lord of everything! If you want to keep the Sabbath, go ahead but don’t use it as a yoke or stumbling block for other believers. Through Christ we are no longer under the law but under grace (Romans 6:14)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

The word Sabbath means Rest, the only way to find Rest is in Jesus Christ! Jesus is your Sabbath , Amen!

Mark 2- Jesus Friend of Sinners

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And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. Mark 2:13-14

Here we see Jesus calling one of his disciples, Levi, wait who is Levi? Matthew is the greek translation of the name Levi. Its interesting because the name Levi actually derived from the priesthood name of Leviticus. It is possible Matthew came from the Levitical priest line , we don’t really know , but oh how the mighty have fallen

As you know Matthew (Levi) was a tax collector, the most disgraceful occupation an orthodox Jew could possess. Not only did Matthew work for the Roman Empire, but extorted taxes from his own persecuted people. Matthew was viewed as wicked as Caesar himself

But notice what Jesus did, he called this wretched tax collector, and not only provided him salvation, but made him an Apostle! This is the power of the gospel, this is what the blood of Christ can do, bring us alive from our trespasses and give us a new heart and new name!

And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? Mark 2: 15-16

Jesus came to set the captives free! This is a central message of the gospel story, notice it says “many followed him” Jesus took the people society threw away and made them born again! The religious people wouldn’t even associate with these people, but the power of the gospel can transform anyone!

One thing we want to point out, even though Jesus associated with sinners to save them, he never sinned with them! Alot of people like to justify their sinful lifestyle by pointing out Jesus associated with him. Jesus came to call for repentance (Mark 1:15)

When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Mark 2:17

Jesus is the Great Physician, there is no other way to be made well except through Jesus Christ, why? Because we are dead in our sins (Ephesians 1), Jesus is the only one who can make us Born Again (John 3) 

If Jesus can save and use a wretched sinner like Matthew, he can save and use you also! Answer your calling and follow Jesus! Amen!

Mark 2- Through The Roof

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And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. Mark 2:2-4

To what extreme would you go to get to Jesus? Many people won’t even go to Church if it’s too cold outside or they don’t like somebody, but here we see a paralyzed man determined to get to Jesus. He can’t walk , so he had four men carry him. There was no room in the building so they lowered him through the roof, talk about determination to see The Lord

Why was this paralyzed man so determined to get to Jesus? Because he had faith, he knew that Jesus was the only one who could save him! Do you believe that? Do you have this determined faith to get to Jesus?

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? Mark 2:5-7

Jesus did a couple of amazing things here, first he healed the man when he saw the man’s faith. Notice its by his faith in Christ that he became healed, this is the same for our salvation. Its by our faith in Jesus that we become saved, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins on the cross

Secondly Jesus makes a shocking statement “Your sins are forgiven” who does he think he is? Only God can forgive sin, says the scribes in attendance reasoning in their hearts. The fact is those who reject the deity of Jesus, how do you reason this in your heart. How can Jesus forgive sin unless he is God in the flesh?  This is why the religious leaders accused Jesus of blasphemy, he was revealing his deity here!

And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house Mark 2:8-11

Jesus knew the thoughts of the religious leaders, and challenged them “Why do you believe these things in your hearts”? Why do you reject Christ? Is it because your man made religion? Is it because receiving Christ is going to cost you something? Jesus demonstrated he can do both, he can heal or forgive sins, because he is the Son of God

So he instructed the paralyzed man “Arise and go walk” Jesus is healing and forgiving you today also saying “Arise, get up”! 

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. Mark 2:12

“We have never seen anything like this before” said the people who witnessed this event. This is a demonstration of the New Covenant, a better and more powerful covenant, Jesus came to set the captives free! Amen!

Mark 1- A Better Covenant

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And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. Mark 1:21-24

The New Covenant is now coming, Jesus is about to demonstrate the power and authority of the New Covenant, as it is a Better Covenant made with Better Promises (Hebrews 8:6) When Jesus began preaching in the synagogue, they were amazed at his teachings, why? Because Jesus is the Living Word of God (John 1:1) What they are hearing is not mans interpretation but directly from God

Second notice the demon addressed Jesus as the Holy One of God, this is a Messianic title, (Psalm 16:10) the demon was actually affirming that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and he affirmed Jesus power and authority by saying “Have you come to destroy us”? The demon knew Jesus is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Christ, the Son of God!

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.  And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. Mark 1:25-27

Jesus rebuked the demon and commanded it to come out of the man, everyone was astonished, why? Because up until this point nobody has exercised a demon before, think about all the prophets of the Old Testament, nobody has ever had power and authority over demons except Jesus, why? Because he is the Lord of Lords, the Christ , the Son of God

I believe this is also a demonstration of the New Covenant, a Better and more powerful covenant , an eternal covenant with better promises! What new doctrine is this? The people asked, its the New Covenant, its the Word became Flesh and living among us (John 1:14)

And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee. Mark 1:28

The gospel of Jesus Christ spread like wild fire, why? Because Christ demonstrated his power over sin, death, and hell. The New Covenant has come, and Jesus has come to set the captives Free Amen!

Mark 1- Baptism of Christ

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And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Mark 1:9-11

Often we hear people say “The Bible never mentions the Trinity of God” well here in our gospel story today, we see the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit all coming together at the Baptism of Christ. The Son being baptized in the water, as an example for us, the Holy Spirit descending like a dove on the Son, and the Father declaring “Jesus is his beloved Son”!

One question may arise, why did Jesus need to be baptized? I believe Jesus did this as an example for us, Jesus has never asked us to do anything that he hasn’t already done! The baptism of Christ, is like a kick start to his ministry which would eventually lead to the cross and then the tomb. Everything Jesus did was for a purpose, it wasn’t necessarily done for his benefit, but for our learning and understanding

Just as the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit came together at Creation, they come together at the formation of the New Covenant, to redeem humanity from the penalty of their sin

And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.  Mark 1:12-13

Next Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit. This was a 40 day period of fasting and testing. Satan tempted The Lord day and night, to try and get him to sin, but the sinless Lamb of God would never submit to Satan and overcame him , just as Christ finally defeated Satan at the cross!

 Finally when Jesus passed his test, he was comforted by the angels. Just as it is written in Psalm 91 “The angels will keep guard over you” (Psalm 91:11) The same scripture Satan tried to use to deceive Jesus , was fulfilled as Satan’s defeat!

The ministry of Christ has now begun, and will deliver us from the slavery of sin and death forever! Amen!

Mark 1- Prepare The Way

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The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Mark 1:1-3

We begin this gospel with the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah, “Behold God will send a messenger who shall prepare the way of The Lord” This messenger is John the Baptist. Many believed that Elijah would come before the Messiah, but Jesus corrected this “Elijah has come and the disciples understood Jesus was talking about John the Baptist” (Matthew 17:12-13)

The voice of the one crying in the wilderness, was the Prophet John the Baptist, preparing people for the coming of The Lord! How did he prepare them? By instructing them to Repent of their sins and be baptized with water! The turning away from our sinful deeds and the cleansing of our hearts and minds. Are you prepared for the return of Christ?

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; Mark 1:4-6

John was called by Jesus “the greatest of all prophets” (Matthew 11:11) yet look how he lived, homeless living in the desert, eating locusts and honey, dressed in camel hair. He didn’t own a 3 piece suite or have a mega Church building, yet he paved the way for Jesus! His non politically correct , non liberal preaching brought the multitudes out to the desert to repent and be baptized. 

And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. Mark 1:7-8

What did John preach about? He preached about Jesus! He preached about repentance and baptism, he preached about preparing for The Lord! There was no self help clinics or social issue campaigns. It was all about Jesus!

Notice what John says “ There comes one mightier than me who sandal, I’m not even worthy to untie” He glorified Christ and not himself, his goal was to preach Jesus and not about himself. And he revealed Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit, something none of us are capable of doing!

Are you prepared to meet the Lord Jesus? Are you washed in the blood and the water? Are you baptized by the Holy Spirit? Amen!